Rockwell 1550 Radial Arm Saw

[pcgilmer]

I have a Rockwell radial arm saw with no guard on the blade and noticed a couple of other post of the same saw, also with no guard. Is this something that was removed or an option when the saw was new? I am sure it would help my dust control system if this guard was in place. Where might I find one? Pat

[That Dave Guy]

Wow! I have the exact saw at home. Yes, from the factory, it would have had a guard.

David.

[APLJaK]

Guards are one of those items that tend to disappear over time. PO's take them off for one reason or another and they never get replaced. Over time, everyone forgets there was a guard, or the guard gets thrown out.

Somewhere, there is a big pile of guards and handwheels for jointer outfeed tables. In my travels I have acquired and disposed of 4 Unisaw guards and one Powermatic TS guard, yet I have yet to run across the guard for my General 350. I have had two different Rockwell 6" jointers, both missing the handwheel for the outfeed table.

When purchasing tools for restoration, it is best not to underestimate how difficult it may be to find parts. This is especially true of older machines where parts are very scarce and you are often further ahead purchasing a donor machine than trying to track down individual parts.

Keep your eyes open and post lots of wanted posts, eventually you will find what you are looking for.

[Rick Thom]

I was curious to see what this unit looked like so found this one on a simple search. http://ottawa.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-se...AdIdZ129191788. Sure seems cheap price for what I understand is a good RA saw as they go. I have an older c-man saw and can't imagine any thinking person running one without the blade guard.
Since this probably isn't a very old machine, if you can't find a used blade guard, you may be able to just order the part from Delta according to this http://owwm.com/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=698, but I bet it won't be cheap.

[pcgilmer]

Does anyone have a good picture of the guard. Should be able to build one. Pat

[Rick Thom]

Originally Posted by pcgilmer

Does anyone have a good picture of the guard. Should be able to build one. Pat

How's this pic look? Pretty much like That Dave Guys saw?.. LOL http://www.owwm.org/viewtopic.php?f=...l+1550#p269985

Based on the complexities of my c-man blade guard, I would much prefer to buy one than attempt to make one. If it doesn't work well and easily, they would be a genuine safety hazard IMO. Heck, almost worth buying the one in the add for $200, grab the guard and piece out the rest.

[pcgilmer]

My saw has the part of the guard covering the top of the blade, it is the hinged one that covers the bottom of the blade that is missing on my saw and all the photos of saws I have looked at. Pat

[mbowler]

The hinged guards on the bottom of a radial arm saw blades are a relatively new invention. I would not imagine an old Rockwell would have had them. The newer Deltas have them, so you might be able to get the part as a retrofit if you are set on having this guard.

Michael