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Brian Weekley
United States
Приєднався 21 лис 2012
Making things with tools! I made my living as a research scientist, but have enjoyed woodworking and building things my whole life. I have always been fascinated by how things work, and inspired by the artists, craftsmen, and craftswomen who make beautiful and functional objects from wood, metal, and other media. I’m always impressed when things are made with only human-powered tools, but I do not shy away from the use of modern power tools either. Here, I document some of my occasional projects like building a traditional timber frame barn, bringing vintage tools back to life, or making something to use around the house.
Ripping on a Radial Arm Saw?
In this video, I discuss the safety of ripping wood on a radial arm saw and how it compares to a table saw. In my opinion, ripping on a radial arm saw is as safe, or safer than ripping on a table saw (as long as it’s done properly).
Blades:
Freud LU83:
www.freudtools.com/products/LU83R010
Mr. Sawdust Book:
mrsawdust.com/master-the-radial-arm-saw/overview
Mr. Sawdust, Forrest, Woodworker I (TCG):
www.sliversmill.com/product_620_WOODWORKER_I__TCG_Design_Used_by_Mr_Sawdust_for_Cutting_a_V.html
How to Calibrate/Align your Radial Arm Saw:
ua-cam.com/video/EQ_HXSuh1PU/v-deo.html
How to Make a Push Board for your Radial Arm Saw:
ua-cam.com/video/uOP3sKpD_yc/v-deo.html
Dust Collection for a Radial Arm Saw:
ua-cam.com/video/bjSa8YU9e8Y/v-deo.html
How to Make a Micro-Adjuster for your Radial Arm Saw:
ua-cam.com/video/rYe-stxDZds/v-deo.html
Radial Arm Saw: Tables and Fences (Part 1):
ua-cam.com/video/Q1cc-_vPT0w/v-deo.html
Radial Arm Saw: Tables and Fences (Part 2):
ua-cam.com/video/_e5yQC_i7mI/v-deo.html
Blades:
Freud LU83:
www.freudtools.com/products/LU83R010
Mr. Sawdust Book:
mrsawdust.com/master-the-radial-arm-saw/overview
Mr. Sawdust, Forrest, Woodworker I (TCG):
www.sliversmill.com/product_620_WOODWORKER_I__TCG_Design_Used_by_Mr_Sawdust_for_Cutting_a_V.html
How to Calibrate/Align your Radial Arm Saw:
ua-cam.com/video/EQ_HXSuh1PU/v-deo.html
How to Make a Push Board for your Radial Arm Saw:
ua-cam.com/video/uOP3sKpD_yc/v-deo.html
Dust Collection for a Radial Arm Saw:
ua-cam.com/video/bjSa8YU9e8Y/v-deo.html
How to Make a Micro-Adjuster for your Radial Arm Saw:
ua-cam.com/video/rYe-stxDZds/v-deo.html
Radial Arm Saw: Tables and Fences (Part 1):
ua-cam.com/video/Q1cc-_vPT0w/v-deo.html
Radial Arm Saw: Tables and Fences (Part 2):
ua-cam.com/video/_e5yQC_i7mI/v-deo.html
Переглядів: 96 318
Відео
Making a Storage Rack for SUP, Surf, Kayak, or Canoe
Переглядів 926Рік тому
A simple wooden rack that you can make to store your Standup Paddle Board (SUP), Surf Board, Kayak, or Canoe.
Push Board for Ripping on Radial Arm Saw
Переглядів 8 тис.Рік тому
This video demonstrates how a push board is used to safely rip on a radial arm saw. This shows how to size one for your saw and how to use it. How to properly setup and calibrate a radial arm saw: ua-cam.com/video/EQ_HXSuh1PU/v-deo.htmlsi=iwa0sWByPE0paD0h Dust control for radial arm saw: ua-cam.com/video/bjSa8YU9e8Y/v-deo.htmlsi=CnGjqGyWZ2QPR7RQ
Making Sailboat Cockpit Trim with a Router Table (Catalina 30)
Переглядів 597Рік тому
Demonstration on how I made replacement cockpit trim for my sailboat (Catalina 30). These are the rings that trim the compartment cubbies in the coaming. I made these replacements from PVC trim to replace the broken wooden pieces made from teak. The router table was the primary tool for this project.
