Stupid stuff people do with radial arm saws (Are they safe?)

IMPORTANT: THIS VIDEO HAS BEEN UPDATED! Some took my sarcasm about the old manuals to mean I am anti-radial arm saw. So I made a new version of this video which I think explains my point of view more clearly: • The TRUTH about radial...
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[@StumpyNubs]

IMPORTANT: THIS VIDEO HAS BEEN UPDATED! Some took my sarcasm about the old manuals to mean I am anti-radial arm saw. So I made a new version of this video which I think explains my point of view more clearly: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inyvY6KlibSDoZo When you use this link to visit our sponsor, you support us► Sawblade.com: www.sawblade.com/ Table saw kickback video► kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpebh4qtqcaomrc Subscribe (free) to Stumpy Nubs Woodworking Journal e-Magazine► www.stumpynubs.com/subscribe.html

[@82camino96]

I saw that gentleman’s video recently as well. My reaction was pretty much the same as yours. He knows how to safely use it, but I would never feel comfortable using one over a table saw, maybe over a miter saw but even so, I like my miter saw just fine. Many tools that one person may not prefer, may actually appeal to someone else and there are valid arguments for why a radial arm saw is better at certain tasks, in certain individual’s opinions. Also, all power tools offer their own share of danger, depends on which one you feel safer using. Basically that simple right? ... Always enjoy your videos and your opinions of other people’s opinions James!

[@melenedezssss]

U say u grew up on grandpa's radial armsaw, I purchased a Craftsman in 2009. U claim the arm saw can shoot back at u, not on the Craftsman, & I'd hope newer designs wouldn't either. There are 3 speed levels of blade return A,B,C. "A" being the slowest "B", medium, & "C" the fastest. None of these is so fast as to lurch at you. In fact, you can't make fast cuts on it at all unless something is worn out or intentionally disabled. There is a 4th brake which locks in position completely, you wouldn't defeat it if you tried. The 4th break is the one used in the pic u showed of the old man panel cutting & locks in place at every distance from fence to end of the arm assembly. I agree with the old man in the video, a table saw is most dangerous, not the RAS. I have & use both & the only one that has ever shot back at me has been my Delta contractor's saw. Most stories I hear about are old & valid concerns that occurred, either, from old saws or wilful stupidity like some who preferred to remove or disable or not fix parts. Both TS & RAS are dangerous when the guard is removed. If you purchase a rolling feeder for your table saw, you'd come close to being as safe as a RAS over a TS. Lastly, you're correct when you demonstrated that jerking on the mitersaw, but again, mitersaws do not have that intentionally controlled slow movement of a modern RAS. Might there be a bind, less likely, but possible. I had a very strong electric screw gun & gas powered auger that have also binded. The screw gun twisted my wrist & the auger smashed the handle into my hip. I learned to be safe with them. I've heard of people so stupid, they kept their arm or hand in the path of a RAW blade, but I know of cases of those who pushed wood into bandsaws & TS & lost a finger or hand. My brother is short 3 finger tips from a TS, I have never gotten a scratch from a RAS. You repeatedly claim disembowelment on upright panel cutting. That kept bothering me. When u cut on a table saw, for safety & clean cut reasons, it's recommended the blade not be too high above the needed hight to make the cut & not expose to much blade. What makes you think the same safety is impossible on the RAS. The old man is a bit portly but he's not humping the board either. Most of your claims are easily solved with common sense safety instructions. You only showed very old instruction books before experience showed us differently. I'm sure I can find old TS manuals showing many hazardous practices too. Even worse, I can't find many modern instructional videos where the video tells you "Guard removed for visual purposes only". Yet, it's the only way Norm Abrams ever cut on a TS even when the camera was panned back & he wasn't demonstrating the actual cut. No push sticks were used in the books you showed, I use them on rip cuts all the time. If I cut a panel, I use a similar guide on the floor & keep my distance. Unlike the pic u showed I do make a small cut, back off the blade before it can bind, & I snug in the equivalent of a shop made saddle that prevents pinching. I then pull away from the blade before the end of the cut & slip another spacer, then finish the cut. I prefer my panel saw but it's not always available so I have both methods.

[@terrymiller5028]

Bob Smith You have a Craftsman saw and use it well and safe because you Think Like a Craftsman. I also love my RAS and find it invaluable. Think before you push material into any saw and you can do amazing work safely.

[@gregmislick1117]

@@melenedezssss James was exaggerating some of the point for impact, he even said so - the point still remains that the RAS used to cut a sheet of Plywood like that has an exposed blade at high RPM VERY CLOSE to the Power Switch - you must almost reach into harms way just to turn off the saw ( on a Craftsman anyway). As one who, like you , grew up around a RAS and have used it for cross and rip cutting and who owns a TS, and have for the past 30 years, I see a place for both, but I much more prefer that the blade and not going to go anyplace on the TS for most of my cutting. Once I set up my RAS, it will be for cross cuts. To your point about James' comments on the saw head shooting out... on my Grandfathers Craftsman, circa 1950's I think, and mine circa 1970's or 80's I forget, the ONLY lock on the arm is to lock the head for any sort of ripping operation. There is NO brake or other damping action on the speed at which the motor and blade can come forward. Those DeWalt's do not have those either. For sure you are actually pushing the head back toward the fence once it engages the wood. Also keep in mind that finding negative rake angle blades these days is not easy, most of the blades you pick up at the Box Store which say good for TS are fairly aggressive positive rake and as such cut very nicely, they also pull themselves into the cut. Please watch James's video again with your predispositions aside and take it for what it is. James does not say that a RAS is any more, or less, dangerous than a TS or most any other tool WHEN USED CORRECTLY ... it's the definition of CORRECTLY which is in question. I generally work alone in my shop. Using a RAS in many of the ways advertized in those old documents scare me so much I would NEVER do it - if you are fine with it, then by all means, go right ahead. I will just sit here and cringe while I watch your videos. John Heintz, I love his work, and most of what and how he does things - EXCEPT - for how close he places his hands to blades on many tools. He explains that he's been doing this for many years and he is comfortable with it. I just get the willy's, and I will disembowl a tree with a chainsaw like a Ginsu. We each have a comfort zone. Good Luck to you and I hope you continue to retain all of your fingers etc.

[@ILoveAnchovies334]

Thanks for this vid. My helper lost 2 fingers exactly how you demonstrated on the table saw. Even though he did a few things I taught him not to I’ve always held a bit of guilt even years later because it happened on my job. I tell everyone that works for me the table saw is the most dangerous tool on site

[@OzSafe1]

Everything seemed so safe back then when doctors preferred to smoke Camels.

[@cvcoco]

Thats a true fact....and right in the drs office i might add! My dr was a chain smoker right in the exam room. We never thought anything about it. Why should we, we were all safe.

[@watermain48]

Classic. And they had statistics backing up their choice of Camels...

[@immortalsofar5314]

The modern definition of "safe" is ridiculous. My dad insists that social media is dangerous. Good thing I ride motorbikes, climb rocks and kayak class V rapids instead then, isn't it? So long as the blade isn't going to suddenly do anything unpredictable and fly off in a random direction then it's not dangerous. Risky, maybe, but risks can be accounted for.

[@StumpyNubs]

@@immortalsofar5314 - If you think that's how accidents typically happen, please learn more about saws and how things like kickback can pull your hand into the blade.

[@immortalsofar5314]

@@StumpyNubs I'm no expert - I wrestle with circular saws, pull down spinny blades, chainsaws on trees and logs etc but I would probably make an experienced woodworker cringe. My last training was at 13 which earned the end of year report that I was "a pleasant, polite pupil who shows no aptitude for thsi subject" although back then we were only trained on manual tools which seemed like an exercise in frustration when the power tools were nearby.

[@badlandskid]

I was in construction for 30 years and I still have a healthy fear of all saws.

[@porscheaircooled]

when you get comfortable is when injuries start to happen.

