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Radial Arm Saw

Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
edited February 2013 in General Discussion
Local ad for a radial arm saw, and I figure I'm in need of one. This saw runs on 240V however and I would have to wire for it. It would use up the last slot in my panel. Saw is an older Craftsman 12". Saw is $100 would you do it?
Some will die in hot pursuit
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
«1

Comments

  • evileye fleagalevileye fleagal Member Posts: 4,238 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
  • dcon12dcon12 Member Posts: 32,044 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    Saw is $100 would you do it?



    I would never do a saw at any price. Don
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by dcon12
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    Saw is $100 would you do it?



    I would never do a saw at any price. Don
    Oh, don't try to lie to us. I'm sure you have a price.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • gesshotsgesshots Member Posts: 15,678 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If it is old the first thing I would do is test for 90 and 45 degree accuracy, also find a piece of THICK green lumber and see if it bogs down any.

    Wiring can always be solved later. [;)][:D]
    It's being willing. I found out early that most men, regardless of cause or need, aren't willing. They blink an eye or draw a breath before they pull the trigger. I won't. ~ J.B. Books
  • evileye fleagalevileye fleagal Member Posts: 4,238 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by dcon12
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    Saw is $100 would you do it?



    I would never do a saw at any price. Don
    Oh, don't try to lie to us. I'm sure you have a price.
    its the 12 inch part that turned his stomch
  • rossowmnrossowmn Member Posts: 1,959 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have four radial-arm saws but find I rarely use them. I find compound miter saws and table saws are much easier to set up and use. Radial-arm saws can be touchy to set up and keep fine-tuned for accurate cuts, and they take a lot of space. But if you see a need for one, the price doesn't seem unreasonable for a 12-inch. Ten-inch Craftsman RAs can usually be found a bit cheaper.
  • evileye fleagalevileye fleagal Member Posts: 4,238 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    save the last slot for a 100 amp then throw it to a kicker panel
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by gesshots
    If it is old the first thing I would do is test for 90 and 45 degree accuracy, also find a piece of THICK green lumber and see if it bogs down any.

    Wiring can always be solved later. [;)][:D]
    With radials I've used if it's out of square, you just adjust it some (tilt the table, or the head, or the arm) no?
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • gesshotsgesshots Member Posts: 15,678 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by gesshots
    If it is old the first thing I would do is test for 90 and 45 degree accuracy, also find a piece of THICK green lumber and see if it bogs down any.

    Wiring can always be solved later. [;)][:D]
    With radials I've used if it's out of square, you just adjust it some (tilt the table, or the head, or the arm) no?

    90 degree angle test should not only include a cross cut check, but a vertical test as well......is the blade perpendicular to the bed.
    It's being willing. I found out early that most men, regardless of cause or need, aren't willing. They blink an eye or draw a breath before they pull the trigger. I won't. ~ J.B. Books
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by evileye fleagal
    save the last slot for a 100 amp then throw it to a kicker panel
    I have 200amp service for the whole place. I was thinking 50amp breaker. What's the advantage to doing it your way? Seems like it has the potential for too much draw, if I get tempted to add more breakers in the kicker.[:D]
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by gesshots
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by gesshots
    If it is old the first thing I would do is test for 90 and 45 degree accuracy, also find a piece of THICK green lumber and see if it bogs down any.

    Wiring can always be solved later. [;)][:D]
    With radials I've used if it's out of square, you just adjust it some (tilt the table, or the head, or the arm) no?

