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-
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13866/IMG_20150110_152430.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13866/IMG_20150110_152441~0.jpg)
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.
WOW! I never knew DeWalt went back that far. I was born in '56. 8)
I think Dewalt started making saws in 1924. I sold a old model MBF to the founders great grandson a couple of years ago.
Thats a good buy IMO. I'm impressed with your find. Thanks for sharing.
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!
Quote from: POSTONLT40HD on January 13, 2015, 03:02:00 PM
WOW! I never knew DeWalt went back that far. I was born in '56. 8)
Do you still clean up that good? :D :)
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.
Quote from: sandhills on January 13, 2015, 03:59:50 PM
Quote from: POSTONLT40HD on January 13, 2015, 03:02:00 PM
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
Nice saw How big is the blade 12" 14" ?
Looks like my Dad's old saw that I remember from my childhood. His was smaller, though, running on 120V.
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.
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
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:
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/25938/20150114_000214.jpg)
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.........
Let me know if you find it, I'd be interested.
It looks like the saw came with a cheapie dewalt 12" blade. That seems to be pretty common on 16" saws.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/25938/20141223_192959.jpg)
It's just one he had laying around. I could easily spend more on a blade than I did on the saw.
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.
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.
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.