98% of the crosscutting I do (depending on the size with my CMS, crosscut TS sled, or with a guide and a circular saw) is 90 degrees in both directions.I understand that RAS can be fussy to set up, but if set up properly will they do decent 90 degree cuts? Or are they just inherently inaccurate? I don't mind spending an extra 10 minutes on the rare occasion I want to do something more exotic; especially since it would take much longer to do it now (at least on stuff bigger than my CMS).I have my eye on a 2 year old craftsman that was barely used. Sure would be nice to be able to do 16" crosscuts without a lot of fuss; but if it won't be accurate, then it would just be a waste of room and money.

It's only a matter of time before Rumpty weighs in with the reasons why a RAS is THE tool to own. From what I've heard, a 2 year old Craftsman would be one of the worst choice in RAS you could make. That's not MY opinion, as I've never owned one, but I've read plenty about them and it ain't pretty. :)Dave

Why are RAS so unpopular?

Nov 13, 2005 42 Replies

Rate this thread:

areyoukidding 20 years ago

On Sun, 13 Nov 2005 05:43:46 -0500, "Lee Michaels" wrote: [...]

Or maybe it was around the time that it became popular to describe anyone who did not agree with you in every particular as a "wimp or whiner"?

If you have the room for two tools, go for it. If you have room for only one, my preference is a well tuned table saw. My sled(s) will handle material 34" wide, obviating, for me at least, the need for a specialized crosscut saw. If I was going to buy such, it would more likely be a chop saw in order to do reasonably accurate compound cuts and cuts to arbitrary angles.

Clearly, YMMV.

Vote

David 20 years ago

My 10" Unisaw, when outfitted with a 1/2" thick sled doesn't have the cutting depth capacity I often need, which is why I use my CMS. The cut isn't as nice, but at least I get a cut! Morale of this short story: it takes more than one kinda tool to do everything that you face in the normal course of woodworking.

Dave

Vote

Georgeonthetrain 20 years ago

One More Time ...

A little search and found a hard copy of Jon Eakes' book " Fine Tuning Your Radial Arm Saw" was available ("recognized as the bible for setting up and using radial arm saws in a precision fashion" publisher) but only through Amazon.com ($47.40 to $100 US) or Amazon.ca ($208 CDN)

However, you can download the book in PDF format for $14.95 CDN from:

formatting link

found it easy and simple if you trust passing your VISA card # over the internet. If not, they have an 800 # too!

Jon Eakes is down to earth TV & Craftshow handyman. Always has something to teach you.

formatting link

for ripping, I had problems initially but none since I received my updated guard (thanks to the wreck) a few years back. I've had it 20 years and it's still solid.

Also found a few thread comments at:

formatting link

"nixonspam"

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required