A radial arm saw is a type of power saw that cuts wood by pulling the blade down onto the workpiece.
A miter saw, on the other hand, is a power tool used to make accurate crosscuts and miters in lumber and other materials.
If you’re looking for precision when it comes to your crosscuts and miters, then you need to invest in a quality miter saw. Radial arm saws are great for rough cutting, but they’re not as precise as a miter saw.
A Radial arm saw vs Miter saw – Which is best for you?
When it comes to woodworking, there are a few essential power tools, and the radial arm saw and miter saw are two of them.
We’ll take a look at the pros and cons of each tool, and help you decide which is the best fit for your needs.
Stay tuned for more info about each saw so let’s take a closer look!
Radial arm saw
What is it?
A radial arm saw is a powerful tool that cuts wood by pulling the blade down onto the workpiece. It’s a type of miter saw, but it’s not as precise as a miter saw.
How does it work?
Instead of being mounted on a stationary stand, the radial arm saw is mounted on an arm that can be moved in all directions. This makes it easy to cut large pieces of wood, but it can also be tricky to get the cuts you want.
Is it for you?
If you do a lot of rough cutting or need to cut large pieces of wood, then a radial arm saw might be the right tool for you. But keep in mind that it’s not as precise as a miter saw.
Base size:
The base size of a radial arm saw can vary, but it’s usually around 18 inches by 24 inches.
Blade Size:
The blade size of a radial arm saw can also vary, but it’s usually around 10 inches.
Motor:
Most radial arm saws have a motor that runs between 1 and 5 horsepower.
Plunge cuts:
Radial arm saws can make plunge cuts, which is when the blade is lowered into the workpiece from above. This makes it easy to cut through materials that are thicker than the blade itself.
Curved cuts:
Radial arm saws can also make curved cuts, which is useful for cutting curved pieces of wood.
Cutting angles:
Radial arm saws can be set to cut at any angle between 0 and 90 degrees.
Cutting Capacity:
The cutting capacity of a radial arm saw can vary, but it’s usually around 12 inches by 8 inches.
Dust:
Since the blade is pulled down onto the workpiece, radial arm saws can create a lot of dust. This can be a problem if you’re not wearing a dust mask.
Safety features:
Radial arm saws have a few safety features that are worth mentioning. First, they have an adjustable guard that helps protect your hands from the blade. They also have a built-in brake that stops the blade quickly when it’s turned off.
Cost:
A good-quality radial arm saw can cost anywhere from $200 to $600.
Pros:
- Radial arm saws are great for rough cutting
- They can easily cut through large pieces of wood
- They have a built-in brake that stops the blade quickly when it’s turned off.
Cons:
- They’re not as precise as a miter saw
- They can create a lot of dust
- They’re not as common as a miter saw, so they might be harder to find
Miter saw
What is it?
A miter saw is a powerful tool that’s used to make accurate crosscuts and miters in lumber and other materials. It’s one of the most essential tools for woodworking.
How does it work?
The miter saw is mounted on a stationary stand, and the blade is tilted at an angle so that it can cut through material at the desired angle.
Is it for you?
If you need to make precise crosscuts and miters, then a miter saw is the right tool for you.
Base size:
The base size of a miter saw can vary, but it’s usually around 10 inches by 12 inches.
Blade size:
The blade size of a miter saw can also vary, but it’s usually around 10 inches.
Motor:
Most miter saws have a motor that runs between 5 and 15 horsepower.
Plunge cuts:
Miter saws can make plunge cuts, which is when the blade is lowered into the workpiece from above. This makes it easy to cut through materials that are thicker than the blade itself.
Curved cuts:
Miter saws can also make curved cuts, which is useful for cutting curved pieces of wood.
Cutting angles:
Miter saws can be set to cut at a variety of different angles, making them a versatile tool for woodworking.
Cutting Capacity:
Miter saws can typically cut materials that are up to 8 inches wide and 3 1/2 inches deep.
Dust:
Miter saws produce a lot of dust, so you’ll need to have a dust collector or vacuum attached to them to keep your work area clean.
Safety features:
Miter saws come with many safety features, such as blade guards and anti-kickback pawls, to help prevent injuries.
Cost:
Miter saws range in price from around $50 to $1,000.
Pros:
Miter saws are extremely accurate and versatile tools that can be used for a variety of different woodworking projects.
Cons:
Miter saws can be dangerous if not used properly, so it’s important to read the safety instructions carefully before using one.
Miter saws also produce a lot of dust, so you’ll need to have a dust collector or vacuum attached to them to keep your work area clean.
Which saw should you buy?
Both tools have their pros and cons, so it depends on what you plan to use them for. If you need to make precise crosscuts and miters, then a miter saw is the right tool for you. If you need to cut through materials that are thicker than the blade itself, then a radial arm saw is the better option.
Miter saws can also make curved cuts, which is useful for cutting curved pieces of wood, while radial arm saws cannot. Radial arm saws can also be set to cut at a variety of different angles, making them a versatile tool for woodworking, while miter saws can only be set to cut at fixed angles. So, if versatility is important to you, then a radial arm saw is the better option. However, if accuracy is key, then a miter saw is the better choice.
FAQs:
Which saw is best for DIYers?
A miter saw is a great option for DIYers, as it is accurate and versatile.
Are miter saws dangerous?
Yes, miter saws can be dangerous if not used properly. It’s important to read the safety instructions carefully before using one.
Do I need a special stand for a miter saw?
No, most miter saws come with a stand that is attached to the saw.
Which saw is best for professionals?
A radial arm saw is a better option for professionals, as it is more versatile than a miter saw.
Which Saw do you prefer and why?
I prefer a miter saw because it is more accurate than a radial arm saw. It’s also less dangerous and produces less dust.
Conclusion:
We showed you how a radial arm saw is different from a miter saw. We looked at the pros and cons of each type of saw and explained when it’s best to use each one.
If you know the difference between these two types of saws, you can choose the right one for your needs.
We hope this article was helpful and informative. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!
