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11-05-2014 05:31 PM
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Topic tags/keywords:
radial arm saw
turret
ras
red star
multiplex 30a
delta





Back in August, a children’s theatre company that I work with was in need of a replacement for a Radial Arm Saw they had been using to produce scenery. They gave me a modest budget- $350. I made some posts on the site and got some leads. I knew that I had to find an older model and only certain brands were any good. I located a Red Star (predecessor of Delta) Multiplex 30-A turret saw in excellent condition. It was a considerable drive and, since it was at the limit of the budget, I paid gas and tolls. When I got it back, the Director’s husband had located a Dewalt 7740 that they got for fee. They wanted me to cart the Red Star back! I thought this was ridiculous as I wasn’t going to drive another 4 hours round trip, pay more gas and tolls and ask the guy to give me the money back. I’d just like to sell it for the $350 that was paid.
As shown in the second photo, the RAS was mounted on a bench. Unfortunately I still have to photograph the saw while it’s mounted on the original cabinet, so the cabinet is shown separately. I will post a photograph as soon as possible of the saw mounted on the cabinet.
Although the Red Star has no detents for commonly-used angles as modern machines do, once set it holds beautifully. The Red Star combination of the “overarm” and the “elbow” allows for much longer angle cuts than possible on single arm saws of the same size (See 90- and opposing 45-degree cut lines on table). Delta, which acquired Red Star around 1950, has continued the overarm/elbow feature on most of its radial saws but with some modifications over the years. With a good blade, this saw handles 8/4 white oak quite easily.
I am located in upstate NY between Rochester and Syracuse. This saw IS worth the drive- I just don’t have room for it. PM me if interested. Thanks!
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24 replies so far
#1 posted 11-06-2014 02:23 PM
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Someone messaged me and suggested that I indicate that this is a Radial Arm Saw so I will edit the title.
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#2 posted 11-13-2014 04:50 PM
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To answer a couple more questions- Delta bought out Red Star and continued their Turret-style design. This unit is in excellent working order and I would keep it for my own shop except I really don’t have the additional space. Think that covers the PMs up to this point. Thanks!
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#3 posted 11-13-2014 05:06 PM
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Ouch. I’m not surprised they got one for free (someone in my woodworking club tried giving his away recently and only asked that the new owner make a donation to the club), but it stinks that they gave you the shaft on the one you bought on their behalf. Since they had already approved a budget of $350 for the saw, I don’t think you’d be out of line asking them to pay you the $350 and offer to give them back whatever you can get out of it after subtracting your gas and tolls. I think that’s the only fair way to handle this if both you and the theater company value the relationship.
-- Ask an expert or be the expert - http://woodworking.stackexchange.com
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#4 posted 11-13-2014 05:26 PM
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Thanks for the suggestion. I actually did try something like that. I think that there was some support from members of the BOD, but the Artistic Director’s husband has determined that he is a Scenic Designer and that my services, tools and 30 years of experience really aren’t necessary. Since it was a volunteer gig, I walked away. This is why I prefer woodworking…no politics! If I can’t sell it, I’ll find room for it. It really is a very nice tool and has stood the test of time. (I doubt that a lot of the Sliding Compound Miter Saws that are sold today will still be working in 60+ years. And this thing dadoes!) And I know there are the RAS critics out there- but if you don’t rip with it and you respect the tool, I think it still has a place in woodworking.
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#5 posted 11-13-2014 06:10 PM
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RAS’s may intimidate some, but not me. I have and use all varieties of saws without fear, because I understand and respect them. I wish I lived closer and I would love to have that saw. I have a B&D RAS. It’s ok, but that Red Star is so much better.
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#6 posted 11-13-2014 06:24 PM
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Boy they have an absolute nerve imho.I have seen some people with absolutely disgraceful manners but your little group manager is out of order and needs to be told so.I would have zero to do with them in future and make a claim in the small claims court with JUGE JUDY.She would rip his balls of if he has any.Alistair
-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease
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#7 posted 11-13-2014 06:29 PM
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I love this website! You guys are awesome. And, yes, I am finished with them.
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#8 posted 11-17-2014 12:13 PM
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Images of saw mounted on cabinet are up…I will have to rotate the image when I get to work and have a PC. Sorry!
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#9 posted 11-17-2014 01:56 PM
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Beautiful machine. If the money isn’t an issue I would jigger some things around for space and keep it if I were you. Looks like the p.o. did a nice job refurbishing it.
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#10 posted 11-17-2014 02:09 PM
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It is a shame when you go out of your way to do someone a favor, spend your own money, and then get kicked in the head from behind.
Been there, done that. I always swear I will not do it again but the better half of me succumbs.
Hope this saw finds a good home to someone who appreciates its history and its capabilities. I love my RAS.
-- Brad, Texas, https://www.youtube.com/user/tonkatoytruck/feed
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#11 posted 11-17-2014 02:30 PM
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#12 posted 11-17-2014 03:25 PM
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I’m married so money is always an issue. That said, if I can’t get the $350 back I’m going to keep it- it’s a really nice piece of machinery.
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#13 posted 11-23-2014 02:58 PM
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If you havent yet, you might consider posting it on the BOYD section of vintagemachinery.com
-- My job is to give my kids things to discuss with their [email protected]
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#14 posted 11-23-2014 05:13 PM
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I would love that saw, but it would involve shipping to Texas. If you don’t have any offers maybe discuss?
-- Who is John Galt?
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#15 posted 11-23-2014 08:11 PM
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On one of the other forums I noticed that they have a posting page where people who are traveling will transport machinery from sellers to buyers- I think they call it ruckering. The buyer and seller complete the transaction ahead of time on PayPal (or whatever). A lot of the time the traveler would actually do it for no charge (except maybe a meal or something at the destination). They seemed to consider it an opportunity to meet other woodworkers. Always thought that was kind of cool.
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