My RAS recall installed.

Wow not many of them left, I had mine for 28 years finally got rid of it last year, just takes up too much room in the workshop and never got used. Congrats on your purchase it looks really good.

-- islandworkshop

No purchase canadacooler. The recall was 100% free and I too received mine a week ago! Search YouTube videos for info on how to receive your replacement safety parts. I’ve incorporated my radial arm saw into my current workbench that I hope to post the finished project as well. Eagledad, your saw looks good. I see you didn’t use the 1” MDF table and fence that came with the recall package. I probably won’t either. I hope you have many more years of use. Personally, I have yet to use my RAS for any project yet… but I can’t complain I purchased mine used for only 25.00! Can’t beat that! I’ve also plumbed in a dust collection behind the saw behind the wall that is connected to a shop vac under the radial arm saw that is controlled by a control switch on the wall. I hope it will prove itself useful soon.

-- Dustin, Central Coast California

There was a guard like that on my RAS when it was new, but I found it a supreme PITA. Assuming you use the RAS for cross-cutting only (the only thing the saw is really any good for), IMHO this guard is overkill.

-- Dwight - "Free legal advice available - contact Dewey, Cheetam & Howe""

This was a safety issue and when a company is looking across the table at an attorney they get serious about safety. I am surprised they didn’t include a cast iron turtle shell.

The Oil-less gun rack (that is in my projects) was built with a RAS only. Well maybe a little help from a jig saw on the curves. I built three of these gun racks. I have had my recall items for some years now, and yes, I think it’s a little bit of over kill. But, hey, I got a new table out of the deal.

-- When asked what I did to make life worthwhile in my lifetime....I can respond with a great deal of pride and satisfaction, "I served a career in the United States Navy."

My RAS is my “Go to” tool … dont see how I could get along without it

-- Perform A Random Act Of Kindness Today ... Pay It Forward

I am afraid of mine and use it little. I just ordered the kit, Thanks for the tip, now I might use it again.

-- A childs smile is payment enough.

I ordered the kit, installed it and still seldom use it…lol. Had to cut some large square holes in some beehive frames….it worked great for that…primary problem with mine, I pile stuff on that big ole cutting table when I am projecting and it acts like camo and I forget its there (just check shop pics for proof…lol). Good job on the install eagledad.

-- Buster, Ocoee TN (Critics are men who watch a battle from a high place then come down and shoot the survivors - Hemingway)

When I first started WW in the 80’s I bought a Craftsman RAS which became my saw of choice because I had no table saw and you could rip as well as crosscut with it. I had a molding head that I used from time to time and a dado blade set. It is a very versatile machine. It is as safe as you make it like any other machine. If I had room for it in my back porch shop I would have it here today.

I just found out about the kit so I am going to see if they still have any. I’m kinda like Thelt at least I would get a table.

-- Dewayne in Bainbridge, Ga. - - No one can make you mad. Only you decide when you get mad - -

I too started in the 80’s with my RAS and like ldl had multiple attachments. Would not trade mine for anything. Its the best for dado cuts and crosscutting!

-- Dennis, WV

The RAS I purchased in 1984 looks like the one in the picture. It took several hours following the exact directions to square up the saw but the time was well spent. Over the past 29 years I have used it a million times and it still cuts square. My son is a sculpture and he still comes over to use it for some of his projects. I got the safety upgrade kit a few years ago but after looking it over decided the install the table but not the safety cover. In my opinion the RAS is one of the safest tools you can have in your workshop if you keep your fingers out of the track of the blade. My tools include the adjustable dado blade that I use sometimes and a router attachment the I have used only a few times.

-- Max - Birmingham, AL

Your Craftsman RAS looks great. To me, it is a new model. My first power tool purchased in about 1972 was a Craftsman RAS. Mine is so old that the recall safety kit doesn’t work for it. When I first got my RAS, I used it for everything – cross-cutting, ripping, molding head, daadoing, etc. I early learned that RAS developed a bad safety reputation, but I have never had a problem. I still use my old RAS on a daily basis, but I limit it to crosscutting now. I took my time getting it set up level and square. So now, I use the tablesaw for ripping and the RAS for cross-cutting. If my RAS dies before I do, I will look for a newer Craftsman RAS like yours as a replacement. I much prefer the RAS for cross-cutting than having to use my heavy cross-cut sled on my tablesaw. So, good luck with your RAS. If you give it a chance, I think you will like it.

I had a saw like GaryCo, bought new in 1971. Cut a ton of stuff with it, and then when this safety panic came along, as Gary says they couldn’t retro it, so I took up their offer and sent them the motor (on their dime) and they gave me $100 for it. Sweet !

-- Dwight - "Free legal advice available - contact Dewey, Cheetam & Howe""

I got the recall kit for mine & what a difference.

-- "Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway" John Wayne