2 RAS's and 1 CMS...Which 2 to Keep?

[Bill Webster]

I have 2 high-end RAS's (10" and 12") and a nice CMS. I only want to keep 2 of the 3 for the space I have. Which 2 would you keep and why? I don't need portability, only as stationary tools in my shop. Use would be for general woodshop use and furniture making.

[Matt Day]

High end means different things. Could you be more specific?

[jack duren]

X2.........

[Bill Webster]

High end means different things. Could you be more specific?

Dewalt 1030 round arm and Omga 12".

[Earl McLain]

Dewalt 1030 round arm and Omga 12".

Nice pair of Radial Arm Saws. Only reason i'd keep a CMS is if i had to rebuild a few decks this summer--which i do, but after that i'm thinking about selling the CMS.
earl

[Jon Grider]

Let me know if you decide to get rid of the 1030. The one I have would love to meet it's twin . One set up for 90*, the other for the miter cuts.

[Rick Potter]

I would keep the OMGA, as it probably has more power than the DeWalt. You don't say if either has a long arm, that also would be a consideration. I would also keep the CMS for quick cuts, and angles, assuming it is not a slider.

My 2 cents.

[Earl McLain]

I'd vote on getting rid of the Omga, to a Creeker, at a gloat-worthy price. You're in driving distance and gas is only $1.40/gallon here today!!
earl

[Stephen Rosenthal]

I’ve got 3 Dewalt RAS’s (4 if you count a 3 phase that is being stored in the barn because I haven’t gotten around to getting a VFD) dedicated for crosscutting/mitering, dadoing and ripping, and a 10” Makita SCMS on a Bosch gravity feed stand for when I need portability. Both of your RASs are definitely high-end. I’d try to figure out a way to keep all 3 saws, but if you absolutely must get rid of one I’d choose the CMS.

[Andy D Jones]

Stephen: A RAS dedicated to RIPPING???

Now, THERE's a die-hard RAS fan!

-- Andy - Arlington TX

[Stephen Rosenthal]

Andy,

Yep I am. I inherited one and bought the other three at bargain prices. I don’t have a table saw, so set up each RAS along one wall with a long common table and fence. It’s similar to Frank Howarth‘s setup (YouTube). It took a while to tune each one and dial it in exactly, so I don’t like fiddling with them too much. Each saw has the correct blade for it’s purpose. I’ve never felt comfortable using a table saw and can’t justify the amount of space it would occupy in my shop. Not sure I’ll ever end up using the 3 phase, but couldn’t pass it up for $50.

[Christopher Herzog]

My dad had a ras for ripping and molding. More than once I picked up a board in the yard after he shot it through the shop window. The molding head he used was crazy dangerous. How he still has all ten fingers is a miracle. To be fair one is missing the top 2/3 of the nail...

Ah, the good times!

[Stephen Rosenthal]

Christopher,

I’ve never used a RAS for molding. I do have a Dewalt shaper head and guard (came with one of the saws), but haven’t installed or used that either. It is imperative that the correct blade be used with RASs regardless of the task. For ripping the anti-kickback pawl is essential. I know people who have been injured - some seriously - by table saws, none by a RAS. Not saying it can’t happen, but with proper tuning, the correct blade and a familiarity with the tool it is very safe. Now on the other hand, table saws, jointers and shapers...

[Ben Helmich]

Those are some nice saws. Is there anything the CMS can do that the radials cannot? I’d be tempted to keep the RAS’s in service and store the CMS if you need something portable. If you have the room. I know my big RAS takes up a ton of space. Out of curiosity, what is the crosscut capacity of the Omga? If you decide to sell that 1030 let me know. I’ll send my cousin to go get it.

[Jake Hillestad]

Assuming portability isn't a factor I can't see any reason I'd keep a CMS over either of those radial arms. Omga should stay regardless.

[Bill Webster]

The Dewalt 1030 has a total carriage travel of 17.75" and the Omga travel is 20". Either is fine for my needs. In theory, it doesn't make sense to keep a CMS over a second good RAS if portability is not required. But the CMS is so quick and easy to change angles, the blade stays centered on the base and it is accurate enough for most cuts. Ideally I would like to keep all 3 saws, but it would take a lot of room and aligning 3 machines in a row is harder than 2. Today I am leaning toward keeping the Omga and CMS, but my mind changes every day.

[Rick Potter]

I would recommend you put the loser in a corner somewhere, and see how well you do without it for a while.

Works for me.



PS: Here is how I did mine.


430652

[Bill Webster]

That is good advice. Wish I had more of those empty corners though.