[@Ryan6.022]

Anyone who values their fingers keeps a healthy amount of fear and respect for power saws. (Edit I typed hammer at first for some reason)

[@thomaszarbo9535]

Yup, take a deep breath, say a prayer, and focus Dangbopit! My dad's Radial arm saw took like half a minute to stop when powered off, and it sounded like an angry jet plane when it started up. Heavy cast Craftsman that cuts true and he still uses.

[@mykofreder1682]

You go into it with knowledge and keep margins between body and rotating parts as high as possible. Actually experiencing kickbacks with every tool or have a small Dremel saw crawling across a board gives you extra knowledge. Maybe be more awareness when things may go wrong and being less surprised and never thinking it's OK to reduce safety margins for a second or 2 to make this or that easier.

[@AusyG]

@@mykofreder1682 I agree with this totally! There is no work piece that is worth more than even the smallest injury.

[@BronZeage]

Great video. My father was a teenager during WW2 and he operated a DeWalt RAS in a lumber mill. I was 12 years old he bought a Craftsman RAS. Our shop space was 10x20, with a garage door on one end. He chose the RAS because it it went against the wall and only needed access from one side. HE died with all 10 fingers and I still have mine. Safe operation was drilled into me from day one. I also still have that saw, completely refurbished, with a few modifications to the table and fence system. I make a living by repairing furniture, which often means reproducing parts. My RAS is a dedicated cross cut stacked dado cutter which gets used a lot more than I thought it might when I dedicated 12 square feet of precious floor space to it. It will cut 3/4 dados and grooves up to 1 inch depth in one pass without bogging down, which my table saw cannot handle.

[@jeffhreid]

Perfect use for that tool. For those sort of cross cuts and dados, nothing can beat a RAS

[@johncarter9067]

@@jeffhreid I agree

[@JamesWilliams-en3os]

Great video. As an ER doc, I see the consequences of power saw screw-ups waaaay too often. I actually sold my last table saw about 10 years ago because I was just too spooked by the sheer number of injuries I was treating to use it. As I’ve got back into woodworking in the past year or two I’m considering buying a contractor grade table saw again, largely because I’ve been learning more about GOOD table saw technique on KZbin videos like this channel, and I’ve come to realize they truly can be operated safely. But radial arm saws? Fuggeddaboutit!! Those things are insane!

[@StumpyNubs]

I wouldn't buy anything but a SawStop. They are not a sponsor. I've just seen too many experienced professionals who still horribly mangled themselves. If it can happen to them, it can definitely happen to the average Joe Woodworker.

[@patrickperry6945]

The best info on any saw is “Getting the most out of your” table saw. Band saw, whatever. Tools are useful devices. But most have inherent dangers and should be treated with skepticism. Beware the dangers.

[@MnktoDave]

The coolest thing I ever seen done with a radial arm saw, was turning it into a plasma cutter for welding. Once the torch was mounted correctly, you could use the head/arm for getting nice, straight cuts, at almost any angle.

[@dadillen5902]

Does it not twist the cord when you start it?😁

[@phuturephunk]

This is madness. I love it.

[@samiamm5764]

Is there instructions or a pamphlet for doing this? 😅

[@shaunpage4498]

This is an awesome idea! Thank you.

[@thetuesdaywhistler]

Funniest comment ever!

[@willemdafuq]

My dad had the exact radial arm saw in that first video. He launched a few pieces of wood that stuck in the wall and one went all the way through the kitchen door. It didn’t seem to phase him that the hole was the same height as my little brother’s face. Luckily I was getting my dad some beers when it happened so I was safe.

[@patrickc1508]

Let me guess.... before participation trophies, babyproofing, car booster seats, air bags, and a certain McDonalds coffee lawsuit??? It was a different time. Men were less phased by potentially close calls. Close calls were part of their learning experience. Most of their knowledge was learned the hard way, either by them, or someone they knew. I’m not saying their way, or the modern lawyer approved way is better. They both have their drawbacks. I’m just saying that it was a different time and way of life.

[@GenosetScentia]

@@patrickc1508 Yeah, drawbacks like loss of limbs, dead children :)

[@Laura-wc5xt]

@@patrickc1508 got that right

[@Laura-wc5xt]

I got to see an 18" 1x3 fly across a shop and reek havoc on a large cedar lamination while doing a plough cut on a radial arm saw...Douglas fir.....the operator was very experienced and was the owner of the shop....a one man place. It gave me great respect or RAS's and Plough cutting....

[@tiki_trash]

I used to work in a plastics factory. We machined and injection molded industrial plastic parts. There was this radial arm saw there that we called Satan. It had a massive, humongous motor and it and it went through 4 inches of UHMW like butter. I used to regularly to saw 2x4 pieces out of 4'x8' sheets of 4" UHMW, they're almost 35lbs each. One day a 2x4 caught on the blade I let go and jumped back and the saw flung it about 30', it stuck in the wall and knocked all the tools out of the wall rack. I think that piece would have gone right through my stomach and out my back. We put a plywood wall behind it after that.

[@donaldp9259]

It has taken me years and finally an episode of sheer expressed anger to get my wife to understand to not come up behind me and surprise me when I'm running power tools.

[@jcsrst]

I would have replaced the wife..... ; )

[@azmike1956]

Donald P funny how you learn that (without losing body parts)!

[@TheRanxerox]

I've pounded this into my family's collective knowledge. They stay at least 10 feet from me when I'm using power tools.

[@makerspace533]

One of those wives. Mommy the house is on fire! Shhh, you'll wake daddy.

[@robertlaudensack376]

Yeah mine is is coming and shouts to be louder than the maschine ......

[@gadsden1957]

Hi Stumpy, great video - I grew up in a dealership where we sold chain saws, brush cutters, lawn mowers, etc. and came to the conclusion that if it was made to cut something it will cut you. You can't be too safe. I have my fathers Craftsman RAS that he bought when I was a toddler and I'm 63 now. I use it a lot but I always use every safe procedure I can and still expect Murphy to show his ugly face. I also did a lot of research on RAS safety before I even used it for the first time and even replaced the key switch with a home made emergency stop so all I have to do is swipe my hand over the top of the motor support beam and it's turned off, still working on some kind of brake but haven't come up with a practical design yet. I have also done a lot of machine shop work, Lathe and mill so when I use my Dad's RAS when I can I secure my work as if it were in a Bridgeport mill. One thing I learned but I didn't hear you mention is Radial Arm Saw's use a different blade than a table saw, it has a much less aggressive blade to reduce self feeding. When I was 8 years old I saw my fathers face after a chain saw kicked back on him, he had 150 stitches from the top left side of his forehead, over one eye cutting his eyelid in half but missing his eye then splitting his nose and cutting into his chin. seeing this horrified me and since then I am always careful and go the extra distance to be safe, no amount of time saved is worth loosing your life or body parts over not to mention that if you do have an accident the time you saved and much more is lost to the emergency ward and replaced with a lot of time in pain thinking about what you did or didn't do.

[@michaelhodgson8272]

That’s one reason I’m terrified of using my grandads RAS that I inherited. I’ve seen people do amazing cuts with them but it just seems like a tool that demands more respect than most other tools.

[@michaeldundas8245]

Thumbs up for the, “Hello hooks for hands” line. Good info

[@louiscypher7090]

Kinda makes you wonder where all those hooks for guys were or are?

[@nickwit21]

Very good breakdown of the odds of getting injured in the shop. I look at it the same way when I climb 40 feet up on to a roof to do repair work. Safety is everything, and redundancy is key!

[@maplobats]

I think your point about what our hands might do when we get startled is a very good point and is not emphasized enough in most safety related videos

[@TheRealPolecat]

Working in a forge heating some aluminium, a workmate put too much heat in and it melted suddenly, he then proceeded to catch the molten aluminium as it was falling towards the floor...

[@RyTrapp0]

@@TheRealPolecat I've always had pretty quick natural reactions(solid "above average") - and this sort of thing has been in the back of my mind for as long as I can remember. Any time I'm holding a knife or something like that, I make a point to consciously remind myself "hey dummy, you just jump the hell away from this one if you drop it; DON'T CATCH IT" lol. Seems to have worked thus far, thankfully.

