Older Craftsman RAS...worth the buy?
Hello Everyone,
This is my first post:). I am in the process of setting up my first woodworking shop on a limited budget. I have been checking Craigslist regularly for good deals. There is an: "10" Older Craftsman Radial Arm Saw Works Great Plus Extra Parts And Stand included. Do you think this is worth $100? What should I be looking out for? I have never owned a RAS so any advise would be welcome.
Here is the link: http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/tls/660562182.html
Thank you!
To RAS or to SCMS ..... that was my question.
I have an older Craftsman RAS (9") and a Hitachi 8" SCMS. I bought the RAS for $75.00 and it works pretty well but as others have said, they are sometimes more trouble than they are worth to keep aligned. I have decided (no brainer actually) to return it to Emerson for the $100.00 payment and start using the SCMS instead. They both take up about the same space on the workbench too. Only difference, and its a larger concern, is the space between the fence and shop wall the SCMS needs as opposed to the RAS. But, what the heck, buy it for $75 and return it freight prepaid and get $100 back makes it an easy sacrifice.
Brad