What is a radial arm saw used for?

A radial arm saw is a cutting machine consisting of a circular saw mounted on a sliding horizontal arm. Invented by Raymond DeWalt in 1922, the radial arm saw was the primary tool used for cutting long pieces of stock to length until the introduction of the power miter saw in the 1970s.

What materials can a radial arm saw cut?

Radial arm saws are best used for making 90 degree cross cuts in wood and wood composite materials. While technically most radial arm saws can be used for ripping, table saws provide a safer rip cut method and miter saws can provide a much more accurate angled cut and are a safer alternative.

What is the most important thing to remember while using the radial arm saw?

What safety procedures should you follow when using a radial arm saw? Wear safety glasses with side shields or safety goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles). Wear hearing protection that is suitable for the level and frequency of the noise you are exposed to in the woodworking area.

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.

What should never be crossed when using the radial arm saw?

Never cross arms. Radial arm saws cut in a fashion that pulls the blade into the piece pushing the stock to the fence. For this reason think of moving the saw as controlling feed rate and not pulling saw through. Pulling on saw may cause bodily injury.

Can I use a radial arm saw like a table saw?

Radial arm saws can also make most common woodworking cuts. Rather than moving a large 2 x 12 board through the saw, as you would need to do with a table saw, you can keep the piece stationary and move the radial arm saw blade right through for your cut.

Is a radial arm saw dangerous?

The safety record of radial arm saws however hasn’t been that great, due to the basic problems of ripping, and climb cutting. So from a design standpoint, is the saw dangerous, yes, more so than a table saw for ripping, or a mitre saw for cross cutting. There are safer alternatives out there. Regards, Rod.

Can you use a radial arm saw to cut tile?

May 26, 2009 · You cannot cut tile with a radial arm saw no matter what blade; it will crack. If you have a compound mitre, you could use the method of the previous answer by simply scoring the tile. wood plank ceramic Tile Wide plank floors are popular right now Just be aware that you may need to sweep often.

Who invented the radial arm saw?

Invented by Raymond DeWalt in 1922, the radial arm saw was the primary tool used for cutting long pieces of stock to length until the introduction of the power miter saw in the 1970s.

What is the use of a straight line rip saw?

A straight line or gang rip saw is a circular blade machine, usually of the radial design, used for cutting wood across and above the stock. The blade is mounted directly to the motor, which is contained in the moveable ram. The stroke may be manual or powered. The saw blade generally rotates at 3,600 rotations per minute (RPM).