Radial Arm Saw

Message

rec · #1 Post by **rec** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 3:15 pm

Would a radial arm saw be good for cutting the angles on the ends of the boards as opposed to a table saw. I am inheriting one from my father and need to decide if I should get it set up to use in my BFM projects.

WB · #2 Post by WB » Wed Nov 07, 2007 3:53 pm

I think a radial arm saw would be perfect for cutting angles on smaller pieces such as the mid horn of the Omni 12 or 15. It would also be handy on other smaller pieces. I used a table saw last time, this time I'll use a sliding mitre saw. I think it be worth while to set up your saw.

Tim A · #3 Post by **Tim A** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 3:58 pm

It'd be great, I use mine a lot. Some of the weird angles, 50+ and 60+ degrees are easy cuts on a RAS.

BUT!!!!!

Take the time to learn to use it SAFELY. They can be dangerous to a newbie, moreso than other saws. Safety, safety, safety. Get clamps, lots of them. Clamp your work down. Keep your hands well away from the blade. When a RAS grabs it has a tendency to run at you. Anything in the way is going to get chopped off.

Make your first cuts on narrow scraps to get the feel, then try something a little wider. You'll notice the saw wants to push toward you due to the rotation angle. Keep that in mind always.

rec · #4 Post by **rec** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 4:28 pm

sounds like good advice and I am a noob to wood working. I have to admit I am a little intimidated by the RAS. I will take it slow uptil I get used to it.

Tim A · #5 Post by **Tim A** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 4:46 pm

rec wrote:sounds like good advice and I am a noob to wood working. I have to admit I am a little intimidated by the RAS. I will take it slow uptil I get used to it.

Do more than that, get someone to teach you how to use the saw.

rec · #6 Post by **rec** » Thu Nov 08, 2007 1:21 pm

Understood.....I defintily realize the potential danger with this saw
Thanks to all

Frankenspeakers · #7 Post by **Frankenspeakers** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 2:39 am

What Tim said... RAS demands respect, but they are the most useful kind if saw that I know of.

nola50 · #8 Post by **nola50** » Wed Feb 27, 2008 8:34 pm

Yes... they are wonderful tools... test some cuts on scrap... watch how it "grabs" the wood... he is absolutely correct about clamps everywhere...

Check this idea out... http://benchnotes.com/Radial%20Arm%20Ta ... table.html

gdougherty · #9 Post by **gdougherty** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:18 am

Make sure your blades are sharp too. Either sharpen or get a new blade. It's important with all circular cutting saws, but probably more so with a radial since it will run at you if it grabs. Sharp blades will give you cleaner cuts and leave less burn marks on your cut edges as well. Good all around.