Dewalt GE Long Arm 16" RAS

[Steven Wayne]

My shop has high leg delta 3 phase power service. I lucked out and found a very good condition 3 phase panel on cl for $35 and got it wired in to the main disconnect. Then, I set out looking for too goo to pass up deals on 3 phase machines and found this:


(photos from cl ad)
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8atn5wlKDhE/UfVC50yGllI/AAAAAAAAHho/QOdSc9KVth0/s800/IMG_6647.JPG


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6gt66TZqfI4/UfVC6MKTQxI/AAAAAAAAHhw/ym5gIqvCyYw/s800/IMG_6648.JPG


Got it home and took the extension off the left side.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--46IZo0Sk3s/UfVC6-DCFUI/AAAAAAAAHh4/A5cZeLreppU/s800/IMG_6649.jpg


I bought it from a company that bought out a mill. It is in good condition overall. I sent the blade out for sharpening. I rigged it off the pallet and onto the floor.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gwnB63S11SI/UfVCWaIM9RI/AAAAAAAAHhY/fBqOQmX2zks/s800/IMG_7984.jpg


https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zaqLDvRsTDk/UfVHUfNMcvI/AAAAAAAAHiI/UEPvMeCpb48/s800/IMG_7985.jpg


This photo shows the current condition and some other OWWM.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yerXUmj6Ze8/UfVCxNt6hHI/AAAAAAAAHhg/Frp6p6Q5Psg/s800/IMG_8019.jpg


My copy of the Mr. Sawdust book arrived this week. It was a great read. I'm now at the place where I decide what to do with this big old saw. I put together low voltage controlled magnetic starter and got the original pushbuttons on the end of the arm working. It spins on for over 3 minutes after being switched off. Hoping theres a good brake setup out there.


I have found references to using unistrut to mount the table. This interests me. I have some strut on hand.


Can anyone chime in on the table setup with strut? I'm thinking people are using the strut to mount their Mr. Sawdust style table..

[John TenEyck]

Nice find. I suspect that the motor bearings need to be replaced if it spins that long after power off.

John

[Aaron Berk]

I have a GA long arm.

And Mine spins down for quite awhile, though I've never timed it.
I do use just a 12" blade on mine though, it'll hold a 14 I think.
Mine runs on 220 single phase, if that makes a difference.

Welcome to the RAS club :cool:

My ras gloat, http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?155937-New-Tool-Gloat-a-Craigs-list-special

[David Winer]

What a great find. This seems to me a machine worth whatever it takes to restore it for use in your shop. You will eventually find the value in such a long cross-cut.

As for bearing replacement, the experts often say to put in new bearings in the motor and even the arm mechanism for smooth travel. I question that advice unless it's really needed. (If it ain't broke, don't fix it... school.) A 16" blade has huge inertia compared to a 10" blade and has to spin a very long time--perfectly normal operation--and may be considered a sign of good bearings as long as there are no untoward noises.

[Steven Wayne]

I am of the same opinion. It runs smooth and quiet. I was thinking of an electric brake that puts dc on the field to slow the rotor.

[HANK METZ]

The GE series, manufactured from 1937 to 1966. This machine can easily outlive everyone on this forum who is reading this post today.

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