DeWalt Radial Arm Saw MBF - From the Source - Episode I

Intro to a series on using the vintage DeWalt MBF Radial arm saw based on the book Easy Ways to Expert Woodworking by Robert Scharff. In this series, I'll share some interesting tips, tricks, and safety fails that I've discovered in this primary resource on the DeWalt MBF 9" radial arm saw. In this intro episode, I'll give you an overview of the book and show you a simple cut you can do with the saw that is not something I've seen on YouTube. Several of my recent videos also feature me using this saw so be sure to check out my channel. Thanks for watching! Please share, like and all that good stuff...it really helps!

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[littleshopofsawdust]

I really LOVE that you're doing this series. I started with a Craftsman and like others, I was frustrated that I couldn't get it dialed in to cut perfect 90s. My woodworking mentor has a 16" DeWalt and I oogle and drool over it every time I go to see him. One day he surprised me with a 1956 MBF and gave it to me! It was love at ffirst sight! I started gathering information, made my Mr Sawdust table and got everything square, etc. What amazed me most was how easy these saws are to get absolutely perfect! The set-screws on the arm make it so easy to dial in and get perfect 90s. With the detents, your 45s are perfect too! These things are just so incredibly well engineered! I think they're beginning to enjoy a renaissance as the word is getting out about them. I encourage everyone I know to look for them. This is my favorite tool that I own. I love everything about it. And when I use it, I think back on all of the woodworkers who have used it and loved it in the past as much as I do. I hope you all will and do too!

[mrrcrogersjr]

Thanks for your video. I'm a radial arm saw addict (I can quit any time!)
I have a nice Delta Unisaw, but my DeWalt is my go-to saw for many cuts. I can't stress enough the need for a very good table (like a Mr. Sawdust table).
Also, sadly, not all radial arm saws are created equal. After rebuilding my DeWalt, I tried out an old Craftsman saw that an old friend had. It had so much play that I refused to use it. I even refused to take it!!
As always, be safe on the Radial Arm Saw.

[Patricksworkshop]

i love my 1976 Craftsman RAS its a beast in my shop and my custom dust collection makes it a pleasure to use thanks for the video

[YouCanMakeThisToo]

Very cool, I look forward to seeing more in this series. I've never used a radial arm saw.

-Caleb Harris

[Rebel]

I just picked up a mid 50's MBF for $35 about a month ago on marketplace. I replaced the power cord and the toggle switch with SJOOW cord and a new 125v 20amp toggle switch as the original's bakelite case had a crack in it and broke when I tried adding the new wiring. The old cord, the insulation was literally falling off of it. I didn't make a sawdust table, I used a 1.5" thick MDF desktop from an old Kimball desk and ripped it to the horizontal depth of the original table, then used the original table as a template for where to drill the holes for the mounting and adjusting bolts. The desktop was much wider than the original table, but to me, wider is better, lol. Got another piece of MDF from Lowe's to make the fence and the backside behind the fence that lays between the fence and the thumbscrews. Had to square up the blade and was thankful I printed out the manuals for it as on mine I had to loosen all 3 allen head bolts under the AMF cap to adjust the motor/blade assembly. Had to go to McMaster Carr to get a new arbor nut, but they have them just like the original...brass, left hand thread, 5/8th and 18TPI...I picked up a couple of them as the original was stripped (I assume the last guy tried to turn it the wrong way) Wire wheeled, sanded, primer & paint and she looks good as new! Mine came with the optional cabinet with drawer. I just ordered that book you showed from Amazon cheaper than I could get it on ebay. Looking forward to learning more ways to use it. I've all but retired my old table saw now, lol.

[WKYanks]

How dangerous a saw is is directly proportional to the intelligence of the operator. RAS's are an AWESOME shop tool. I just bought a DeWalt 12" (1981) and couldn't be happier.

[kirkkleinhenz]

Just pick one up today I am excited to get it clean up and running needs to be re wired thanks for your video

[shaweehillsworkshop]

Wow that book is awesome. My dad gave me a Craftsman Radial Arm saw years ago and I ended up giving it away as i thought it was an obsolete tool. Now i find myself wanting one again. If i do it will definitely be an old DeWalt. They just look awesome. BTW, your sound quality was on point.

[John-dp]

The book is applicable to all MB series saws, since they are virtually identical except for HP and blade size. At the time of the publishing, the MBF was the flagship consumer version. There is also the MBC which is the same saw but with a 1/2HP motor, whereas the MBF has a 3/4HP. It is also applicable to the 1030, a 10" version of the MB saws.

[KUGW]

I love the pic of the Radial arm Vasectomy lol

[dvs]

How do I replace the power cord on DEWALT PRO
MODEL MBF
REL. NO.218
SN: 201922
AMF ?
I am trying to help a friend who inherited this unit and has a power cord that is completely cracked and UNsafe. A part number and where to get it as well as how to install the new one please. I could build a new cord but I don’t know how to replace it. I can not invent this wheel. Thank you
Enjoy and stay safe
David

[flashgordon]

Something is going wrong at 6:04. Your surface is not flat or the OSB is warped. You can see it is moving during the cut and the burn marks at 6:13 indicate the blade was binding.

[jimlepeu]

I would cut a chamfer or rebate on the bottom of the stop block to avoid a buildup of sawdust. I am a long term RAS user. 🧐🇬🇧

[MichaelLawing]

Wow! I'm really looking forward to more in this series.

[ShogunJimi]

I don't have a RAS - but now I want one - LOL cool book.  Just wonder how the future will look at us.

[aaroncastellanos]

I just got a RAS and the book, so i'm exicted to have found someone who went through the book. I'm just starting the series, but has the workbenches at the end of the book been built by anyone on youtube yet?

[doctrnic]

4:27 is that the Mathias box joint sled hanging on the wall?

[FranksDIY]

I have a friend that has the same one. I've been trying to get it from him but even though he does not use it much he will not part with it. I'd love to get one I think that rustic look is great.

[longboredterrie]

I have that saw I wish I had a copy of that manual you scored ; ]

[kevinmcfadden]

I love seeing those old pictures like that and thinking how did anyone survive with no safety equipment. It seems like people were not real smart back then but then realize most people today would sue a company because of their own stupidity. that's why there is so many safety guards and safety instructions now.