If you own an older Sears Craftsman 8", 8-1/4", 9" or 10" radial arm saw be aware that there is a safety recall on these saws. The units in question were built between 1958 and 1995. All you need to do is write down your model and serial number and go to www.rasrecall.com and enter the information they ask for to find out if your saw qualifies. If it does you will be provided free of charge with a new blade guard and other parts to upgrade your saw and make it more safe to use. My parts came the other day and they even included a new table top and brackets. Do it today, your fingers will thank you!

Thanks! Ordered mine tonight. I have one my wife bought for me several years ago at a garage sale. They aren't fancy but they work pretty darn good if they are set up right.

Thank you very much for the information. I've just ordered mine as well. I'm glad I have been reading this blog recently, otherwise, I would not have know about this. I still use my 10" Craftsman Radial Arm Saw and find it very useful. Of course, it has to be set up properly and kept this way, but it is a very versatile tool

Well, it took about 3+ months but got mine in few weeks ago. Wow, new table top, blade cover, handle and a few other odds and ends. I still need to run through the process of changing out the table top which I have not done yet because for some reason it is a pain to run through the process of leveling the table with the saw blade. Its also hot weather again so that tends to slow things down a bit also.

Well, don't know if you still check on the forum or not but, thanks again for the heads up. It was definitely worth the effort.

Rip

Absolutely I check, or at least as often as I can ... great to hear your new acquisitions always fun getting new woodwork-toy and accessories, at least it never gets old for me.
Let us know how you like it, always good information on how things work. Helps us decide on our own choices for tolls.

Thanks Rip

Colin

Hi Ripper, I have to admit I haven't been checking in lately, I'll get back to it. Glad to hear you finally got your stuff. I love my radial arm saw. Mine is down for total refurbishing, new cords new safety kit, even new paint. One thing about your set up of the saw, a better method rather than using the blade is to remove the blade and guards, raise the motor up and tilt the motor vertically and use the end of the spindle for your locating index. If you have the book for it this is the method they recommend along with the handle of the blade wrench as a moveable spacer. There is also a method using a dial indicator but we won't get into that right now!