Should I buy a clean DW1751, with reinforced stand, for close to the top of my budget, or try for a more local, less clean, ELU8001 with no stand at all but possibly for considerably less money? Am I right in thinking the machines are broadly similar? I believe the ELU is later -- does that make it better, or worse?? I've read a few posts -- please don't just say "Don't get an RAS"!
Please help me buy an RAS!
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wizard
Established Member
I had a dewalt and it scared me co it went on ebay i now have a wadkin and i use it all the time and love it
It is difficult to advise but I wouldn't put a high value on the metal stand. It is likely more useful to build your own which can incorporate storage too. I don't use mine a great deal at the moment but I have a dewalt dw125 and it seems solid- the various dewalt models are all very similar and the elus will be too. You shouldn't need to spend a fortune to get one- I would have thought a couple of hundred quid would get one. Their unpopularity will play in your favour.
I agree with Wizard about the Wadkin RAS. I have a single phase machine (they do exist) and once I had spent a couple of hours setting it up from the manual which is available from Daltons, I have found it to highly accurate and repeatable. I have also set up the table with the original configuration of slats to allow the fence to be easily moved. The down side with this arrangement is that if you don't knock the two wedges home and the fence is loose it gets rather exciting. If you have people working for you a fixed fence is best.
Would I swap or do without the Wadkin RAS? - not chance.
Would I swap or do without the Wadkin RAS? - not chance.
powertools
Established Member
I'm with marcros on this I have a Dewalt DW125 that I have had from new so it is almost 30 years old and I would not be without it.
mailee
Established Member
I have two RAS's my main one is the Elu 1251 and is mounted in a bench. Great saw and very useful. I wouldn't be without mine especially for doing trench cuts as it is a pain to do these on the SCMS. My second RAS is a smaller 8" Ryobi that is permanently fitted with a dado blade great for making dentil mouldings. :wink:
Dangermouse.
Established Member
The Rolls Royce of RAS's is of course Wadkin, I got mine off Ebay for £250. Its a dream to use and will cut through anything with ease and is 100% accurate if set up right. Usually Id say buy old and good for as much as you can afford.
