How to Set Up Radial Arm Saws

Radial arm saws are used to cut lumber. Though they are expensive and heavy, they have one major advantage over all other saws--versatility. It is able to cut various ways, such as ripping, dados and even form molding. For each type of cut, there is a different set up for the radial arm saw.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Safety goggles
• Rubber apron

1. Determine what you are cutting. Each set up for the radial arm saw will be different by depth or angle.

2. Set up the radial arms saw for cross cutting. In order to do this the blade will need to be below the cutting table by 1/3 of an inch. Hold onto the outside of the wood when cutting.

3. Cut a stack of dados. In order to set the radial arm saw to cut dados, you will need to lift the blade away from the tool table first. In order to do this, you will need to release the lever which extends out from the arm of the saw. Place the dados under the blade. Bring the saw back down and adjust the level of the blade for a 3/4-inch-deep cut.

4. Adjust the blade to 60 degrees in order to cut miters. Tilting will be required in order to cut at this angle. There is a lever near the body of the saw that will need to be loosened to adjust and tighten it again once it is at the right angle. Lock the clamp levers on the saw. Bevels can be cut as well at a 90-degree angle of the blade.

5. Set the depth of the riving knife and pawls. This is used when ripping stock and preventing the blade from kicking back. Set the blade to 1/4 inch above table level.

Tips & Warnings

• To improve the cuts, be sure to that the blade reaches its maximum speed before cutting.
• Never turn on the saw unless the blade guard is securely in place. Turn off the saw when making adjustments.

Resources

• Radial arm saws