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.
UPDATE
I’ve sold this machine
31 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
ditto on the gp. I have one in my shop and use it on a regular basis. below is link a brief account of the development of the RAS
http://www.woodworkinghistory.com/glossary_RAS.htm
By Raymond McInnis on Aug 19, 2008
I have a de walt radial arm saw that is missing the clamps off the back of the table to hold the straight edge in place. Does anyone know where I can find new ones or something suitable to use.
Thanks,
F
By Fred Ford on Aug 20, 2008
I have a Model MB or GW radial arm saw of the late 50s my instruction book is dated 1957.
I had to re wire it from a small on/off key switch locate in the arm. There are 2 holes there. One is for the switch and the other is for the incoming power cord. They look to be the same dia. Which one goes the key switch fit in??? It is not really self evident. LOL to me at least.
Thanks
By Gary Osterbeck on Oct 6, 2008
I have a DeWalt 10″ RAS Model 7779 that I rebuilt. Anyone know where I could find the accessories listed such as drill chuck, router attachment and jug saw? I am interested in making it complete but have not been able to locate.
By Charles Cobb on Oct 25, 2008
Charles,
Try ebay!
Luke
By Luke on Oct 25, 2008
I purchased my 1956(?) DeWalt Model MB from a retired gentleman for $50.00 at a garage sale. It was obviously cherished because he had just repainted it… for a garage sale??
Russ T…I feel the same about my DeWalt, and will never sell it.
Gary O… I have a model MB with a manual dating 1956, and if your manual’s like mine, it looks like a book with a cover giving no indication it is a manual… mine was almost “returned” to the public library.
I can check the wiring for you.
Charles… Any luck on the accessories??? I’ve looked for the drill chuck attachment online without success.
By Davad on Oct 31, 2008
I am restoring a Walker Turner 1100 series industrial radial arm saw from the late 40s-the early 1950s. The manual calls for F927 grease for the front housing. This grease has the same consistency as bar&chain oil or honey. Is there a modern day equivalent to this grease? Great blog! Thanks in advance!
By Doug Escalera on Nov 2, 2008
Anyone know where I can find a key for a DeWalt RAS Model MBF? Wolfe Machinery does not have any. Can a copy be made if someone has one?? Also, any ideas on value range for this?Thanks.
By Trish on Nov 26, 2008
I have a old Dewalt radial arm (model R2) saw with a 3hp,single phase 120/240 VAC motor. It was hooked up for 120 and I want to change over to 240. Does anyone have a connection
diagram? Model number on motor is ML6513k1
Thank You…………..
By DAN CROUCH on Nov 26, 2008
Doug,
Call your local machinery store and see what they can find for you that matches up with that viscosity.
By Luke on Dec 18, 2008
Dan,
I think the wiring diagram for that might be found over at the owwm.com site. If not then try posting at the owwm.org forum and see if someone there has it.
By Luke on Dec 18, 2008
My father left several machine ww tools on which I need values, please. 1) Dewalt MBF 220 radial arm saw, 2) Craftsman jig and band saw (113 24261) w/manual, 3) Delta drill press 11-280, 4 a Valley bench grinder with 6″ wheel BG-6. There is also a Dewalt power-shop book by Robert Scharff for Dewalt. Any ideas? These are all well cared for. Thank you.
By Betty on Jan 4, 2009
Betty,
Sounds like you have some great machines there! I don’t do appraisals - just put them on craigslist and see what they fetch.
By Luke on Jan 30, 2009
Cannot find any specs on my DeWalt Radial arm saw. The serial number is: 25649 and the MODEL:GE. I know its old but i cannot figure out anyway to find its voltage or HP etc.. shouldnt there be a site made just for the purpose of matching serial numbers? Hopefuly someone can help me out with this prob. Thanks all!
By Travis on Feb 9, 2009
I am Richard and I am deaf.
I am very interested in armsaw. I need to know where you live. How much volt?
Please let me know.
Thank you
Richard Snyder.
By richard snyder on Feb 18, 2009
Richard,
The machines on the site are not for sale. They are my machines and this blog follows my restoration of them. Thanks.
By Luke on Feb 23, 2009
hi my friend has a old dewalt ras and we would like to know some info on it. model number gp serial number 63222. it is in perfect working order all original and has all the guards
By dan on Mar 7, 2009
We have a DeWalt GR-46 RAS which has been stting around in our shop for years.
It was last used about 10 years ago and was taken out of service when we moved to a new location.
As we are winding down operations we’d like to see this old workhorse find a good home.
Model Number - GR-46
Serial Number - 91287
Size 12″ / 14″
Motor 5 HP
Volts 220
Phase 3
Amps 14
Serial # 473H82
Follow this link to see photos..
http://www.wci-inc.com/dewalt/
By Ray on Mar 24, 2009
If you need parts for dewalt radial arm saw, go to http://stores.ebay.com/wolfe-machinery-co.They have anything you need.
By tommyt on Apr 21, 2009
I have a DeWalt radial arm saw for sale. I purchased it impulsively, excited about being able to make large cuts–but realized that I don’t have the power for triple phase(I’d need a converter) and mostly, I don’t really have the room in my shop to set it up.
Machine: DeWalt GE
Model #: 642
Serial #: 361770
POLYPHASE INDUCTION
H.P.: 7.5
AMP: 22/11
VOLTS: 220/440
CY.: 60
PH: 3
R.P.M.: 3425
RISE: 55 degrees
FR: 709
WDG.: 201679
RTG.: Hour
I live in Virginia, just outside of D.C.
By Bill on May 6, 2009
Travis-Maybe this website will help you. It shows literature for the DeWalt radial arm saws:
http://www.exfactory.com/seelit.aspx?showall=yes&recnum=SR-280348&scanpages=4%20&scanname=DEWALT\GE
By Bill on May 6, 2009
Dan,
Look on owwm.com for more info on that model.
Luke
By Luke on Jul 21, 2009
My saw is a dewalt/amf model mb1 I believe from the mid 50’s–I bought it at a garage sale –it is in excellent condition except the blade rotates both clockwise and counter clockwise–I am told that the external resistor on the moter is the cause –is it?–if so where can I get a new one–please let me know
By don coury on Aug 2, 2009
I have a De Walt radial arm saw for sale,model MB-23 sr#89534 any ideas of a price.This unit is in excellent condition.Thanks Doug
By doug wright on Oct 19, 2009
I have a Dewalt model GP if anyone is interested in purchasing. I just need more room.
Danny Woodall
501-888-8815
By Danny Woodall on Oct 19, 2009
Just bout the most beautiful Millers Falls Router/Planer Kit with everything for $20.
I can’t wait to use it.
By John Pierce on Oct 22, 2009