Shopsmith Forums

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/tls/4354725644.html

Thought I'd share. Looks like a great deal, even if the power switch is a little funky. By the description, it even has the rather rare "Add-A-Tool" bracket that let's you power Shopsmith SPTs (like the bandsaw and jointer) with the Sawsmith.

Lucky Texans!!!!!!!!!!!!;)

I already have two RAS and I'd still buy that if it was anywhere near me…someone should jump on it.

I will bite - why jump on it ? Having a shopsmith or two why a RAS ? I always felt they were far more dangerous especially kick-back potential.

2centsworth wrote:I will bite - why jump on it ? Having a shopsmith or two why a RAS ? I always felt they were far more dangerous especially kick-back potential.

If it needs to be explained, would you understand?:D

If you fear ras, ignore this!

Kick back is not the worst of it's hazards.

P.S. Where did you hear that?




Now ripping on one . . . .

My brother-in-law bought a very expensive RAS and put a board thru the side of his garage and sold it cheap just to get rid of it. Another friend of mine cut off his thumb using a RAS and was involved in a recall from the manufacture and settled out of court. The company had to send out new safety handles and instructions. Shortly thereafter they quit selling RAS. Now I know you can do all of that with a table saw and I know people who are afraid of the Shopsmith because of its size. I just have never seen the need or advantage of a RAS ?

The thumb was what I was alluding to before.

Ripping is dangerous for sure.

I do not understand kick back unless ripping.

For large work pieces, nothing else in our stable handles them.

My Comet RAS will crosscut up to 24"…I don't really like crosscutting boards of any length on my SS or any other table saw…now if one wants to debate using a sliding compound miter saw instead of a RAS, I can understand the point of view…still can't do anything near a 24" crosscut on a SCMS. Certainly an argument can be made that a SCMS is safer, but they also cost $300-$600 and my Comet was free, not to mention it's solid cast iron and I'll guarantee it will outlast 3-4 SCMS built today.

As for the safety stuff, I've never understood why someone would rip on a RAS - yet they can do it, but why would you? I suppose if it's the only saw someone had and they really needed to rip something, but for the other 99% of RAS owners who also own some form of table saw, ripping on a RAS is nuts. The other safety concern commonly expressed with a RAS is that the blade/carriage will run out toward the operator…this is likely how one could lose their thumb. Problem here is folks are using the wrong type of blade - typical crosscut blades (i.e. for a table saw) have a positive angled hook on the teeth which catch and cause the run out on a RAS, while the proper blade for a RAS should have a negative angled hook, which will prevent the walk out problem. See here for an example:
http://justsawblades.com/popular/radial_arm_blades.html

Now why would I buy this saw if it was near me? I don't need it, just like I don't need to own six Shopsmiths but I'm a sucker for cool old stuff that's built to last. I'd buy it just to add it to the collection…not even sure if/how I'd use it or if I'd just clean it up, ooogle over it for a bit, and then find a friend in need and feel good knowing it's life will continue. But for others out there, if you have the shop space and are someone who does crosscutting with any regularity, I'd rather own this than shell out $500+ for a SCMS.

heathicus wrote:http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/tls/4354725644.html

Thought I'd share. Looks like a great deal, even if the power switch is a little funky. By the description, it even has the rather rare "Add-A-Tool" bracket that let's you power Shopsmith SPTs (like the bandsaw and jointer) with the Sawsmith.

I picked up a Saw Smith RAS June 2013, in Eastlake, Oh about 13 miles from my shop appears to have had little use. Had to replace the moveable table and installed a wheel kit to make moving easier.
I paid $40.00 for the unit ,spent more money at Woodcraft for the wheel kit than the RAS.

I got lucky a couple of years ago picked up another Mark V that was 1.5 miles from the shop for $200.00 (it was the guys grandfather's machine) checking the serial numbers it was 300 numbers off from mine. Same year same month. Installed a new Power Pro motor on this machine, what a difference.

Last October went to Sayre, Pa and pick up a Grizzly clone of the Maga scroll saw with power stand made in 1988 still had the plastic wrap on the support arm. Spent more for gas and lunch than I paid for the unit !

I like the RAS it's really a nice machine if you use it carefully, what is special is the ability to change speeds for other operations.

PS. I use my table saw for all rip cuts it easier and safer.

I love my Sawsmith RAS. I've come to prefer it for crosscuts and cutting dados. I've read through the "Fun With A Saw" book (this machine's version of "Power Tool Woodworking For Everyone" and it is simply amazing what can be accomplished with this machine. Of course, most of it only makes sense if it's the only power tool you have, but the capabilities are still impressive. As for safety, it's no more dangerous than a table saw. The danger is in the operator, not the machine itself.