Craftsman Radial Arm Saw #1: Craftsman Radial Arm Saw... Oldie, but is it a goodie?

I think you bought a pice of gold, but I really like the older tools. Check out OWWM.Com and you will find the manual for that saw under the Craftsman section. I think is a 103.29000.

-- Brian, Lebanon PA, If you aren’t having fun doing it, find something else to do.

I envy you guys and your mechanical abilities that can take a piece of what looks like junk and turn it into something golden. I think Brian is right – you probably have a good deal going there once you get it cleaned up. Most of the time, those old tools are much better than what you can buy new. Good luck with its renovation.

-- You can't get a hug from Facebook.

With radial arm saws if it’s got an arbor that is straight the it could be good. Needs some work though huh?

I agree http://www.owwm.com/ is the place to find the original manuals. Craftsman manuals usually were pretty complete. You should be able to take it apart and clean it up using it.

good luck. Post a shiny and running blog when you’re done!

-- The smell of wood, coffee in the cup, the wife let's me do my thing, the lake is peaceful. http://web.me.com/deceiver6/Deceiver/Craftsman_on_the_lake/Craftsman_on_the_lake.html

Follow this link. This is for the 103.29001 which may or may not be yours, but looks pretty close. Clean it, lube it, and let it rip (well cross cut)

-- Brian, Lebanon PA, If you aren’t having fun doing it, find something else to do.

I thought I just posted on this but it has changed.
Please go to an online recall service.
I had this same saw. I had inherited it from my Dad. Even had the same switch on the top. (Not the keyed switch)
(This one was not mine because my motor fried.)
In any case, there is a safety recall. Something to do with the motor mounts and motor.
As I recall, Craftsman said take the motor off and send it back and they would give you $100.00
This was about 5 years ago.
Be VERY careful.

Lee

-- No piece is cut too short. It was meant for a smaller project.

Found the recall info. This model is to old for the upgrade kit, and would require me to send the entire carriage in for a $100.00 refund… It would be a quick $80 profit, but I think i’ll stick with the saw and use common sense.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Emerson Tool Co., of St. Louis, Mo., is recalling about 3.7 million Craftsman® radial arm saws for repair. These radial arm saws were sold without a guard that covers the entire blade

-- San Diego, CA US Navy

That saw looks to be “power bronze” in color, which would date it as a 50’s era machine.

As with any machine that is over 15-20 years old replace the bearings. Tear the machine down enough to know all the bearing numbers and call a shop and get them all ordered at the same time.

The grease in those bearings turned to crud a long time ago. Even if it looks like they are fine they will not hold up.

I have one of those saws and I use it to do rough cross cuts. It works fine for this. Make sure you get a blade designed for the radial arm saw. I use a Woodworker I blade (it has a negative hook angle) and it won’t grab like a table saw blade.

Another problem is that it tends to be inconsistent when moving the arm. Sometimes it doesn’t return to a perfect 90* point. Also, I don’t recommend using it for doing rips. It is just too dangerous.

If you have the room then the saw is a good buy.

-- "A goal without a plan is a wish."

I didnt have to send in nothing just the serail no. they sent mr a new table new saw guard< all the monting bolts.now when you looh at it ,it looks like a new saw. took 4 days from talking to the lady till I got in my shop. my saw is at leasi 30 years old. just call her on the phone with seral no. good luck . nothing wrong with the saw in less some thing is bent .

Chuck

-- Chuck, wiswood2 www.wisconsinwoodchuck.com