Quote:
Originally Posted by kccrow
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.
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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.