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My New Radial Arm Router

55K views 35 replies 17 participants last post by  vwankerl 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
My project website: TF Workshop

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.

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#6 ·
TTF,

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.
 
#8 ·
Marty,

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.

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Here is the back. I cut a hole to access the speed control, and it allows some additional airflow.

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Good luck with your shop set-up.
 

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#10 · (Edited by Moderator)
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.

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#16 ·
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.
 
#23 · (Edited by Moderator)
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.
 
#25 ·
The router I'm using takes both 1/4 and 1/2 collets, and has full speed control. I may put a plexiglas plate on it for safety.
 
#26 ·
The router I m using takes both 1/4 and 1/2 collets, and has full speed control. I may put a plexiglas plate on it for safety.

- TTF
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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