[@randomshit65]

“Check out mr loose sleeves , where’s your push stick buddy?” Hahahahahaha 😂😂 best line of the decade

[@JamesBiggar]

20 years working as a journeyman and cabinetmaker, and I haven't used a radial arm saw since high school...for a reason. There are better ways to get the job done.

[@tomr3422]

Same career choice - We had a an old Dewalt RAS at a scenery shop that was to cut reclaimed lumber down, I always dreaded using it as it was prone to kicking with old 6x6's - I had to go check my underpants a couple of times.

[@hesperhurt]

Totally. The different saws available now... are available because the RAS wasn't as good. Simple. Having worked in machinery design and manufacture for years... you just don't design and produce things that aren't better. Especially when it's a whole new tool type. When asked about the dangers of different tools during training, and I get the "no tool is more dangerous... it's bad users"... my answer is always the same; would you rather take a hit from a BB gun or a .308? RASs with their limited guarding and inherent design necessities... *are* more dangerous than table saws. Just like chainsaws *are* more dangerous than RASs. Don't even get me started on the "but I've used one for years" BS. I know heroin addicts that aren't dead... doesn't make it safe.

[@jrbohan2]

How do you cut multiple lengths of frame boards for the cabinets that have to be exactly the same length and perfectly square cut? I've only been making cabinets for 5 years. But I'm not using a table saw to cross cut 96" boards, and a miter saw is not accurate enough without having to check it is square in every direction every time. PS, I'm genuinely interested as any way to make my job safer will make me and my boss happy.

[@supertaco22]

when i worked at a lumber yard we had a radial arm saw with a 15 inch blade and a 36 inch slide. . we used it 99 % of the time to cross cut . however the safety brief included. " dont cut your dick off " upon hearing that your eyes instantly notice the bottom of the blade is beneath the table at crotch height. and you spend the rest of your days knowing exactly where that blade is.

[@maxfedor1]

@@jrbohan2 radial arms saw( older dewalt or Rockwell industrial grade radial arm saw) with proper station with long fence with adjustable stop

[@mjarndt]

Best Woodworking safety video ever. Great information and done in a really clever way. Kept me engaged and thinking about my own safety in my shop.

[@detleftank8351]

I am one of rhose people who used the radial saw since the early 70's and never gor insured using one, BUT, as you say, RESPECT THE TOOL. I also ripped a sheet of plywood a few times which is reasonably safe but personally I only recommend it on top of several saw horses with a cicular saw. It is a very good tool for woodworking and multitasking with care

[@GraemePayne1967Marine]

I agree ... I cut plywood to working size using a circular saw and a clamp-on straight guide. The only sensible way to do it IMO. Just respect the circular saw - it, too, is a wild ravenous beast!

[@detleftank8351]

ALL cutting tools need to be respected even a knife :-)

[@benjaminyardley5278]

I love my radial arm saw, but I know its limitations. It rips well, cross cuts excellently. Pivoting the blade remains accurate, but as soon as you loosen the arm to pivot that, everything comes out of alignment. I have never known one to climb on top of a board because the height adjustment (unlike a mitre saw) is absolutely solid. If you're cutting a particularly soft piece of wood the saw can run through it faster than expected, but when you grip the handle you grip it as if you're pushing it away, and gently pull with your finger tips.

[@zoutewand]

That's the best tip ive read about those saws. I use them a lot and I've done some stupid shit with them. I used to work at a company that made round handrails and you could stack five of those rails on each other and then cut it easily (as long as the waste is stable enough to stay put!). Actually prefer them over most miter saws because the start cycle of an RAS happens while it's behind the fence, with miter saws they tend to jump backwards a lot and that has given me the shits more than one time.

[@Biomaterials_Science]

My wife made fun of me because the only handbook I have ever read was the circular saw one.

[@stumptownwoodworks]

I've always appreciated and respected your stance on safety and appreciate the humourous approach while still getting the point across. Everyone needs to remember when you make these videos you aren't marching down to their shop and making them do it your way, if they want to continue to gamble with their fingers that's their right I guess. But new woodworkers see KZbin videos all day long of people they assume know what they're doing when in (my opinion) they have no business making instructional videos at all. Thanks for all ya do!

[@TheOneWhoMightBe]

Agreed. Compare James' attitude to safety to other high-profile youtube woodworkers whos attitude is basically 'I'm showing you how to do this stuff and selling the plans but you're on you own with safety'.

[@lanecobb4150]

I recently responded to 2 commenters (on a channel with a fairly high number of subs) agreeing with the cringing they expressed over how close his fingers were repeatedly being run to a table saw blade (non Saw Stop to boot). The 2nd commenter agreed while observing that “he pretty much always does that”. I called it cavalier and a disservice to TS newbies who might think that’s normal/SOP. All 3 comments were removed within 12 hours. Pretty sad.

[@stumptownwoodworks]

@@lanecobb4150 sad indeed. I almost equate it to (tho not quite) Barkley saying "I'm not a role model" you can think you are not a role model, not a teacher, or what ever and convince yourself that you are purely inspiration and entertainment...but that is not the reality. Making plans, instructions, etc you open yourself up to new woodworkers thinking you know what you're doing simply because they genuinely don't know any better yet. Maybe hey never had shop, or a parent or family member that built things, etc.

[@charlesreohr6236]

I agree with you as I would not be caught operating anything in my shop without safety equipment on and or around me. I have a rack right next to the man door that has safety glasses, ear protection and hard hats with a sign that says you must be protected to enter. A friend of mine hung another sign that reads you must provide your own condoms. He thinks a little differently than I do but I left it there for laffs. I have even made push sticks for others that have no respect for their own fingers. I would like to show my expertise but I'm the guy that makes furniture and such I wouldn't have any idea how to do a video.

[@teddahrable]

It is not restricted to woodworking videos alone. I have a pretty broad interest and talent range and I see idiots making videos on shooting, machining on lathes and mills, welding, vehicle repair, wilderness survival techniques,, knife and ax use and handling, you name it and most of them scare the livin' daylights outta me. I have two RASs, a table saw, two compound mitre saws. I started out with my F-I-L's RAS in 1986. I've been a carpenter since 1984. I've built tons of wood-framed projects where a RAS was the main workhorse on the construction site and the only "bench-type' tool used for rough framing. It ripped, mitred, crosscut all day long for weeks at a time on large apartment complexes. I've built cabinets and furniture on my own saw. I cut and shaped ALL of the moulding, trim base blocks, and corner blocks for two of my houses (all on the same RAS with the complete Craftsman attachment kit). I made all of the wainscoting for my first house (1989) on that RAS. I didn't even consider getting my first table saw (a contractor grade, portable) and my first mitre saw until 1993 when I started my own company and didn't want to be dragging my precious, meticulously set-up RAS around. My grandfather was a carpenter. My Dad was a carpenter. I've been around spinning things for more than 50 years, and I am in NOW WAY a Safety Sam. Most of today's safety is what we called common sense when I was growing up. Can accidents happen? Yes, they can and they can be catastrophic, but the worst accident I ever saw on a job site happened on a table saw (guy cut off all 8 fingers, they managed to save 6) . I have NEVER seen a serious accident involving a RAS, no matter what it was being used to do. Seen videos, seen pictures, but never real life.

[@johnaultman6970]

Great video! Being a registered nurse for many years I have seen countless injuries due to power tools, mostly circular saws, because they are the most frequently used. Being a woodworker myself, I use all types of saws, including a RAS. One must have a healthy respect for all power tools, but that RAS requires one to think about all the possibilities of acquiring an injury on a whole different level. I believe that complacency is one of the greatest factors in these injuries. When I ask a patient to tell me how they cut their fingers off, the most common thing that they tell me is “I don’t know exactly what happened. I made the cut like I usually do”. There response to that question leads me to think that many people have a tendency to become complacent and begin to take “shortcuts” after repeated exposure to the dangers of these types of hazards. It’s for that very reason why pilots have a checklist that they go over with the Co-pilot. Same thing for surgeons in the OR. Bottom line, is to not take an unnecessary risk. One must think about the dangers of every tool that is being used, and always default to a safer alternative when available. Know the limitations of the tool as well as your own physical and emotional limitations. Don’t use these tools when you are rushed, pissed off, tired, or not completely focused on the task at hand. However, I know that is difficult to do when woodworking is your occupation and not just a hobby.

