ReubenWesley

Williamston, SC, US
member


Recent comments


Re: Is the Radial Arm Saw on its Last Legs?

The radial arm saw should go the way of the dinosaurs in my opinion.

I owned a radial arm saw for 35 years. It was the first power tool my father ever bought, and I loved it then! I also have used a radial arm saw as a professional cabiet maker. I hate to sound cold, but I gave my RAS away about six months ago.

While I agree they have their uses, there are so many options today that do the same jobs MUCH better. If you use a RAS for a few varying angle cuts, the fence and the table becomes a mess. Dados? A router does a MUCH better job. Compound miters or crosscutting? Sliding miter is the only way to go. Ripping? Forget it. Portability? Forget that too. Good ones are massive and weigh a ton.

Honestly, I have had FAR more near accidents with RASs than with any table saw I've used. In my opinion, RASs are less safe than properly equipped table saws, Sawstop or not. The fact is, the RAS may do several jobs, but it doesn't do any of them as well or as safely as other tools.

posted: 9:33 am on July 13th