Thread: Table Saws vs Radial Arm Saws

Originally Posted by RIMP

A mate of mine tells me that a good radial arm saw will do everything a table saw will do and is more versatile. Ron

Your mate may be right, but they have largely quit selling them here in the U.S. due to safety issues. And actually, you are limited by the radial arm as to sizes.

Simple but;

Table saw if you need to rip timber

Radial if you need to cross cut timber

I think a good radial arm saw, festool circular saw with guide (cutting down sheets) and a very good 21" bandsaw would be replace a TS.

cheers

dazzler

I'm fortunate [greedy] and have both

The radial arm is great for cross cutting - up to 300mm for my 10" DeWalt [actually made by Tatry, Italy]. Never felt I had any safety issues with mine and have used [and still do] since the mid 70's. You can rip timber by turning the head parallel to the fence as well as being able to cut compound angles but your widths etc are restricted to the arm's length of travel.

For every upside there of course is a downside - to set up accurately does take time and to reset it for crosscutting accurately also takes time - I have made up some jigs to allow me to make a few cuts [mitres] without setting/resetting etc. Let me know if you decide to go this way.

The cabinet saw, I have only had since last year and I'm still learning all of its capabilities/limitations - but I'm enjoying it.

I don't really favour one over the other - each has its uses [to me].

I can't make the decision for you but by all means do your research - hope this helps you out.

Regards,
Bob

I've had both,
The RAS is great for docking etc
The table saw is more versatile in a home workshop

Originally Posted by echnidna

I've had both,
The RAS is great for docking etc
The table saw is more versatile in a home workshop

Had Both ???

Have you replaced them with something else??

or

Slip of the finger??

One of the major differences is the accuracy of the reference blade height to reference surface. eg For slot cutting or rebate cutting the table saw will provide a consistant/accurate distance from the table to the top of the blade. With radial arm saws there may be some variation in the depth of cut as the cutting depth to reference (table on opposite side of workpiece) may vary slightly. Not an issue if cutting right through.

The others here are correct, you can.......

Crosscut/dock

Rip but only narrow widths and this isn't the safest of things to do though - care must be taken.

Mitre cutting

Compound mitre cutting

You can even fit a dado blade to it.



Mathed with a table saw, they are an awesome team.

Originally Posted by Bob38S

Had Both ???

Have you replaced them with something else??

or

Slip of the finger??

Sold the business.

Got a tablesaw and a chopsaw at home.

Originally Posted by RIMP

A mate of mine tells me that a good radial arm saw will do everything a table saw will do and is more versatile. What are the pros and cons of each? What are your preferences and why? I am going to buy one of them for furniture making and general hobby work . What make & model of saw would you recommend and why? Would appreciate the information that the knowledgeable folk of this forum can share.
Ron

I have all three. (TS, RAS & CMS). I got the radiial arm first (12" long arm Dewalt) a long time ago. It will do all but mostly as a compromise. I don't like the cross cut action, as the saw works (to my way of thinking ) backwards. I always like to work the timber against the cut. The RA works best when pushing away from you, but that is a dangerous practice to get involved with. (Guilty!). The one I would toss is the RAS.

Donald

TS in the more versatile tool.
I am a total toolaholic and have no pangs of aquisition for a RAS.and never even thought of buying one, With a decent TS and BS you got it all pretty much covered.

Very helpful replies. Thank you for that. I have a good band saw - and taking on board the offered information - and not prepared to buy 'the lot' - I am now leaning towards the table saw with which I am more familiar - and have some concern for the possible safety factors using a machine I am not so familiar with. (I know TS are dangerous also) Like the look of the Jet Supersaw.

If it looks dangerous it generally is dangerous and ripping using a RAS looks bloody dangerous to me.

A table saw and a home made crosscut sled will do for just about anything you care to make.

I also have a very cheap (GMC !) CMS for quick, but not so accurate, crosscuts. It's just handy to have sitting in the corner.