[@talltimberswoodshop7552]

Yeah, well, I'm still going to use my RAS for crosscutting, dadoing, ripping, box joints, and mitering. I haven't had the need for raised panels, but if I do, I'll try it on my DeWalt 7790. You ought to see the box joint jig I'm making to fit on the front of DeWalt MBF RAS! Proper table, holddowns, jigs, safety equipment, short sleeves, etc. are proper for any woodworking tool. Not all of us can buy the tools you have and write off for your business.

[@StumpyNubs]

The other day I saw a video of a guy cutting his kids hair with an electric hedge-trimmer. Just because he could doesn't mean he should, and just because he wasn't injured doesn't mean it's safe. But there's no point in debating it. Your mind is made up :)

[@timothysmith2658]

@@StumpyNubs and so is yours

[@timmeyer7780]

Stumpy can rip apart all the advertising promoting the RAS from the 1940's and '50s. DeWalts back then were sold thru dealers who would give demonstrations on the various operations of the RAS and how to safely perform them. One of them was the late Wally Kunkel aka. "Mr Sawdust" who wrote a very good book "How to Master the Radial Saw" There are some operations I will not perform on my radial saw which are drilling, routing, cutting metal, brick and ceramic tile.

[@ChrisUhlik]

My dad had a DeWalt table saw and I remember him doing every one of the things you illustrated. Disk sanding, side ripping, using it as a router. It was his miracle machine.

[@mcplutt]

So it wasn't a radial arm saw?

[@jamesmcbriarty2079]

I've found that my old Craftsman RAS works very well at gang cuts and making dadoes, because I find it easier to fine tune the position of the workpiece versus the blade.

[@jonandersonmd7994]

That does surprist me, for the inherent design of a RAS results in a not-very-stable device .. Given that your cuts need not be so precise, it undoubtedly works for you, but there's a reason why a good tablesaw is superior : RAS designers can compensate for this RAS failing, but the cost is considerable! think: $1000-3000+ .... Stability is expensive ! I doubt aNY RAS seller offers free shipping!! (Well, maybe Grizzly, free shipping for a price ;))

[@ctrwoodcraft971]

43 years of custom cabinet making experience here with all my fingers (and toes). A radial arm saw was the main saw in the first shop I worked back in 1977 and we ripped hundreds of sheets of plywood and MDF with it as well as cross cutting. It certainly has a place in the shop if you know it's advantages and limitations. All that is common sense. Now that I'm retired I wish I had room in my small shop for one. It's a real time saver for some operations.

[@soberlivingwithbrianfrankl8254]

Lmao, "mr lose sleves, where is your push stick?" I about fell out my chair.. but very true

[@RICHat22]

*loose

[@bassrun101]

Garry not Linda. Look closely at the right hand in that tenoning shot. He's using a push board.

[@lapianissimo]

Lose is correct - he would lose his sleeves, and more, in an accident.

[@RICHat22]

@@lapianissimo But loose sleeves would cause him to lose his sleeves....

[@daveolsen5034]

My first power tools was a RAS. Bought it when I was 19. After the first kick back, kick forward, whatever. I mean, after the saw showed me what 10" of very exposed rapidly spinning blade could do to a piece of wood, I figured out All kinds of jigs and guards for it. Basically tables that fit on the table that would only expose the portion of blade being used. Turning it into a table saw, shaper, raised panel maker, what have you. When your terrified enough you can come up with Viable solutions. I had to make a stabilizer arm for the front to keep it accurate for some heavy cutting operations. I bought it because I could only afford 1 tool at the time and it served me well. I considered the instruction manual as a work of fantasy, and came up with solutions that were safe and accurate. Still have all my fingers..

[@rayman954]

Hey Nubby, I have three Dewalts from the 50's, one I have done a complete rebuild and paint on and will eventually do the other two as well. This saw is primarily cast iron which gives it nice accuracy when tuned properly, I cannot say the same for the craftsman and others from the 70's. The Dewalt radial arm saws were quite expensive at the time. At about 1960 other manufactures started making radial arm saws and it became a race to make it more affordable and the quality went down more and more in the process for all of them. I get good cross cuts and dado's with it and it saves time not blade changing a lot. I know the saw's limitations and have no reason to do some of the silly crap on it since I have other tools that will do the task for me easier and safer. The Dewalt saws from the 50's with new bearings and a tune are rock solid. Thanks Nubby

[@jeffreyquinn3820]

We'd get them from time to time at the ReStore I used to manage. They'd always get a good price very quickly. Almost as good as a cash donation. I don't really feel the need for one myself as I have a 40'x60' or so 80's Craftsman table saw and a sliding compound mitre saw with a 12' blade. Still, my friend got one from his father-in-law, but doesn't have a 220V plug in his garage. hmmmm . . . Nah. I need to park in my garage.

[@rayman954]

@@jeffreyquinn3820 quite a few the volatge was switchable.

[@jeffreyquinn3820]

@@rayman954 It technically is on this one as well, but it needs some rewiring. Mostly he wants it for building a new fence & deck. I'm of the opinion every garage needs a 220V plug, but 80's homebuilders mostly believed a single 15 amp 110V circuit on 14 guage wiring is enough for a double garage, lights & openers included. Re-wiring an 80's multi-storey split-level . . . None of us hate ourselves enough to take that project on.

[@alblanzjr]

Marvelous video!! I am 70 yrs old, have been a professional woodworker for over 50 yrs. When I was a kid the radial arm saw was the go to tool for a home shop on a budget. But a "jack of all trades" is a master of NONE! And yes, I do have all my fingers!

[@21mph12]

I was literally talking about the manual with the plywood cut with my class today. I was going to go search for it, and here you deliver it straight to me. Thanks!

[@pauln1557]

Your unbiased, non judgemental approach is so refreshing to watch. Speaking calmly with facts, instead of 2nd or 3rd hand opinions, is the mark of the intelligent, experienced man. In my opinion! We get quite a few big, cheap, used radial arm saws for sale here in NZ, I've been trying to make an informed choice between either a table saw or a radial arm saw. I'm a beginner to wood working, now I'll go for a table saw. Many thanks, Paul

[@TheGlobalMind]

I have my father's Craftsman RAS. It's great. My chop saw is a Delta 12" non slider, the RAS works great for those cuts where I need a little more depth. It'll cut angles and a whole bunch of other stuff which I don't use it for. I have the original manual from I think the 1960s. Sure, I also commonly say it's a "death trap" mainly because of how far it slides out - but still, it's a great and useful tool. I don't use it in place of a table saw. mine could use a little deeper a table, but I wouldn't think of getting rid of it.

[@billmiller9234]

Thank you for an informative video, I have been using a radial arrm saw for a number of years, I cross, rip and have a molding attachment, however any tool is as good or bad as the person using it, when I cross cut bigger pieces of wood I will often clamp them down and although I do rip cuts I am always watching what I am doing. Ho and buy the way, I do all this despite the fact I suffer with cerebral palsy!!!!!

[@Scodiddly]

A couple years ago I rescued my Dad’s old DeWalt and built a new table and stand. It’s great to have this cool old saw in my workshop. Guess what I use it for? Crosscuts. That’s it. Does a great job for that.

[@robertray3746]

Exactly I work part-time at Home Depot and use one it is set up so all it will do are cross cuts

[@tomr3422]

If you have the space they are great for the long Crosscuts(Vs the 12inch max on most Miter saws). I have one Just like the Green Dewalt pictured and just wish I had the room for it.

[@ralphlivingston894]

I’m not trying to suck up… OK, maybe a little? Your’s is the best woodworking channel on KZbin and there are a lot of excellent channels. I learn something every time I tune in. I just started woodworking again after a 30 year hiatus. The industry/hobby has changed (For the good) almost as much as computers. I started again because my kids are out of college And I have Parkinson’s. (I need to develop new skills to delay cognitive decline.) It’s amazing how much there is to learn and your knowledge and ability to convey it is fantastic. Thank you so much for this channel!

