Dewalt MBF Radial Arm Saw Considerations

[Sam Layton]

Hi Bob, welcome to the Creek. I am like you, I have a SCMS with about a 12" cut. It is a good saw. However, it is not as accurate as I would like. A while back I purchased a 1957 Dewalt 10" GWI RAS. I want to install new bearings, etc. Then, not long after, a 14" Original Saw Co (same as Dewalt, in fact the motor says Dewalt) RAS came along that I could not resist. I am going to use both. The 14" will be for 90's only, and the 10" will be for everything else. The SCMS mobile

Sam

[Bob Aquino]

350 is a bit high in my book unless its already been rebuilt. Even a saw that has seen very little use will need bearings if they are original. I had the chance to pick up a 40a but passed on it for a delta 30c. Before that I had an MBF and that one was a 25 dollar special. The MBF is a sweet little saw but it is a bit underpowered. My current 30c is a 2hp saw and it does just fine. The redstars are 1.5hp in single phase and 2hp in 3 phase for the 40a models. Delta bought out redstar in the 50's just like AMF bought out Dewalt, and neither made any significant changes for a few years. Either manufacturer would be a good bet to go with.

[Mike Schuch]

3/4hp is enough power to do anything you want to do. I grew up learning woodworking with my father on his 3/4hp Delta 10" turret arm RAS. I would be much more concerned about the 9" blade capacity limit. I would hole out for a 10" model.

The center of my shop is a Redstar 50a 16" 7.5hp RAS. I am unable to complete any cuts on this saw without developing a huge grin on my face!... even after owning it for many years.

[Myk Rian]

I'll put my MDF up against any SCMS. Most accurate saw I've ever owned.