Replies

1. 
   cutoffcollector | Apr 03, 2003 04:04pm | #1

     I believe that you need to assess your current and future needs regarding which saw to purchase. The miter saw gives you the opportunity to make miter and straight crosscuts, takes a minimum amount of space and various makes and models are less costly than radial arm saws. The radial arm saw provides miter and straight cut as well as the ability to do rip cuts. If you intend to do mostly miter cuts, go with the miter saw. If not, the radial arm will give greater versitility and allow you to rip large boards and panels.

     I've had radial arm saws for almost 40 years. I've never had enough working space to have a tablesaw. My saw is backed up against a wall with a home built drawer cabinet next to it. The cabinet is munted on adjustable supports and its top is the same height as the saw table.

   Whatever you decide, prior to turning on any power saw, ALWAYS review the cut sequence, where your hands will be and where both the piece and the off fall will end up.

   Jon

1. 
   travbickel | Apr 03, 2003 04:22pm | #2

   Let me weigh in here before the RAS bashers chime in. 

   Some background - I learned to do woodworking 25 years ago on a DeWalt RAS.  I now own another DeWalt.  I don't own a table saw and don't really want one as I don't have the room. 

   The answer to your question is "depends" A well tuned RAS can do everything a table saw can and several things a TS can't.  The problem is that RAS models that can be well tuned are few and far between, and those that can be often aren't.  The adjustments on the saw being precise are critical to furniture making.  The procedure in tuning is often counter intuitive.

   The craftsman saws are nearly impossible to keep in proper tune, though they are dime a dozen.  The older (pre Black & Decker purchase) DeWalt saws are a world apart.  I have my 1956 model MBF set up to tolerances of .002".  I think it is the equal of any table saw, except the motor could sometimes use more oompf. 

   Try visiting http://login.prospero.com/dir-login/index.asp?webtag=woodbutcher&lgnDST=http%3A%2F%2Fforums%2Edelphiforums%2Ecom%2Fwoodbutcher%2Fstart This is a great online forum devoted to the DeWalt RAS.  Reading the archives there can answer alot of questions.  Or ask me here, I'm glad to help.

   BTW, I'm a professional and use the RAS for all my woodworking.

   Mike Prisbylla

2. 
   Jeff | Apr 03, 2003 04:44pm | #3

   I have radial arm saws, miter saws, and table saws in the shop.

   All have their uses.

   Yes a good radial arm saw is worth having in the shop.

   Jeff

3. 
   DaveMartins | Apr 03, 2003 04:51pm | #4

   I own a RAS and was one of the first machines I had.  Later I purchased a Miter saw and found it easier for miter cuts.  Ripping on the RAS was always scarry to me.  I know have a Unisaw and love it.  Its the most used saw in my shop.  So with all three types of saws, I know rip on my table saw, cross cut on the RAS and preform miter cuts on moulding with my miter saw.  I would say the miter saw is the least used, and has the weakest blade.  That is, I cut scrapp down to a size I box up for camp fires etc.  not really caring about the blade. I switch blades when miter cuts are needed on moulding.

   Dave

4. 
   WorkshopJon | Apr 03, 2003 06:24pm | #5

   You forgot to add how big your shop is and how big a budget you have. A radial arm saw has its place, and while it can substitute for a lot of other tools, it's not an even trade. If you have the money and space, a 10" table saw (with appropriate side and out feed tables) plus a sliding compound miter saw combined would be better for 90% of typical stuff. But... if I had the space, and funds, still get the RAS also (along with the panel saw, 14" band saw. 36" band saw, etc., etc...)

   Jon

1. 
   Dalewood | Apr 03, 2003 08:41pm | #8

   Jon,  My shop is 24' x 44' and I am just now finishing it up.  I already own a table saw and a 10" miter saw and I would probably be able to spend $1000.00 more.  I would like to purchase a jointer and planer also if I could.  Thanks for the advice.

1. 
   leehold | Apr 04, 2003 03:05am | #9

   Dalewood: I've had a 10 inch Dewalt Radial Arm saw for 40 years and have had only one breakdown in all those years. And I've used it almost daily. If you decide on a radial, it would be worth your effort to find a used one which would probably be better than any newer 10" you can find.  LEE

5. 
   JeffKurtz | Apr 03, 2003 07:06pm | #6

   Just a couple points to add to what's already been written.

   Yes, a radial arm saw takes up a lot of floor space, but so does a sliding miter saw.

   If you're looking for accuracy and dependability, stay away from Craftsman, Ridge, and lower end Delta.  Look for a used (old) DeWalt or Powermatic.  Delta and Original Saw still make heavy duty 12" and 14" models, but these are quite expensive.

   How much cutting capacity do you need? (Will a 12" SCMS be large enough?)

   Will you be cutting a significant number of dadoes?  (RAS is the undisputed master of cutting them.)

   Will you use a RAS often enough to justify the large investment required to purchase one?

   Jeff

6. 
   booch | Apr 03, 2003 07:45pm | #7

   RAS is good. I've got one of the "Evil" Sears Craftsman varieties. I do a variety of things with it. Mostly cross cut boards to length. I've also cut aluminum soffit with it, and even ripped plywood.

   Frankly all of the things you do with it can be done elsewhere with other tools. Particularily the ripping. Table saws are a lot safer than the RAS. Too much blade exposed for my liking and it can climb.

   I still love it for the cross cut of long things. Table saws suck at cross cuts of things that are 2x as long as their table surface. RAS is the way to quickly get things down to rough size.

   Chop/Miter/Sliding compounds are also good at the cut to size thing. the problem is that the throat on a 10" miter only accomidates a 2x6. Sliding could be greater but no where near the 24 inches I get from a RAS.

   Finally precision cuts are only as good as the fencing measurement system on the RAS. I use a square to setup every cut.

   I got mine for 200 new and it is worth 3x that in my use. Far safer/accurate than a Skil saw for cross cuts.

   For what it is worth, if you don't have one, and have room for it, start with the Table saw.

   Jack of all trades and master of none - you got a problem with that?
7. 
   ToolDoc | Apr 06, 2003 01:26am | #10

   I have had a radial arm saw in my shop for years and never had any accidents with it..its like any other power tool in that you have to use commonn sense and be carefull when using it..no it doesnt replace my table or miter saw but is used to compiment them..

    Happy WoodWorking..     ToolDoc

8. 
   66wood | Apr 07, 2003 04:17am | #11

   I have an old Ward's radial arm saw from my Dad back in the 60's and it does a good job on all that I ask from it. I also have a table saw and I would say I use them about the same amount. As we all know you can't beat a RAS for cutting dados,half-laps,etc.

   Just my two cents worth !!!!!!!!!!!        Have a good one,Bob

9. 
   ChipTam | Apr 07, 2003 02:16pm | #12

   Dalewood,

   Over the years I've owned a 12" Craftsman, a 10" Delta, and now a 12" Dewalt.  Radial arm saws have their uses in a shop especially for cutting long boards to length.  When I first started woodworking I used a RAS to rip, as well, but I would feel uneasy doing so today.  The biggest problem with a RAS is that it can get out of adjustment very easilly.  I tend to leave mine set at 90 degrees and use various jigs for other angles.

     If I were to start over today I would probably get a SCMS instead of a RAS.  You give up some added width of cut with a SCMS but they're less expensive, are easier to keep in adjustment, and take up somewhat less floor space.  You mention that you already have a miter saw but don't have a jointer.  I would get that jointer before a RAS but that's just my opinion.

   Chip