Owner’s manual
Can I use a dado blade on a radial arm saw?
Yes. The Craftsman 315220100 10-inch radial arm saw can make dado cuts when you use the correct dado or molding attachment and keep the blade guard and other safety features in place. For the exact setup and approved configurations, follow the 315220100 owner's manual.
What to know before you try dado cuts
A radial arm saw behaves differently than a table saw, especially in crosscut mode where the carriage travels toward you. Dado work is possible, but only when the saw is aligned, the work is controlled, and the correct accessories are used.
- Use only attachments intended for dado or molding cuts (not improvised spacers or stacks).
- Keep the blade guard assembly installed and functioning.
- Lock what you are not adjusting (arm angle, yoke rotation, carriage travel) before cutting.
- Use a solid fence and stable tables; replace worn or damaged table surfaces.
- Make test cuts in scrap wood first and increase depth gradually.
Setup checklist (model-focused)
The manual for this saw notes it can make dado or molding cuts with special attachments and emphasizes keeping safety features in place.
- Unplug the saw and remove the switch key before changing blades or attachments.
- Confirm the saw is aligned; routine alignment checks help keep cuts straight and predictable.
- Set the yoke and arm for the cut type you are doing (crosscut-style dadoes are most common).
- Set depth with the arm height (elevating handwheel) and lock the carriage when appropriate.
Quick comparison: dado on a radial arm saw vs. table saw
| Topic | Radial arm saw dado | Table saw dado |
|---|---|---|
| Feed direction | Carriage moves along the arm | Workpiece moves across the table |
| Common risk | Self-feeding during pull cuts | Kickback during feed |
| Best practice | Light passes, firm control, locks set | Proper fence, featherboards, controlled feed |
Why it matters
Dado cuts remove a lot of material. On a radial arm saw, that higher load makes alignment, locking controls, and guarding more important for cut quality and safe operation.
Ordering parts and accessories
If you need replacement parts (like tables, guards, switches, or hardware) for your Craftsman 315220100, use the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
When did Craftsman stop making radial arm saws?
Craftsman radial arm saws like model 315220100 were widely sold through Sears for decades, with many units produced through 1992. After that, new Craftsman radial arm saw availability dropped sharply as the market shifted toward miter saws and other shop saw options; remaining inventory and limited variants continued briefly.
What you can use as a practical cutoff date
For most customers, 1992 is the most useful “end of an era” date for Craftsman radial arm saw production and sales through Sears. If you are dating a specific saw, the best confirmation is the model and serial plate on the base and the parts list in the owner's manual.
Quick timeline (high-level)
| Period | What it typically means for Craftsman radial arm saws |
|---|---|
| 1950s to 1980s | Radial arm saws were a common primary shop saw |
| Late 1980s to 1992 | Peak household ownership; many Craftsman units sold |
| After 1992 | New-unit availability declines; miter saws become the go-to |
How to identify your exact saw version
Use these checks to match the correct parts diagram and hardware callouts:
- Confirm the model number is 315220100 (plate attached to the base)
- Compare your saw’s guard, yoke, and table setup to the manual illustrations
- Use the manual parts list to cross-check key assemblies (arm, carriage, motor, switch)
- Note any prior owner modifications (cord, switch, table top, fence)
- Record the serial number if present; it helps distinguish production runs
Why it matters
The “stop making them” date affects parts compatibility, guard and table design differences, and which maintenance steps apply (alignment, blade condition, wiring condition). For safe operation, we follow the setup, adjustment, and maintenance steps in the owner's manual and replace worn components before continued use.
If you need to search for replacement parts by model number or browse related power tool parts, we recommend starting with the model parts list and then searching on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I find the model number on my 315220100?
On the Craftsman 315220100 10 inch radial arm saw, the model number is printed on a plate attached to the saw’s base. Use that exact model number any time you look up diagrams, manuals, or order replacement parts.
Where to look on the saw
Check these common spots on the base area:
- The outside face of the base (near the front)
- The side of the base near the arm support
- The rear of the base near the power cord entry
- A flat area where dust does not collect as heavily
If the plate is dirty, wipe it with a dry rag first so the stamped or printed characters are readable.
What the model plate looks like
Most Craftsman power tool model plates include the brand, the model number, and sometimes electrical ratings.
| Item on plate | What it’s used for | Example for your saw |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Correct parts and diagrams | 315220100 |
| Brand | Confirms product line | Craftsman |
| Tool type | Helps match the right manual | Radial arm saw |
Why it matters
Craftsman radial arm saw parts can vary by production run; using the exact model number from the base plate helps us match the correct parts list, hardware, and assemblies for your specific 315220100.
Next best step
Use the [315220100 owner's manual] to confirm the model identification location and to reference the correct figures and parts lists when servicing the saw.
Last updated: March 2026