Delta Super 990 Radial Arm Saw

[George Bregar]

I have a chance to buy this Delta Super 990 10" Radial Arm Saw for $125. Seller says it's all in good working order. Looking for advice from folks here with more knowledge, what specifics should I be concerned with and checking before buying?

FYI will be used mostly for crosscutting longer boards and a dado station.

. 246653

[Ed Labadie]

Check for play in the carriage as it travels on the arm, if there is any, it can be adjusted out. Pay attention if there is more play close to the fence, this means the saw was "short stroked" alot, its a bad thing and requires re-machining of the arm, probably be a deal breaker right there. Its not something I've ever found, my Super 900 was used daily in a commericial shop, the arm is still perfect.

Plan on new bearings in the motor, over time the grease dries up. After replacing the bearings in mine, you can't hear the motor run if theres no blade on it.

Last, don't plan on picking it up yourself, lots of cast iron on those saws, its heavier than it looks.

Ed <-----would already have it home if it was closer.

[George Bregar]

Thanks Ed. The seller told me that there was no slop at all in the carriage, which is encouraging, but will be sure to check. And after putting a DJ-20 into a trailer and out to my shop I've learned my lesson on moving machinery. :eek:

[Gary Herrmann]

Check/post on OWWM. There are probably several folks who have torn it down and completely rebuilt one just like it.

[George Bregar]

Check/post on OWWM. There are probably several folks who have torn it down and completely rebuilt one just like it. Thanks, there is.

[Bruce Wrenn]

It's four hours after your original post, and you haven't posted "gloat pictures?" What's wrong. When I bought mine a couple years ago, I hauled mine home in the back seat of my Honda Civic.

[George Bregar]

It's four hours after your original post, and you haven't posted "gloat pictures?" What's wrong. When I bought mine a couple years ago, I hauled mine home in the back seat of my Honda Civic. :D Mine's in the back of my Subaru Forester waiting to be taken to my shop, which is at my lake home in northern Wisconsin, today. Shooting pictures through the car windows seemed pointless, but I will take some when I get it out into my shop. For now the photo I posted from the craigslist ad will have to suffice.

Saw is really good condition. Nothing missing. Even has the Rockwell badge on it still. Only defect I can see is that it needs a new cord. Motor is very quiet, and no play in the carriage. Some minor surface rust. I'm debating tearing it down and refurbishing it cosmetically... sandblast, prime, and paint. Damn that OWWM website!

[HANK METZ]

If the motor works, you stole it for that money. Aside from the usual, check the brake, a manual one I believe, to make sure it works. Some claim to have better performance wired for 220 operation, but in my estimation it isn't necessary if run on a contemporary 120 circuit properly wired. All Delta turret models are excellent machines, and although I restore DeWalts, you may find the following links helpful in your project:

Blade Alignment (http://people.delphiforums.com/perristalsis/DeWalt_Blade_Align/DeWalt_Blade_Alignment.htm)
Bearing Rehab (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uLESB5r7S0)

And finally, a rebuild story in case you need inspiration just when things look their darkest:
Sweethearts (http://people.delphiforums.com/perristalsis/Sweethearts/Meet_My_Sweethearts.htm)

- Beachside Hank
Improvise, adapt, overcome; the essence of true craftsmanship.

[George Bregar]

If the motor works, you stole it for that money. Aside from the usual, check the brake, a manual one I believe, to make sure it works. Some claim to have better performance wired for 220 operation, but in my estimation it isn't necessary if run on a contemporary 120 circuit properly wired. All Delta turret models are excellent machines, and although I restore DeWalts, you may find the following links helpful in your project:

Blade Alignment (http://people.delphiforums.com/perristalsis/DeWalt_Blade_Align/DeWalt_Blade_Alignment.htm)
Bearing Rehab (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uLESB5r7S0)

And finally, a rebuild story in case you need inspiration just when things look their darkest:
Sweethearts (http://people.delphiforums.com/perristalsis/Sweethearts/Meet_My_Sweethearts.htm)

- Beachside Hank
Improvise, adapt, overcome; the essence of true craftsmanship. Thanks Hank. All will be useful. The brake works too.

[Myk Rian]

Even though there are differences in the saws, such as the turret arm, The "Mr Sawdust book by Wally Kunkle" is an excellent book on the DeWalt saws.
I have a DeWalt MBF and just bought a Delta 900. For $125, you got a good deal.

If the carriage rollers are stiff, you may have trouble replacing them. In that case, removing a shield and re-greasing them might be in order.
A pointed dowel in a drill press is a good way to get them freed up. Hold the bearing and press the inner race up against the slow turning dowel to get them spinning.
Just like the video Hank referred to.

[George Bregar]

Well, I promised pictures of the Super 990 but haven't had a chance to take them, but here are some from my latest craigslist find. A DeWalt GP in great condition. $100. Has a new blade on it. 2HP, single phase. :) It's broken down now (had to to fit it in my car) but these were from the ad.

247350247351247352

[Thomas Hotchkin]

George
You are going to love that GP. Two RAS In your shop, way to go Tom

[George Bregar]

George
You are going to love that GP. Two RAS In your shop, way to go Tom The GP is a beast. The PO was a farmer. He had it broken down and loaded it right into my car with a forklift. :)

[Stephen Cherry]

My prediction for 2013: Radio arm saws will come back into style.

[Bill ThompsonNM]

My prediction for 2013: Radio arm saws will come back into style.

Sort of interesting. 2 RAS threads at once and all very positive. A year ago I remember similar threads filled with predictions of hands and arms cut off-- certain disaster if you used one and implying those who did were some sort of eccentric nuts!
Of course my shop has a Dewalt and now an almost restored 14 inch 1953 Delta RAS so I guess I ignored the implications. (Or maybe we all revel in them!). Long live the old iron RAS's!

[John McClanahan]

Sort of interesting. 2 RAS threads at once and all very positive. A year ago I remember similar threads filled with predictions of hands and arms cut off-- certain disaster if you used one and implying those who did were some sort of eccentric nuts!

I remember those threads, too. That was about the time I sold my Craftsman saw that I had owned for 30 years. I had seller's remorse, so I found a 10" Delta turret at an auction for $55. Even though I don't use it much, it gives peace of mind knowing its there.

BTW, I use one of those 1440 DeWalts at work sometimes. I prefer my Delta turret over the DeWalt.

John