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Military Firearm Restoration Corner

Wood Working Tools


roscoedoh

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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

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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

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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.

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  • 2 weeks later...

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

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