why do you need a radial arm saw

Uses of radial arm saws

Full Answer

How to properly use a radial arm saw?

Tips for Usage

• Adjustments. Be sure the saws starting point is completely behind the fence. ...
• Set The Table. Most radial arm saws have a wooden tabletop that can be replaced. ...
• Measure Materials. It stands to reason that you need to make measurements before you start working. ...
• Start Your Cut. With the blade running, lower the saw to the starting cut position. ...

Is a radial arm saw dangerous?

Radial arm saws were designed prior to modern safety standards and while manufacturers have added safety features, the radial arm saw by nature is going to be more dangerous than a table or miter saw. The radial-arm saws tended to cause more injuries as the blade’s rotation could pull the saw into the operator and onto the work.

What is a craftsman radial arm saw worth?

Craftsman radial arm saw - $150 (Mojave) I think is from the 1980s. It is clean and works very well and in very fine condition. It has a ten inch Craftsman carbide blade an is mounted on heavy wood stand. I have two of these and I decided to sell this one.

Is a radial arm saw safe?

So, you will have to be extra careful when ripping such material. Although the radial arm saw has a reputation with some of being dangerous, it is a safe saw to use if you follow the proper safety precautions. This is especially true for crosscutting which the saw is designed to do.

What is the point of a radial arm saw?

At the time, power tools for cutting wood were limited at best. The radial arm saw solved this problem by offering an easy-to-use solution. Driven by an electric motor, it allowed carpenters to quickly cut wooden workpieces. Another advantage of using a radial arm saw its ability to perform both miter and rip cuts.

Is a radial arm saw worth having?

The radial-arm saw contingent argue that their favored tool is much more versatile than the table saw. It's unsurpassed at accurate, easy cutoff work (no doubt that's the reason it's sometimes referred to as a cutoff saw). They say it can sand and plane and, like the table saw, rip long boards at a single pass.

Does anyone still use radial arm saws?

There is but a single U.S. company still making the radial arm saw: the Original Saw Co. of Britt, Iowa. Two Italian-made models, manufactured by Maggi and Omga, are imported by U.S. distributors, but annual sales are measured in the hundreds, not the thousands.

Why are radial arm saws not popular?

RISKS. The biggest risk with radial arm saws is as you are cutting and it's working into the wood, it can get a bit too much traction, start to climb cut and the saw can come flying back.

Can you rip wood with a radial arm saw?

Best to you! Yes they can rip, I've used one for that, however I don't recommend it due to the poor blade guarding and enhanced risk of a kick back compared to a table saw. They can even be dangerous when cross cutting as they can self feed if a negative hook angle blade isn't used.

What is the average cost of a radial arm saw?

Price. The price of radial arm saws starts from $100 and ends at $500 or more, depending on their functionality and features.

What kind of cut should never be done on the radial arm saw?

Never clear small pieces while blade is moving. Never adjust saw or setup while saw is running. Never cross arms. Radial arm saws cut in a fashion that pulls the blade into the piece pushing the stock to the fence.

What advantages does a table saw have over a radial arm saw?

Basic Functions. The design and function of both types of saw is to cut wood, but a table saw's design makes it ideal for ripping, or cutting a piece of wood lengthwise along the grain, while a radial arm saw is better suited for crosscutting, or cutting across the width of the wood.

What replaced the radial arm saw?

In short, sliding compound miter saws (the bigger cousins of the chop saw) have taken the place of the radial-arm saw. With a blade diameter as large as 12 in., big cross-cut capacities, and an ever-growing number of do-dads and whiz-bang features, these tools have many benefits over their predecessors.

Can you put a dado blade on a radial arm saw?

Chris Marshall: It's possible to use a dado blade on a radial arm saw — but I say this with a huge caveat: as you probably know, radial arm saws need to be operated with utmost caution.

Why were Craftsman radial arm saws recalled?

Historically, these eligible saws were sold without a guard that covers the entire blade. Some consumers have contacted the blade or have been hit by wood kicked back by the saws, resulting in amputations, fractures and lacerations.

