A Mitre saw and a radial arm saw are two types of saws used for cutting wood and other materials. The main difference between a Mitre saw and a radial arm saw is the way in which they are used.
A Mitre saw is typically used to make cross cuts, which are cuts across the grain of the material being cut. It features a blade fixed at a 90 degree angle that can be swiveled left and right to make angled cuts.
It is a very accurate and precise saw and it is ideal for more detailed cutting work such as for making frames, trims and moldings.
Radial arm saws, on the other hand, are used for making more general cutting needs such as for ripping, cross cuts, and even miter cuts. It features a single arm that can move back and forth along a fixed track, allowing for more accurate and precise cuts.
The arm can typically move both the blade and the material being cut, allowing for longer and more accurate cuts. This makes it a better choice for making complex cuts or larger projects that require multiple cuts.
What is the purpose of a radial saw?
A radial saw is a power saw with a circular blade used to make precise and accurate crosscuts, miter cuts, bevels, and compound angles on wood, plastic, and metal. It is also known as a radial arm saw.
The saw has a circular arm that rotates around a vertical pivot point, allowing the user to make cuts across surfaces and materials instead of just against the grain. It generally has two primary applications: rip cuts, which involve cutting with the grain, and cross cuts, which involve cutting across the grain.
The primary purpose of a radial saw is to provide precise and accurate cuts, making it an ideal tool for those working with wood, metal, and plastic materials. It can accurately cut both straight and curved lines, allowing users to create precise joints and a high degree of complexity.
The radial arm saw is also ideal for sawing long boards into shorter sections, and for accurately creating multiple similar pieces such as molding. Additionally, some radial saws are equipped with specialized attachments, including jigsaws and router bits, providing even greater versatility.
What is special about a radial arm saw?
A radial arm saw is a type of saw that is especially useful for cutting large pieces of wood. It has a circular blade which is mounted on an arm that can be extended out to provide a longer reach. The saw also has an adjustable fence, a worktable, and a beveling feature which all make it easier to work with larger pieces of wood, such as plywood, hardwood, and laminates.
The radial arm saw is unique in that it can make both rip and cross cuts with just one machine. This makes it a great choice for projects such as making large furniture pieces, creating cabinetry, and for larger woodworking projects.
The saw is also more accurate than a crosscut saw, and can be used to make beveled cut which is an important feature for achieving a professional finish look.
Why are radial arm saws not popular?
Radial arm saws used to be a popular and versatile tool in many woodworking shops, but they have since fallen out of favor compared to other machines such as table saws, miter saws, and circular saws.
One of the main reasons why radial arm saws are not as popular is their noted lack of accuracy. Radial arm saws are less precise than other tools, and can often produce inaccurate cuts and finishes. Additionally, most radial arm saws require more setup and adjustments when changing between certain cuts, making them more labor intensive to use.
Furthermore, tendency to kickback when cutting, creating potential safety risks, has deterred many people from these machines. Finally, many modern machines are more compact and take up less space than their radial arm saw counterparts, making them more desirable in workshops with limited space.
All of these factors have contributed to the decreasing popularity of radial arm saws.
Does anyone use a radial arm saw anymore?
Radial arm saws were once the go-to power tool for woodworkers and DIYers alike, but recent technology and safety advancements in other tools has led to a decline in their prevalence. While radial arm saws still do appear in some wood shops and woodworking projects, their usage is changing.
Today, tool operators who want ultimate accuracy and versatility from a power tool are more likely to use a miter saw, a sliding compound miter saw, or a table saw. These tools provide enhanced safety and precision, are easy to use and transport, and have become increasingly popular as a result.
That said, there are still applications and projects that radial arm saws specifically excel at, making them a useful tool to have at the ready. Projects such as bevel or compound cutting, or repetitive cuts require the use of a radial arm saw to accurately cut the desired angle without adjusting the blade and height each time.
Furthermore, there are some projects that are easier or quicker to use a radial arm saw for, such as cutting trim boards, lumber, and certain framing components. Ultimately, though radial arm saws may not be as common as they once were, anyone looking for accurate and precise cutting for a wide range of applications can still turn to this tool for a job well done.
Do I need a miter saw if I have a radial arm saw?
Whether or not you need a miter saw if you have a radial arm saw depends on what types of projects you plan on doing. The radial arm saw is designed for making longer rip and cross-cuts but it is not as responsive to making precise angle cuts as a miter saw.
Therefore, if you plan on doing projects that require precise angle cuts, then you should get a miter saw to supplement the work of your radial arm saw. Additionally, a miter saw is typically more compact and easier to store than a radial arm saw due to its size.
Therefore, if you have a limited workspace, then it may be beneficial to get a miter saw to avoid having to move the radial arm saw around your workspace. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if a miter saw is a necessity depending on the type of projects you plan on doing and the amount of space you have.
