DeWalt Radial Arm Saw Maintenance

[tooltroll]

I've bought (second hand) a DeWalt radial arm saw. Can't get any info from DeWalt or B&D regarding maintenance, tweaking, etc., and the manuals were lost by the original owner. The bearings are sounding kinda dry, but I don't see any grease nipples, or even a plate with recommended lubricants. Anybody have any idea what I should use? Also, any tips/tricks to calibrating it all- setting the arm to 90, etc., etc. It sat for about ten years unused- I bought it from the original owner's widow, who was moving and wanted to get rid of it.

[Tykster]

A quick way to calibrate it is just by using a framing or speed square....Make sure your arm saw is secured where you want it and put a framing square or speed square to the blades edge..

[montytx]

I agree with Tykster, a speed square ought to do it. Usually there are 2 allen bolts holding them in place. A little WD40 ought to loosen up the rest of it. Make sure it is not a dewalt on recall. SOme of the old units have a short blade screw that can come out while its running.

[tooltroll]

Thanks, guys.

I've done the framing square thing. Is there a best way to check that the arm is parallel to the table? My crosscuts seem to vary in depth, ever so slightly, over the run of the blade. The table is sitting flush on the frame, but the arm seems to droop slightly. The bolt holes for the table are oval, so there's room for adjustment. I'm guessing shimming it would pose no safety hazard?
The 2 allen bolts you refer to are the adjustment for 90 where the arm meets the column, yes? I can see how WD would clean out the track under the arm, but wouldn't it be a little light for the motor bearings? Sorry, I should have mentioned it was the motor bearings sounding dry. Should also have mentioned that it's a 10". What do you mean by a 'short blade screw?' The arbor that holds the blade? Mine extends well past the nut that holds the blade on, so I can't imagine it slipping, but what do I know? :D

[Sweep]

I have a 30 yr old DeWalt radial arm saw. I bought it new and might be able to find the manual. What is the model number on yours?