Originally Posted by kccrow (Post 13236305)

Never found the need for a radial arm saw except for making wide cross-cuts that you'd find in a cabinet shop or making cutting boards. In a cab shop, you're probably investing in panel saws anyhow.

Having one in the home garage seems stupid to me. They are dangerous saws because of kickback and the blade exposure when using it to rip and the fact that they pull through wood in either cut. Remember, you're essentially turning a radial arm into a straight line rip less the anti-kickback fingers and guards. You're asking to lose your digits...

I think it's smarter to get a table saw and compound sliding miter unless you really know wtf you are doing with a radial arm. I think you'd spend your money more wisely investing in a jointer and a planer to expand capabilities, than waste money on a radial arm.

Whatever floats your boats.

Originally Posted by HemiEd (Post 13236326)

I wanted a radial arm saw for finish cross cuts on the 16" and 20" glued together cedar panels, but the ones I could afford are junk. The good ones with enough travel for what I wanted to accomplish are expensive so I just use my Makita circular saw with a nice blade.

Originally Posted by kccrow (Post 13236354)

Hemi, thought I'd add something... popped into my brain...

Have you thought about making a crosscut sled for a table saw? Might save you alot of time and headache with the circular.

Originally Posted by HemiEd (Post 13236453)

Great idea, I have no idea on how to do it though. Maybe I will google it. :D

Originally Posted by kccrow (Post 13236876)

Should be alot out there on it.

Give you an idea of the world I lived in...

Here's a Weinig Dimter OptiCut S700 in action for wide panel cutting:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfouTUlrhsI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Here's a Weinig Dimter OptiCut 350 in action for normal width cutting:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y40GwcqHYzU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

We also had alot of other Weinig machines... a BKS resaw, ProfiMat and UniMat moulders and such. We had Mereen Johnson 431 Gang Rip Saws, Doucet End Matcher/Even Ender, and then a Newman Rough Planer... If you ever want to get really into it and see the astronomical costs associated with a full millwork shop, just google some of that shit. :D

Originally Posted by notorious (Post 13236917)

Hell of a deal at Home Depot for the DW745 table saw and stand for 300.

Shit, their 10" miter saw is only 150

Originally Posted by HemiEd (Post 13237287)

I think that is about what the Mrs. gave for my miter saw there a few years ago. Came with a POS blade, once I put a good one on, it does a great job.

Originally Posted by notorious (Post 13237386)

The 12" Dewalt miter I got 13 years ago when I started doing wood floors is still 100% accurate true with full power as the primary go-to. The ridged isn't bad, but it's heavier and a few little things annoy me.

A small 10" would be very handy. Is it time to add a 5th miter? :hmmm:

Originally Posted by HemiEd (Post 12720279)

Exactly! I have asked my grandsons and they say it is not offered anymore. What the ****?

Originally Posted by aturnis (Post 13237523)

This. I get that budgets are an issue, b/c as a country, our priorities are ****ed. I really think they could do a lot of good by offering a class where they mix math, physics and shop classes together. A more practical application of math/physics that could make shop class a lot more valuable.

Originally Posted by HemiEd (Post 13237522)

I can see it in your business! Do you still have the guards on yours?

One of the best things I did was buy the Ryobi stand for mine, it was about $100. It sure makes working with long stuff easy, unlike before.

Mine is 10 inch, don't mean to be boasting here. :D

Originally Posted by aturnis (Post 13237523)

This. I get that budgets are an issue, b/c as a country, our priorities are ****ed. I really think they could do a lot of good by offering a class where they mix math, physics and shop classes together. A more practical application of math/physics that could make shop class a lot more valuable.

Originally Posted by kccrow (Post 13236354)

Hemi, thought I'd add something... popped into my brain...

Have you thought about making a crosscut sled for a table saw? Might save you alot of time and headache with the circular.

Originally Posted by notorious (Post 13237560)

A quick connect stand is a must.

10" is merely average on CP.