Posted by Dave on July 20, 1998 at 15:18:38:
In Reply to: Radial Arm or Table Saw posted by Bill Slifko on November 03, 1997 at 16:36:44:
: I would like to buy a good saw for all around home
: use. Problem is I don't know whether a Radial Arm
: Saw or a Table Saw would be the best choice. Could
: anyone who has worked with both advise me? I was
: under the impression that pulling the saw over the
: work would be safer than pushing the work over the
: saw. Also if possible please advise me regarding
: a good brand name of saw.
: Thanks, wslifko@imap.pitt.edu
My recommendation is that you buy a good (contractor 10") table saw. Get the kind driven by a belt drive.
The cheapter ones with direct drive burn out and I found that I cannot find a replacement for less than almost the cost of another new one.
Another important issue is safety. The radial arm saw exposes a great deal of saw blade to the user. When performing rip cuts, I found my hand and arm
going too close to the blade. I have known people to lose an entire arm as opposed to only a couple fingers to a radial arm saw. They have a tendency to
jam and can take a lot of meat with them if you are caught in the blade. I use a circular saw for cross cut on long lumber and plywood.
My vote is for the table saw. For accuracy, versitility and safety.