[@maxwellsmart938]

I was 13 when I first used a radial arm saw, in Woodshop class. I never experienced a kickback, but it did jamb and stop, like it was under powered, but it did that with everyone. We also used a table saw without a riving knife. Things were a little different 36 years ago. People actually listened to the shop teacher and paid attention to what was going on around them. I don't think most high schools even offer Woodshop anymore, which is a real shame!

[@mightress]

Reminds me of my grandfathers advise he gave me: powertools are dangerous, most of them want to kill you. Use your common sense and be carefull.

[@akfred6018]

You are correct, but they do get hungry.

[@NotMe35971]

Sounds like advice from the future, when machines punished people.

[@michaelswagson4457]

Listen kid, that power tool is out there it cant be bargained with, it cant be reasoned with, it doesn't feel pitty or remorse or fear, so be careful.

[@2010mastermike]

It wants nothing. You must use intention when using any tool powered or not. It's all on the operator and anyone the operator has given permission to be in their work space.

[@joer8854]

I have an old mean Green table saw with just enough horsepower to turn a full 8 foot 2x6 into a speed of sound projectile that will pass through just about anything. I don't like letting anyone use it. It's got so much force it's virtually impossible to bind the blade. A feature I guess at the time it was built.

[@dt2419]

It’s the same as any saw in terms of danger, I’ve had one for 6 months now. I know exactly how to use it and it works incredibly if you have the right blade

[@leonardorojas1781]

Hi. It just occurred to me that I could buy a RAS instead of a sliding miter saw (like for example the Bosch Glide miter saw)... I don't have any miter saw, so I thought I'd better buy a RAS (I know they're a little more expensive). I intend to use it just like I would a sliding miter saw plus the own safe features of a ras. What do you think?😦

[@dt2419]

Leonardo Rojas for what you want to do(replace a sliding mitre saw) it would be great. If it comes with a anti kickback jaw you can rip on it assuming you have the right blade. If you don’t rip on it and crosscut exclusively then get a 60 or 80 tooth blade.

[@jonandersonmd7994]

Did it come with an extra lock for your shop, preventing 'surprise visitors' ?

[@speedbuggy16v]

the 50's and 60's were different times. People were expected to be smarter than the machine, but yes, my radial arm saw collects dust more than its used. In fact, I am not sure I have ever used it. I bought it, built a new table for it and that was it. My table saw and compound miter saw do everything I need day to day.

[@OddJob1971]

I have a 1950’s Dewalt I restored. I use it purely for cross cuts and it’s the nicest tool in my shop. It’s important to use the right blade though, one that is not aggressive with negative hook to reduce the chances of the blade climbing up the wood.

[@gregwarner3753]

Negative rake is a great idea.

[@seanoheir6522]

@@gregwarner3753 Thin kerf, negative blade works great. Freud makes the one I use. Makes beautiful, clean cuts. Has never 'jumped at me'. The blade that was on it when I bought the saw did, though. Scary.

[@johnwhitley2898]

ALL I ever used a RAS for was a large chop saw for wide boards, 90 deg. and 45 deg. only when necessary. Nothing else. Table saw, hand saw, circular saw, band saw, jig saw for everything else. I never looked at the RAS as dangerous or unsafe, just a pain in the rear, 'cuz, You make that angle cut, get out the squares and double check...... Table saw: no BS! Great info! Keep it coming! Thanks!

[@brianmatthews4323]

The more I watch some of your videos the more I think about becoming a hand tool woodworker. And I've spent a lifetime working with machines. ;) A safety guy once told me that statistically, the old timers are more dangerous than the newbies. The newbie is usefully scared of the machines while the old timer is over confident and complacent.

[@0ddSavant]

Brian Matthews - second most dangerous tool in your shop is the one you’re scared of. The most dangerous tool is the one you think you’ve mastered so it poses no risk.

[@terrymiller5028]

Sorry, you misspelled complacent. In this case it is spelled “experienced”!

[@jandrewmore]

Sometime like that. In motorcycle safety they've got the accident reports, and done the analysis Generally there is a valley with less incidents from newbies, then a dip in safety after they've gotten over the cautious phase, but still little experience, then a gradual rise in safety as they gain experience. I'd suspect something similar with most safety matters.

[@jacquesdubord6844]

I bought a new Craftsman radial saw in 1983. I loved it. For all those years I never had an accident with it. It is like you said "if it is use properly, it no more dangerous than a benchmark. I was impressed by what the old brochure suggested. Thanks for the video.

[@jimhumphrey]

I have a 10" RAS set up with a dado stack that's never taken off. I have another 12" model setup for 90-degree cross cuts and It does 45 degree accurately as well. I can cross cut a 3.9" X 14.5" board (timber), nothing else is my shop short of using a chain saw can do that. These are old DeWalt saws. Back in the 90's I tried using a Craftsman for a while and I don't have much good to say about it.

[@clickster1883]

My dad had a radial arm saw, and I remember him boasting about being able to build things with that saw that it was never meant to do. And he built some pretty incredible stuff. But not until now - 40+ years later - did I realize what that saw really was. Thanks for taking me back down memory lane, and for affirming my decision to stick with my humble table saw and miter saw.

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

I’m watching this and thinking you aren’t being dramatic enough. You are damn funny though.

[@laracoffey9095]

❤

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

Just rewatched and the “cutting yourself in half” line still gets me.

[@6yjjk]

Arm saw. The clue is right there in the name!

[@nate6692]

After dad's accident - we always called it the Radial Finger Saw

[@crimsonwoodworking9609]

My wife had the habit of turning the lights off and on while I was using the table saw until I scolded her. In her defense, "it was loud, and I was just trying to get your attention". Love that girl...

[@kennethhertzler6810]

58 years old, bought my first Dewalt when I was 16. Cut a lot of raised panels on the DeWalt. Have a nice Delta cabinet table saw just for ripping. All ploughing, Dado work shaping done on my 3 DeWalts. Thanks for your videos

[@samTollefson]

You are right about that saw! I've had a 12" Sears for 40 years and if used properly for cut off they are great. When I first got it and was trying one of those fancy cuts it "ejected" a short piece of 2X grazing the side of my head and punching a hole in my new fiberglass garage door, if it would have been a direct hit in my face it could have easily killed me. Lesson learned! I never again used it for any type of ripping operation! For cutoff, it is great, especially when dado cutting the side panels for shelving units. You can easily handle 8' side panels and with a wobble dado blade make a nice tight fitting dado for today's undersized plywood, something you can't easily do with a router and very awkward to do on a table saw. I have outfitted quite a few shops and storerooms with inexpensive 1/2" plywood shelf units - and a few nice ones out of hardwood. One thing that you didn't mention that I feel is very important, especially for newbies is to only use a negative tooth angle blade, it eliminates the crawl up with standard blades and you don't have to be holding back the blade when cutting, especially on thicker stock. I am guilty of using my standard table saw blades on mine, in fact just recently bought a 12" Oshlun blade w/ negative pitch which is a joy to use, I can cut through 4X in one pass for some rustic work I have been doing lately and NO hold back is necessary. If you have a long wall in your shop where you can dedicate a place for A radial arm saw I would go for it, so much easier for turning long stock into shorter stock. Thanks for the video!

[@daviddickmeyer5231]

I started off being slightly put off by some of your comments. But as I watched and listened further, it became apparent what you were trying to show and do. You just took a while getting to the point. My Dewalt RAS was built in 1949. I inherited it from my uncle who purchased it new. It is now tuned up with new bearings and all set up plumb and square. It runs like new. Very accurate saw which I use for cross cuts mostly but I’ve also used it for ripping (not the belly kind). I installed a large screen door type spring to help return the motor carriage back to home. It works wonderfully! Just always remember the best safety gear is that gray matter between your ears! Use it wisely and you can’t (but still might) go wrong. It is a power tool after all. Be safe out there! And I believe that’s was what you were getting at!

