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“Okay, time to go old-school! We are buying one of those radial arm units. What do you think?”
“Last time I checked, we are living in the 21st century. Are you serious?!”
I know.
But, you got to admit that nothing can deal with those tricky cross-cuts like a device of this type.And it does all types of cuts you can name.”
Well, after that, you’ve succeeded in convincing your colleague and set out to find the best radial arm saw out there.
But, how can you find it out of so many products? The answer is dramatically simple. You read this review, where we traced down the most remarkable tools.
Yes, take a look to find out if we’ve done the job right.
Best Radial Arm Saw Review in 2023
We didn’t think that the hunt for unique products would be easy, and it wasn’t.
But when you find machines that perform magic, the hard work is worth it. These are the best. The market will struggle to produce the likes of them.
Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD – 15 Amp 12-Inch Corded Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw
We are talking about a product which is backed by a brand with a glorious history.
Yes, here’s the brand, once again mesmerizing the market with a world-class product.
One of the best things about this saw is its easy adjustability. And the unit comes with a handful of features only to provide this.
First, you have a uniform bevel to make the adjustment fun. Then the stainless steel miter scale will fill you up with confidence.
After that, steps in the roof pitch angles along with marked detents. So, there’s no chance for the adjustment to go wrong.
You should also check out the dust collection system. We are talking about 90 percent optimization over here.
Therefore, you can cut 2x materials without giving rise to much mess. Another worth mentioning feature is the glide system integrated. You can enjoy precise alignment with this in place.
I am also excited about the ridiculously wide cross-cuts the machine provides.
And the fact that it’s incredibly compact has gotten me even more impressed.
What’s more is that it comes with square lock fences. And on top of that, the locking/unlocking system had to be a one-touch one to make you ever pleased.
However, there’s an issue. One user thought the fences weren’t coplanar, hence the misalignment he had to endure. Another user found the setup to be a big hassle.
Also, one customer wasn’t happy with the dust collection system. He couldn’t attach the plastic elbow to any adapter. And the saw comes without a laser.
PROS
CONS
Latest Guide: DEWALT Planer Review
Metabo HPT C10FCGS Compound Miter Saw
The second unit on the list had almost beaten the first one with its 10-inch compound.
Yes, you would be ecstatic to find the great angle it provides. At 0-degree to 52-degree, the miter angle couldn’t offer more flexibility.
Therefore, if the convenience of work is something you yearn for, this could be the right tool.
Another mind-blowing feature is the astonishingly large table. If you never worked on such a table, then you wouldn’t know how excellent material support you’ve been missing on.
Moreover, the vice clamping system has redefined the meaning of securing workpieces.
I also love the range of beveling it offers. At 0 to 45–degrees, you can admire the most precise cuts you’ve experienced in your career.
And when I tell you that it comes with adjustable bevel stops, no one will scold you for shouting a “yay”! What’s more, there’s carbon brush access for easy brush replacement.
Check out the motor of this device too. With 15 amp power, you can triumph over the toughest of projects.
And when you are out there proving a point by taking on multiple tasks, there’s no trustworthy friend like a powerful motor like this. You will also like the positive stops that come thumb-actuated.
Now, as for drawbacks, one customer suffered from the misalignment that resulted in a shocking accident. A piece of the machine flew toward him during work.
Another user noticed a crack on the foot of this device. Also, one customer found several cracks on the base, which the seller refused to exchange.
The beveling is restricted to the left only, and the cord is short – these are two cons stated by another user.
PROS
CONS
Dayton Radial Arm Saw, 1 HP, 115V
The next product on the list comes with plenty of breathtaking features. The most dashing among them is the automatic blade brake.
So, if you are harboring any sort of apprehension inside you, it’s time you got rid of it.
With such a fantastic feature in place, you will enjoy the most secure working experience.
Another remarkable feature is the blade guard. I am counting on it to make the tool all the more convenient and safer to use.
What’s also worth mentioning is the cut control hand-wheel. It comes with incredible depth. Therefore, you will be delighted upon finding the most precisely cut pieces.
Moreover, the rip scale is a feature to be excited about. It’s incredible to know that the scale is relatively easy to read.
Furthermore, manufacturers have positioned the locking scale ever so smartly above the table.
This tool will make the job easy and fun for you, even if you are new to the game.
Now, what about the floor stand? Will it hold its ground? You bet, the steel-made feature will lock the table dead in its place.
Speaking of which, the table isn’t less impressive either. It’s enormous, if anything. And all these fine features are peppered by the safe access this unit offers.
