jans@mako.UUCP (Jan Steinman) (08/27/84)
[Is this a dead newsgroup? Does anyone really care about wood anymore?] I am in the market for a big cutter of some sort and am undecided as to which way to go. As far as I can tell: Advantages Disadvantages Table saw: handles large pieces more floor space needed with ease larger capacity lower price (slightly) ease of use for ripping Radial arm saw: more precise column gets in the way more versatile, many attachments generally more powerful ease of use for crosscut Also, is 12" worth the extra money over a 10"? Any comments? Mail what you use and why; I will summarize to net.rec.wood -- if anyone is listening! -- :::::: Jan Steinman Box 1000, MS 61-161 (w)503/685-2843 :::::: :::::: tektronix!tekecs!jans Wilsonville, OR 97070 (h)503/657-7703 ::::::
ell@faron.UUCP (Edward L. Lafferty) (09/07/84)
I use both a radial and a table saw (both 10" for blade compatibility and No, I don't think the extra 2" is worth the $, trouble getting blades, etc.) The radial say does a great job of crosscutting, especially long boards which are a devil to hold square on a table. In addition, miter x-cuts are much easier on radial. For certain shaping , dadoing, and the like the radial is safer (you can see the blade, cutter). For ripping, the table saw is nearly always a better choice. Long pieces tend to jamb on the radial unless it is perfectly adjusted. Tiny pieces are a real hazard on the radial because your hands are underneath all that hardware (use pushsticks). For large plywood rip cuts, the table saw is probably the only solution, although I also use a portable handsaw (skilsaw) and horses. I sure hate trying to push a sheet of 3/4 " ply around any saw table. Cut it to almost the right size and then true up on your other tool. I don't agree that you can get more attachments for a radial than a table saw unless you mean the strange things like jigsaws, lathes, etc. I think those really AREN'T WORTH the money (rather have a 12"). Yes, the table saw should really be in the center of your shop and thus take up room. Since the radial can't be setup any other way than against a wall, it does take less, except you really have to have sid extensions to make it useable. Well, that's enough for now. The newsgroup isn't dead, just busy making things. --Ed at MITRE
ell@faron.UUCP (Edward L. Lafferty) (09/07/84)
I use both a radial and a table saw (both 10" for blade compatibility and No, I don't think the extra 2" is worth the $, trouble getting blades, etc.) The radial say does a great job of crosscutting, especially long boards which are a devil to hold square on a table. In addition, miter x-cuts are much easier on radial. For certain shaping , dadoing, and the like the radial is safer (you can see the blade, cutter). For ripping, the table saw is nearly always a better choice. Long pieces tend to jamb on the radial unless it is perfectly adjusted. Tiny pieces are a real hazard on the radial because your hands are underneath all that hardware (use pushsticks). For large plywood rip cuts, the table saw is probably the only solution, although I also use a portable handsaw (skilsaw) and horses. I sure hate trying to push a sheet of 3/4 " ply around any saw table. Cut it to almost the right size and then true up on your other tool. I don't agree that you can get more attachments for a radial than a table saw unless you mean the strange things like jigsaws, lathes, etc. I think those really AREN'T WORTH the money (rather have a 12"). Yes, the table saw should really be in the center of your shop and thus take up room. Since the radial can't be setup any other way than against a wall, it does take less, except you really have to have sid extensions to make it useable. Well, that's enough for now. The newsgroup isn't dead, just busy making things. --Ed