A radial arm saw is a versatile tool that is used in woodworking projects to make cuts in wood, plastic and other materials. It can be used to cut curves, different profiles, and straight cuts like a traditional circular saw.
It is typically used to cut large boards or panels that are too big to fit in a table saw or other machines. The advantage of the radial arm saw is that it allows for precise and accurate cuts, as well as offering the ability to work in tight spaces.
Additionally, the user can easily adjust the blade and arm angle to make several precise cuts using different angles, which is difficult to do with a circular saw. The saw can also be used to cut molding, do joinery, groove boards, and make small furniture pieces with detail.
Is it worth having a radial arm saw?
Yes, it is definitely worth having a radial arm saw in your workshop. A radial arm saw is an incredibly versatile tool, allowing you to do a wide range of cutting and bevelling tasks effortlessly. It is one of the most accurate and powerful saws, so you can be sure you’ll get a good, clean, and precise cut.
Additionally, you will have more control over the saw since it remains stationary, meaning your cuts will be more accurate and consistent. Radial arm saws are especially useful for cutting large pieces of material, such as a sheet of plywood or timber, in a much more efficient manner than with other types of saws.
The fact that they stay in place while making the cutting motion means they can easily make straight, angled, and compound angled cuts further boosting their versatility. If you are into woodworking and are looking to have greater control, efficiency, and accuracy, then having a radial arm saw would be a great investment.
Why are radial arm saws not popular?
Radial arm saws are powerful tools that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as crosscutting, ripping, miter cutting, and more. However, they are not as popular as other saws, such as the table saw and the miter saw, for several reasons.
Firstly, radial arm saws require more space than their more compact counterparts. In a workshop, where space is usually scarce, this is a major disadvantage. Additionally, these saws tend to vibrate more than other saws, which makes them less accurate and more difficult to use.
The simplest cuts require multiple steps, including adjusting the saw’s arm, setting the desired angle, and adjusting the height of the blade. This is more complex than operating a table saw, where all you have to do is set the desired height and angle.
The blades of a radial arm saw also require more frequent adjustment and sharpening. Finally, since radial arm saws are less popular, there take longer to find and can be more expensive when compared to other types of saws.
What kind of cut should never be done on the radial arm saw?
A radial arm saw is a powerful tool typically used for crosscutting, mitering and molding, however, it is important to remember that you should never make a through cut on a radial arm saw. This is because the saw can quickly bind up when the saw travels across the entire material, increasing the chance of a kickback.
Additionally, the saw blade can throw empty pieces of material from the table, which can potentially lead to injury. Therefore, it is best to avoid making any through cuts on the radial arm saw.
What is the average cost of a radial arm saw?
The average cost of a radial arm saw can range anywhere from around $200-$2,000 depending on the features and quality you are looking for. Typically, a basic radial arm saw will cost around $300-$400 and higher-end models that feature heavy-duty components, enhanced sawing capacity, and other features will usually range around $800 and up.
Some of the more sophisticated models and designs can even cost up to $2,000 or more. It’s important to think about the types of projects you are planning to do and how often you are planning on using it so that you can find the right saw to meet your needs and budget.
What replaced the radial arm saw?
The radial arm saw has been gradually replaced by more modern tools and technologies such as the miter saw, table saw, and track saw. These tools offer greater accuracy and power, as well as a selection of blades and other accessories that can be used for various cutting operations.
The miter saw provides precise angled cuts and beveled edges, while the table saw produces smooth, even cuts. The track saw allows for straight, accurate cuts with minimal set-up time and the ability to cut larger pieces of material.
Additionally, these tools are often much safer and more cost effective than their radial arm counterparts.
Is a radial arm saw better than a table saw?
It depends on the type of project you are working on. Each saw has its own advantages and disadvantages. A radial arm saw is ideal for rip cuts and crosscuts, as it allows for long stock to be cut easily with its long arm.
It allows for a variety of cuts and angles, which is great for angled joinery. However, a table saw is preferable for cutting small parts and making repeating cuts, such as those needed for cabinet doors.
The surface of the table saw is also larger, allowing for large projects to be accurately cut with ease. In conclusion, the answer to whether a radial arm saw or a table saw is better depends on the project and its needs.
Does Dewalt still make radial arm saws?
Yes, Dewalt still makes high-quality radial arm saws. Dewalt’s radial arm saws are designed to deliver excellent power, accuracy, and efficiency. Their line of radial arm saws are crafted with superior ergonomics, making them easy and comfortable to use.
Their features include a heavy-duty machined aluminum frame, improved dust management systems, precision-calibrated blades, and a dual-axis beam system. In addition, these saws are built with the latest technologies that guarantee optimal performance.
With Dewalt’s radial arm saws, users can be sure that their job will be done quickly and accurately.
Why were Craftsman radial arm saws recalled?
Craftsman radial arm saws were recalled due to a defect that could cause serious injury to the user. The saws included a blade guard, which was designed to cover the blade and prevent contact with it.
However, the blade guard could become dislodged, leaving the saw’s blades exposed. If a user were to place their hands near the blade while the machine is operating, this could result in serious injury.
In addition to the blade guard, the saws had a second safety guard, which could malfunction and cause the blade to rotate unpredictably. This could lead to a user losing control of the saw and possibly suffering an injury.
As a result, the saws were recalled in order to correct and fix the issues with the safety guards.
Is the radial arm saw obsolete?
No, the radial arm saw is not obsolete. This versatile tool remains a mainstay in many woodworking shops in the United States and abroad, both for professional and novice woodworkers alike. While modern saws such as the miter and compound miter saws have gained in popularity over the past few decades, the radial arm saw retains its usefulness in a range of woodworking applications.
The radial arm saw is a powerful saw capable of precise cuts on both large and small workpieces. The adjustable blade allows for quick and precise angle and depth adjustments, enabling users to make efficiently precise cuts.
The radial arm saw is also relatively affordable and requires less setup time compared to other saws. With the right set of blades, one can easily make a variety of cuts such as dadoing, grooving, dados, rabbets and more in addition to regular miter and crosscutting.
The radial arm saw is capable of many different types of cuts, which can be a major advantage in certain situations. For example, if you’re working with a complex layout that involves multiple pieces of wood, the ability to make a variety of cuts can help speed up the process immensely.
The radial arm saw is also more cost-effective than other saws when it comes to large projects.
In conclusion, although the radial arm saw has lost some of its prominence in recent decades, it is still a very useful and versatile tool in any woodworking shop. It offers a great combination of utility, flexibility, power, and cost-effectiveness, making it a reliable choice for both novice and professional woodworkers.
At what type of cutting does the radial saw excel?
The radial saw excels at crosscutting and rip cutting. It is especially effective at improving cross Cutting accuracy and productivity because it has a rotating head for cutting at different angles, as well as its own built-in fence system for precision cutting.
Rip cutting, which is usually done with a table saw, involves cutting material along the grain. The radial saw is great at this as well because it is designed with a large arbor and powerful motor to handle large boards or logs.
This type of saw is also great for making bevel cuts, as the arbor can be adjusted to any angle. In addition, the radial saw can produce a wider cut than the average miter saw or table saw does, which could be beneficial for some types of woodworking projects.