Crosscuts, miters, and compound angles – a radial saw is used for all these woodworking tasks and more. It’s a powerful shop tool that makes precise cuts fast and easy.
You might have seen one in an old workshop. It looks like a circular saw hanging from an overhead arm. The blade pulls toward you across the wood.
I get asked about this tool a lot. People see them for sale and wonder what they do. I’ve used one for years on many projects.
This guide will show you every job a radial arm saw can handle. We’ll cover its main uses and some clever tricks too.
What is a Radial Saw Used For? The Main Jobs
Let’s start with the basics. What is a radial saw used for every day in the shop?
Its number one job is crosscutting. You cut boards to length across the grain. The saw blade moves in a straight line over a fixed piece of wood.
You can also cut angles with it. This is called mitering. You swing the saw’s arm to the left or right. Then you cut perfect 45-degree corners for picture frames.
A radial saw is used for compound cuts too. You tilt the blade and turn the arm at the same time. This makes complex angles for crown molding or furniture legs.
It rips boards lengthwise as well. You lock the arm in place and push the wood through. It works like a table saw but in a different way.
Some models let you do dado cuts. You put on a special wide blade. Then you cut grooves for shelves to fit into cabinet sides.
You can even use it for shaping. Mount a molding head or router bit in it. Then you can cut decorative edges on your wood projects.
Why Choose a Radial Arm Saw?
So why pick this saw over others? It has some big benefits for certain jobs.
It handles very wide boards with ease. The arm reaches far across the table. You can crosscut a full sheet of plywood if you need to.
Setting up repeat cuts is super fast. You clamp a stop block on the fence. Then you can cut twenty pieces to the exact same length.
The saw stays put while you move the wood for ripping. This feels safer to many woodworkers. The heavy base doesn’t jump around.
You get great visibility of the cut line. The blade comes from above your work. You see exactly where it will touch the wood.
Changing between operations takes seconds. Loosen a knob, swing the arm, and tighten. You go from crosscut to miter in under a minute.
It’s a real space saver in small shops. The work table is against the wall. The saw arm folds down when you’re not using it.
Crosscutting: The Primary Use
Let’s talk about crosscutting first. This is what a radial saw is used for most often.
You line up your board against the fence. The fence is the guide at the back of the table. You mark your cut line on the wood.
Then you turn on the saw motor. You pull the blade assembly smoothly toward you. The blade spins through the wood as it moves.
The cut finishes at the front of the table. You let go and the spring returns the saw. It goes back to its starting position behind the fence.
You get a clean, square cut every time. The blade stays perfectly perpendicular to the fence. No tear-out on the bottom of your board.
For cutting lots of identical pieces, use a stop block. Clamp a piece of wood to the fence at your length. Push every board against it for the same cut.
According to OSHA, always use push sticks for small pieces. Keep your hands away from the spinning blade area.
Making Miter Cuts and Bevels
Now let’s look at angle work. This is another key task a radial saw is used for.
To cut a simple miter, you swing the arm. Most saws have preset stops at 45 degrees. You click into place for perfect picture frame corners.
You can set any angle in between too. Loosen the miter lock and point the arm where you want. Tighten it down and make your cut.
For a bevel cut, you tilt the motor and blade. This cuts an angle through the thickness of the wood. It’s great for making chamfered edges.
A radial saw is used for compound miters as well. You tilt and swing at the same time. This cuts angles on two planes at once.
Crown molding installers love this feature. They set the exact spring angle for the room. Then they cut all their molding pieces fast.
Always check your angle settings twice. Make a test cut on scrap wood first. This saves you from ruining your good project pieces.
Ripping Boards to Width
Here’s a surprise for some folks. A radial saw is used for ripping lumber too.
You lock the saw arm in a straight position. It points directly along the fence line. The blade won’t move side to side.
Then you feed the wood into the blade. You push the board along the fence from the front. The blade cuts along the grain from end to end.
You need a different blade for this job. Use a rip blade with fewer teeth. It clears the sawdust better for long cuts.
Set up featherboards for safety. These hold the wood tight against the fence. They keep your hands farther from the danger zone.
Never try to rip a warped or twisted board. It can kick back or bind on the blade. Pick straight stock for ripping operations.
The NIOSH recommends hearing protection for all saw use. These tools are loud enough to damage your ears over time.
Cutting Dados and Grooves
Joinery is next on our list. A radial saw is used for cutting dados very well.
A dado is a square-bottomed groove across the wood. You make it with a special dado blade set. This has two outer blades and chippers in the middle.
You set the width of your cut first. Add or remove chippers between the outer blades. Test the width on a piece of scrap plywood.
