Frank wrote:

....
...Ripping with the RAS is one of the most intim(id)ating
power tool operations I ever experienced. ...
... but ripping even one sheet of
wood on the RAS scares the bee gees out of me.

I've heard and read this a lot...why?

For years while saving for the PM 66 I used the RAS for everything and,
in fact, before the jointer had it set up to use the shaping head for
that as well. I've ripped a ton of material w/ nary a problem. All
it takes (like a TS) is a long table to support the work, adjusting the
hold down properly and using a push stick for narrow stock. I've never
felt it was any more "scary" than the TS.

Now that I have the TS, jointer, spindle shaper, et al., the RAS is
relegated mostly to cutoff work, but I would still miss it if it were
gone entirely.