Radial Arm Saws

Radial arm saws  are basic bench saws  that prominently feature a circular saw . While most bench or miter saws are only suitable for either cross-cuts  or rip-cuts , a radial arm  saw is ideal for both thanks to the pivoting ability of the saw blade. The radial arm saw  is extremely valuable, and prized for its versatility. The radial arm saw was invented in 1922 by a man named Raymond DeWalt, the eponymous founder of DeWalt tools . 

Facts About Radial Arm Saws

Because the Radial Arm Saw  is such a powerful and versatile machine, there is very little in the way of variations. All Radial Arm Saws  are fixed, meaning not portable, floor-standing, and heavy. They are designed to be used within a workshop, and can tailor to any job via the use of customizable blades and molding heads. Combine this with the swivel, tilt, and slide functionalities, and you've got a machine that can nearly do it all! Here are some features to look for when buying a radial arm saw, to make sure that the model you choose is suitable for your particular endeavor. This list will really show you how much radial arm saws are capable of!

• Turret Arm : A turret arm gives the radial saw  the ability to rotate 360 degrees. This is useful because it enables both right and left-handed cuts.
• RPM : A higher RPM will tackle larger, thicker cuts more easily.
• Dado Blades : Dado blades are accessories that can be used to cut grooves  and rabbets .
• Grooves: A dado groove is a channel, used for fitting two pieces together.
• Rabbet: The rabbet is the adjoining piece, and it fits into the groove.
• Sanding Disc : A sand-paper covered attachment that is a fine replacement for a belt sander, used to smooth down wood projects.
• Molding Head : A tool that lets you create custom-shaped molding .
• Automatic Brake : The automatic brake will stop a blade the second the trigger is released, to maximize safety and minimize downtime.

Quick Picks

Delta 33-890 12-Inch 2-Horsepower Radial Arm Saw, 230-Volt 1-Phase  The Delta 33-890 features a mammoth 3,450 RPM and is capable of any big job. It features the turret arm and the automatic brake, and is open to customizations.	Delta RS830 10-Inch 1-1/2-Horsepower Radial Arm Saw, 115/230-Volt 1-Phase  Unique to the Delta RS380, this model features a dual-threaded shaft that can be outfitted with numerous accessories and blades for any cut.	Delta 33-421 18-Inch 7-1/2 Horsepower Radial Arm Saw, 230/460-Volt 3 phase  The fan-cooled motor on the Delta 33-421 is capable of reaching blade speeds of 3,450 RPM. Features the turret arm and comes with an 18-inch blade guard.	Saw Trax Dual Arm Saw  The Saw Trax Dual Arm Saw lacks the versatility and pivoting-capability of a radial arm saw, but it is more compact and can sit atop a countertop. Includes a self-cleaning dust collection feature!	Delta 33-895X X5 12-Inch 2 Horsepower Radial Arm Saw, 230-Volt 1 Phase  The X5 has a 2HP single-phase motor, automatic brake, and an anti-kickback mechanism.

Related Guides

Circular Saws	Miter Saws	Woodworking Routers	Power Drills	Hand Tools