So I have my Dad's 1967 Craftsman RAS. It was his first woodworking tool and still runs like a champ. He bought a new one and gave me this one. Here is my question. I have seen that this saw is covered under the RAS recall for safety reasons. I called for info and all they offer is $50 for the return of the motor. I personally think it would be crazy for me to retire this saw (and its history) for a mere $50. What are everyone's thoughts on the validity of the safety concerns? Is it really an unsafe saw or if used properly is it as safe as any other woodworking tool?
Tim,
It's still as safe as it was in 1967. That being said, it wouldn't stop me from using it, the RAS is a tough tool for alot of people to get used to and using the right blade (negative hook ?) helps alot. Sears either offers the $50 or a safety update kit, depending on models. Basically they are trying to cover there butt if anybody got hurt using it since there are so many RAS's around.
I use mine almost strictly just for dadoes and 90 degree cuts, and feel comfortable with it.
Good Luck,
__________________
Jimmy
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did" Mark Twain
a couple years ago it was $ 100 for the head at your local sears, i seriously considered buying a few up on craigslist for $ 50 a pop and making some quick cash!
but they were also offering at that time a free safety upgrade kit providing you signed off on not suing them in the future if you got hurt on the saw. i ordered the kit for my wife's grandfather's saw it was fairly simple and straight forward. but that has been a few years ago.
Phil,
I did the recall thing about 5 years ago. At that time all I did was fill out a form....They shipped a new guard and table top no questions asked and no liability form to sign. Not sure what year mine was but somewhere around late 70's.
a couple years ago it was $ 100 for the head at your local sears, i seriously considered buying a few up on craigslist for $ 50 a pop and making some quick cash!
but they were also offering at that time a free safety upgrade kit providing you signed off on not suing them in the future if you got hurt on the saw. i ordered the kit for my wife's grandfather's saw it was fairly simple and straight forward. but that has been a few years ago.
I checked the site which is where I ordered the kit for my saw and the cash offered in lieu of upgrade is still $100. If you enter the numbers on your saw and the kit is offered by all means get it since it includes a new fence and table besides the guard. The kit includes safety features for ripping usage which are removable if you never use the RAS for ripping which has always been a dicey proposition anyway. I removed the ripping gear to increase clearence for crosscutting and left the rest and like the setup.
__________________ " I get knocked down but I get up again" - Chumbawamba
I have recently acquired two ras's and called their # and the lady at Emerson was real nice. She took the model & serial #'s and sent both kits by Fed-Ex to my home with nothing to sign. I just have to install the kits as I just received them this week. Steve
i don't have time to review the fine print again, but i'm pretty sure on the site it said acceptance of the kit relinquishes your right to sue or something to that effect.
even still glad to see they are still sending out the kits!
05-13-2009, 07:33 AM
.gif "Drogar Laugh(DBG)")
That being said, it wouldn't stop me from using it, the RAS is a tough tool for alot of people to get used to and using the right blade (negative hook ?) helps alot. Sears either offers the $50 or a safety update kit, depending on models. Basically they are trying to cover there butt if anybody got hurt using it since there are so many RAS's around.
.gif "Drogar BigGrin(DBG)")
" I get knocked down but I get up again" - Chumbawamba 
Linear Mode
