Is the radial arm saw obsolete or should it be part of a well-rounded shop?
Should you buy a radial arm saw?
Aside from cost, there are other factors that cause many carpenters to opt for other tools over a radial arm saw. A radial arm saw is bulky, heavy, and not very portable. They are most often found in a larger workshop where being portable is not an issue.
That being said, the radial arm saw is quite an amazing tool that can perform a lot of different and useful operations. Although it would be used primarily for cross cuts, it can cut miters, bevels, slats, grooves, and mold molding. You can also use it as a router guide.
Burrs, Grooves, Miter and Upside Cut Bevels
The radial arm saw is perfect when you want to make cross cuts, grooves and tenons. You can also cut up to a sixty degree miter, either to the right or left, and up to a ninety degree bevel. However, you can only cut a bevel in one direction.
Although you can cut more complicated angles than with a compound miter saw, the radial arm setup is a bit tricky when it comes to getting the angles right.
The downward tear material and compound cut miter
Although it is versatile, there are some drawbacks associated with a radial arm saw. Configuration for certain tasks is often more difficult. If you want to cut compound miter; setup is much faster and more consistent when using a miter saw than with this saw. Ripping material is also faster and easier to install on a table saw. A radial arm saw can easily accomplish these tasks, but setup is easier using the compound miter and table saw.
Use your saw safely
Common sense and good safety habits are important when working with any type of machinery, especially any type of electric saw. A blade guard is critical and you should never start the saw without the guard being securely in place. Do not modify the protection and always make sure that it works correctly.
It is also a good idea to set the saw to tilt back a bit, so that the front of the saw is slightly higher than the rear. This will prevent the saw from sliding forward and reduce the risk of serious injury.
Never start cutting until the blade is at full speed. Always monitor how fast you actually pull the saw when cutting. This is a good habit for safety and it also produces a better cut.
The saw blade rotates toward the rear of the saw, which can, if used improperly, cause the saw to move forward while cutting. Always grip the saw handle firmly so that you are controlling the cutting speed and not the saw.
When making any type of cross cut, adjust the depth of the blade slightly below the table surface. This means that the first operation will result in some grooves on the table surface. Again, do not lower the saw blade onto the table during this process until it has reached its full speed.
Always use the saw guide and be sure to hold the wood you are cutting firmly against it, while keeping your hand away from the blade. Never do any freehand work with a radial arm saw.
As with any power tool, read the user manual and make sure you understand all the instructions. Taking the time to ensure that you have configured your saw according to the manufacturer’s specifications will familiarize you with all the features and teach you how to use the radial arm saw safely.