Set the depth of cut with the height adjustment. You usually go about half the thickness of your wood. This makes a strong slot for shelves.
Make multiple passes for wide dados. Move the saw over a little each time. Clean out all the material between the cuts.
You can cut rabbits this way too. A rabbit is a notch on the edge of a board. It’s like an L-shaped cut for joining corners.
Always unplug the saw before changing blades. This seems obvious but people forget. It’s the best way to avoid a bad accident.
Shaping and Molding Work
Here’s a cool trick. A radial saw is used for shaping edges with the right setup.
You need a molding head attachment. This holds shaped cutter bits like a router. You can buy different profiles for various edges.
Mount it just like a regular saw blade. Make sure it’s tight and spins true. Test the speed settings on your saw motor.
Feed the wood slowly into the cutters. Take light passes to avoid tear-out. You might need three passes to reach full depth.
You can make door trim, window casing, or baseboard. Cut all the molding for a room from plain wood. It saves you money at the lumber yard.
This work makes a lot of fine dust. Wear a good dust mask over your nose and mouth. Connect a shop vacuum to the saw’s port if it has one.
The EPA says wood dust can be bad for your lungs. Good dust collection is a must for indoor shops.
Radial Saw Safety Tips
This tool is powerful. You must respect it every time you turn it on.
Always wear safety glasses. Small chips can fly back at your face. I’ve had pieces hit my glasses more than once.
Keep the blade guard in place. Never remove it for any reason. It’s there to protect your fingers from the spinning teeth.
Use sharp blades only. Dull blades bind and kick back. They also make rough cuts that need more sanding.
Check all locks before cutting. The miter lock, bevel lock, and arm lock must be tight. A loose saw can swing during a cut.
Never reach over the blade path. Wait for it to stop spinning completely. Then retrieve your cut-off piece from the table.
According to OSHA regulations, one person should operate the saw. Don’t let helpers hold the wood while you cut.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen people mess up with these saws. Here’s how to steer clear of problems.
Don’t force the cut. Let the sharp blade do the work. Pushing too hard burns the wood and strains the motor.
Avoid cutting small pieces freehand. Use a hold-down clamp or fixture. Tiny bits can shoot across the room like bullets.
Never rip without the proper blade. A crosscut blade will overheat and warp. It can shatter and send pieces flying.
Don’t forget to adjust for blade drift. The blade might pull to one side slightly. Compensate by angling the fence a tiny bit.
Skip the dado work on thin plywood. The dado set can blow out the back side. Use a router table for sheet goods under half inch.
Remember what a radial saw is used for best. It’s not great for delicate scroll work. Use a band saw or jigsaw for curved cuts instead.
Maintenance and Care
Take care of your saw and it will last decades. They built these old tools to run forever.
Clean the sawdust out after every use. It gums up the moving parts over time. Use a brush and compressed air if you have it.
Lubricate the column and arm tracks monthly. A light machine oil keeps things sliding smooth. Wipe off any excess to avoid attracting dust.
Check the blade alignment often. Make sure it’s square to the fence in all positions. Adjust the stops if they get loose.
Inspect the power cord for damage. Frayed wires can cause shocks or shorts. Replace the cord if you see any bare copper.
Store it with the arm lowered and locked. This takes tension off the spring mechanism. It also makes the shop safer to walk around.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has recall info on old tools. Check if your model has any safety notices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a radial saw used for most often?
It’s used most for crosscutting boards to length. You also use it for cutting miters and angles. Many woodworkers rely on it for these repeat tasks.
Is a radial arm saw dangerous?
It can be if used wrong. All power tools need respect. Follow safety rules and keep guards in place for safe operation.
What is a radial saw used for that a miter saw can’t do?
It can rip wide boards and cut dados. Most miter saws don’t do these jobs. The radial saw is more versatile in a full shop.
Can you use a radial saw as a table saw?
Yes, for ripping operations you can. It works differently but gets the job done. Many shops use it for both types of cuts.
What is a radial saw used for in cabinetry?
It cuts face frames and trim pieces. You can cut dados for shelf pins too. It’s handy for breaking down sheet goods to size.
Are radial arm saws still made today?
Very few companies make new ones. You find them mostly on the used market. Old models from the 70s and 80s are common.
Conclusion
So what is a radial saw used for? It’s a crosscut and miter machine first.
It also rips, cuts dados, and shapes edges. This one tool handles many shop tasks well. That’s why old-timers loved them so much.
Look for a used model in good shape. Clean it up and learn its features. You’ll find it becomes your go-to for straight cuts.
Remember the safety rules every single time. Keep your fingers safe and your cuts accurate. Happy woodworking with your new radial arm saw.