DeWalt Radial Arms Saws (MBF and 1030)
Переглядів 16 тис.2 роки тому
A review of two vintage DeWalt radial arm saws: the MBF and 1030. These are both very desirable saws due to their build quality and accuracy. They are a great addition to any wood shop. For more information, please check out the "DeWalt Radial Arm Saw Forum". A few other relevant videos provided below: Restoration of a DeWalt MBF: ua-cam.com/video/FN8nawcodjA/v-deo.html Radial Arm Saw Alignment...
Making a Wooden Whisker Pole for Sailboat
Переглядів 2,2 тис.2 роки тому
Documenting the construction of a wooden, birds-mouth whisker pole for my Catalina 30 sailboat. The bronze end fittings were bought on eBay. They were made by South Coast Sailboat Hardware (Race-Lite, SC 400). Other supporting videos: Radial arm saw: ua-cam.com/video/FN8nawcodjA/v-deo.html Micro-adjuster: ua-cam.com/video/rYe-stxDZds/v-deo.html Extension tables: ua-cam.com/video/Doa3Bnus5r8/v-d...
Making Wooden Spreaders (Catalina 30)
Переглядів 1,1 тис.2 роки тому
Showing the process to make a new set of wooden spreaders for my sailboat (Catalina 30). The wood is Sitka Spruce. Supporting Videos: Router Table: ua-cam.com/video/arkT7CikFoc/v-deo.html B&D Workmate: ua-cam.com/video/Vl1Gz9DsBys/v-deo.html Jointer: ua-cam.com/video/GgdYKyeurdE/v-deo.html Radial Arm Saw: ua-cam.com/video/FN8nawcodjA/v-deo.html
Making a Ring Gift Box (Part 2)
Переглядів 3832 роки тому
A video showing how I made a wooden ring and matching gift box. The previous video (Part 1) shows the making of the wooden ring. This video (Part 2), shows the making of the gift box.
Making a Wooden Ring (Part 1)
Переглядів 4482 роки тому
A video showing how I made a wooden ring and matching gift box. The first video (Part 1) shows how the ring was made. The second video (Part 2) shows how the gift box was made. A list of lathe accessories and supplies used for this project are provided below: List of lathe accessories and supplies: Utility Grip 4 Jaw Chrome Lathe Chuck System: pennstateind.com 1/2 inch Jacobs Chuck: pennstatein...
Router Table for B&D Workmate
Переглядів 58 тис.3 роки тому
Router table accessory for B&D Workmate. High quality, fully functional table with many features including, router lift, stock hold downs, dust collection, and moveable fence. WoodAnchor bit and sliding nuts from ToolQuest: toolquest.net/? Jessem Rout-R-lift II and stock hold downs: jessem.com/ My Assembly Table: ua-cam.com/video/Um5kzkli00M/v-deo.html New Wooden Jaws for Workmate: ua-cam.com/v...
Corner Spline Sled for Radial Arm Saw
Переглядів 8 тис.4 роки тому
This video demonstrates how to make and insert corner splines into picture frames or small boxes using a radial arm saw. Using a sled, the radial arm saw is ideal for cutting the slots for corner splines. Unlike a jig used with a table saw or router table, the frames conveniently lie flat on the RAS table. It's a very easy and safe way to cut corner spline slots. This is a follow-up to my previ...
Ipe Picture Frames (with Radial Arm Saw)
Переглядів 3,2 тис.4 роки тому
Repurposing some ipe balusters taken from a deck to make picture frames using my radial arm saw. Ipe is a very hard, tropical hardwood that looks beautiful once sanded and oiled. I use the "broken fence method" to cut perfect 90 degress corners on the RAS. Original Deck Restoration Video: ua-cam.com/video/RgGvjzAk58w/v-deo.html How to Cut Perfect Miters on a RAS: ua-cam.com/video/1wZhrAvtPWc/v-...
