Radial arm saws vs chop saws are both very popular types of power tools. They’re both used to cutting wood, but they have some major differences that make them suited for different tasks.
A radial arm saw is best for making long, precise cuts. A chop saw is best for making quick, rough cuts. So, if you need to make a lot of precision cuts, you should use a radial arm saw. If you just need to make a few quick cuts, then a chop saw will do the job.
Let’s take a look at how these two tools differ from each other.
A Radial Arm Saw vs Chop Saw | What’s the Difference?
A radial arm saw is designed to be mounted on the ceiling or wall so it doesn’t take up any floor space in your workshop. It has an adjustable arm with a circular blade attached to it that can move back and forth across the workpiece while staying perpendicular to the surface being cut.
This allows you to make long cuts without having to reposition your material as often, which makes this type of tool great for cutting lumber into smaller pieces or making rip cuts (cuts made parallel along the length of a board).
Chop-saw blades are typically much shorter than those found on radial arm saws, which means they can only cut through materials that are less than about 1 inch thick (depending on what kind of blade you use).
The table where you place your material is also stationary instead of movable like with radial arm saws, so there isn’t as much flexibility when it comes to positioning your workpiece before cutting it.
Stay tuned for more information about each saw with pros and cons!
Radial Arm Saw
A radial arm saw is an electrically powered power tool that is used to cut wood. It has a circular blade that moves back and forth across the workpiece while staying perpendicular to the surface being cut.
The saw is mounted on the ceiling or wall so it doesn’t take up any floor space in your workshop. The adjustable arm has a circular blade attached to it that can move back and forth across the workpiece while staying perpendicular to the surface being cut.
This allows you to make long cuts without having to reposition your material as often, which makes this type of tool great for cutting lumber into smaller pieces or making rip cuts (cuts made parallel along the length of a board).
Is it for you?
The radial arm saw is a great choice for someone who needs to make a lot of long cuts in a variety of different angles.
Base size:
The saw typically has a base that is about 2 feet wide.
Blade Size:
The blade size on the saw can vary, but it is typically around 9 or 10 inches in diameter.
Motor:
The motor on the radial arm saw ranges from 1/4 to 3/4 horsepower.
Plunge cuts:
You can make plunge cuts with a radial arm saw, but it’s not as easy as with a chop saw. You have to be careful not to cut into the table or base of the saw.
Curved cuts:
You can make curved cuts with a radial arm saw, but it’s not as easy as with a chop saw.
Cutting angles:
The angle at which you can cut with a radial arm saw is limited by the adjustable arm. The maximum angle will depend on the specific saw that you have.
Cutting Capacity:
The cutting capacity of a radial arm saw typically ranges from about 2 to 12 inches depending on the blade size and the angle at which the blade is set.
Dust:
The radial arm saw creates a lot of dust when it is used, so you will need to use a dust collector or some other type of dust management system to keep your workshop clean.
Safety features:
The radial arm saw has some safety features, including a blade guard that covers the blade when it is not in use, a trigger switch that must be held down to start the saw, and a safety brake that stops the saw blade quickly when the trigger is released.
Cost:
The cost of a radial arm saw ranges from $100 to $1,000 depending on the features and quality of the saw.
Pros:
- The radial arm saw is great for making long cuts in a variety of different angles.
- It has many safety features that make it safe to use.
- It creates a lot of dust when it is used, so you will need to use a dust collector or some other type of dust management system to keep your workshop clean.
Cons:
- The angle at which you can cut with a radial arm saw is limited by the adjustable arm.
- It is not as easy to make plunge cuts or curved cuts with a radial arm saw as it is with a chop saw.
- The cost of a radial arm saw ranges from $100 to $1,000 depending on the features and quality of the saw.
- Stay tuned for more information about each saw with pros and cons!
Chop Saw
A chop saw is a powerful tool that is used to cut wood and other materials. It has a circular blade that moves up and down in an arc shape while staying perpendicular to the surface being cut.
The chop saw is powered by an electric motor. The blade is mounted on a pivot and when the trigger is pulled, the blade moves up and down in an arc shape.
Is it for you?
If you are looking to make straight or angled cuts, then a chop saw is the right tool for you. It can also be used to make curved cuts, but this takes a bit more practice.
Base size:
The base of the chop saw should be big enough to support the material that you are cutting.
Blade size:
The size of the blade will determine the size of the cut that you can make. Choose a blade that is appropriate for the material that you are cutting. For example, if you are cutting metal, then you will need a blade with a higher tooth count.
Motor:
The motor on the chop saw should be powerful enough to cut through the material that you are using.
Plunge cuts:
A plunge cut is when you start the cut from the top of the material and move the blade down into the material. This type of cut is often used when cutting through a piece of wood that is thicker than the blade itself.
Curved cuts:
Curved cuts can be made with a chop saw, but they take a bit more practice to get right.
Cutting angles:
You can adjust the angle at which the blade cuts by changing the position of the pivot. This allows you to make cuts at different angles.
Cutting Capacity:
The cutting capacity of the chop saw is the size of the material that it can cut.
Dust:
The chop saw produces a lot of dust when it is in use. Make sure to wear a dust mask to protect yourself from the dust.
Safety features:
The chop saw has some safety features that help to protect you while you are using it. These include a blade guard, a safety switch, and a no-volt release switch.
Cost:
Chop saws range in price from around $50 to $200.
Pros:
- A chop saw is a powerful tool that can be used to make straight or angled cuts.
- It can also be used to make curved cuts, but this takes a bit more practice.
- You can adjust the angle at which the blade cuts.
- The chop saw has many safety features that help to protect you while you are using it.
Cons:
- The chop saw produces a lot of dust when it is in use.
- Curved cuts can be difficult to make correctly.
- The cutting capacity of the chop saw is limited to the size of the blade.
Which saw is best for you?
Both the radial arm saw and the chop saw are great tools for making cuts in a variety of different materials.
The radial arm saw is better for making long cuts, while the chop saw is better for making straight or angled cuts.
The chop saw can also be used to make curved cuts, but this takes a bit more practice. The cost of a chop saw ranges from $100 to $1,000 depending on the features and quality of the saw.
Conclusion:
I’ve shown you the difference between a radial arm saw and a chop saw. Now it’s time for you to decide which is best for your needs.
If you have any other questions about these saws, please let us know in the comments section below. I will be happy to answer them for you. Thank you for reading.
FAQs:
Which saw is best for DIYers?
A chop saw is a great option for DIYers as it is a powerful tool that is easy to use.
Can I make curved cuts with a radial arm saw?
Yes, you can make curved cuts with a radial arm saw, but this takes a bit more practice.
Which Saw do you prefer and why?
I prefer the chop saw as it is a powerful tool that can be used to make straight or angled cuts. It can also be used to make curved cuts, but this takes a bit more practice. The cost of a chop saw ranges from $100 to $1,000 depending on the features and quality of the saw.
If I’m just starting in carpentry, which one should I buy – a radial arm saw or a chop saw?
If you are just starting in carpentry, then I would recommend buying a chop saw. It is a powerful tool that is easy to use and it has several safety features that help to protect you while you are using it.
Which one is more dangerous, the radial arm saw or the chop saw?
The radial arm saw is more dangerous than the chop saw as it has several moving parts that can be dangerous if you are not careful.