radial arm or sliding mitre saw?

[slemishwoodcrafts]

Like the post title says, which would people recommend? I was going to get a sliding mitre saw but was thinking about getting a second hand radial saw, something like the older dewalt ones which can take *hushed voice* a dado blade.

Any pros/cons of both types of saws?

 

[morturn]

I was offered one a while back and declined because I understand that radial saws can be more dangerous. I believe that they can have a tendency to kick out, and can catch you as they do.

 

[MattRoberts]

Radial arm saws are basically moving table saws (on a slightly limited scale), so are much more versatile - especially if you're able to get a stack which shall not be named.

I'd go for that given the choice.

 

[AJB Temple]

The thing to bear in mind with a radial arm saw is they do take up a fair bit of space in the workshop. They seem to be out of fashion for some reason.

 

[custard]

A CMS is designed as a site tool, a RAS is designed as a workshop tool. Can you use a CMS in a workshop and vice versa? Course you can, but check the weight and fussiness in set-up after each move and you'll see what I mean.

The RAS had a surge of popularity in the 50's through to the 80's, but then cheaper far eastern table saws nibbled away at their sales, in addition the rise of routers as a dado solution took another bite from their popularity. Add in the fact that they're space hungry beasts with an indifferent safety reputation and poor dust extraction and you can see why they're now bargain basement second hand machines.

Personally I'd avoid them unless you have a really specialist application and plenty of room to house one. They'll get the job done, but there are good reasons why they're so cheap.

 

[LancsRick]

What usage do you envisage? That's the key question here.

If you don't have a pre-existing router setup (and you get a dado stack), and you don't have a table saw, then I'd definitely say the RAS because the versatility it provides will be of use to you (I've got a Dewalt 1251 I picked up for £100, spent £60 on bits for it, and is a fantastic tool).

If you've already got a good table saw, router setup, etc, then I'd get a CMS - they're smaller and simpler if all you're after is angled cuts on relatively small stock.

 

[slemishwoodcrafts]

It is mainly to crosscut pieces and with the addition of a dado stack I would cut tenons, half laps etc too. I have the space where I could fit an RAS in my workshop or a SCMS but I thought when I am spending around £200 on a decent mitre saw why not pick up a decent second hand RAS?

I do a lot of crosscutting on my table saw as it is, (SIP 01332) but I would prefer a SCMS or RAS for crosscutting in future, because I find it easier to use than my TS.

 

[Bodgers]

They seem to be out of fashion for some reason.

More possibilities of very bad things happening when it isn't setup and used 100% correctly. It will basically turn into a high velocity projectile launching machine when things go bad.

I only tried one once, and it made me a little uneasy.





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[deema]

I have both saws and for accuracy, ease of use, size of cross cut and total versatility in the workshop the Wadkin RAS IMO cannot be beaten. I use a rebate or groover blocks from my spindle moulder on the RAS with suitable reducers for all sorts of joints. This creates far cleaner and sharper cuts that a Dado stack. Dust extraction if setup properly is as good as in my TS and better than my Mitre saw. I have a hopper behind the blade at rest as well as the crown guard extraction.

For accurate cuts, that are totally repeatable nothing I have can get close the RAS. The engineering and robust frame make it completely stable with no movement at all when locked into position. This is something again in my experience no other moving mitre saw can accomplish.

IMO the saw is no more of a safety concern than any other moving bladed machine I have, setup properly and used correctly they are a real asset. Prices are unbelievably low, and they represent fantastic value, and as already mentioned I believe it's the additional versatility of a moving Mitre saw that you can take on site as well as smaller space requirement that has predominantly seen the RAS decline. You can get single phase Wadkin machines, which come up occasionally on auction sites.

 

[LancsRick]

True, but as you rightly say, that's if it's not setup and used correctly. I've used them for years without any issues - my view tends to be that most items in the workshop will gladly chop/de-glove/scalp/blind me given half the chance, it's all about being sensible.

 

[powertools]

In my opinion if it for only use in the workshop you cannot do better than the ras. Mine is set up between two benches on the long side of my workshop and in effect takes up no room as the bed forms part of the bench when the saw is not in use.

 

[MikeJhn]

Why all the hushed voices on DADO blades, there are legal ones that the HSE have not banned: http://www.hse.gov.uk/woodworking/crosscut.htm Pics at the bottom of the page.

Mike

 

[slemishwoodcrafts]

I think my mind is made up, I now just need to find a second hand RAS in Northern Ireland. There is an abundance on eBay across the water but I'm still skeptical about buying something at £200 from eBay and not seeing it work!

 

[Glynne]

I bought my RAS from EBay but did manage to see it running before I parted with any cash. If you see something on the mainland then perhaps you could get a forum member to make sure at least the motor works?
I've never used a dado in mine, I simply use it for accurate cross cutting but you do need to make sure you have the appropriate negative rake blade otherwise you can have the motor, blade etc travelling towards you with some force!

 

[slemishwoodcrafts]

I did perhaps wonder if some nice person off the forum might inspect it for me, but I hate asking favours from folk i don't know!

 

[MattRoberts]

I did perhaps wonder if some nice person off the forum might inspect it for me, but I hate asking favours from folk i don't know!

If you don't ask...

 

[slemishwoodcrafts]

Now I need to do my research and see which older dewalt saw suits my needs best!

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[LancsRick]

1251 or 1751 would be my suggestions depending on the reach you need.

 

[DiscoStu]

I've got a RAS that I'm about to sell. I'm building an MFT style bench / systainer port and don't have space for it.


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[slemishwoodcrafts]

I've got a RAS that I'm about to sell. I'm building an MFT style bench / systainer port and don't have space for it.


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What sort/how much etc?