How to Set Up a Radial Arm Saw for Ripping
The different power tools in a wood shop all have their inherent strengths and weaknesses. Because of the way they are designed, a radial arm saw is easy to use to make cross cuts and for mitering. A table saw's greatest strength is its use for ripping lumber to width by cutting with the grain. If your shop has only a radial arm saw, however, a little setup will allow you to use the saw to rip lumber.
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Instructions
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1
Unplug the saw and remove the switch key, if any. Lock the arm at 0 degrees, which is perpendicular to the saw's fence.
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Raise the saw's arm until the blade is clear of the table top.
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3
Pull the saw forward until the blade is several inches past the fence. Unlock the yoke and rotate the motor until the saw blade is parallel to the fence. Re-lock the yoke.
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4
Measure the space between the fence and the saw blade with a tape measure, being careful to measure to the tip of the saw tooth. Slide the motor carriage in or out to adjust the space to the desired width of the ripped board.
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5
Plug in the saw. Lower the combination spreader and anti-kickback device, which is usually part of the blade guard. Do not make rip cuts with a radial arm saw without this safety device in place.
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Turn on the saw and test the width of the cut with a piece of scrap wood. Feed the wood into the blade from the back of the motor, where the blade's rotation is upward. Turn off the saw and adjust the position of the motor assembly as needed to correct the width of the ripped piece.
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Turn on the saw and lower the blade until it penetrates the table slightly. Feed the stock through the saw, all the while keeping the board against the fence. Use a push block or piece of scrap to finish the cut.
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Tips & Warnings
You can rip wide boards by changing the position of the fence. Since the blade is on the side of the motor housing, its distance from the fence changes depending on which direction the housing is rotated.
Never feed stock from the front of the blade. The blade's natural rotation can pull the board from your hand and "shoot" it across the room, damaging both board and saw.
Always wear safety glasses when using any power tool.
