"Puckdropper" puckdropper(at)yahoo(dot)com wrote in message
b.com
I'm looking at buying a used DeWalt RAS. It's definately quite old, but
those DeWalts have a reputation for top quality. What should I be looking
for in evaluating the saw?

Some thoughts...

1. Does the motor turn on? Any wiggle in the arbor? Runout?

2. Is the column firm (no wiggle)?

3. If you rotate the column to an angle cut, does it lock there firmly?
Does it return accurately to zero (lay down a square against the fencewith a
marked tooth touching it...when you return column to zero, tooth and square
should be as thet were, Try rotating in the other direction too.)

4. Does the saw cradle rotate easily for a bevel cut? Lock firmly? Return
to zero accurately? Ditto all rotating for a rip.

5. Does the saw carriage move to and fro easlly? Can you wiggle saw side to
side (not good).

6. Fence clamps functional?

7. Table in decent shape? Cord too? Blade cover? Pawls and splitter
intact?

Basically, you want to be able to use the various means of setting the saw
differently relative to your work, have it stay as set and be able to return
things to where they were.

If you buy it and spring for a new blade,get one intended for RAS; i.e.,
with low hook...too much hook and the blade will want to climb up on what
you are cutting as you pull the saw. Even with a RAS blade, keep a somewhat
stiff arm as you pull.


--

dadiOH
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