Radial Arm Saw Blade Guard

Having an older Craftsman 12 inch radial arm saw, that by the way has been recalled because of no blade guard, I decided to make a blade guard using an old bike chain. I plan on putting another one on the other side of the blade when I find another chain. BTW Make these at your own risk, the author is not responsible for any injuries or damage that may occur due to the use or attempted use of this idea.

Step 1:

Step 2: Front View

Step 3: Check Clearance

Make sure that the chain can NOT contact the teeth of the blade. The bike chain has quite a bit of lateral movement. I might try a motorcycle chain.

Step 4: How It Works

Comments

[BeachsideHank]

Emerson states on their recall site that 12 inch units are not eligible for the action. The chain is a good try but if there is the slightest chance of it wandering under the blade I would remove it.

The radial arm saw has gotten a bad reputation over the years as being "dangerous", a totally undeserved one in my opinion. Having purchased, restored, and resold many DeWalt radial arm saws over the years I have a method I call "T.A.B.S." that deals with the issue. It goes as follows:

TABLE- Yours badly needs replacement along with the fence. A sacrificial top of 1/4" plywood can then be installed over the new top and it can be replaced at will without disturbing the sub table. Here is a link to an article giving more details:

http://people.delphiforums.com/perristalsis/SawTab...

And a video too:

ALIGNMENT- Redo all station calibrations per the owner's manual.

BLADE SELECTION- Most people mount the wrong blade type which will grab the work and self- feed, hence the legend of "dangerous". A triple chip tooth grind is the ONLY type to use on a radial arm saw, and even then never a hook angle over 10 degrees positive, a 0 to a negative hook angle is better still for the inexperienced user. Do not believe chop saw blade labels that say it is o.k. for radial arm saw use, it is not, they only want your money.

I have decades of experience with this tool type, any questions just ask.

[CRFRICKE]

The length of the chain was chosen to avoid contact with the teeth of the blade. As I mentioned a motorcycle chain might, just might, have less lateral movement. Yes, the table and fence need replacement. The saw has the proper blade and works fine. I have used the saw since 1973, but am VERY careful with it.

Thanks for the comments.

[BeachsideHank]

Very good then, it sounds like you have it under control. The boxed type of table design is far superior to anything else that can be done to improve performance with little cost too, something I really endorse. ☺

[DIY Hacks and How Tos]

Interesting safety design. Is if possible for the chain to ever get caught in the saw blade?

[CRFRICKE]

The length of the chain was chosen to avoid contact with the teeth of the blade. As I mentioned a motorcycle chain might, just might, have less lateral movement.