[@deankelly8758]

Absolutely great video. I think you are spot on. Responsible use and machinery respect. I do think radial arm saws are still very relevant. At my shop I have a large slider table saw, big CTD miter saw, and a pneumatic up cut saw. All really have their place. But I still have a 16" Delta turret radial arm saw. Because it can miter deep and beyond 45 degrees, both left and right, without engineering a tricky inaccurate jig, or pushing large awkward heavy material through a machine. There are operations where it IS the best machine for the operation. It can be an awesome tool for the weekend hobbyist. If I was just starting out in woodworking, and on a budget, I would definately buy a nice used old Delta turret or cast iron Dewalt radial arm saw on Craigslist before wasting money on a plastic chop saw, and budget table saw. Buy a book, a great negative hook blade, and learn to master it. Professional radial arm machinery is accurate and until recently, was used all over the world to aid in manufacturing everything that was made out of wood. Whether rough sizing or trim. So I am sick of hearing their cheap $200 chop saw is more accurate. Walk into a large production shop or large furniture manufacturer. You're not going to find a $350 sliding compound miter saw. The radial arm is a machine that unfortunately in the hands of people that think they know how to operate it, but really don't, are the ones that are taught a hard lesson. Table saw safer? Table saws that aren't tuned, fences that aren't set, riving knives not present, guards missing, as well as not using eye protection is just a ticking time bomb too. There is no excuse for not setting up and tuning any machine as well as learning how to use it. Even if you have to read a book to learn. Better to bruise your ego, than to lose a finger or worse. If you think a powerful table saw is incapable of flipping up a piece of material and shooting it right at you, you are wrong. Sometimes it is operator error. But not always. Sometimes relieving the stress in wood will overwhelm all safety precautions and in all best case scenarios do something unforeseen. Large saws don't stall, they shoot material. Never stand behind or too close to a straight line rip saw. Even with the pawls, and feeder, it can shoot material like a projectile. Thanks again for another great video. I love the radial arm fear syndrome one too......

[@dwd193d]

You are so right about radial arm saws, Mine is 35 years old and is only used for cross cuts. you cannot go to Craigslist ,market place etc, and not find one for sale. Love your site,keep the videos coming.

[@setac949]

I have ripped 4x8 sheets of plywood lengthwise on a radial arm saw with a helper. I never ripped anything wider than 24" because I couldn't find a safe way to do it. When ripping I never stood in the line of fire and I always used the anti kickback device on the saw. Any power saw can be dangerous if you get careless. A saw doesn't have a brain so we have to use our own.

[@louiscypher7090]

Amen.

[@ScreamingEagleFTW]

can you take 1" off the 8' side?

[@jonandersonmd7994]

I prefer to think in a diff way: the saw (or ANY power tool!) DOES have a brain, and its intent is t kill us! ...I

[@MrShadyCash]

I was uneducated on safety practices with table saws and I used my grandfather's old tablesaw for months with no issue. I wasn't using push sticks for very wide rips, but wasn't aware that the knife was so important, let alone that it existed. Then one day the wood binded and actually lifted in the air. When it came back down it cut a third of my pointer finger off going the long way. It got stitched and healed well, although it's thinner than my other uninjured pointer. That was when I started to learn more about safety and how important that knife is (unless you're not doing through cuts). No injuries since, and I have a lot more respect for my power tools. Great video man, you can never know enough about safe practices with tools like these.

[@jeffb957]

When I was an overgrown teenager back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, I worked summers for a fence company. I used to spend days and days running an old dewalt RAS, milling fence pickets, both ripping the pickets to width, and cross cutting them to length. Then I'd set up a stop, pivot the arm to 45, and make the top cuts to create the point. I never had a problem at all, but that was all we ever used that machine for. It was accurate enough to make fence pickets look good, which isnt really saying much. If I was going to open a fence company, I'd get an old RAS for milling pickets. It's the fastest way to do it. That's about all I'd use it for.

[@jonandersonmd7994]

I'm curious: Has DeWalt quality changed since they 'moved' manufacturing to China ? ... (several decades ago)?

[@melsilva9158]

Watching this video, I had the involuntary action of curling my fingers and crossing my arms to keep them out of the blades in those brochures. My dad had one of these saws and I was glad when he had to get rid of it. Not saying I never used it, but I had a HEALTHY respect for that thing.

[@93me11]

Totally agree, I have restored two old “G” series Dewalts, they are great at cross cutting and nothing else, definitely a one trick pony if you value staying out of the ER!

[@KC9UDX]

Restored but never used, apparently. Everyone that's made serious use of them knows that they are safer than table saws.

[@ronvance1958]

I have a Craftsman Radial Arm Saw use strictly for cross cuts. Trained by 2 machinists on all my tools, my grandfather while training was at the plug in case I got dumb he would pull the plug. Learned alot from him and my dad now its my turn to train the grandkids which one has been through woodshop. He prefers the Radial Arm saw over the table saw for some reason but don't want to scare him to much. He double and triple checks where his hands and body will be. Keep up the good work on informing us

[@btrswt35]

Radial arm saws excel at crosscutting and cross dados. In many instances, they are simpler and require less set up to do those two things. Like every power tool, accidents happen. As a tool user it's important to think two or three steps ahead and plan for the unexpectedly and use jigs, push sticks, clamps, proper stance and body mechanics to lessen those risks.

[@garbanzowine1751]

That first picture illustrating the crosscutting of a vertical sheet of plywood without something to keep the top half from pinching was "Oh my God, you're kidding me!". It would be insane. No assistant. That plywood is heavy. Is the path for the plywood's floor support clear and parallel to the blade. I started out before KZbin on someone else's Sears RAS for a few months. I was not satisfied with the results and after having to recalibrate it a few times, a tedious process, I bought a Delta contractors saw which had an older style onery fence. Then I installed a Beisemeyer fence system. This made my Delta much more precise, consistent and safe. I just cannot recommend a radial arm saw over a table saw. Great video. I am glad I watched this.

[@squareswing]

Picked up some plywood without gloves once. Got a bad splinter. I've had PTSD around plywood ever since!

[@jeffreyquinn3820]

"Pretty Terrible Splinter Dirt"?

[@TheKamiBunny]

I got a full cut down my dip joint from the edge of a plywood sheet. It went down to the finger sheath but thankfully my tendons were not cut. Fresh wood edges can be extremely sharp.

[@stevecuthbert8856]

My grandfather got one when they were first introduced. My dad told me when grandpa was going to make his first cross cut he saw his thumb in the path of the blade. He then shut it off and got rid of the saw without even making a cut. He was a jeweler and watch maker by trade. I guess he figured his fingers were better suited on his hands where he could use them best. Good video. Glad to see you are healing well.

[@williamhdixon]

It's obvious that your manual was printed before the day when they started adding warnings like "do not use this lawnmower as a hedge trimmer"

[@hesperhurt]

@FacePuncher no... it's because generations of older people thought they knew everything and chopped bits off on a regular basis.

[@StanHardey]

I bought a Craftsman 10 inch radial arm saw in 1983. Things never quite worked the way I had planned. Got kickback a number of times and I only attempted ripping once. I never got injured but each time something did not work as I expected it to I stopped trying to do anything but 90 degree crosscuts and then stopped using it altogether. I sold it 2 years later. Your video pointed out all the dangers I had exposed myself to.

[@64maxpower]

I'm a carpenter and I can not believe how many people will try to speak to me while I'm trying to make cuts

[@Nphen]

Hang a sign up that says "Do Not Talk To Saw Operator" or something like that. 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♂️🤔🙄😁😂

[@64maxpower]

@@Nphen it's such a common sense thing not to do I'd have to have a hand book to pass out to people how to act in life

[@malcolmoxley1274]

it's so infuriating,if you threw fake blood at them next time they will learn

[@hesperhurt]

Buy yourself a carpenter's tshirt. On the front it says "Milk. 2 sugars. Now." and on the back it says "**** off. I'm busy" 👍😁

[@godbluffvdgg]

:)..Yeah, people are idiots...Especially non carpenter people...:)...Welders have the same problem...