What is the difference between a radial arm saw and a miter saw?

The main difference between a radial arm saw and a miter saw lies in the depth of cut, cut capacity, versatility, and safety. The radial arm saw can cut thick wood and wide boards and it can also do ripping. On the other hand, a miter saw works best for angled cuts and offers better accuracy and repeatability.

What all can you do with a radial arm saw?

In the home shop the radial arm saw is an alternative to the table saw. Both machines can rip, crosscut, do simple and compound miters, dado, mold or shape, make tenons, make open mortises, taper cut, and rabbet.

Why were Craftsman radial arm saws recalled?

Historically, these eligible saws were sold without a guard that covers the entire blade. Some consumers have contacted the blade or have been hit by wood kicked back by the saws, resulting in amputations, fractures and lacerations.

How much is radial worth?

The combined company, Radial, was announced on April 19, 2016. Sterling Partners estimated Radial's initial value at more than $1 billion.

What is the difference between a table saw and a radial arm saw?

A table saw features a blade that is built into the table and can be raised from and lowered into it as you work. A radial arm saw blade is mounted on a moveable arm, so that it is suspended above the table.

Why is the radial arm saw so popular?

For carpentry workers, the radial arm saw was a popular selection thanks to its power, versatility, and speed.

What is a radial arm saw?

As the name suggests, the radial arm saw attaches the saw blade to an extended arm.

What is a bonus when using a radial arm saw?

Performing miter and rip cuts is another bonus when using the radial arm saw.

How long have radial saws been around?

Even if you have not used one, you have probably seen a radial arm saw since they have been around for a century.

Can you crosscut dadoes with a radial arm saw?

Crosscutting dadoes and rabbits is relatively easy with the radial arm saw.

Where should the blade be rotated?

The rotation of the blade should be away from where you are standing.

Is a radial arm saw a heavy piece of machinery?

Although the radial arm saw has many advantages, it is a heavy, bulky piece of machinery.

Why do people use radial arm saws?

Thirdly, the main reason why people used radial arm saws was that it used to be the best tool for making crosscuts and miter cuts. Since the compound miter saw was invented in the 70s however, it took the place of the radial arm saw as the best tool for making cross cuts and woodworking miters.

Why are radial arm saws bad?

The first or major reason why most woodworkers have moved on from the radial arm saw is due to safety concerns . This safety concern is the way the blade rotates.

What are the disadvantages of a radial arm saw?

However, it seems the disadvantages of the radial arm saw where too much to be ignored , and with the invention of similar tools like the compound miter saw, many woodworkers quickly moved on from it.

Why do craftsmen use compound miter saws?

One of the main reason craftsmen favored the compound miter saw to the radial arm saw at that time and even now is because the miter saw is quite safer to operate. Every miter saw comes with a blade guide that covers the whole blade as you make crosscuts and miters with it. The radial arm saw’s blade is also covered but not totally covered like ...

What kind of saw do I use for crosscuts?

However, when it comes to personal preferences, I’d prefer to use a miter saw today for my crosscuts and miter cuts, and get a table saw for my rip cuts than to own one radial arm saw.

When was the compound miter saw introduced?

When the compound miter saw was introduced in the 1970s, the radial arm saw began to lose its popularity. Although radial arm saws performed many functions such as making crosscuts, miter cuts, rip cuts, dado cuts and so on, the compound miter saw became the primary power tool for making crosscuts and miters.

When was the power miter saw invented?

However, as soon as the power miter saw was invented in the 70s, its production and use underwent a huge decline. Nowadays, you’ll find yourself lucky to find one in any woodworking shop or local hardware store sitting there being used or available for purchase.

What is a radial arm saw?

They feature a simple design that allows carpenters to quickly and efficiently cut wooden workpieces. At the time, power tools for cutting wood were limited at best. The radial arm saw solved this problem by offering an easy-to-use solution. Driven by an electric motor, it allowed carpenters to quickly cut wooden workpieces.

When was the radial saw invented?

