radial arm saw

14 years ago

I just picked up an old Dewalt Powershop 7740 radial arm saw at an estate sale ($40). I'm a handyman, but know next to nothing about this type of saw, other than watching Norm a bit here and there. I "think" I may have the occasional use for it, we'll see.

I need to figure out if the saw is operating ok. Looks decent overall, though it needs a table surface (last one removed due to water damage of some sort).

Anyhow, when I power it up, there seems to be some momentary slippage in the blade before it seems to rotate normally. Similar to if a circular saw blade nut were a little bit loose, though the nut is snug. This would be like 1/2 second, but noticeable. Can anyone tell me if this is normal or not?

Thanks much.

Comments (4)

mike_kaiser_gw
14 years ago
Are saying the blade is slipping on the arbor or the arbor isn't spinning up with the motor?

Just as an FYI, you can get parts for old DeWalt saws from Wolfe Machinery Company.
homebound
Original Author
14 years ago
Mike, thanks for the reply and the link.

Turned out the blade WAS loose on the arbor. I should have checked more thoroughly (with a wrench) before posting.

Also, while the motor doesn't sound in the best shape (bearing screech, sometimes, if there is such a thing?). I'll have to read and see if there's a way to oil it somehow. Fortunately it came with a Dewalt book "How to get the most out of a radial arm saw" by Silken.
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mike_kaiser_gw
14 years ago
Also, while the motor doesn't sound in the best shape (bearing screech, sometimes, if there is such a thing?). I'll have to read and see if there's a way to oil it somehow.

The motor has bearings. While it might require some disassembly it would certainly be worth trying to lubricate them.
brickeyee
14 years ago
Most bearing use grease, not oil.

Putting oil in a bearing designed for grease will wash out the remaining grease and result in even faster failure.

You can usually get bearing out of the motor with a little work, soak then in paint thinner to remove any hardened grease, and then pack them with grease by hand.

They can also be easily replaced.
Look in the yellow pages under 'bearings.'