    90 degree angle test should not only include a cross cut check, but a vertical test as well......is the blade perpendicular to the bed.
    Thanks.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • Ray BRay B Member Posts: 11,822
    edited November -1
    For wiring instead of adding another breaker you might be able to use the existing 110 and then tie into another line that won't be used when the saw is running, which would save your last slot.
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Ray B
    For wiring instead of adding another breaker you might be able to use the existing 110 and then tie into another line that won't be used when the saw is running, which would save your last slot.
    Well, in my garage, I think I'd prefer it be on a good breaker all its own. Adding the 240v service would also allow me to run my arc welder, so I think I'm going that route. Just hadn't planned on taking on a wiring project with all the other things I'm currently working on around the place right now.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • hillbillehillbille Member Posts: 14,464 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by Ray B
    For wiring instead of adding another breaker you might be able to use the existing 110 and then tie into another line that won't be used when the saw is running, which would save your last slot.
    Well, in my garage, I think I'd prefer it be on a good breaker all its own. Adding the 240v service would also allow me to run my arc welder, so I think I'm going that route. Just hadn't planned on taking on a wiring project with all the other things I'm currently working on around the place right now.


    +1 do the 220 route, you will never be running the saw and the welder at the same time, unless you truely are perfect..........
  • BGHillbillyBGHillbilly Member Posts: 1,927 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I bought a Craftsman 220V Radial arm saw at auction for $25 about 5 or 6 years ago. I've not got around to hooking it up yet.
  • woodhogwoodhog Member Posts: 13,115 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    most large stationary shop tools such as that one, can quickly be changed to 110, There is a schematic on the motor acess panel(where the wires go into the motor) that give the correct configuration for 110 or 220. Radial arms are most effective if you have a lot of the same cuts to make, as in a csbinet shop or factory. Smaller job site saws are portable, allow quick change between operations, for trim etc.
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by woodhog
    most large stationary shop tools such as that one, can quickly be changed to 110, There is a schematic on the motor acess panel(where the wires go into the motor) that give the correct configuration for 110 or 220. Radial arms are most effective if you have a lot of the same cuts to make, as in a csbinet shop or factory. Smaller job site saws are portable, allow quick change between operations, for trim etc.
    I was thinking that might be the case. I just looked at an ad for a different craftsman saw where one of the pics showed how to wire it for 120 or 240.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • firstharmonicfirstharmonic Member Posts: 1,072 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Re your electrical wiring situation - if you don't want to use those last slots in your panel you could replace some of your single pole breakers with tandem breakers, sometimes referred to as "piggyback" breakers. They provide two 120 volt breakers in one panel slot. Simpler than installing a subpanel. And each tandem breaker installed frees up one slot in your panel. Just a thought.
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by firstharmonic
    Re your electrical wiring situation - if you don't want to use those last slots in your panel you could replace some of your single pole breakers with tandem breakers, sometimes referred to as "piggyback" breakers. They provide two 120 volt breakers in one panel slot. Simpler than installing a subpanel. And each tandem breaker installed frees up one slot in your panel. Just a thought.








    Not a bad idea.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • BoskettiBosketti Member Posts: 1,090 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'm sure an electrician will be along shortly to tell me and nuts and dangerous, but I don't worry about overloading my shop panel. I am the only one in there and aside from the air compressor and dust collection I find I can only run 1 other tool at a time. Ok, I COULD run more than that, but I can only operate one at a time. I don't see a scenario where I run all my saws and routers and welders and grinders all at the same time. It is really hard to truly overload a home shop panel.
  • 320090T320090T Member Posts: 2,715 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    50amp? I'd think a 20a 220 would be adequate. Radial arm saws are a dime a dozen on {elsewhere}. I bought a Delta for $50 last month, looked like new. Lots of guys buy them and don't know how to set them up or use them. I have built lots of stuff with mine. Ripped birch plywood to 23" wide for a pantry. Cutting dados is a snap on a RA saw. Don't bother cutting angles with a RA saw, buy a miter saw, again CL, cheap.
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by 320090T
    50amp? I'd think a 20a 220 would be adequate. Radial arm saws are a dime a dozen on {elsewhere}. I bought a Delta for $50 last month, looked like new. Lots of guys buy them and don't know how to set them up or use them. I have built lots of stuff with mine. Ripped birch plywood to 23" wide for a pantry. Cutting dados is a snap on a RA saw. Don't bother cutting angles with a RA saw, buy a miter saw, again CL, cheap.
    The welder draws a fair bit of current.[:D]
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • CaptFunCaptFun Member Posts: 16,678 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by woodhog
    most large stationary shop tools such as that one, can quickly be changed to 110, There is a schematic on the motor acess panel(where the wires go into the motor) that give the correct configuration for 110 or 220. Radial arms are most effective if you have a lot of the same cuts to make, as in a csbinet shop or factory. Smaller job site saws are portable, allow quick change between operations, for trim etc.