However, one customer found the saw too short. Also, the assembly book was of little help. And the blade, saw-base, and press-board were cheap for him
PROS
CONS
Related Guide: Top Delta Planer
DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw, 12-Inch (DWS779)
Dewalt has been brilliant over the years in making top-quality power tools. The company seems to come with all the fantastic ideas in their new machines, as is the case. This device comes with a gorgeous back fence design to blow you away.
You will find it cutting stunningly at 90 degrees the 2 x 14 dimensional lumbers.
Also, at 45 degrees, it can deal with 2 x 12-dimensional ones. So, you can imagine how high the capacity it possesses. Another worth mentioning feature is the 3800 RPM speed.
With such a fast machine, you can take on any challenging task. And the amperage of 15 amps will let you do the job swiftly for sure.
I am also counting on the excellent blade. At 12 inches, it will make the project fun to work on by cutting smoothly.
You also need to check out the extremely efficient dust collection system. When it tells you that you have 75 percent dust optimized, you should feel blessed. Lesser mess in the workplace means better concentration on the project.
What’s more, the brand usually offers good service and support – things that reflect the quality of its products.
Now, one customer found the housing beneath the kerf plate defected. He had to use a depth stop to solve the problem.
Another user found the cuts only 14 inches wide instead of 16 inches. And the kerf plate refused to be adjusted. Also, the machine lacked two bevel stops.
PROS
CONS
Compound Miter Saw, REYLEO 12-inch, 15Amp Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
Are you looking for a device with a remarkable beveling capacity? Then check out this item that doesn’t only bevel left 45 degrees but also does the same toward the right.
Therefore, if you fancy versatile cutting, this could be your go-to tool. What’s also incredible is that the saw blade follows the footsteps of the bevel.
Again, it tilts 45 degrees in both directions only to provide you with the most appropriate angles.
So, the machine is convenient, alright. I am also counting on the powerful 15 amp motor. It will create havoc on the workpiece so that you can get home early.
Now, here’s how you should get the best result with this saw. Use the most premium feature included in the package.
Of course, I am talking about the laser. Turn it on for better performance. Also, make use of the beautiful workbench. You will find it nicely extendable.
I also want to talk about the slide rail the device comes with. If you want the alignment to be perfect, then this is the feature that should please you the most.
Also, you will cherish the beautifully expansive crosscuts. What’s more, it offers precise cutting depth and width. And, it’s nicely compact.
Now, as much as we wanted to find any drawback, the product seemed to satisfy the few customers successfully it has earned by far. So, we couldn’t learn about any significant disadvantage.
PROS
CONS
Things to Consider Before Buying
You are going to buy an expensive machine. So, you need to be extra careful in making the buying decision.
One mistaken feature – and the purchase will bring a lot of regrets. So, how to make sure that you are sealing a profitable deal? Well, you go through this buying guide dot by dot, that’s how.
Easy Adjustment
The machine could be acceptable. But, if it gives you sweat in adjusting the pieces, you are in trouble.
Therefore, look for a device that will offer you a good range of angles. This way, you can maneuver the blade anyhow you want.
Also, if the machine bevels at a great angle, your work is going to be wrapped up faster than you anticipated.
I am also choosy in terms of the elbow. If it’s made of a flexible material, you can easily attach it to the adapter. So, an easy-to-maneuver elbow, and you are game.
Versatility
Check out if the machine will provide you with different sorts of cuts. We’ve reviewed products that offer the users different cuts from different angles.
Also, the depth and width of the cuts need to be easy to choose. Yes, a radial arm saw must be versatile so that the significant amount of bucks is worth it.
Powerful Motor
We were reviewing the 15amp motors mostly. And we didn’t want to settle down for anything less powerful than that unless the device could convince us with other mesmerizing features.
However, if the machine you like has less amperage, it wouldn’t be a horrible thing.
Yes, the market does have great machines with ordinary power. If the jobs you do regularly are mediocre, settling down for a machine with medium power is okay.
However, for those workers who love to tackle challenging tasks and deal with rugged workpieces, at least a 10-12amp motor is a must.
Also, keep in mind that a small-bladed machine won’t boast 15 amps. The power will be per the blade size.
So, buying bigger blades will be the way to go if you want highly powerful machines.
Multiple Cut Options
Yes, that’s the most prominent advantage of using a radial arm saw. When you can have all the different cuts in one machine, why buy separate ones?
Now, to enjoy such convenience, you need to make sure the machine comes with the necessary accessories.
