Why is it not a good idea to rip on a radial arm saw?

Question

This has been a question on my mind for a while now, I have heard from everybody I know that work in wood shops to not rip on a radial arm saw because it is not a good idea, even though you can it would be safer to rip on a table saw. Because its gets annoying ripping on a table saw, having to set up the rip fence every time. Anyone have a idea why it is not a good idea to rip on radial arm saw?

Answer 1

I've had my radial saw for over 25 years, and have ripped countless times on it. Yes, I do take precautions. And I've never suffered even a scratch.

The "claws" that grip the wood are important - very important. They're commonly known as the anti-kickback device. It must be positioned properly to avoid any chance of the blade shooting the piece of wood backwards. Whenever I'm about to make a rip cut, I not only position it properly, I test it beforehand to make sure it won't allow the wood to kick back.

If you don't have a push-stick, make one. Whenever there is the slightest doubt, use it. That's about all I can say. My woodworking teacher in high school taught me that many years ago, and thanks to him, I still have both thumbs and all of my fingers. If you slip, it's easy to make a new push stick.

Make sure the saw is properly adjusted. The owner's manual has detailed instructions.

Use the correct blade.

Always assume the piece of wood could be shot backwards, so never stand directly in its path. By the way, it can and will if the anti-kickback device isn't properly set. When I first bought the radial saw, I stood at a safe distance and tested it. Believe me, you don't want to be in the way.

Think safety at all times. Radial saws are great tools. But like any other power tool, they must be treated with respect.

Answer 2

Radial Arm Saw Fence

Answer 3

I have had both a table saw and a radial arm saw for more years than I care to say. Over the past 20 years the radial arm has not been plugged in more than once a year. I find myself using the table saw at least once a week. I think I would sell the radial arm if I though I could get more than 10 cents for it! And by all means if you are going to go to Hbr Frt for your saw then buying a radial arm would be like throwing your money away. It would cut sloppy and probably not last past a year.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Well... the wood wants to buck away from the saw blade and you have no real control over the saw since the blade is above the piece you are cutting. Also, a friend of mine cut his thumb wide open on a table saw once when he tried to push the wood through the fence area. If you slip and fall into a radial saw blade you will be cut to shreds. It is just way too dangerous to rip on a radial arm saw. I just put up with the multiple fence adjustments and use push sticks on MY table saw and I still have all my fingers!

Answer 6

Far as I know, the only reason to readjust the rip fence on a table saw is in the instance of wanting to cut a different size width. Seems like there would need to be an adjustment made on a radial arm saw in order to cut a different width also, so where's the time savings? Besides, you need a lot longer space in order to rip long boards on a radial arm saw, (which ususally is mounted permanently on a wall bench), than you do on a table saw, which is frequently portable, mine's on rollers.

Answer 7

The chances of the wood being cut can catch and get jammed between the carriage and the deck caused by binding. In order to complete the cut you have to stick you hands and ar into a dangerous position On a 12" radial saw all 12"s of the blade is exposed. There is a good chance the wood being cut will become a projectile and fly back causing death or very serious injury. On a table saw the wood can get bound up but not jammed as there is nothing but space above. When using a table or radial it is best to stand to one side a little incase the wood catches and shoots back. You seem to know the rest of the dangers. Listen to the guys who use the tool every day as they know what should and shouldn't be done

Answer 8

There is nothing wrong with ripping on a RAS and I have done so quite often. The dangerous part is to keep you hands away from the blade when getting near the end. Your RAS should have a guard. Do not use one that does not. Adjust the guard until it is just higher than the stock so that the stock feeds easily but that you cannot get your hands underneath. Then use a push stick to finish the cut. The RAS is used mostly for cross cutting but there is no reason not to rip as well. The RAS has more blade available for cutting fingers than a table saw has for this operation so safety and attention to detail are imperative.

Answer 9

If you can flip the head so that you are feeding the wood into the direction of rotation it is a little better than feeding "with" the blade which can draw the work in too fast & bind up.
I have both & do not use the radial for ripping simply because it scares the crap out of me.
Harder to control the workpiece & you almost always have a long "push" to get the final cut.
For long rips I use roller stands to keep the work level w/ the tablesaw top...safer.
Watch your fingers bub.
Best regards

Answer 10

I prefer to rip on A radial arm saw..I have the old Craftsman radial arm saw..and a old craftsman table saw too..My preference is the radial arm saw... The craftsman products made the last 20 years suck..and they have really gone downhill.. That is why you have the finger guards etc to prevent from kickbacks...I think maybe the new wave carpenters..Don't suggest it..because they don't know how properly... I PREFER MINE>> it kiks arz!