What is a radial arm saw?
A radial arm saw is one of the more versatile woodworking power tools. The basic design of a radial arm saw allows for vertical movement of the saw, which is housed in the saw carriage and supported by an arm. The yoke houses the motor and the blade and allows for beveled cuts from 0 to 90 degrees. For home use, a radial arm saw is ideal for cutting mitered, beveled, and compound angles. Most radial arm saws come with a stand and are sturdy enough to handle ripping lumber, though not quite as easily as a table saw. However, the versatility of a radial arm saw makes it an ideal tool for most home improvement projects such as trim, molding, and door casings. The radial arm saw is also quite useful for cross cutting and accommodates attachments and different blades, such as a dado blade used for cutting grooves. Some of the attachments include rotary planers and sanding and buffing wheels. If you are purchasing a radial arm saw with the intent to utilize attachments, you need to make sure