crosscreekcraig wrote:I don't know much about older tools like that B&D RAS, but I noticed the arm says "Black & Decker" and the saw guard says "DeWalt". I don't mean to hijack the thread, but could someone enlighten me? Thanks!
Raymond DeWalt sold his company to AMF around 1948. AMF maintained the traditional DeWalt quality standards until about 1960, when they sold the brand and product line to Black & Decker.
B&D quickly turned control over to the bean counters, and the engineers were directed to produce ever-cheaper models for the mass market. Rigidity, precision, and repeatability were sacrificed in the process, eventually leading to the current widespread reputation of radial arm saws as being inaccurate and dangerous.
The RAS in the photo, with a front-mounted elevation crank, was produced after the cheapening process had run almost full course. However, motor technology did improve during this time, and it's not unusual for RAS fans to buy these for fifty bucks or so, just for the motor, and use it to upgrade a good 50's or very-early 60's vintage Dewalt with a more powerful motor. These hybrids are called "Frankensaws".
Black & Decker did, however, continue producing top-quality DeWalt brand saws for the industrial market until late in the last century. When they eventually decided to exit that business, the industrial line was sold to a company that failed in short order.
The Original Saw Company then acquired the rights, and has been operating ever since. For something over $5K, you can buy a fine new saw that is basically the same design as a 1950's industrial DeWalt.
