roscoedoh Posted November 16, 2010 Report Share Posted November 16, 2010 Howdy all, I think this is my first real post here this year! I've been busy renovating a house and haven't had much time guns. I've got a bunch of wood working/cabinet & furniture making type projects ahead of me and have been looking at used tools. My question is: what are radial arm saws and joiners used for? I understand table saw, router, compound miter saw, etc. but not these. I'm already buying a planer and new table saw. Why would I need a joiner and a radial arm saw? Thanks! Jason Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacrat Posted November 16, 2010 Report Share Posted November 16, 2010 A [jointer] is used to straighten the edge of boards. To make tight [joints]. Stock is held vertical against fence and fed over the drum which is horizontal and holds the knives. Drum sits between 2 tables, rear of which is fixed and front which is adjustable for depth of cut. Radial arm saw has motor/blade on a slide [over] the table and stock. Adjustable for miters, cutoff work, dadoing, etc. Is more PIA to setup than a table saw. More dangerous to operate also. If the blade grabs stock it can and will climb over the board and come at operator unexpectedly. Best bet is a good quality table saw, the bigger and heavier the table the better for sheet stock. Compound miter saw of 10 or 12 inch dia. And a good router and table for it. Then consider a radial arm for cut-off of shelf stock work. JM2c Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FC Posted November 16, 2010 Report Share Posted November 16, 2010 Concur on the radial arm saw. They can be handy, but you don't need it. You can make a crosscut sled for the tablesaw that slides on the miter tracks. I'd recommend a Grizzly G0444 tablesaw. Recommend avoiding Ryobi and Skill brand stuff. Porter Cable, DeWalt, Hitachi, Milwaukee all make good stuff. Craftsman is okay, but my brother hates his Craftsman tablesaw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donmarkey Posted December 1, 2010 Report Share Posted December 1, 2010 I agree on the radial arm saw. I haven't used mine in probably 10 years. In fact if you were local I'd tell you to come and get it. I use my table saw for almost everything. I downsized to a 30" fence and really do miss by old 52" one. Stay away from direct drive units and opt for a belt driven unit as the motors are about the only problem you will have with the bigger units. I have been happy with all my Delta and Jet tools. For general cabinetry, I primarly use my tableaw, jointer, mitersaw and router. There isn't much you can't do with just those in your arsenal. I haven't used my bandsaw in over 10 years too except for gunstock work. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FC Posted December 3, 2010 Report Share Posted December 3, 2010 I use my bandsaw a lot. Just depends on what you are doing. You can build a sled for your tablesaw to do crosscutting that is too big for the miter saw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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