tyrerj

I have a Sawsmith which my father purchased many years ago. It is a very useful tool. Probably better for construction work than a table saw. Although I do think that it is probably easier to do some things and be precise with a good table saw.

I note that RA vs Table is not the only choice for a single saw. I guess that they don't make that Scandinavian saw that was like an inverted miter saw that would also rip. Like the RAS you didn't have to move the wood to cross cut or miter, but the width was limited. Mafel now makes a really nice alternative table saw where you move the blade rather than the wood to cross cut -- other than that it is a regular table saw. It would make both obsolete for a shop saw except for the price.

It you RAS tries to attack you cross cutting, you can start with the blade out and push it through the work (which is always recommended for using a dado head). Having a good blade that is sharp also helps. You also need to learn to have your forearm straight, level, and parallel to the saw arm with you elbow in front of your body so if the saw starts self feeding that it would have to try to knock you down rather than just move your arm.