Originally invented in the early 1920s by Raymond DeWalt, a radial arm saw is a woodworking machine that’s designed to cut and shape wooden workpieces. It features a circular saw blade that’s mounted radially on a stable platform. There’s a handle on the side, as well as a guard to protect the worker from injury during use.

Is a radial arm saw more expensive than a table saw?

When compared to table saws, for example, radial arm saws are typically more expensive. The high cost makes them an unattractive choice for both commercial and consumer woodworking applications.

Can a radial arm saw cut a miter?

Unlike the radial arm saw, however, the miter saw doesn’t support rip cuts; it’s only able to perform miter cuts. The radial arm saw can perform a variety of cuts, including both miter and rip.

What is the advantage of a radial arm saw?

There are advantages to using a radial arm saw, large cross cut capacity, compound mitre cut capacity, the fact that it takes a dado stack for cutting half laps, cross laps and rabbets. I also want to highlight the capacity of the saw to go 90 degrees to cut tenons which is a huge time saver.

What are the risks of using a radial arm saw?

The biggest risk with radial arm saws is as you are cutting and it’s working into the wood, it can get a bit too much traction, start to climb cut and the saw can come flying back.

Is a radial saw dangerous?

Yes, just like any powered tool in any shop, they’re all dangerous on some level. With correct set up, a caution for safe user guidelines, and proper maintenance a radial arm saw is a game changer to the speed and accuracy of your cuts.

Is a radial arm saw safe?

Just like any tool, treated right, and worked with carefully it can be safe. There are always risks with tools but if you understand the dangers and risks and operate the tool in a way that reduces or eliminates the risk of injury then there are tons of advantages to a tool like a radial arm saw.

Why Are Radial Arm Saws Dangerous?

The debate over the dangers of radial arm saws has been going on for years, with both sides making good points. The fact remains any saw can be dangerous, and radial arm saws are no exception. We will look at the radial arm saws’ evolution and the hazards it posed in the past, and if that is still the case today.

How The Radial Arm Saw Has Changed

We have looked at how a radial arm saw worked in the past; now, we can look at how the saw has improved and if there are new features to improve safety. Over time, the manufacture of radial arm saws dwindled. Today, only one company that manufactures this power saw, The Original Saw Co.

Correct Protection You Need When Using A Radial Arm Saw

If you use a radial arm saw, you must use the correct PPE to help keep you safe. Here is the PPE you will need:

Things You Need To Remember When Using A Radial Arm Saw

When you intend to use a radial arm saw, you need to take some precautions; here are a few tips to help you:

Things Not To Do When Working With A Radial Arm Saw

If you are working with a radial arm saw, there are certain things you want to avoid doing like:

Conclusion

Radial arm saws like all saws are dangerous. While they have made many improvements to the radial arm saw over the years, it does pose dangers. The manufacture of radial arm saws is in decline, and the production may completely stop one of these days.

Why do people not like radial arm saws?

There are a few potential reasons why some people may not like radial arm saws. Some may find them difficult to use, particularly if they are not familiar with how to operate them. Additionally, radial arm saws can be dangerous if not used correctly, and some people may therefore avoid them for safety reasons.

Does anyone still use radial arm saws?

Based on online search activity, radial arm saws do not appear to be as popular as they once were.

Why were Craftsman radial arm saws recalled?

The Craftsman radial arm saw was recalled because it could cause serious injury or death if the blade guard was not used properly.

Is a radial arm saw better than a Mitre saw?

As it depends on the specific application. A radial arm saw generally has greater cutting capacity than a miter saw, but it is also more difficult to maneuver.

Can a radial arm saw cut 45 degree angle?

A radial arm saw can cut a 45 degree angle if it is tilted to the correct setting.

How do you do a 45 degree cut with a hand saw?

To make a 45 degree cut with a hand saw, hold the saw at a 45 degree angle to the workpiece and saw along the line of the cut.

What is the difference between a Mitre saw and a radial arm saw?

A mitre saw is a hand-held power saw that is used to make precise cuts at a variety of angles. A radial arm saw is a saw that is mounted on an arm that can be moved around to make different cuts.