RAS and SS accessories

[iclark]

I just got a very nice used Delta 33-890 radial arm saw - a turret type that can take both 10" and 12" blades on a 5/8" shaft.

the accessory end of the shaft looks to be 5/8" smooth with a flat for the accessory set screw.

has anyone here tried using SS accessories (such as the router chuck, Jacobs chuck, or sanding disk) on the accessory end of a radial arm saw?

suddenly, the (probably very bad:eek: ) idea of putting the shaft vertical with the SS sanding disk and using it to tweak the table alignment or slightly off vertical and sand the table with the conical sanding disk.

Ivan

[perryobear]

Hi Ivan,

Sorry, I don't know anything about your Delta RAS, so I just present the following info as a bit of historical trivia or perhaps another direction to explore further.

An indirect answer to your RAS accessories question is yes, Yuba, and Magna tried it (and sold it). These are two of the earlier companies that produced the Shopsmith Mk 5. They also produced a variable speed radial arm saw called the Sawsmith (not to be confused with the later Sawsmith 2000 table saw). In fact, John Folkerth was searching for parts for his Sawsmith RAS when he discovered the parts inventory and tooling that he eventually used to recreate the present day Shopsmith Company.

Anyone who owns one of these old Sawsmith RAS tools can, if they choose, set up the RAS to run several accessories including a disk sander, drum sander, drill chuck (horizontal boring), molder, shaper, etc. In fact, if one is lucky enough to also own the optional "Add-a-Tool" power mount for the Sawsmith RAS then you can add the Shopsmith SPT's like the bandsaw, jointer, and belt sander to the Sawsmith RAS accessory list. So, accessories and an RAS can be teamed up if they have been properly engineered to work together.

There is more info about some of these unusual RAS set ups in the book entitled Fun with a Saw, by R.J. DeCristoforo (same author as the more familiar Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone). If you ever run across a copy you might find it interesting to page through.

Dennis

[Ed in Tampa]

I just got a very nice used Delta 33-890 radial arm saw - a turret type that can take both 10" and 12" blades on a 5/8" shaft.

the accessory end of the shaft looks to be 5/8" smooth with a flat for the accessory set screw.

has anyone here tried using SS accessories (such as the router chuck, Jacobs chuck, or sanding disk) on the accessory end of a radial arm saw?

suddenly, the (probably very bad:eek: ) idea of putting the shaft vertical with the SS sanding disk and using it to tweak the table alignment or slightly off vertical and sand the table with the conical sanding disk.

Ivan

Ivan
I have chucked many things on the end of the RAS motor. Usually with good results. Remember anything you pinch between the table or fence and cutting tool becomes a projectile. So while it might sound like a good idea to use disk sander and your RAS table as a thickness sander the wood in between the sander and table can come flying out with remarkable force. Can it be done? Yes Can you shoot things around your shop? Yes! How do I know? I ain't telling. :eek:

Seriously anything that will fit can be chucked on the Aux shaft of a RAS but you have to think through what you want to do and all the forces involved.

[iclark]

Dennis, thanks for the info. I had forgotten about the Sawsmith RAS and its attachments. I will keep an eye open for a copy of that book.

How do I know? I ain't telling. :eek:
Ed, thanks for my laugh of the day. probably because I know that feeling. your points are well taken. thanks.