Deck Upgrade (Cable Railing and Lights)
Переглядів 8 тис.4 роки тому
This video shows how I upgraded an ipe deck by replacing the balusters with stainless steel cables (wire rope). I also added integrated LED lighting in the posts. Custom top rails were fabricated from the original wood to create new hand rails that will not sag. The video also shows how lighting is attached to all posts (including the corner posts).
Disc Sanding Station for Radial Arm Saw
Переглядів 16 тис.4 роки тому
A disc sander is a useful accessory for the radial arm saw. This video shows how you can mount a disc sanding station for effective sanding. Making a disc sanding station: ua-cam.com/video/s3hB40lx088/v-deo.html Broken Fence for the radial arm saw: ua-cam.com/video/1wZhrAvtPWc/v-deo.html
Bike Rack and Mounting Rail for Pickup Truck
Переглядів 6 тис.4 роки тому
Custom strut channel rail system used to mount fork-mount bicycle holder and eye bolts for cargo hold-downs. Mounted to the bed of my Chevy Colorado.
Perfect Miters with a Radial Arm Saw
Переглядів 16 тис.4 роки тому
Perfect Miters with a Radial Arm Saw
Making LED Light Panels for Video and Photography
Переглядів 5485 років тому
Making LED Light Panels for Video and Photography
WWII Airplanes (Collings Foundation) B17 B24 B25 P40 P51
Переглядів 7935 років тому
WWII Airplanes (Collings Foundation) B17 B24 B25 P40 P51
Edge-Jointing with a Radial Arm Saw
Переглядів 99 тис.5 років тому
Edge-Jointing with a Radial Arm Saw
Restoration of Vintage Radial Arm Saw: '57 DeWalt MBF
Переглядів 31 тис.5 років тому
Restoration of Vintage Radial Arm Saw: '57 DeWalt MBF
Radial Arm Saw Alignment/Calibration
Переглядів 96 тис.5 років тому
Radial Arm Saw Alignment/Calibration
Heavy-Duty Mobile Cabinet/Tool Carts
Переглядів 16 тис.5 років тому
Heavy-Duty Mobile Cabinet/Tool Carts
Assembly Table: Dogs, Clamps, and Wedges (Part 3/3)
Переглядів 8 тис.5 років тому
Assembly Table: Dogs, Clamps, and Wedges (Part 3/3)
Assembly Table: T-Track Hold Down Clamps (Part 2/3)
Переглядів 20 тис.5 років тому
Assembly Table: T-Track Hold Down Clamps (Part 2/3)
Great work! All the best, Rob in Switzerland
Thank you, Rob!
Very nice vintage power tools used to make this project. I haven't seen a radial arm saw used in decades. I still have mine, but it's buried somewhere in the garage for almost fifty years. Shame they're outlawed for sale new. I'll have to make a router insert for my Workmate. Looks really useful and portable. Maybe make a version for my Milwaukee M18 router to make it really portable. Thanks.
@@Waltkat Thanks! The radial arm saw remains one of my favorites power tools to use and if you check out my channel, you’ll see I use it for all kinds of projects. Although radial arms saws are no longer popular, they are not “outlawed”. There’s only one company left in the USA that still manufactures them (Original Saw Company) and a few in Europe.
@brianweekley5700 Oh, OK. I thought they got outlawed. But then, I live in California, where everything that's fun is illegal. Lol
@@Waltkat LOL!
As long as my 70s workmate is holds all I care about.
@@roberthanus207 It remains a very useful tool.
Excellent video. I think the biggest issue is that total newbies would try to rip on a RAS and feed from the wrong direction. Its an instant, 100% chance that it will eject the wood. Its pretty obvious with a tablesaw of which way to feed the stock, but on a RAS it could be left to right OR right to left depending upon which way you rotated the head. Additionally, during a crosscut operation on the RAS the blade enters the wood from the opposite direction than on a rip, thus confusion.
Thanks. Back in the 50’s it wasn’t uncommon for DeWalt to offer training to consumers on their new purchase. Perhaps a newbie to woodworking who doesn’t read directions, has no idea how to set the anti-kickback pawl, and ignores the warning sign “don’t feed from the end”! However, I agree it could be confusing if you walk up to a machine and have no idea how to use it. Obviously, people have fed from the wrong end though…
Wow, you seem to use your radial arm saw for EVERYTHING. Its insightful, creative and inspirational. Nice to watch a master at work.
