The proper technique for cutting with a radial arm saw is to lower the sawblade, then turn on the power and push the sawblade toward the material you want to cut. To ensure accurate and safe cuts, it is important to keep a steady pressure on the sawblade and to guide the sawblade in a straight line along the length of the material you are cutting.
When the end of the material is reached, turn the power off, lift the sawblade, then reposition it for the next cut. Repeat this process until the desired material is cut. For optimal safety and accuracy, it is also important to make sure that you have a properly maintained saw blade and a correctly installed and securely clamped saw blade guard.
How should you move the radial arm of a radial arm saw?
When moving the radial arm of a radial arm saw, it is important to always keep in mind the safety measures to ensure a safe performance. To begin, you should ensure that the saw is securely in the off position and all power sources are disconnected before attempting to adjust or move the saw in any way.
Additionally, you should ensure that the area is cleared of all materials, tools, and other obstructions that could impede your movements.
Once you have safely removed any potential obstacles you should use both hands to slowly and securely move the arm of the radial arm saw. Grip the arm firmly and use your arms and shoulders to extend or retract it as necessary.
To make sure that you do not over-extend the arm, make sure to place a hand on the guide each time before the full extent of the arm is reached.
To save time when you are ready to stop and put down the arm, place a wooden block in between the arm and the table saw. This block will help to stop the arm from moving too far and will help to ensure its secure placement as you work.
Finally, if you need to adjust the height of the arm, use the saw’s height adjuster lever to safely and slowly make any necessary changes. Make sure you read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when making any height adjustments.
Do you push or pull a Mitre saw?
When using a Mitre saw, it depends on the type of saw that you have whether you would push or pull it. For a typical sliding Miter saw, you would be pushing the saw through the material. This type of saw generally has a handle on the front of the table that you push down on either side of the blade.
Sliding compound Mitre saws provide the same type of pushing motion, but with the added feature of being able to tilt and rotate the blade. A chop saw, which is a non-sliding type and typically table mounted, is usually used by pulling the saw handle operating the blade.
The pulling motion then brings the blade down towards the material to make accurate cuts.
What is a radial arm saw for?
A radial arm saw is a type of saw which has a horizontal arm mounted on a vertical column. The arm can be adjusted to different angles and locked into place. It features a circular saw blade mounted at the end of the arm.
Radial arm saws are commonly used in woodworking to make precise and intricate cuts, such as ripping and crosscutting boards, cutting miters and compound angles, and beveling edges. Many models of radial arm saws also have different attachments, such as a drill press, tables for cutting larger pieces, and various blades for different materials.
They can also be used for cutting metal and plastic, although these materials require specialized blades and attachments, as well as greater safety precautions.
What type of cut should you not do with the radial arm saw?
The radial arm saw is a powerful and versatile saw that can be used for a number of different cuts. However, some types of cuts should not be attempted with a radial arm saw, as it is not designed for those tasks.
These include cuts such as bevels, backcuts, dado, or rabbet cuts. These cuts are typically made with a specialized saw, such as a table saw or miter saw, as they require a greater degree of accuracy.
Additionally, you should never use a radial arm saw to cut curves or circles, as this can be quite dangerous. For this type of cut, an appropriate jigsaw, band saw, or scroll saw should be used instead.
What is the average cost of a radial arm saw?
The average cost of a radial arm saw depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of saw and its size, the features it offers, and the brand. Generally, a basic 10-inch radial arm saw will cost between $400 – $600, while a more advanced 14-inch model can cost up to $900 or more.
Features such as laser guides, power angle adjustment, dust collection systems and sanding devices will also add to the overall cost. Professional-grade saws, such as those offered by Dewalt, Makita, and Bosch, tend to be more expensive, with prices often reaching upwards of $1200.
It is always best to shop around and compare prices to find the best deal for your needs.
Is a radial arm saw better than a table saw?
The answer to the question of whether a radial arm saw is better than a table saw really depends on the particular job that needs to be done. Table saws are ideal for stationary projects, as they can provide a great deal of accuracy for bigger and bulkier projects.