    The technical term for that is the "peckerhead" and there should be a diagram on the nameplate to show you how to combine the coils for 110. Similar to Electrical11.jpg

    I scored a 1971 or so Rockwell Bandsaw and jointer (of unkown manufacture) back at Christmas for $25. The motor on the jointer is going to need to be rewired or replaced, it just looks like a hazard waiting to happen.
  • proappproapp Member Posts: 3,264
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by firstharmonic
    Re your electrical wiring situation - if you don't want to use those last slots in your panel you could replace some of your single pole breakers with tandem breakers, sometimes referred to as "piggyback" breakers. They provide two 120 volt breakers in one panel slot. Simpler than installing a subpanel. And each tandem breaker installed frees up one slot in your panel. Just a thought.








    Not a bad idea.



    Did this when we put in the hot tub...
  • 320090T320090T Member Posts: 2,715 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Oops didn't read about the possibility of a welder, yep, it needs 50amp although I'd hate to hook 50a up to the RA saw. If you have 200a to your shop then put in a secondary breaker box, problems solved.
  • woodshed87woodshed87 Member Posts: 23,478 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Do Some Reading On the Use Of An RArm
    They Hurt Way More People than Any other Saw
    From Using Wrong Mostly

    Even Had a Friend Who Had the head Drop Loose and Take his Arm Completely Off Midway Forearm
    ZINGGGERS not a Good Deal
    Pick Up a Good Slide Compound Instead[^]
    Woody
  • jimdeerejimdeere Member, Moderator Posts: 26,292 ******
    edited November -1
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by 320090T
    Oops didn't read about the possibility of a welder, yep, it needs 50amp although I'd hate to hook 50a up to the RA saw. If you have 200a to your shop then put in a secondary breaker box, problems solved.
    Why?
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • Marc1301Marc1301 Member Posts: 31,895 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by 320090T
    Oops didn't read about the possibility of a welder, yep, it needs 50amp although I'd hate to hook 50a up to the RA saw. If you have 200a to your shop then put in a secondary breaker box, problems solved.
    Why?

    That amperage will crawl right down the wires and burn up your new saw,......that's why![:0][;)]
    "Beam me up Scotty, there's no intelligent life down here." - William Shatner
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Marc1301
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by 320090T
    Oops didn't read about the possibility of a welder, yep, it needs 50amp although I'd hate to hook 50a up to the RA saw. If you have 200a to your shop then put in a secondary breaker box, problems solved.
    Why?

    That amperage will crawl right down the wires and burn up your new saw,......that's why![:0][;)]
    tA9sYl.jpg
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • cbxjeffcbxjeff Member Posts: 17,651 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'll side with ross on this one. I looked into a RAS about 3 years ago and found that they were few new ones available for the home/hobby guys. I bought a DeWalt 10" sliding compound miter saw and love it. Granted not 12" but does everything I need. Sure, it wasn't $100. but I felt the extra cost was worth it.
    It's too late for me, save yourself.
  • CaptFunCaptFun Member Posts: 16,678 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by cbxjeff
    I'll side with ross on this one. I looked into a RAS about 3 years ago and found that they were few new ones available for the home/hobby guys. I bought a DeWalt 10" sliding compound miter saw and love it. Granted not 12" but does everything I need. Sure, it wasn't $100. but I felt the extra cost was worth it.