@@allanfink6138 Thanks for the nice comment. The RAS is probably my favorite power tool to use!
Craftsmanship using tools to fix tools. I have two original English workmates, all cast aluminum framework, that need new jaws and your process gives me confidence to make appropriate quality new ones! Thank you.
Glad you found the video useful. Good luck on making new jaws.
Very informative video and we can't thank you enough for sharing this knowledge - thanks
@@samla2404 Thanks. I appreciate the comment.
Why the need for metal bars
@@michaelcallaghan8405 Thanks for the comment. The metal bars are not needed. However, they are a proven way to keep the tops/tables flat and prevent them from bending (adds strength). It’s based on the “Mr. Sawdust table” design. If you search for that term, you’ll find more info about it.
DeWalt still market a new RAS here in the UK... 3 Phase (415v) and only costs £5k or more...
@@jimihendrix991 DeWalt hasn’t manufactured RAS’s in the USA for many decades. However, there is a company called the “Original Saw Company” that bought the molds and still makes them here. Yes, there is a European model still sold by DeWalt. I believe there are a manufactured in Italy.
I'd love to own a radial arm saw. They can be dangerous if used improperly. Very versatile tho.
@@hobbyhermit66 If setup and used properly, they are great to use. One of the biggest dangers is not using an appropriate blade. If too aggressive or not the correct geometry, they can climb cut in crosscut mode. If you use the blades I recommended, they cut like butter.
@brianweekley5700 yes. I used to run a 20 inch radial arm saw in a pallet factory, strictly for cut-off. Also ran smaller ones in vocational school. We got to do more things with those. 👍🏻
@@hobbyhermit66 LOL! Great.
Hey, where do you start pulling off the firewood in order to preserve the stability?
@@taubers It’s like having your own giant Jenga game! But seriously, once I start using it for the winter, I just take wood off the top and keep it covered with a tarp.
Thanks! That makes good sense!
This is awesome, Brian! I came for the RAS lessons and found this. I’ve chopped and stacked a lot of wood over the years, and I suppose I had better start stacking them this way. At least one out by the mailbox, anyway…. Cheers!
@@markholtshousen1406 Thanks. I stacked the wood like this just for something different and thought it was cool. However, I hope you find some of the RAS videos helpful.
Like most guys I started out on a table saw (TS). By & By I began to look @ radial arm saws (RAS). One day, Sears had a hell of a deal & I bought one. After a while I noticed that the RAS did not cut as accurate as my TS, so, I stopped using it as much. The RAS is better for a few cuts but only a few. When only 2 or 3 yo the RAS motor burnt out. I hadnt used it in a long long long time so I rolled it down to the end of my driveway & put a FREE sign on it and it was gone within a few hours. I now use a DEWALT worksite folding rolling table saw which I love having gave my old craftsman TS to my son. !
Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, your Sears RAS probably wasn't a quality, precision saw like many of the heavier, cast-iron DeWalt's and Delta's. When properly setup and calibrated, RAS's can be precision machines.
Nice work, been procrastinating about restoring mine, you have inspired me to get it done.
Thanks. Good to hear. I highly recommend joining the "DeWalt Radial Arm Saw Forum". Lots of good info and a great place to ask questions for things like bearing replacement, etc...
Love it
@@williamtyree3896 Thanks!
Well explained, after this i would want to own one
Thanks!
great video
@@benjiminyoung4353 Thank you. Much appreciated.
Very interesting, thanks for sharing! I personally wouldn’t use one of these, since i‘m not proficient enough for it, and it scares me. But looking at a pro like you handling it - that’s something great to see 😁👍
@@erebostd Thanks. I appreciate the comment.
18:13 Great setup it's a pity they're not always that easy to find around
@@decespugliatorenucleare3780 Thanks. There are usually many, good used RAS that can be found at great prices.
Seems like a track saw is the best way for ripping
@@m.y.4345 Track saws are great for breaking down a sheet of plywood. Otherwise, very inconvenient, not suitable for reproducible rips, and not practical or accurate for ripping boards, hardwoods, or small pieces. Thanks for the comment.
