Hello Everyone,
I am considering purchasing one of two older Craftsman Radial Arm saws. Both seem to be in really nice condition. I've shown the model numbers in the Subject area. What I'm hoping is that there are a number of experts out here that can distinguish for me which saw would give me the most bang, features, and power for the buck. Also, which saws may have been overly complicated to use or had inherent mechanical repair problems. I'm not sure on the horsepower ratings, but from what I've been able to obtain, the 113.19771 has 2hp., and the 113.197250 has 2.75hp. I see the 113.197250 also has digital readout, which I don't know is a good thing or not. Please help with any advice. Thanks a bunch
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Hi John,
Not to be a wet blanket, but I'm really not a big fan of ANY radial arm saws.
I think it's a poor design, at least for homeowner use.
They've always taken extra safety and alertness to use, as the blade is above the work. In addition, adjustments are made to a heavy, overhanging piece of equipment--an engineering disadvantage.
I, personally, prefer the combination of a table saw (for ripping) and a chop saw (for miters and crosscuts). It's certainly possible to do many crosscuts on a table saw, but it's true strength is in ripping. A RAS, on the other hand, must be specially set up for ripping and it's a scary (I think) operation. A chop saw is quite convenient and accurate for crosscutting. The table saw is also much more versatile than the RAS for any kind of tricks, etc.
Just one man's humble opinion. Good luck!
Regards,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
Not to be a wet blanket, but I'm really not a big fan of ANY radial arm saws.
I think it's a poor design, at least for homeowner use.
They've always taken extra safety and alertness to use, as the blade is above the work. In addition, adjustments are made to a heavy, overhanging piece of equipment--an engineering disadvantage.
I, personally, prefer the combination of a table saw (for ripping) and a chop saw (for miters and crosscuts). It's certainly possible to do many crosscuts on a table saw, but it's true strength is in ripping. A RAS, on the other hand, must be specially set up for ripping and it's a scary (I think) operation. A chop saw is quite convenient and accurate for crosscutting. The table saw is also much more versatile than the RAS for any kind of tricks, etc.
Just one man's humble opinion. Good luck!
Regards,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
Thanks for the input Kp. Actually, the reason I'm looking at the radial arm saws is because I will be using it for all rough cut lumber for farm out buildings. Since I don't need to get fancy, I like the idea of just having this one tool. Doug, all I could find at the site you mention is the associated part numbers for guards on the radial arm saws. Am I missing something? Thanks