    I had one that had been my Grandfathers. I used it for a number of years but it always scared me. I needed the bench space when I got a compound mitre, so my dad actually has it. I dont think he has ever used it.
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by CaptFun
    quote:Originally posted by cbxjeff
    I'll side with ross on this one. I looked into a RAS about 3 years ago and found that they were few new ones available for the home/hobby guys. I bought a DeWalt 10" sliding compound miter saw and love it. Granted not 12" but does everything I need. Sure, it wasn't $100. but I felt the extra cost was worth it.


    I had one that had been my Grandfathers. I used it for a number of years but it always scared me. I needed the bench space when I got a compound mitre, so my dad actually has it. I dont think he has ever used it.
    I have a compound mitre saw, but it's only 10" and non sliding. I used my father's RAS a lot when I was growing up. Never saw a need for a table saw if you have one and know how to use it. But I do have a small table saw too.[:D]
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • Marc1301Marc1301 Member Posts: 31,895 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Good grief,.....for a hundred bucks, buy the stinking thing.
    If you don't feel like wiring for it, you can probably resell and make a few.[:)]
    "Beam me up Scotty, there's no intelligent life down here." - William Shatner
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Marc1301
    Good grief,.....for a hundred bucks, buy the stinking thing.
    If you don't feel like wiring for it, you can probably resell and make a few.[:)]
    Am going to later tonight.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • Marc1301Marc1301 Member Posts: 31,895 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by Marc1301
    Good grief,.....for a hundred bucks, buy the stinking thing.
    If you don't feel like wiring for it, you can probably resell and make a few.[:)]
    Am going to later tonight.

    Good,....BTW, was that pic you posted of a young Shep Smith?
    Just curious as the kid has lipstick on it appears.

    The mascara would come later of course.
    "Beam me up Scotty, there's no intelligent life down here." - William Shatner
  • AlpineAlpine Member Posts: 15,092 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Good to see people getting some tools.

    With 2 vertical milling machines, one horizontal milling, lathe, 20" DoAll bandsaw, 16" Delta Radial Arm Saw and a 10" Powermatic table saw, 50 ton press, Lincoln Tig, Miller Mig, my shop is full.

    Don't know how anybody gets by with less.
    ?The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.?
    Margaret Thatcher

    "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics."
    Mark Twain
  • evileye fleagalevileye fleagal Member Posts: 4,238 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    i've a RA saw in quite a few apps. molding on cabient doors , when cutting dadios. it has all sorts of uses.

    i have an old 10 inch now it works fine must be 25yrs old.

    sliding chop saws were not like they are now, they have come along way.
    i would list a belt drive table saw as first to have in the shop follwed by the RA air compresser nail gun. thats all you realy need in big power tools.
    now my chop saw joiner planer are nice to have.

    one thing i have for the RA is a snake grinder, you dont see these very often, just a overgrown drimel.
    the whine of a good sharp blade on the RA signals work is going on,when building cabients i dont bother shuting it down.
    making dawrers with just a RA with dadito bottoms, yea show me that one with a slidin chop saw.

    ciricles for lazy susans is work for the table saw, never had a bandsaw that i could afford that was worth having.
  • evileye fleagalevileye fleagal Member Posts: 4,238 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Mr. Perfect
    quote:Originally posted by evileye fleagal
    save the last slot for a 100 amp then throw it to a kicker panel
    I have 200amp service for the whole place. I was thinking 50amp breaker. What's the advantage to doing it your way? Seems like it has the potential for too much draw, if I get tempted to add more breakers in the kicker.[:D]
    as long as you dont exceed 100 amps you will be fine,this way you will still have 3 more doubles to add to if need arises
  • CaptFunCaptFun Member Posts: 16,678 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have some plans to build a panel saw, the sort they have in Home Depot to break down full sized sheets by yourself. Just need to get around to it..... (After I finish the dust collector piping and the exhaust fans and.....)

    That's my biggest hassle, wrestling a full sheet home and then hacking it up for a project.


    WW-PANEL_SAW-FEATURES_4.jpg
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