Look what followed me home

[Kcwoodbutcher]

I've been looking for a deal on one of these for a few years. The other day I was bored and stuck inside because of the weather so I decided to take a look a craigslist, something I hadn't done in quite a while. Right off the bat I spotted this gem. It was about 50 miles away so I had to wait a day to pick it up. Here it is-


 



 

It's a 1956 Dewalt model GE. Five HP 3 phase. It's been partially restored and in good working condition. He got a little happy with the paint and some screws and levers will have to be cleaned up, but other than that everything is fine. Best part was the price $200. Hope it was good for both of us.

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

WOW! I never knew DeWalt went back that far. I was born in '56.  8)

[Kcwoodbutcher]

I think Dewalt started making saws in 1924. I sold a old model MBF to the founders great grandson a couple of years ago.

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

Thats a good buy IMO. I'm impressed with your find. Thanks for sharing.

[Delawhere Jack]

The lights will dim in your shop when you start it up!  ;) The blade will spin for 4-5 minutes after you shut it off!

[sandhills]

WOW! I never knew DeWalt went back that far. I was born in '56.  8)

Do you still clean up that good?   :D

[Kcwoodbutcher]

I know about the blade spinning issue. I'm going to run it through a VFD so I can use an electric brake. Hope it helps.

[POSTON WIDEHEAD]

WOW! I never knew DeWalt went back that far. I was born in '56.  8)

Do you still clean up that good?   :D

With enough paint.  ;D

[Holmes]

Nice saw  How big is the blade 12" 14" ?

[scgargoyle]

Looks like my Dad's old saw that I remember from my childhood. His was smaller, though, running on 120V.

[Kcwoodbutcher]

As is it will take a 16" blade. You can get a blade guard kit which will allow it to take a 20" blade but you can't rip with it then. I never rip anything on a radial arm saw, too dangerous.

[Gadrock]

   One of the good carpenters around my neck of the woods...way back when had one of these guys. It was dead-eye accurate too. So growing up I wanted one of these badly. Like many people I bought a radial arm saw , when i could afford it, from another name brand, and made a horrible discovery. It was NOT ACCURATE and only consider 90 degree cross-cut once it is tuned up really tight.

   Today for most of us low-life carpenter wannabees the portable miter reigns suppreme in accuracy and useability.

    Happy for you to get a real gem though.

David G

carry on

[hackberry jake]

I have an old 1950s dewalt mbf radial arm saw that only takes a 9" blade. I wouldn't trade it for a brand new sliding miter saw. And 16" blades are pretty expensive. I couldn't imagine what a 20" would cost. Speaking of 16" blades. I just got one in the mail yesterday.   :laugh:



 

[Just Me]

 I switched from a 16" Delta turret saw to a 14" Omga and I may have a new 16" neg. hook angle blade around. I will look when I get a chance.

Everyone I know that lost parts on a radial arm saw was ripping.........

[Kcwoodbutcher]

Let me know if you find it, I'd be interested.

[hackberry jake]

It looks like the saw came with a cheapie dewalt 12" blade. That seems to be pretty common on 16" saws.


 

[Kcwoodbutcher]

It's just one he had laying around. I could easily spend more on a blade than I did on the saw.

[den]

About 3 weeks ago I got a 16", 7 1/2 hp. DeWalt radial arm saw.
http://www.originalsaw.com/woodcutting.html is making them now.
AMF bought the saws " they were probably built like their Harley D.
Then Original Saw bought it.   

[whitepine2]

 I have a Walker Turner much like that,also have a WT cabinet
saw and WT jig saw all heavy duty old but nice. Would not sell
for a newer one no sir.

[easymoney]

i have a saw like that was sold by sears. i see a lot of them at auctions and sales. there was apparently a lot of them sold. i own one that has a 220 volt motor. for some type cuts i prefer them to a chop saw type.