We only say ras are more dangerous because its true
@@boyeatsworld-vr9ci Thanks for your opinion.
Fantastic video, I feel much more comfortable about ripping with my newly acquired Sawsmith now. At least I will after I buy the Freud blade.
@@T0tenkampf Thanks. Glad it was helpful.
Thanks
@@Hunter-vl6ft Much appreciated.
ua-cam.com/video/HiGH0Qsu3ak/v-deo.html
Yes, a classic. Great demo on all the things a RAS can do!
The opposite end of a radial saw motor has the advantage of attaching a chuck to the threaded shaft that I have rigged to work as a boring machine. The saw holds a special place in my shop for many decades. i use it as a dado, as a disk sander just to name a few other uses other than my main cross cut tool. A great video showing the importance of the saw in the early years. ua-cam.com/video/HiGH0Qsu3ak/v-deo.html
The opposite end of a radial saw motor has the advantage of attaching a chuck to the threaded shaft that I have rigged to work as a boring machine. The saw holds a special place in my shop for many decades. i use it as a dado, as a disk sander just to name a few other uses other than my main cross cut tool.
very nice!
@@edwardjski Thanks!
@@brianweekley5700Hey, what's the green feather bit on your table saw? looks very adjustable and functional.
Would argue that the bandsaw is the more ideal tool for the job of ripping.
@@James-dv1df I totally agree the bandsaw is ideal for safe ripping, but doesn’t typically provide a glue ready finish and is more susceptible to blade flex. I can’t live without both saws!
@@brianweekley5700 pass on the surface planer \ jointer and your good to go
I began using my dad’s craftsman radial arm saw when I was 12 yrs old. I had seen a few kickback close calls when he was using it for ripping, so I only ever used it for crosscutting. That was what got me hooked on woodworking tho. 28 yrs later now I have my own craftsman radial arm saw that I will probably only use for cross cutting and with a dado blade. I do have a table saw and I much prefer it for ripping.
I first began woodworking with a RAS (in my Jr. High wood shop class). I know I'm in the minority, but I generally prefer ripping on my RAS. In fact, I sold my table saw (mainly because the RAS has a smaller footprint in my small shop).
Do you have plans for this design?
Sorry, I don’t have plans to share.
I still have that train set..loved playing with it as a kid! Thanks for sharing!
@@Yooperal3 Kids these days just don’t seem to be interested in model trains. I’m hoping to dig mine out of a box for my grandson soon.
@brianweekley5700 Unfortunately that's true about today's youth...I'm doing the same with my set as well as my Lego collection! Unfortunately it will probably all be sold 1 day cause they probably won't be interested either. Anyways Big Pine Lumber was a really cool set to play with as a kid!
did I miss the part where you did the block alignment? I'm actually super curious how everyone is doing it. i've been noodling better connection methods for the wood tops to bolt on to the table itself trying to find more of a quick release solution.
Block alignment? I just turn the handles and get the threads in the same position on both sides and screw the top to the brackets. Curious as to the need to have quick release?
This video made me laugh. I assume the premise was to showcase how versatile the RAS is, and a use case that most people may not think of. However, you cut your box stock on a table saw. You could have ripped and crosscut on the RAS. You also used a router table while making the jig. All that time and effort you spent just to get to the point where you could make the final cuts on the RAS, you could have made multiple boxes with a more commonly recognized box-joint jig on either the table saw or the router table. You’re doing it the hard way 🤦♂️
Glad you were amused! Yes, part of the reason was just to show that it can be done on a RAS (inspired by a discussion I read that box joints was something a RAS couldn’t do, but a TS could). With that said, I once made a large, beautiful bed frame with 3/4” wide box joints using the RAS. That is something you can’t practically do on a TS or Router table (try feeding a 6’ long rail on end with a typical box joint jig). On the RAS, the length is almost unlimited. Sometimes it’s nice having different tools and options for a project.
This is awesome. While a radial arm saw may not be as fast as a miter saw sometimes, you can do all a miter saw can do and more! It's really more versatile. I just got a dewalt radial arm saw that looks identical to the one in the video for free and it's awesome!
