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This page contains answers
to frequently asked questions about the CRAFTSMAN® radial arm saw
guard kit.
General Questions:
Installing and Using the New
Guard:
General Questions:
What
is the CRAFTSMAN® radial arm saw blade guard kit?
The kit contains the revolutionary
blade guarding system that was included on all CRAFTSMAN® 10-inch
radial arm saws made by Emerson Tool Co. since January 1993. The kit package
includes all of the necessary parts and instructions so you can install
it on your saw.
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Why
should I get the new guard kit?
The new guard kit makes safety
easier by providing CRAFTSMAN® radial arm saw users with an additional
measure of protection against operator error which can result in blade
contact at the out-feed side of the blade when ripping. The older-style
guard, which was included as standard equipment on CRAFTSMAN® radial
arm saws manufactured by Emerson Tool Co. prior to 1993, provides similar
protection if the operator correctly adjusts it. The new guard provides
protection at the out-feed side of the blade while ripping if the operator
fails or neglects to properly adjust the anti-kickback device. The new
guard also helps prevent wrong-way feeding when ripping.
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Can
I see through the lower part of the blade guard?
Yes, the lower part of the
blade guard is made out of clear plastic. Most users interviewed have
indicated it does not get in the way of setting up and making accurate
cuts with the saw.
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What
if my radial arm saw cannot be retrofitted with the new guarding system?
The carriage/motor assembly of recalled ETC radial
arm saws that cannot be retrofitted should be returned to ETC. ETC will
provide $100 for the return of the radial arm saw carriage/motor
assembly. Details on this offer can be obtained by visiting other sections
of this web site or calling toll-free (800) 511-2628. If you persist in
using the saw, it is crucial that you follow all operating instructions
and warnings.
If you have misplaced or no longer have the operating instructions for
your model saw, download them from this web site or contact ETC by calling the toll-free Hotline number. We will provide you a copy of the instructions at no
charge.
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Why
aren't all Craftsman® radial arm saws retofitable?
Only certain 10-inch radial
arm saw models manufactured since 1977 can be equipped with the new guarding
system kit. The retrofit kit is only compatible with certain types of
motor hub and handle/bevel locking mechanisms to which the new guarding
system is attached.
The new guarding system cannot
be adapted to the other Craftsman® radial arm saws for a number of reasons.
In some cases the saw motor is not compatible with the guarding system
mounts and the bevel-index locking mechanisms, and the handles will not accommodate
the trigger and handle assembly of the new guarding system. Many of the older model
saws would require entire new leg sets, bases and table assemblies to allow proper
positioning of the modified fence. These saws essentially would have to be
rebuilt to permit the safe and proper attachment of a fully functional
new guarding system.
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Installing and
Using the New Guard:
How
difficult is the guard to install?
The kit comes with easy-to-follow
instructions. It will take most users 1 to 2 hours to install the guard,
depending on which kit is suitable for your saw. This estimate does not
include the time required to check the saw blade alignment once you have
installed the guard. In addition, you will be given a toll-free customer
service number to call if you have any questions.
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Compared
to my present guard, does this guard provide any additional benefit in
crosscutting?
When the carriage/motor assembly is
in the crosscut mode and behind the fence, with the guard in the down position, the new
design prevents the carriage from rolling forward of the fence
and can also prevent inadvertent frontal contact with the blade. Once
activated in the crosscut mode(raised, by squeezing the metal "Trigger" bar), the new guard provides essentially the
same level of protection as the older-style guard. The primary benefit
of the new guard is to provide safer, nearly-automatic protection for ripping operations, when the operator has not set the anti-kickback pawls and his hands are holding the out-feed side of the workpiece and the workpiece is suddenly kicked-back by the blade.
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Can
I use the guard when I am making special cuts with my saw?
The new guard is recommended
for use while making vertical and bevel cuts, including dado cuts, vertical
molding cuts and cove cuts. However, like the older-style guard, the new
guard cannot be used to make certain horizontal "edging" cuts.
"Edging" is the use of special attachments (e.g., dado blades,
molding heads) in the horizontal position, which requires the use of a
special purpose accessory guard.
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