kwhiteho


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Recent comments


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

I have been using a radial arm saw for 30 yrs.
I also have a table saw, chop saw, 2 band saws and a variety of portable saws.
I like the RA saw very much.
- You see exactly where you are going to cut.
- It is very simple to set up for repetitive cuts.
- It can cut tenons and grooves easily.
This was my first major power tool and was very versatile - I have used it for:
- Grinding and buffing by replacing the blade with grinding wheel or buffing wheel.*
- Horizontal boring by putting a chuck on the threaded end of the motor.*
- Making pens by putting the pen mandrel in the chuck and then making a jig with ball bearing to support the other end.*
* Blade removed for these operations.

Safety - I actually feel very safe using the saw.
- One hand is on handle behind the blade and out of the way.
- The path of the blade is very well defined in a straight line. I make sure my other hand is out of that path.

Accuracy - recommend getting the book 'Fine Tuning Your Radial Arm Saw' by John Eakes.