Are radial arm saws worth anything?
Yes. A radial arm saw can be worth real money, especially older, heavy-duty Dewalt saws like model 3436-RADIAL, but value depends mostly on condition, completeness, and local demand. Most used radial arm saws sell in the low hundreds, while clean, well-tuned vintage units can bring more.
What drives the value most
- Condition and accuracy: smooth carriage travel, tight arm and yoke, minimal play
- Completeness: original guard, table/fence parts, anti-kickback hardware, and accessories
- Motor health: starts quickly, runs without excessive sparking, no burning smell
- Rust and storage history: surface rust is common; pitting and seized adjustments reduce value
- Blade size and capacity: larger-capacity saws typically command higher prices
Quick value guide (typical used-market ranges)
| Condition | What it usually looks like | Typical value range |
|---|---|---|
| Parts/rough | missing guard/table parts, sloppy travel, noisy motor | $0 to $100 |
| Usable | cuts square after tuning, mostly complete, normal wear | $100 to $300 |
| Clean/vintage-ready | complete, smooth adjustments, well maintained | $300 to $600+ |
How to check a used radial arm saw before you buy or sell
- Verify the arm locks and bevel/miter detents hold firmly
- Check the carriage bearings/rollers for flat spots and side-to-side slop
- Confirm the return spring brings the carriage back smoothly
- Inspect the power cord and switch for damage or overheating
- Make a test cut and confirm it can be tuned to 90° crosscuts reliably
Why it matters
Radial arm saws are valued for repeatable crosscuts, dados, and wide stock capacity, but buyers pay more only when the saw is complete and can be tuned safely and accurately. A “cheap” saw missing guards or table hardware often costs more in time and parts than it saves.
Finding the right parts and diagrams
When you are pricing repairs or trying to restore a Dewalt 3436-RADIAL, use the exploded views and parts list for your exact model to identify what is missing and what is still available through Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the best brand of radial arm saw?
For most woodworkers, Dewalt and Delta/Rockwell are the top radial arm saw brands because they have long-running designs, strong parts support, and proven accuracy when properly tuned. Since this page is for the Dewalt 3436-RADIAL, sticking with Dewalt is a solid choice for compatibility and long-term maintenance.
What “best” means for a radial arm saw
A radial arm saw is only as good as its alignment, bearings, and fence setup. The best brand is the one you can keep accurate and safe over time.
- Rigid arm and yoke with minimal play
- Smooth carriage travel (no binding or slop)
- Easy-to-adjust tracking and squareness
- Common wear parts still obtainable (switches, cords, bearings)
- Stable table and fence system you can rebuild
Quick brand comparison
| Brand | Best for | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Dewalt | Classic designs, strong community knowledge, good long-term serviceability | Needs careful alignment; worn arm bearings or carriage rollers cause drift |
| Delta/Rockwell | Heavy-duty builds, great for larger saws and shop setups | Size and weight; table/fence rebuild is often required |
| “Modern” consumer RAS (varies) | Occasional use when space is limited | More flex and fewer adjustment features; parts can be harder to match |
How to choose the right saw for your shop
Use these decision points before you commit to a brand or model:
- Capacity: Most users want at least 10 to 12 inches crosscut capacity for shelving and trim.
- Space: Larger 14 to 16 inch saws need a long, dedicated bench and clear infeed/outfeed.
- Use case: Crosscuts and dados are the sweet spot; ripping requires extra attention to setup and technique.
- Condition over nameplate: A tight, well-kept saw beats a worn “premium” saw every time.
- Parts strategy: Match the exact model number when searching so you get compatible components.
Why it matters
Brand matters less than accuracy and safety on a radial arm saw. A well-tuned Dewalt 3436-RADIAL with a solid fence, a smooth carriage, and correct blade selection will cut cleaner and track straighter than a poorly maintained alternative.
For model-number matching tips when you are sourcing components, use how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts).
Last updated: February 2026
Why are radial arm saws no longer made?
Radial arm saws like the Dewalt 3436-RADIAL largely faded from the market because most woodworkers shifted to tools that are simpler to set up and easier to use safely for everyday cuts, especially sliding compound miter saws and table saws. The result was lower demand, so fewer manufacturers kept producing them.
What changed in the market
Radial arm saws can do a lot (crosscuts, miters, bevels, dados, and some ripping), but newer tools took over the most common jobs with less adjustment and less chance of a bad setup.
- Sliding compound miter saws made crosscutting and trim work faster and more repeatable
- Table saws became the go-to for ripping and sheet goods
- Jobsite tools got lighter, more portable, and easier to store
- Many shops preferred single-purpose tools with fewer alignment points
- Replacement parts and service became less common as production declined
Safety and setup factors that pushed people away
A radial arm saw demands careful alignment (arm, carriage, fence, and blade) and disciplined technique. When it is out of adjustment or used for the wrong operation, the cut can feel unpredictable.
- Ripping on a radial arm saw can increase the chance of kickback if technique is off
- Climb-cutting tendencies during crosscuts can pull the carriage forward if feed control is poor
- Guarding and anti-kickback features vary widely by era and design
- More adjustments mean more opportunities for misalignment
Radial arm saw vs modern alternatives (typical use)
| Task | Radial arm saw | Sliding compound miter saw | Table saw |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crosscuts | Very capable | Usually preferred | Capable with sled/miter gauge |
| Ripping | Possible, higher technique demand | Not intended | Primary strength |
| Dados/rabbets | Capable with dado set | Not typical | Common with dado set |
| Portability | Low | Medium to high | Medium |
Why it matters for parts and repairs
Because many radial arm saws are older, keeping a Dewalt 3436-RADIAL running often comes down to confirming the exact model identification and then matching wear items (switches, cords, bearings, guards, and hardware) to that model.
- Verify the model number on the saw’s ID plate before ordering
- Inspect the power cord and switch for heat damage or cracking
- Check carriage travel for roughness (bearings/rollers)
- Confirm the blade is correct and sharp for the material
- Re-square the fence and verify arm and yoke locks hold firmly
For help confirming the correct model identification details before you shop, use how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts).
Last updated: February 2026