I recently bought a 1950's Dewalt radial arm saw, with the saw mount damaged (it was way cheap). I decided to mount a 1/2 router to the carriage - the set-up is shown below. I figure once I get a fence on it, I'm going to basically have a manual wood milling machine.
I know I'll use it for quick material removal. I think it might end up being really useful. I already had the router, so for under $50, I have an experiment going.
You beat me to the punch. I came across a Radial Arm Saw very inexpensive and in really good shape. So, I bought it and had the same idea. I have a Rockwell router that I rarely use and thought that the two combined might give me some additional options.
Looks like you fabricated the "router holder".
I just moved and am in the process of resetting up my shop so the overhead wood milling machine might have to be delayed a bit.
Keep us posted of your progress.
Yup - I fabricated the router holder out of white oak, so it would be solid.
Here is a picture from the bottom. Half circle cradle with hose clamps. On the right side of the cradle, I put in a metal tab to lock in the router so it wouldn't spin.
Here is the back. I cut a hole to access the speed control, and it allows some additional airflow.
Update: I've been using this thing for about 6 months, and I really like it. I use it to cut slots and mortises all the time. I have also ended up using it for regular router functions, like edge rounding. Unlike my router table, I can see the bit and do slight adjustments easily.
I ended up buying another radial arm saw - a larger 1950's DeWalt - as well for $30. I keep a 1/2" dado on it for removing lots of material fast. Between these two tools, my woodworking has gotten a lot more efficient.
TTF, you know that many of the manual production routers use the over arm routers!
Multipe templates, many routers, much production without a CNC.
A shop, I once visited in Wisconsin, has a number of these along with a number of very large 4 spindle routers.
That's thinkin outta the box TTF. If it works for you, you go man! I can't see a need for myself but I can see how if you cut a lot of those features it would be just fine.
On second thought you could use it for a poor man's planer if you built a sled!
Is it possible to mount router into carriage that allows you to TILT motor like the saw did. This would allow for even more profiles with one router bit !
I like you idea, gives new use to old type saws.
Update - I use the radial arm router all the time. I've almost abandoned my router table because I like this so much better. Even for simple edge profile routing, I like to be able to see the router bit and have the fine control of the dewalt RAS height adjustment.
Anyway, if you're thinking about one, I would say go for it.
Great idea…BUT…it conjures up some bad memories for me and the accessory shaft on the old Craftsman RAS's that accepted a router collet (pretty stupid on Sear's part and my part…the machine didn't run at anywhere near the speed needed). Use with care. That bit is fully exposed.
Plexiglass might lessen the functionality (bit changing etc.). Just realize that the bit rotation might want to "spin" the piece (not unlike a piece of metal on a drill press) and when that happens something in the brain says to try to control the situation (rarely with happy results in my experience). I think I'd work on making adjustable clamping jigs where your hands can sit it your pockets! Great idea though.
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