Are Radial Arm Saws Dangerous

By Jerry G. Teweles February 18, 2024 Blog 0 Comments

Radial arm saws are one of the most dangerous tools in a woodshop. They are often used to make quick, precise cuts, but if they are not used properly, they can cause serious injury.

If you’re not careful, radial arm saws can be dangerous. The blade is exposed and can cause serious injury if you’re not paying attention. Make sure to keep your fingers away from the blade and never put your hand underneath the saw while it’s running.

Also, be careful when making cuts – always use a guide or fence to ensure that the piece you’re cutting doesn’t bind and kick back at you. If you follow these safety tips, you’ll be able to avoid any accidents and stay safe while using a radial arm saw.

Are Radial Arm Saws Still Made

Radial arm saws are a type of power saw that has a cutting blade mounted on an arm that can be extended out from the saw’s base. They are typically used for making long, straight cuts, and can be especially useful for cutting large pieces of lumber or plywood. Though radial arm saws have been around for many years, they fell out of favor in the 1980s and ‘90s as newer, more versatile power saws were introduced to the market.

Today, however, there is a growing interest in these tools as woodworkers rediscover their unique capabilities. There are only a handful of manufacturers still producing radial arm saws today, but there is still a decent selection of new and used models available on the market. If you’re interested in adding one of these classic tools to your shop, here’s what you need to know about radial arm saws.

Credit: www.woodworkersjournal.com

Are Radial Saws Dangerous?

Radial saws are one of the most dangerous tools in any woodshop. With their large, circular blades, they can easily cause serious injury if not used properly. Here are some tips to help you stay safe when using a radial saw:

1. Always wear eye protection. The spinning blade of a radial saw can kick up debris that can seriously damage your eyesight. 2. Keep your hands away from the blade.

Radial saws are designed to cut through wood, not flesh. If you accidentally place your hand in the path of the blade, you could lose fingers or worse. 3. Use caution when cutting curves.

It’s easy to get too close to the blade when cutting curves, which can result in serious injury. Take your time and be extra careful when making cuts that require you to turn the saw around tight corners. 4. Unplug the saw when not in use.

This may seem like common sense, but it’s important to remember that radial saws are powerful machines that should only be operated when necessary.

Is a Radial Arm Saw Safer Than a Table Saw?

Radial arm saws are designed with safety in mind. The blade is enclosed and the operator is positioned away from the cutting area. Table saws, on the other hand, have an open blade that can be more dangerous.

In addition, the operator is usually positioned closer to the cutting area on a table saw, which means there is a greater chance of being injured by the blade.

Is There Kickback on a Radial Arm Saw?

Yes, there is kickback on a radial arm saw. Kickback happens when the blade of the saw catches on something and is forced backwards, towards the operator. This can happen if the operator tries to cut through a piece of material that is too thick, or if the blade becomes dull and starts to bind.

If kickback occurs, it can cause serious injury to the operator or anyone nearby. To avoid kickback, always use a sharp blade and be careful not to force the saw through material that is too thick. If you feel kickback starting to occur, released pressure on the saw and let it stop before it has a chance to fully engage.

What Type of Cut Should You Not Do With the Radial Arm Saw?

The radial arm saw is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of cuts. However, there are some cuts that should not be attempted with this type of saw. These include:

-Cuts that require the blade to be tilted at an angle greater than 45 degrees. The radial arm saw is not designed for these types of cuts and attempting them can result in the blade binding or breaking. -Cuts that require the blade to be inserted into the workpiece at an angle other than 90 degrees.

Again, this can cause the blade to bind or break. -Cuts that are too long for the length of the radial arm saw’s arms. Attempting to make these types of cuts can result in the workpiece becoming unstable and potentially causing injury.