Any idea on the age? Couldn't find anything through google. Worth the work that I'm going to have to put into it? I'm in the market for a mitre saw but saw the versatility of this style. Any opinion is appreciated, thanks
Thoughts, Rockwell radial arm saw.
- Thread starter wiwest
- Start date
Mark in Indiana
Well-known member
The radial arm saw (RAS) is not very popular. Some issues are that they are bulky, they are not as accurate/consistent as a compound miter saw and they are inherently dangerous. The pros are that you can get a high quality (used) one cheap, they generally have been lightly used by the previous owner, they are robust, they are great for repetitive cuts and they are versatile.
I've had 4 of them. Currently I'm using a 1968 Craftsman 10" RAS. A couple of years ago, I looked at a 1957 Rockwell RAS. I was impressed with the quality, but the seller & I couldn't agree on price.
To address the above issues about the RAS:
1. Bulky; Yes but they aren't flimsy.
2. Not accurate/consistent; You can tram a RAS. They're youtube videos & books that will guide you through the process. Maybe not "tool & die" accurate, but good enough to cut molding.
3. Yes they are dangerous. I mentioned that because of a recall of Craftsman RAS. IMO, everything is dangerous if you're careless.
With mine I use it for repetitive cuts, compound angle cuts & wire/rag wheel cleaning (with a drill chuck attachment on the back of the motor). I'm sure that they're valid arguments on not buying one, but for the 30$ that I paid for mine, it was worth learning to use it properly.
Happy Trails!
Edit: Your pictures got posted while I was writing my reply. That looks like a good restoration project. Check out the vintagemachinery.org website for some great photos.
I've had 4 of them. Currently I'm using a 1968 Craftsman 10" RAS. A couple of years ago, I looked at a 1957 Rockwell RAS. I was impressed with the quality, but the seller & I couldn't agree on price.
To address the above issues about the RAS:
1. Bulky; Yes but they aren't flimsy.
2. Not accurate/consistent; You can tram a RAS. They're youtube videos & books that will guide you through the process. Maybe not "tool & die" accurate, but good enough to cut molding.
3. Yes they are dangerous. I mentioned that because of a recall of Craftsman RAS. IMO, everything is dangerous if you're careless.
With mine I use it for repetitive cuts, compound angle cuts & wire/rag wheel cleaning (with a drill chuck attachment on the back of the motor). I'm sure that they're valid arguments on not buying one, but for the 30$ that I paid for mine, it was worth learning to use it properly.
Happy Trails!
Edit: Your pictures got posted while I was writing my reply. That looks like a good restoration project. Check out the vintagemachinery.org website for some great photos.
Last edited:
That's all I needed, thanks again
Mark in Indiana
Well-known member
I think 1954 to 1977. The reason was because of safety issues. IMO: Sears marketing the RAS as a one fits all saw, incompetent users and competent attorneys.
If you can get a C-Man RAS that is pre 1970 (I may be wrong on the date), you can send it to Emerson Electric for a 100$ check. There's a little work involved in getting the rebate. So I try to get them for <50$. I've turned 2 RASs so far.
The newer ones, you will get a guard kit and new table top.
There is plenty of information if you google it.
IMHO: I will agree with zkling that the C-Man RAS were POS from the early 70s and newer. They replaced a lot of the cast iron with stamped metal & plastic. They also added a lot of fluff features like motorized height adjustment and laser guide.
However, I'm happy with the quality of my '68 C-MAN.
nicksmurf111
Member
I'd suggest looking for a nicer one, preferably a Dewalt. I paid $35 for a 1968 Craftsman, then got a good deal on a miter saw. The miter saws are way easier to use, but the RAS can do all kinds of things. The miter saw is way easier to use, it doesn't require any thinking.
Only two problems I have with the '68 Craftsman is, first, it doesn't have good positive stops for the angles, you have to measure every time you set it up. Second, they don't produce the carriage bearings any longer, at least not that I know of. The motor bearings were standard sized.
You don't NEED an updated guard, they just give you one for free because of the litigation.
Only two problems I have with the '68 Craftsman is, first, it doesn't have good positive stops for the angles, you have to measure every time you set it up. Second, they don't produce the carriage bearings any longer, at least not that I know of. The motor bearings were standard sized.
You don't NEED an updated guard, they just give you one for free because of the litigation.
rippered
Well-known member
RAS are easily as accurate as a modern miter saw. Go find a 50 year old miter saw and see if it doesn't need some adjustment.