No doubt the RAS is versatile. My RAS(s) do everything I need. In fact, I even sold my table saw (mainly for space savings). Enjoy your free saw! If you haven’t done so, consider joining the DeWalt Radial Arm Saw Forum. Lots of good tips and information. A great place to ask any any questions you may have.
@brianweekley5700 yea i guess if you could only have 1 out of table saw, radial arm, and miter, the Radial is the most versatile of the 3. Who wudda thunk
Great video, now I will appreciate my RAS even more, and thanks for the tips
Thanks. Much appreciated!
I have the Sears RAS saw my dad purchased new in 1968. Unfortunate the anti kickback is missing and apparently no available, a good project when I get back into the shop. And Thank You for your video.
Thanks. Even though you have a Sears saw, I highly suggest joining the "DeWalt Radial Arm Saw Forum". In the FAQs section, there is some info about making your own anti-kickback pawls. However, you can often find them sold on eBay if you keep your eyes open for them.
I tried this on my craftsman and it went well. 😊
Good to hear!
Absolutely beautiful
Thank you! 😊
Long time user of an old DeWalt MBC with an 11 amp motor. Nothing to add. You nailed it. Excellent video!
@@MichaelJohnson-tf8so Thanks. Looks like you’re a cyclist too. Ride on!
am I nuts or would 4 rollers fix snipe? its driving me a bit nuts. gonna give this a go.
@@coppulor6500 Note that I don’t claim to completely eliminate snipe. A lot of my snipe was caused by flex in the table and the metal under the cutter head. My new, long, rigid table eliminated the snipe caused by that symptom. My planer has a pretty good locking cutter head. However, a lot of people have snipe caused by the lack of a locking mechanism or movement in the cutter head. The new table would not help that problem. So, my snipe was drastically reduced, but your mileage may vary! Good luck!
Not only did you claim it would eliminate snipe but I remember specifically you calling me and guaranteeing that it would eliminate snipe or else you would give me $5,000. 😁 I realize it doesn't eliminate it but it will certainly help! But what do you think of the four roller idea? Seems logical no? Also, thank you for the video and information and reply 👍🏻👍🏻
@ LOL! Are you talking something like two rollers on each side of the table? My only concern would be lining all the rollers up. It only takes a few thousandths off to cause snipe. The nice thing about my extra long, flat table is that it also helps me feed the wood level and keep it from tipping at the beginning and end of the cut (which also causes snipe). Experiment and see what you get. Good luck.
sweet sled!!! also, the reach around while using a push stick on a radial arm saw is freaking me out.
@@coppulor6500 Thanks. The “reach around” probably looks worse than it was, but certainly wasn’t necessary. Thanks for calling me out on it!
Brian - been watching your videos for a while now, Great Job on all of them, this is the best one yet! I have an addiction, we have 3 RAS in the shop. 1 for precision crosscutting, 1 for dados ( rips and crosscut) one for general use. They're great machines and thank you for taking the time to make this video. (I can't imagine the hours you have into it.) Hopefully this will help educate the uninformed population about the versatility of the RAS. I never comment on videos you moved me to do so with this one- keep them coming I appreciate them!!
Thank you. I appreciate the comment. I have many more videos planned, but finding the time to make them is always a challenge. Glad you appreciated it!
thanks for the video was very helpfull.
Thanks. Glad you found it useful.
Good video.I have been using my Craftsman radial arm saw for over 40 years mainly for cross cutting.Usually use a small blade. Cuts down on the noise and makes nice smooth cuts.
Thank you. Yes, a small blade has advantages. Stay safe.
Good Video, Info.
Glad it was helpful!
I can’t seem to find adjustable feet that are as tall as yours. Seems to be about 3” from bottom of bed to tabletop. Where did you get your legs?
It was many years ago, but I found some industrial feet on eBay. A cheaper method is to simply drill holes, install some threaded inserts, and use bolts as feet. They don’t need to be huge as they just serve for leveling and support.
@ Ok. That’s a good idea. Thank you for this and for this awesome video. I just bought some MDF and I’m going to build this soon!
