DeWalt GE Radial Arm Saw
December 24, 2006 – 11:40 amDeWalt GE Radial Arm Saw - May 1962
Model: 640
7.5 hp 3 phase
This is one of 3 Dewalt RAS’s I found in a salvage yard and by far the best one of the pick. These saws are much bigger than I thought from the picture’s I’d seen. I hadn’t planned on ever getting a RAS, figuring I could get by w/my newer dewalt compound MS. I offhandedly asked how much the guy wanted for the saws and his answer was the primary motivating force of me buying it. I called my wife and told her about the deal to see what she thought. She said she’d buy it for me for Christmas, so here it is in the back of the trailer.
It looks to be in great condition other than sitting outside in a very dry climate for a couple years and a broken blade guard bracket. Everything turns, motor bearings glide for quite a while, and the roller bearings seem smooth. I’m hoping the ways don’t need any attention.
I found this saw in my home town while visiting my parents for the holidays. My dad was with me and helped me use the salvage yard’s new forklift to dig the saw out behind rows of machinery since the workers were on lunch break and didn’t want to help us.
5 Responses to “DeWalt GE Radial Arm Saw”
I have recently purchased a Dewalt radial arm saw like the one pictured on your blog. Either the same model or related I am excited about the prospect o restoring it, but it is in very rough shape as far as rust and some pitting on the cranks, lockdown levers, corrosion on protractor plates, name plates, measuring rule along the ways, bolts, screws and other adjustment hardware etc. Similarly there is much corrosion around the motor yoke, but all adjustable parts are solid. The ways seem in very good condition. The previous owner said the motor didn’t work, but there is no plugable power cord connection to the large push button switch box mounted on angle irons at the right rear of the table. Once I hook up that power cable I’ll test it out. The wiring insulation going to the motor from the terminals in the connection box is brittle, causing me to believe I’ll just replace the whole cable at some point. What concerns me most is the motor. It turns fine, but it seems it sat in a damp location for years if not decades. I fear it won’t work. It has a large capacitor on the outside of the motor and a switch box that switches from 115 v to 230 v. No doubt original. My question if it does not work is there a source for component parts, or for the motor itself. Also do you know of a good guide for restoring this marvelous machine. It is definitely worth doing right. Thank you for your interest in other enthusiasts, and allowing me a chance to connect with you. You have a great site.
By robert andrews on Aug 8, 2007
I think that this is a fascinating site. I too suffer from OID,(Old Iron Disease) I’m always dragging home old machines. Love em. Anyway I’ve run out of room to put them so I have to stop. I’ve got some information on these older (AMF built) saws but its is not handy. I’ll see if I can find it and send it along. Maybe you already have it but I’ll send it. Enoy your finds. Bob
By Bob Itnyre on Oct 1, 2007
I know of a DeWalt GE ras.
Anybody have an idea of what one “should” pay?
By Rick on Apr 23, 2008
I have an old dewalt radial arm saw.Mod GWM, serial # 178614.Does anyone know when it was made ? What do you think it is worth ? Runs good, seems to be complete.
Ben
By ben david on Jun 13, 2008
I have a Dewalt GP that was purchased by my father in 1945 and has been in use ever since. It still cuts better than most saws on the market. There is a company in IA, Wolfe Machinery that will buy your saw, sell you a refurbished one, parts, manuals, etc. Their website is http://www.wolfemachinery.com. These saws are worth a lot of money in good condition, but mine will never be for sale.
By Russ Trice on Jul 4, 2008