It's not a Kapex, but it should prove useful until I get the Kapex.

amt

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I've had my eye on a Kapex for a while, but the funds for one have not magically appeared yet.  So, I decided to see what else I could get until that day comes.  I really did not want to get a less expensive and lesser quality miter saw, and I also had no need to be mobile.  Enter the radial arm saw.  People almost give these things away.  I found a very old Delta Multiplex 20A for $30.  I added a Freud 56 tooth blade and a new table with a Incra T-track.  The Festool quick clamps work quite well with this.  I now have the fence dialed in at a perfect 90 degrees.  I will be using this saw to complete my build of a new kitchen table.

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One of the things I like about this saw is that it's really not that big.  There's also something satisfying about taking an old quality tool and putting it back in use.  So far the cuts with the Freud blade are incredibly clean.  I also have dust collection hooked up, but I'll need to add a better dust-collecting guard to get it more effective.  I have invested just under $100 (not including the Festool clamps), and I think this saw should serve me well.

 

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Radial arm saws have their purpose and the older ones with more mass help to control the blade.  Just remember to keep your hands out of the way of the blade.

Peter
 
That is really cool. I agree with you about taking old/vintage tools and working with them, is a satisfying feeling. I see radial arm saws on craigslist all the time, but I never have used one. What's the cross cut length on that machine?
 
I hope to have the table together in a couple weeks.  I do wish this saw had a motor brake.  The blade can free spin for what seems like minutes.  I have been pretty diligent at clamping the work for any type of cutting, so I can keep my hands far away from the path of the cut; however, I would like like to fabricate a guard for it.

I think the cross cut length is about 12 inches.
 
I spent quite a few years during my working life using different radial arm saws.  Not sure to what extent you intend to use the saw so hope you take the comments below as constructive.

The ideal placement for the saw is, in my opinion, with the back of the saw placed close to a wall and purpose made side extensions.  The tops can be replaced as required.  I believe this saw can be rotated to use as a rip saw if required.  Looking at your photo I would advise you to extend the table you have made to make it wider and therefore safer.  It would also help to support any sheet material you may cut/rip.

Another advantage of a wider table top, which could ideally be a sacrificial top, is that rather than swinging the head of the saw to cut angled cuts you could just set tack a batten to the table to use as a temporary stop or back fence.  It may be a bit quicker to set up in this manner with an angle finder as  suspect the angle gauge on the saw is basic.

Sawdust collection was always a problem with these saws and I found it beneficial to construct a couple of sides at the back of the saw, out of the way of the fence, and to fill in the sides of the saw stand with ply or similar material.  Most of the sawdust is then contained within that catchment area.

I did a search on Google to find a picture of a similar saw with fence for you to have a look at...

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Good luck with the saw and take care,

Jeff

Added... Good luck with the table .. Look forward to seeing it and these saws are great for cutting half lap and tenon cuts [wink]
 

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