Replacement Top for Radial Arm Saw

[lbperry]

Thought I'd be able to find something with a search but no luck.
I need to replace the top on my 50 year old Craftsman radial arm saw. The original top that's still on it is 1" thick and 20"W x 40"L and is made of some kind of particle board faced on both with a somewhat denser and smoother material that almost feels like a pressed board. It's always been pretty much dead flat so I'd like to replace it with something comparable. Particle board doesn't give me as smooth a surface as I'd like and a piece a the size I'd need without a bow or a cup in it would be hard to find from what I've seen. Same thing with plywood. What have you guys used successfully that will give me what I'm looking for. Surely somebody makes it.
Thanks,

 

[finn]

Do a search for Craftsman radial saw recall. There is a safety recall on these things and a free upgrade kit which includes a new top. If your saw is too old for the kit, or parts aren't available, they will buy it back. Not sure what they will give you, though, or how far back the recall goes. Mine was a late 90's, but I do know they went much farther than that.

 

[nine4gmc]

I got a recall check from a RAS but it was for the motor only. Check to be sure though, then if you need to make one I suggest using 3/4" high density press board and 1/4" high density masonite(for the slick surface) and bond them together.

 

[bigroomboy]

There is a very in depth guide including the table and set up. Look up Mr sawdust book

 

[ez-duzit]

I used a chunk of solid core door. IIRC 3/4" or 1" MDF with 1/4" tempered Masonite skins. Flat and stiff.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

I bought a radial arm saw off Craigslist for $30 with a bad top. The product recall process was free and I ended up with a new guard assembly, handles, all new wood top, guides, clamps, etc. It was a very cool and easy upgrade. I replaced the carrier bearings for $30 off Ebay. An afternoon to do it all, clean up the saw, do maintenance and it was a rock solid unit. Very neat.

I gave it away not long afterwards in exchange for a table saw which met my needs better. If I had lots of room, I would go for another, but don't need one now.

 

[mbatarga]

I always have used a piece of masonite on top of the existing RAS table surface - to protect it from the blade kerfs when cutting through lumber.
I'd suggest using a particle board glue up to an appropriate thickness and using the masonite.

 

[zkling]

MDF for me. It is sacrificial. As suggested look up the Mr. Sawdust table, although he mostly focuses on the old Dewalt saws, the idea can be translated to other makes.

 

[b974k]

I replaced mine with birch faced plywood cabinet grade. Very flat

 

[Tim The Tool Man]

Get the free one through the sears recall. Instead of giving them the info on your 50 year old saw ($100 refund if you send them your motor), use a more recent model and they will send you a new 1" thick MDF top and a new blade gaurd which you may or may not be able to use. I was able to use the guard on my older saw with only minor modifications.

 

[kevinstj]

I used a 3/4 inch thick piece of MDF then I put a 1/4 piece of plexi-glass(acrylic) over top. I countersunk the screws. It works great!

 

[lbperry]

The best I can find out, the recall is pretty much over. The only current remainder is $100 to disable the motor. I want to continue using the saw until I can come up with enough to replace it with a new one. Guess I'll go the MDF route. Thanks for all the replies.

 

[ez-duzit]

...Guess I'll go the MDF route...

MDF makes a good core. It needs balanced skins for rigidity. That's what's wrong with the factory supplied top.

 

[neblinc]

I used sealer on my new top to keep the moisture out. It sits out in a out building with little use and still looks new after 5 years.

Randy

 

[lbperry]

What kind of sealer did you use, Randy?
Thanks

 

[neblinc]

Boy I can't remember for sure. I think it was a polyurethane, not 100% sure.
Anyway i gave all the edges 4 coats since thats where the moisture wants to get in.
My old table just crumbled from the humidity changes. The new one still is like new.

Randy

 

[MScott]

Thanks for this thread. I have an old 10" Craftsman RAS that I haven't used in years. I was debating recently whether I should try to refurbish it or just get rid of it. Checked the serial number on that site and, while a recall kit is not available for it, they will give me $100 for the saw, more than it is worth. I will send for the recall shipping box.

 

[ZRX61]

I replaced mine with birch faced plywood cabinet grade. Very flat

Ditto