radial arm vs. miter

[Joseph Handy]

I was wondering which is the preferred saw for crosscuts the radial arm or the the compound miter saw. What the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Joseph

[Swingman]

[Phisherman]

These two saws have their specific strengths and weaknesses. A miter saw (or chopsaw) is the preferred saw for crosscutting, and probably more popular due to its portability, accuracy, and cost. A radial arm saw can cut dados (miter saw can not), but can get out of adjustment more easily than a miter saw. Some woodworkers claim you can rip on a radial arm saw, but it is no substitute for a table saw. If I had to pick between a compound miter and radial arm, I would not hesitate to pick the miter saw over the radial arm saw.

[Leon]

More information needed. That question is a lot like, which is a better mode of transportation, an automobile or minivan? Given simple and different circumstances either one could be better than the other.

[Locutus]

A minivan is an automobile.... did you mean to say car?

[Toller]

MS are quicker to adjust, and possibly more accurate. RAS have greater capacity (in depth, if not height). It is easier to flip a big panel over to finish a large cut on a RAS than on a MS. They are wonderful for dados. They are typically available used at much lower prices than MS. They "can" be used for ripping, though I wouldn't recommend it.

I just bought a RAS and got rid of my MS. Would have been nice to have both, but I don't have the room. It really depend (doesn't everything?) on what you want to use it for. If you will be cutting a lot of miters, especially compound miters, buy a miter saw. If you will be doing mainly 90 degree cuts, some over 11", buy a RAS.

[Leon]

YES.. thanks.

[PDQ]

| MS are quicker to adjust, and possibly more accurate. | RAS have greater capacity (in depth, if not height). It is easier to = flip a=20 | big panel over to finish a large cut on a RAS than on a MS. They are=20 | wonderful for dados. They are typically available used at much lower = prices=20 | than MS. They "can" be used for ripping, though I wouldn't recommend = it. |=20 | I just bought a RAS and got rid of my MS. Would have been nice to = have=20 | both, but I don't have the room. It really depend (doesn't = everything?) on=20 | what you want to use it for. If you will be cutting a lot of miters,=20 | especially compound miters, buy a miter saw. If you will be doing = mainly 90=20 | degree cuts, some over 11", buy a RAS.=20 |=20 If you have long miters, (11") buy a Sliding Compound Miter Saw. I have = one and it went a long way in replacing my RAS. That and a good table = saw completely replace a RAS with functionality to spare. |=20

--=20 PDQ

[Martie in MO]

Joseph, you specifically mention crosscutting and no other application. For crosscutting only, you can't beat a CMS for accurarcy and portability although you are limited in capacity. I have used both for a number of years and as with any tool, both have their strengths and weaknesses. But you only mention crosscutting so I won't address the vesatility of a RAS. Without knowing what your application willl be, my recommendation would be to buy a CMS with a 12 inch blade. This will give you a lot of versatility for easily crosscutting and mitering stock up to 12 inch width and including 4 X 4 stock. 10" miter saws are super for smaller stocks but I can tell you from having previously owned one that you'll be glad you spent the extra bucks to buy a 12" model. Don't cut corners on price and do your homework - read the available reviews. Consider that when using a CMS, you'll need supports on both ends when crosscutting stock where you'll end up a 18" or more of material (this is added cost). Premium 12" blades ain't cheap! I wouldn't consider anything less than a very good carbide tipped blade, depending on your application of course. While a laser guide isn't an absolute necessity, manufacturers of the better quality CMS saws are integrating them into their saws. If you can get one, I would recommend it for ease of use an accuracy. Speaking of accuracy, both my RAS and miter saw are dead on accurate. Not because they are made that way, but because I keep them that way. I haven't found a saw, including my stationary cabinet saw, that doesn't need a minor tweak every now and then to ensure dead on accuracy - some require them more frequently than others, even the premium saws. Some just less than others. CMS or regular MS if moved around a lot, work site to work site, garage to driveway, etc., will require regular checking and likely some minor adjusting to ensure their accuracy. When making you buying decision, keep ease of blade changing and ease of maintenance in mind.

[Robatoy]

Radial 'ARM' saws should be outlawed. They are extremely dangerous.

Nothing like a whirling disc of metal, edge covered in hardened sharp teeth, then mounting it on a motor then hanging that whole contraption on some bearings and sliding it all over the place....yummmm... good thinking! Oh, yes, almost forgot, move it TOWARDS yourself when cutting...even better!

[dustyone]

Radial 'ARM' saws should be outlawed. They are extremely dangerous.

If radial arms are outlawed, only outlaws will have radial arms.

CB

[CW]

Bulllshit.

[Robatoy]

That's once!

[Pat]

The miter saw can be picked up with one hand and carried anywhere.

[Ba r r y]

[Upscale]

You must be pretty damned big then Pat. I've seen mitre saws that are easily in excess of 50 lbs and as big and whose footprint covers several square feet in area.

[Ba r r y]

Not my miter saw, unless you're Shrek.

I'm 6'1", 225, and in excellent shape. I have no problem wheedling around with full sheets of 3/4" MDF. While it's no RAS, my Delta miter saw is freakin' heavy for it's size!

Barry

[Leon]

I think Rumpty is up to his ears in a Kitchen Project.

[Leon]

I have that saw and I can balance it on the tip of my finger. ;~) It is a heavy SOG.

[Swingman]

I'm 6', 205, in 63 year old shape, and could maybe pick up a full sheet of

3/4" MDF with you on the other end, but I can't remember whether I have a miter saw??