FTS

I don't consider the radial arm saw to be any more dangerous than most shop machines. Like any tool it can be very dangerous when not used properly. Back in the early 70's when I was in shop class the instructor gave us a special talk complete with graphic cautionary tales about the two most dangerous machines in the shop: the table saw and the lathe. Sure enough, one kid shot a big board out of the table saw by using the rip fence on a piece that was wider than it was long. Luckily no one was killed.

I had never owned a RA saw of my own until a short time ago when I had a chance to acquire a 1960's Dewalt in mint condition. I plan to give it a permanent home along the shop wall. It's a heavy beast with a very well built arm and I would certainly use it for short dados on long pieces of sheet goods like bookcase ends rather than messing about with the table saw or a router.

I think that it's not the lack of versatility that has killed the radial arm saw, but the lack of portability and space. Not many people have a 20 foot wall that they can devote to a full radial arm saw station.