We’ve seen products that can do crosscuts, miter cut, and bevel cut. All you need to do is find one of these extremely versatile machines.
They come with attachments to replace one after another. Such a machine will reduce your cost and save you plenty of time.
Then again, if you are planning to stick to a particular cut throughout your career, you might want to find a tool that is specially made for that cut.
While one machine will offer you precise crosscuts, another will be good at bevel cutting.
High RPM
It will be cool if the machine comes with an impressive RPM. Higher RPM means the faster accomplishment of the result. And it’s especially essential in the case of hardwood sawing.
You see, hardwoods can give you a difficult time cutting them into precise cuts. But, when the device has speed, the workpiece is less mischievous!
So, what’s the ideal speed for a suitable device? Well, it should be around 3800 RPM so that you can get the job done fast.
Large Table; Better Maneuverability
I am also suggesting that you buy a machine with a considerably large table. This way, you won’t have to freak out if a large workpiece shows up suddenly.
However, if you are having limitations in terms of space, then settling down for a moderate-sized table is alright. But, it must be made with quality materials.
Many a time, the workers have to face nightmares only because of a poorly built work table.
We are dealing with some heavy and rough stuff over here, remember that. So, check out the material of the table first. Make sure that the surface is perfectly smooth.
What Are the Main Uses?
We talked earlier about the different cuts a saw can provide. This time we will elaborate on this matter further so that you know what you are getting.
The machine has become famous for its extreme versatility. And among the uses, it comes with the following ones.
Bevel Cuts
The machine can do the jobs of bevel cutting. Usually, the radial arm saws have one direction beveling capability.
You will find them beveling at 45 to 90 degrees. However, some units come with both right and left beveling to offer you great flexibility.
Miter Cuts
You can achieve precise miter cuts with a radial arm saw. However, the beveling angle is reduced to 60 degrees this time. And it would be toward one of the two directions.
Now, what’s cool is that achieving complex cuts is a possibility with such a machine, something the traditional miter saw might not offer.
Then again, there’s the chance of complications arising due to some technical issues. So, sticking to simple miter cuts might be a safer idea.
Cross Cuts
This is one of the most common uses of this type of machine. Once you adjust the speed, you can have nice cross-cuts easily and fast.
And what’s great is that you don’t have to worry even if the workpieces are big and heavy.
All you have to do is set the angle at 45 degrees, and the machine will take it from there.
Dealing with stock wood
Yes, you might find it surprising, but the machine can rip a big wood piece just alright.
But, you might need to modify your work table for such a project. Since the table needs to hold the workpiece steady and smooth, it needs to be bigger than usual.
Now, as this is not the everyday use of a radial arm saw, the blade at times gets jammed in the process of ripping.
Therefore, you need to make sure that the knife is suitable for the particular stock wood. And if you need to find a deeper knife for the job, do so.
Grinder
A device of this type can also play the role of a grinder efficiently. Yes, don’t raise your eyebrows; if you can attach the grinding wheel to the machine’s arm, you will know that I didn’t talk silly. And it’s not difficult at all to turn the machine into a grinder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the job a radial arm saw does the best?
Ask the elders if anything can beat the saw in crosscutting too rough boards and freakishly comprehensive stock. They will simply answer in the negative.
Yes, the modern-day miter saws can do the job fine, but they won’t dare to stand a chance against a radial arm saw in the matter.
What does the radial arm saw do?
It dadoes, rips, and makes crosscuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts, etc. Also, you can use it for molding and shaping the wood. And the machine makes Tenons and open mortises just fine.
You will also find it useful in taper cutting and rabbeting. The machine comes with a “do it all with one tool” motto.
Is it dangerous to use a radial arm saw?
It won’t be, as long as you manage to buy a good machine and wear protective devices.
We’ve heard of the blade throwing the saw toward the user. But, with the well-constructed and secure devices, there will be no such occurrence.
How accurate is a radial arm saw?
You will be assured to know that the users of this type of device go around bragging about the accuracy of cuts.
And when an argument breaks out, they defeat their fellow participants by stating that the saw can do a lot more than a table saw. So, great accuracy is something you can hope for.
What should be the design of the blade?
For users’ convenience, the blade should be a crosscutting one. This is the primary purpose of buying a radial arm saw, after all – getting the cleanest crosscuts.
Also, make sure that the hook angle isn’t that prominent for your safety.
Final Words
The best radial arm saw would be the one with impressive speed, monster power, super flexibility, and incredible versatility.
Does any of the reviewed units sound familiar? If yes, then why the waiting anymore?