[@barefootlyrooted]

Excellent and informative video! My father used a craftsman RAS for probably 30 years. From what I can remember, he used it to crosscut boards (NOT crosscut plywood like the crazy DeWalt marketing materials), rip plywood/boards, and cut dados or bevels. He instilled a healthy dose of RAS fear by teaching me about kickback and what NOT to do. Im not sure if he had any crazy attachments but if he did, he never used them, at least after I was born 😆. He never had one injury using the machine. Thanks for sharing!

[@kipwilson3771]

I would not be without my radial arm saw. I may not use it often, but I have learned some tricks that can't be done on the table saw or miter saw. It's those moments that I find my RAS invaluable. Some things can be done on the table saw, but are faster and easier on the RAS. Some things I have never done and don't want to do on RAS, such as ripping.

[@edwaggonersr.7446]

I like these kinds of RAS videos for two reasons: 1) They remind us to be careful about the procedures we use on our RAS. 2) They diminish the demand for RASs making them cheaper for those of us who love to use them. After using RASs and table saws for years I like to have both in my shop; but if I had a small shop I'd chose the RAS over the table saw. As for cutting a 4 X 8 sheet of plywood in half I'd use a circular saw and a shop built made to fit my saw straight edge; I've ripped many dozens of sheets without an issue. Nice video, fair enough.

[@markmaestas1129]

To be fair, you should compare the brochures from the table saws in the 1940's and 1950"s. Many of them use several of the same attachments that you showed as unsafe on the table saw. Knowledge is the key with any tool. . The most dangerous saw in the shop is the one that you use without knowing how to use it safely.

[@StumpyNubs]

Why would that be fair? It's not a table saw video, and in it I said I don't consider a radial arm saw any more inherently dangerous than a table saw if used properly. I tire of this whataboutism...

[@markmaestas1129]

​@@StumpyNubs It would be fair because at 1:20 you brought up the question as to whether RAS are safer or more dangerous than table saws. You also brought up the "RAS are safer than table saws" KZbin video. And then you spent a lot of time showing and making fun of all kinds of examples of dangerous operations from a RAS brochure from the 1950's. I'm simply saying that many of the operations that you showed for the RAS brochure were also suggested for table saws at that time. I wasn't trying to start an internet fight with you.

[@StumpyNubs]

@@markmaestas1129 ...and I answered that question immediately after I asked it: 4:26

[@markmaestas1129]

@@StumpyNubs I don't follow you. The clip that you reference at 4:26 isn't immediately after you asked the question at 1:20. And at 4:26 you are talking about being startled and then potentially throwing your hands into the blade. Regardless, I left with the impression that you feel RAS are more dangerous than table saws. If that wasn't your intention, I guess I just didn't get your video. I guess we can agree to disagree. On a side note, I'm a fan of your channel and like a lot of your videos. My first post wasn't meant to insult or challenge you.

[@StumpyNubs]

@@markmaestas1129 - At 1:20 I began the section about if a RAS is more dangerous, and it was wrapped up at 4:26 where I summarized the conclusion, specifically that "I don't believe radial arm saws are inherently more dangerous than other saws." I'm not sure what there is to "agree to disagree" about. You got an impression that was contradicted by what the video actual said. I'm not trying to argue or be a jerk, but I'm just explaining myself.

[@tystahl3961]

I have two radial arm saws and still have all of my fingers. I also have an old book called getting the most out of your radial saw. There are things in that book that are quite scary. I agree with you about using jigs. Only way to do it safely. Between two radials and a table saw, I have multiple set ups that don't have to be changed during a project. Love what youdo, and thank you for all of the advice.

[@zbeshears6945]

Ive never seen anyone rip a piece of lumber like that with a radial arm saw! I have a craftsman late 80’s model that I fully restored in my wood shop. It’s the work horse of my wood shop. I rip, cross cut, plane, dado, make trim etc. I can still get new old stock of radial arm saw stuff off eBay daily. Radial arm saws are very safe if you set them up properly and use them properly. They got a bad rap from people who were bad at operating them or a lot of people put on the wrong blades... they get one cheap locally and go buy a 12” blade off the shelf at a big box store and it’s not made for a radial arm saw. The best advice I can give anyone using a radial arm saw is you need a negative hook angle blade. I can’t find them anywhere in store I buy all mine online and shipped to my house.

[@leonardorojas1781]

Would you link me to one of those negative hook blades, please?

[@zbeshears6945]

Leonardo Rojas yea let me see what i can do

[@mriguy3202]

This is your best video ever. My dad had an old Craftsman radial arm saw and he made hundreds of projects on it, without incident. The blade brake was a manual handle on the sdie of the motor opposite the blade, so it was seldom used. The sawdust tended to pile up on the top of the wood, making it harder to see the cut line, He seldom used the anti kickback pawls. For repeative and accurate crosscuts, I have a DeWalt miter saw that I've had for 25 years and it will last another 15. This is far safer, faster, and more accurate. Since I usually have hearing protection on when I'm working, I have told my wife to flick the lights if she needs my attention. If you sold a sign for the shop alerting visitors to do that, I would buy it.

[@michael931]

People forget there was a time before chop saws, when a miter saw required a lot of elbow grease. That was the era of the RAS.

[@tamachining]

I've got 4 total at the time of writing this. (1 Craftsman, 1 BD, 2 Dewalt) I'm still restoring the other 3 so I only have the Craftsman available for work at the moment. I've locked it to 90° for cross cuts and with a sharp blade, it makes very accurate cuts. Can't wait to see the other RAS videos you have in store!

[@joestallings6993]

I though, wow, 40 years is a long time. My father had a radial arm saw, but wouldn't allow me to use it until I turned 13. I just turned 59 and I'll do that math later. I still use mine, but mostly with a dado blade. They're great for crosscutting dados.

[@just-dl]

i did the math...you're a young man, finding his way in the world. They say we're only as old as we feel...which makes me and William Shakespeare classmates! :-)

[@jeffstanley4593]

I have a little dinky Craftsman RAS and that is what I set it up for, dados.

[@77142957]

Pretty well the only thing they excel at.

[@kimfreeman852]

I was lucky enough to work in a woodshop for a couple years. I learned a lot. I was also chosen to run the radial arm saw. I had never run anything before, much less that thing. But I've decided that I don't need one after watching this video. Thank you.

[@MukYJ]

If I’m in the shop, I prefer my RAS over my (non-sliding) miter saw. The miter has it beat when it comes to portability though. I also prefer to cut dados on the RAS. You can virtually eliminate the risk of a climb cut by using a blade with a negative hook angle (same goes for a sliding miter saw). My guess is the bad rap they get is mostly from people using the wrong blades on them.

[@johnm948]

what about quality of cut? I think the miter saw is superior

[@MukYJ]

John M my RAS produces a much cleaner cut, but that’s likely because I have a much nicer blade on the RAS. I keep a 24T construction blade on the miter saw, and an 60T negative hook blade on the RAS.

[@johnm948]

@@MukYJ Blades matter a lot. My newest compound miter saw is a 12 inch and I revert back to the 10 inch for really fine cuts.both have good blades but there is far less wobble with the 10

[@luismelendez5747]

Jim, love watching. As a rookie woodworking enthusiast I can't tell you how invaluable the information you share is to me. Pleade Keep them coming👍

[@petercrowl9467]

Ward Cleaver did have a DeWalt RAS. You see it from time to time when he's shown in the garage.

[@ScreamingEagleFTW]

really? that would be cool to see. All the little details I missed as a kid.

[@gordroberts53]

Excellent safety presentation, especially that you drew so many correlations to other common shop tools. Some of the stuff I've seen people do on YT with their table saws raises the hair on my neck.

[@Crushwokery]

A first of its kind ‼️ A vid which highlights serious shit but was the funniest thing I've seen for a long while. Absolute genius ‼️ Thanx James, loved it. 😉🤣👍

[@flashgordon6238]

Both our local Home Depot and Lowes just installed brand new cast iron radial arm saws from the Original Saw Company. These are built identical to the Dewalt design from the 1920s-1950s. My current RAS is from 1968, but I'm looking for a Dewalt MBF or GW-1 from the 50s. My table saw is a Ryobi BT-3000 I got for free. Both are machines that will maim you, so I work very cautiously and carefully around them. Push sticks, clamps and a painted "Line of Death" in the blade path do help.