@@toddh4617 Thanks. Note that I don’t claim this eliminates all snipe-especially any caused by any unwanted movement of the cutter head. On my planer, I have a good lock on the cutter head, but the table was flexing and causing significant snipe. My new, longer, and stiffer table significantly reduced snipe on my machine. It is really nice having a longer table (keeps boards from tipping and useful for sleds. However, your mileage may vary! Good luck and let me know how it works out for you.
@@brianweekley5700 Oh man, I’m not going to blame you for any snipe, you made a super helpful video that 693,000 people have benefited from! I appreciate everything and hope you make some more great videos! Thank you!
Mr. Weekley, thank you so much all your brilliant contributions to the radial arm saw community! I am going to make this fence. Q: What's the purpose of the cutout below the table? Is it to give the spline a little "bendable room" so the fence is perfectly flush against the back of the table when the thumbscrews are tightened up?
Thanks, much appreciated! The cutout below the fence ensures you can push the two halves together so they touch the blade. If the cutout wasn’t there, you’d find as the kerf gets worn, you no longer be able to push them together to get the zero clearance. In addition, if you need to, you can push the halves together to cut another fresh kerf. Hope that makes sense. BTW, instead of the keyhole bit I used in this video, I now install a vertical spline (rip about 1/4” off the bottom of the fence, cut a slot in the edge to fit the bar, then glue the 1/4” piece back on). A vertical spline is less prone to bend than the horizontal one I used in this video.
Ah yes, makes perfect sense. Funny, I wasn't thinking about the kerf getting worn over time (the primary point of your invention!) as much as being able to change the width of the kerf. Thanks for the tip on the new method with vertical spline. That does sound more robust, but I also like the elegance of the first method. I wonder if a steel spline with keyhole bit might be stiff enough. Anyway, thank you for your kind reply!
The purpose of the spline is just to hold the two halves of fence in place as you slide them together (so they don’t fall down into the base). As long as you have a tight fit, aluminum is fine. However, the keyhole bit does remove a lot more material leaving you with a slot. You may find that the lip remaining holding the spline may break off over time (it’s more fragile). The newer method is more robust since the spline is completely contained once you glue the bottom back on. You could just attach a strip o wood under the table to hold the fence too (kind of a shelf for it to sit on). You’ll figure it out and it’s easy to make more! Regardless how you make it, I think you’ll like having an adjustable fence. Good luck!
I see, it's the thin walls of that open channel from key hole bit. The new method with glued-back strip does have its advantages then. Thanks for the reply; I look forward to making this!
Have fun!
This is a very good and objective video on the RAS. Twenty years ago I inherited by dad's Craftsman's RAS he purchased in the early 90's to replace the one he bought in the mid-60's. I've kept it for its connection to my dad and usefulness for some projects. I agree that there is a serious learning curve to use it skillfully, accurately, and safely. I bought a friend's rarely used Shopsmith 520 4 years ago. It is also a peace of equipment that has a serious learning curve to skillfully, accurately, and safely use the table saw setup. I never used the table saw setup because I love my Sawstop.
Thanks for the comment. The SawStop is definitely a nice tool. I sold my old Craftsman table saw-mainly to gain space. Although there are times I miss having a table saw, I’ve found that I can do everything I need with my RAS.
Hi marvel at your videos. I dreamed to have the mastery that you do of your radio alarm saw. I am fascinated by the tool and have a couple of them right now, a very well tuned 7790 from Dewalt and my favorite, Delta Rockwell Super 990 made in the early 60's. Thanks for sharing more of your innovative techniques and knowledge!
Thanks! I appreciate the comment.
Thanks for the info. I just got an old dewalt radial arm saw. I was unsure how to properly use it at first but I’m pretty confident now. It came without the anti kickback attachment so now I know I need to get one.
@@JayChuckOnFire Thanks. It’s important not to rip without the anti-kickback pawl. I highly suggest joining the DeWalt Radial Arm Saw Forum. Lots of good people who can offer advice or answer questions about your saw. In the FAQs section, there is guidance on making your own pawl if you can’t find a replacement. Unfortunately, most used saws are missing them.
Even then, that blade is pushing the board down on the surface reducing the risk of kickback. I have found the two things to consistently do. Keep your and and fingers out of the path of the blade. And don't stand in the path of a potential kickback or ejection.