How to Rip With a Radial Arm Saw
The radial arm saw was the industry standard for many years for crosscutting and mitering applications. It has been replaced in many shops and job sites with the smaller sliding compound miter saw. However, few woodworking machines are as versatile as the radial arm saw. The radial arm saw can rip lumber with some limitations in the width of cuts and is no more difficult to use than a table saw. You'll need to take some standard safety precautions when using one.
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Instructions
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Put on safety glasses.
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Raise the head off the table.
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Rotate the motor head 90 degrees so that the blade and rip fence are running parallel to each other.
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Pull the head assembly toward you to the desired width you want to rip.
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Lower the blade until the blade comes into contact with the table.
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Raise the blade a quarter of a turn.
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Start the saw, and lower the blade a half turn.
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Turn off the saw, and adjust the splitter and anti-kickback claws to your material thickness.
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You are now ready to rip your material to width.
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Tips & Warnings
For long material use in-feed and out-feed tables for support.
Always use a push stick to keep your hands away from the blade.
Never turn on the saw without the blade guard securely in place.
Always double check that the hand holding the stock against the fence is clearly away from the path of the blade.