[@roscocsa]

I’ve had a ras for a couple of months now, it’s been fun to learn. But yeah it induces some pucker.

[@gscompton1965]

LMAO! i feel ya brother ...reason i got rid of mine some time back ...just got tired of to much butt pucker everytime i thought about useing it LOL.

[@byteaquaponics]

I appreciate you taking a moment to talk about safety. At times I've seen radial arm saws and wondered why they seem to have vanished till now. I think it's important with all saws that you don't get complacent. Once seen a contractor come in with a table saw injury he was lucky to still have his fingers, but three of his finger nails were shattered. And he made a bloody mess. Saw stop is good but cutting wet lumber, is going to cost someone 600$. I wish they'd work on bringing the price down.

[@davideudy7392]

Well I started in that business, woodworking, when I was 19 years old. I'm 76 , I would have never considered doing that. that's the dumbest thing I've ever seen

[@ianwashere12345]

Dad is 86, has all of his fingers and uses a 1956 Dewalt Radial Arm saw. I have the book for it in my hands! For years I thought it was a radial "ALARM" saw because dad said it so fast. He painted it and has kept it in very good shape. There are things he (we) won't do with it. We will rip plywood with it. but we would never turn the blade Horizontal. We would always keep the guard on. This saw, for us, really was a glorified miter saw. Thanks for the info.

[@VADOC02]

what is the most dangerous tool in the shop? the one you are using at that moment! I bought my first RAS in about "79 or so, and have always had one in my shop, but know it's limitation, using for cross cuts and also dados, . but never ripping, planer shaper etc, That's what a table saw, planer, router table are for, in other words, just like anything else, use the right tool for the job. I've never owned a multifunction tool like a shopsmith, my feeling is that something that does a lot of things doesn't do any one particularly well

[@just-dl]

"the one's that turned on"

[@wessunde2801]

Something that does a lot of things doesn't do any one particularly well... including people? "Jack of all trades, master of none."

[@johnoyen8374]

I agree with all your comments. I have had mine for 35 years and have tried all the different things the brochures suggested. Mine came with all of the extras. The planer was so dangerous I stopped after two boards. Ripping was a mess, trying to keep it going without pinching the wood against the blade and in turn keeping all your fingers. I only use it for large cross-cuts and some dados. I have to take time each day I am going to use it to ensure it is still square to the fence. The fence is wood and sacrificial but expands and contracts with weather and knocks accuracy down. It is extremely heavy, not something I pick up to move to job sites. I would not recommend buying one, save your money for a table saw, a compound sliding miter saw, a router table and you will be miles ahead.

[@andymckenzie8031]

I'd like to replace my SCMS with a radial arm saw. The SCMS is great for on-site work (I bought it when I was rebuilding a deck), but it's nowhere near accurate. I used to have an RAS which could be reliably set to 90 degrees, and with a jig it was also easy to set to 45 degrees. I had to sell it when I moved, and I still regret that! (I have no regrets over selling the table saw. In six years, I think I've seriously wished I had one twice, maybe three times.) I'd never use an RAS for cutting full-sheets of plywood, though: that's what a circular saw and straightedge are for!

[@holdenrice9694]

I have a 1964 craftsman radial arm saw that is my go-to for crosscutting even over my miter saw. I remember they'd make planer heads about 6 inches in diameter that you would rotate to the top of the board like in the sanding operation, and plane boards with the cutter completely exposed. You also can't forget how you would put a straight router bit in a Jacobs chuck, rotate it pointed towards the operator, and cut a mortise on the edge of a workpiece while it was up against the fence.

[@scottlouis7785]

I`m one of the people with one, I got it a little over 40 yrs ago, still have the oridginal papers, but it is a dangerous tool that has to be used with caution. I lost the very end of a thumb 6 months ago at my table saw, a moment of no concentration

[@chuckzechman7390]

Great video. As a novice woodworker, but full time safety professional, I cringe when I see how many youtubers use there table saws with our the guards in place even when they wouldn't interfere with the cut. And yes I have run my table saw without the guard when necessary, but always use a push stick to keep my hands and fingers well away from the blade. Even if someone is using the ultimately safe table saw a Saw Stop, I still believe the guards should be used. If for no other reason than I am cheap and don't want to replace my blade and safety device at $100 plus if I slip up. Those old time brochures are classics, kind of like safety in China today. Keep up the great content and God Bless!

[@mikeice9768]

Stumps, this is some of your best stuff. Love your work!

[@user-hm5zb1qn6g]

The deadpan humor is top grade. Other thing I want to point out is that goofy rip cut setup is done at the Big Orange Box Store, but it's an enormous saw that runs horizontally or vertically and the blade is fully protected and toward the piece, not the operator. It's a great way to get a rip cut before loading up the truck, assuming you know your measurements.

[@plgard]

I put my Dad’s thumb in a freezer bag of ice when I was still in single digits. He took it off at the first joint behind the nail. The kerf consumed the joint so there was no option to reattach. He accepted all responsibility, and readily shared the details of his ridiculous mistake with anyone who asked. He moved the saw which was on casters while it was running with the carriage lock loose. The caster hit an expansion joint in the driveway and the carriage rolled forward taking the thumb of his right hand which he had on the table in line with the blade… It’s tough to do a better job of asking for an injury than that. It just as easily could have been the whole hand or missed entirely, and the saw wouldn’t have cared either way… I still have that particular Model 113, another and three Deltas in the shop. Every time I power up a machine, I ask myself how can I get hurt, and how do I (try to) avoid it.

[@plgard]

Yeah, it’s caster not castor, if it had been the oil, he might still have his thumb‽ 😂 I’ll blame autocorrect! 🤷🏼‍♂️😉

[@alexshmalex]

I'm not even into woodwork yet a 2hr KZbin rabbit hole brought me to what seems like some sort of Shakespearean tragedy between the table saw guys and the radial saw guys. "These violent delights have violent ends".

[@rhadamanthuscraig2223]

Arguments about tools are like those about guns. If you neglect safety measures ANY gun or tool is dangerous. I've used both types of saws for over 60 years and common sense, alertness, and safety measures have kept me in one piece. Complacence, familiarity and lack of attention is where the danger lies; not in the tool.

[@TheCaoimhin2]

This is a very useful and worthwhile video. You have helped me make up my mind (to stick to hand tools). James, you are not just a good teacher, you are a great teacher, and I don't think I can pay someone a higher compliment. Keep up your excellent work.

[@Ilikeit616]

WOW....I have had a Rad saw for 40 years ......never seen pictures like that ....mainly used it for length cutting and some ripping ...I could not believe those pictures ...Some of the I have heard that was tried to on a saw I new could not do it very well , lack of rigidity .... Great video Have you ever seen a barrel attachment for a craftsman saw ?

[@michael931]

Sanding drum?

[@Ilikeit616]

@@michael931 yes , I saw it many,many years ago . on TV ad . Than never see again !

[@michael931]

@@Ilikeit616 It is the Craftsman 925246 or 9-25246. There is one on eBay now. 1/2"-20TPI thread. 2.25"x3" drum.

[@Ilikeit616]

@@michael931 Really ...I think I will check it out ...thanks for the info

[@Ilikeit616]

@@michael931 I just looked at it ....the one I was talking about was about 8 to 10" long more so a barrel sander ...it was about 40 years ago when I saw it

[@tpobrienjr]

I owned a second-hand Montgomery Ward radial-arm saw for years, and had only one kickback event - so scary I have forgotten the details. That saw had a high-speed spindle that would take router bits, but the gears were VERY noisy - I'm talking jet-engine loud. I gave the saw away about 10 years ago, with cautionary notes. I now have a "hybrid" table saw and a compound miter saw. My great-uncle patented a two-man "portable sawing machine" that was a man-killer if I ever saw one. It had kickback written all over it. Thank you, James, for the rational discussion.

[@CycoBillywoodworking]

when you use a sliding mitre saw it doesn't mean it won't hurt you I use mine with the hold-down out of respect for my old body