Can a radial arm saw make miter cuts?
Yes, a radial arm saw can make miter cuts. A miter cut is a type of cut wherein the cut angle is at an angle to the edge. With a radial arm saw, you can adjust the cutting head of the saw to the angle you want for your miter cut and make the cut accordingly.
Additionally, most radial arm saws come with a miter gauge so that you can accurately set up and execute the cut. If a precise or precise angle is needed, you can use the miter gauge to help ensure that the cut is accurate.
Is a radial arm saw better than a table saw?
The answer to this question really depends on the project you’re working on and your own preferences as a craftsman. Generally speaking, a radial arm saw has many advantages over a table saw, including greater versatility, better accuracy, and easier setup for complicated jobs.
It also has a higher blade speed than a table saw, which is beneficial for making precise cuts. Additionally, the arm on a radial arm saw can be pushed away from the blade, allowing you to make angled and curved cuts that would otherwise require special jigs and fences.
However, it is important to keep in mind that radial arm saws tend to be bulkier and more expensive than table saws. Therefore, if you only need to perform basic operations like rip and crosscutting, a table saw may be the preferable option.
Ultimately, the choice of which saw to use should be determined by the type of project you’re working on and your own skill level.
Is it worth having a radial arm saw?
Yes, it is worth having a radial arm saw. A radial arm saw is a highly versatile woodworking tool that provides precision and accuracy for a variety of woodworking tasks. It can be used to accurately cut wood to size, crosscut wide boards, miter, and even make bevel or compound angle cuts.
Additionally, the saw can also be used to cut intricate shapes and perform multiple cuts. It is an especially useful tool for cabinet and furniture makers, but can be used by anyone who needs to cut wood with precision and accuracy.
Additionally, many of these saws also offer an adjustable blade guard, dust collection system, and a tilting fence for angle cuts, as well as variable blade speed, blade depth, and height adjustments.
This versatility makes it an ideal tool for any wood craftsman or hobbyist.
Why were Craftsman radial arm saws recalled?
In October 2015, the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of about 850,000 Craftsman radial arm saws. The recall was issued because the saw’s arm assembly can break, posing a risk of serious laceration to the user.
This defect affects model numbers 137.415030, 137.415031 and 137.415032 distributed between May 1982 and August 1999.
The problem’s root cause is that the saws’ arm assemblies can break due to corrosion over time. As a result, the saw poses a risk of serious injury to the user; if the saw’s arm breaks, both the rotating blade and the mechanical parts of the saw can become exposed.
In light of this, Craftsman are offering to inspection and, if necessary, repair or replace the saws for free. Consumers who own a stamped model number 137.415030, 137.415031 and 137.415032 should contact MTD to arrange for an inspection.
The recall does not affect any other Craftsman radial arm saws.
Does Dewalt make a radial arm saw?
Yes, Dewalt does make a radial arm saw. The Dewalt DW745 10″ Compact Job Site Table Saw is a powerful and reliable radial arm saw that is perfect for small to medium-sized projects. It is built for precision cutting, with an adjustable rip fence and a two-year warranty, making it dependable and long-lasting.
The saw also features a powerful 15 amp motor and clamps securely to any workbench or similar surface. This saw is easy to set up, operate, and maintain, making it an ideal choice for the DIYer or professional carpenter.
It is one of the most versatile and reliable radial arm saws on the market, and can handle even the most demanding jobs.
What type of cut should you not do with the radial arm saw?
It is generally not advised to use a radial arm saw for a crosscut. Crosscuts involve cutting across the grain of the wood and require a great deal of precision and accuracy. Radial arm saws are not ideal for making accurate crosscuts, as they are not as easy to control or maneuver as a standard table saw or a miter saw.
Additionally, most radial arm saws are set up to perform rip cuts and not crosscuts, and using it for crosscuts could cause damage to the tool itself. For crosscuts, it is much better to use either a miter saw or a table saw, which can be more easily maneuvered for accurate cuts.
What is the primary advantage of a radial arm saw over a miter saw?
The primary advantage of a radial arm saw over a miter saw is its versatile design, allowing the saw to be used for a variety of different cuts while still delivering the accuracy needed for precise and safe cuts.
The radial arm saw is extremely versatile because it can make cuts with multiple angles, allowing it to cut a variety of projects with precision and accuracy. Additionally, radial arm saws are often capable of making compound cuts, which are a combination of miter and bevel cuts, making them suitable for even the most complicated construction jobs.
The radial arm saw also has a pull-out saw head as opposed to a miter saw, which can make it easier to move around, making it ideal for landscaping projects or for making repairs in difficult-to-reach places.
The larger working area and rear-mounted fence of a radial arm saw also increase its accuracy and making long cuts easier. Lastly, radial arm saws are often quieter than miter saws, making them suitable for indoor projects as well.
