QA

Why Are Radial Arm Saws Dangerous

RISKS. The biggest risk with radial arm saws is as you are cutting and it’s working into the wood, it can get a bit too much traction, start to climb cut and the saw can come flying back.

Does anyone still use radial arm saws?

There is but a single U.S. company still making the radial arm saw: the Original Saw Co. of Britt, Iowa. Two Italian-made models, manufactured by Maggi and Omga, are imported by U.S. distributors, but annual sales are measured in the hundreds, not the thousands.

What type of cut should you not do with the radial arm saw?

Do not use radial arm saws for ripping unless the spreader (riving knife) and anti-kickback devices are provided and properly adjusted. Do not take your hand away from the operating handle unless the cutting head is behind the fence.

How safe is a radial arm saw?

A radial arm saw can be dangerous if not used properly. Read the owner’s manual carefully. Make sure you understand instructions before attempting to use any tool or machine. Learn the applications and limitations before use.

What is better than a radial arm saw?

The radial arm saw is specially designed for cutting through thicker lumber due to its higher cutting depth. On the other hand, a miter saw is ideal for precise and accurate bevel crosscuts on thicker pieces of wood.

Can you rip with a radial arm saw?

Radial arm saws are among the most versatile woodworking machines in the woodshop. They can be used to cross-cut, rip, cut compound miters, cut dadoes and rabbets, and more.

When did Craftsman stop making radial arm saws?

The brand name “Craftsman®” and store name “Sears” are written on the saws. Sears stores and catalogs sold the 8-, 9- and 10-inch saws from 1958 through 1992. The 8?-inch saws were sold from 1990 through 1995.

What has replaced the radial arm saw?

Power compound miter saws, and especially the sliding type, have replaced radial arm saws for many woodworkers for miter cuts. Less convenient if cutting through lumber (lowering the saw for through cut tends to cut the table, compared to machining a depth cut).

What is the average cost of a radial arm saw?

The price of radial arm saws starts from $100 and ends at $500 or more, depending on their functionality and features.

What is the purpose of a radial arm saw?

Radial-arm saws are circular saws that are normally used to cut against the grain of wood (crosscut) but can also cut with the grain (rip). For crosscutting, the operator pushes the wood against a fence and pulls the saw into the cut.

Are miter saws safe?

Miter Saw Safety Power miter saws are simple to use and safe if you follow the precautions and instructions included. Wear safety glasses and hearing protection when you’re operating the saw. Don’t reach under the blade while it’s spinning. Let the blade come to a complete stop at the end of each cut before lifting it.

Is a radial arm saw as good as a table saw?

The design and function of both types of saw is to cut wood, but a table saw’s design makes it ideal for ripping, or cutting a piece of wood lengthwise along the grain, while a radial arm saw is better suited for crosscutting, or cutting across the width of the wood.

What advantage does the radial arm saw have over other cutting machines such as the bandsaw?

Advantages of Using a Radial Arm Saw They feature a simple design that allows carpenters to quickly and efficiently cut wooden workpieces. At the time, power tools for cutting wood were limited at best. The radial arm saw solved this problem by offering an easy-to-use solution.

What is the largest size blade a 10 inch radial arm saw can carry?

As long as the diameter of the arbor hole on the stacked dado blade set matches the arbor diameter of your table saw or radial-arm saw—and the arbor is long enough for a dado blade—you can use an 8-inch dado blade on a 10-inch table saw.

Is the Craftsman radial arm saw recall still active?

The upgrade kits are amazing. If you have an older craftsman/sears radial arm saw, visit this website for either $100 or an awesome upgrade kit including tables, fence and a really nice and safe blade guard.

Can you cut metal with a radial arm saw?

This saw is perfect for cutting extrusions and profiles. They can make several kinds of cuts. For example: The Metal Cutting Radial Arm Saw will crosscut, miter, bevel and do compound miter work, all within one saw.

Who makes Craftsman radial saws?

Emerson Tool Co. (ETC) is providing $50 to owners of Craftsman® 8-inch, 8¼-inch, 9-inch, and 10-inch Radial Arm Saws, who follow a four-step process described on this website to properly disable their radial arm saw and document such steps.

How much pressure should you use when cutting with the jigsaw?

Turn on the tool and let the blade get up to the set speed. With one hand on the tool and one thumb on the shoe giving it a bit of downward pressure, carefully guide the jigsaw along the clamped straightedge throughout the cut. Make sure to keep the jigsaw at a consistent angle, and focus on following the cutting line.

How much does a radial arm saw weigh?

Types of Radial Arm Saws Representing the most common type of radial arm saws, the majority of these tools are heavy and designed to stand on the floor (and not to be moved). Usually, these saws weigh over 200 pounds and are meant to have a dedicated space in your workplace.