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This article is from the Woodworking FAQ
Collection 4, by multiple authors.
29 Re: Delta Radial Arm Saw?
From: parnass@cbnewse.cb.att.com (Bob Parnass, AJ9S)
Date: 3 Jan 92 00:45:23 GMT
In article <92002.115244DMEJJ@CUNYVM.BITNET>, DMEJJ@CUNYVM.BITNET
Daniel Schlissel asked about Delta's radial arm saw (model 33-990):
> 1) How easy or difficult is it to set up?
A radial arm saw is very flexible and can be used for many different
woodworking chores. A lot of that flexibility arises from the design
in which the motor can be oriented in several positions and different
angles. Likewise, the arm can also assume various orientations.
This flexibility, in my opinion, exacts a price -- there is more
room for variations in cutting accuracy than in a table saw (see
below).
The Delta does have several adjustments, but many are performed just
once, when you assemble the saw. From what I can determine by
reading Cliffe's "Radial Arm Saw Techniques" and by shopping around,
the Delta seems to have about the same adjustments as the DeWalt
(Black & Decker) 10" radial arm saw.
> 2) Does it easily cut through hardwoods?
I have no horsepower problem with the motor. The Freud carbide
combination blade is a lot better than the stock Delta blade.
I recently had trouble cutting through a knot in a thick piece of
knotty, warped sycamore. The blade started to bind and my home
circuit breaker popped -- not the circuit breaker on the Delta's motor.
> 3) How accurate is it and does it need constant adjustment?
No, it doesn't need constant readjustment, but I do need to tweak it
every so often.
I confess this is the only RAS I've ever owned and its accuracy
in large measure depends on how well I "set it up." However, I suspect
that a Delta contractor's table saw or a good power miter would probably
be more accurate than the RAS because the RAS blade is on a motor
which dangles on a long arm over the wood. Also, if you twist
your hand while holding the handle, you can tilt the motor slightly.
> 4) What is the max. crosscut?
About 12".
> 5) Have you set up any auxiliary fence extensions (eg.Biesemeyer)
No.
If you want to get a RAS, by all means, get the Delta 10".
I make wooden toys and some small furniture. Crosscuts are easy
on the RAS. I'd like to get a table saw some day, because I truly
dread making rip cuts on the RAS.
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