Took the old Powr-Kraft RAS motor apart after it secumbed after 33 years. Looks to me like a corpse.
So, being with limited SWMBO budget, went around and looked at the current Ridgid and Craftsman 10" RAS offerings very carefully. Here are some observations maybe someone can substantiate:
Both appear to be identical on the base frame, table supports, table size, column support and column. Both have the same amperage ratings at 120 &
240 V.Both seem to have the same tabl;e support rails.
They differ in the sheet metal on the top of the arm and the motor housing, kinda like Chevys/Buicks/Olsmobiles.
Craftsman has a couple features that the ridgid doesn't - laser cut guide, seperately powered motor tension/retract at 120V, saw brake(Ridgid may also have this).
The Ridgid seemed to have a much tighter arm than the Craftsman, although this could eaasily be because of crappy store setup.
The prices are $549 for the Ridgid and $599 for the Craftsman (on sale nect week for $569).
So the question is, does anyone know if these are manufactured by the same OEM, if so what are the substantial differences and what are any experiences with either. Craftsman bashers for the sake of Craftsman bashing need not respond.
I also have looked at the Delta 10" which seems to have the same motor power specs, but is unappealing to me with the column raising handle on top of the column - I have a cabinet over the top.
Thanks,
Doug