On the other hand, radial arm saws are ideal for cutting multiple pieces of wood, such as boards and planks, since they can make more precise, accurate crosscuts on multiple pieces of wood faster and easier than a table saw.
Radial arm saws also have a much longer range of movement when compared to table saws, so they are great for larger projects that require multiple cuts and angles. Ultimately, it comes down to the job and project type when deciding which type of saw is the better choice.
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 is the range of motion they provide. A radial arm saw features a motor mounted on a sliding arm which can be extended and positioned to create varying angles and depths of cut.
A miter saw on the other hand is set at a fixed 90-degree angle and the saw head is the only part of the saw that can move. Additionally, a miter saw can be used to make angled and cross cuts, while a radial arm saw can be used to make long rips, curved cuts, and many other types of cuts.
Radial arm saws are typically used for larger, more precise work, such as door or window casing, trims, and molding. Miter saws are typically used for smaller cuts, such as for making picture or window frames and skirting boards.
Is it worth having a radial arm saw?
A radial arm saw can be a great tool for a woodworker to have for a variety of projects. The saw is essentially a one-stop-shop for creating cuts and can be much more efficient than a regular table saw.
It is able to cut through different types of materials with ease and accuracy, and can make bevel cuts, compound cuts, rip cuts, molding cuts, and mitered cuts. It can also be used to cut wood to the exact size desired.
The radial arm saw has a long blade that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter, allowing it to produce clean cuts with minimal effort. It also has a wide variety of blades that can be used as per the type of job you are doing.
A radial arm saw can also be surprisingly compact, making it easier to store and transport. If you don’t have the budget or space to accommodate a full-sized tablesaw, a radial arm saw is still a great option that can produce smooth, consistent cuts with a great degree of accuracy.
Overall, a radial arm saw can be a great buy for any level woodworker. It is generally an efficient tool for making accurate cuts and can save a lot of time and effort. It also proves to be versatile, offering a range of different cutting options.
The compactness of the saw makes it an ideal choice for those who don’t have a lot of space to work with.
Why were Craftsman radial arm saws recalled?
The recall of Craftsman Radial Arm Saws was initiated in March 2000 by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and concerned Craftsman 917.25111, 917.25121, 917.25131, 917.25212, 917.25213 and 917.
25321 model saws. These saws, made by Emerson Electric, could unexpectedly and abruptly reboot, which could cause injury or death to the user. The CPSC stated that the saws could contain a manufacturing defect that could cause unintended movement of the saw arm, as well as kickback, which could then cause objects to be thrown from the saw.
An insufficient plastic shield on the saw guard could also contribute to potential injury. It was estimated that 6.7 million of these saws were sold in the US, and another 315,000 in Canada.
In order to fix the problem, Emerson Electric instituted a voluntary recall program, providing free plastic guards and combination pins upon request. In addition, the CPSC issued a warning to consumers that they should stop using the saws immediately and contact Emerson Electric for a free repair.
Can you rip wood with a radial arm saw?
Yes, you can rip wood with a radial arm saw. The radial arm saw is a highly versatile saw that can be used for a variety of woodworking tasks. It’s primarily used for crosscutting, but it can also be used to rip boards along the grain.
In order to do this, you must attach a rip fence to the saw. This is a metal or plastic fence that holds the board in place and guides it along the cut. You will also need to adjust the blade depth and angle to ensure that you get an accurate cut.
It’s important to ensure that the blade angle is the same as the angle of the board so that it cuts straight and evenly. Once you have set the saw up correctly, you can then use the radial arm saw to rip wood.
At what type of cutting does the radial saw excel?
The radial saw excels at precision cuts, such as miter and bevel cuts, and crosscutting. It has a relatively large table with miter and bevel stops, as well as adjustable blade angle and height settings.
The blade of a radial saw can also be set at any angle between 0 and 45 degrees for accurate bevel cuts. Its bevel and miter fence offers a degree of accuracy that cannot usually be achieved with other saws.
The saw also has a high degree of accuracy when cutting thicker materials, such as sheet stock and lumber. Additionally, the radial saw can also be used for making dado and rabbet cuts. The saw’s versatile design also allows it to be used for a wide range of different types of cutting and shaping, including curves and circles.