Learn me - Table Saws

Grandpa had a big radial arm saw out back under the lean-to of his shop, in an attempt to keep saw dust and and screw machine tools segregated.

Until this thread, I didn't know there was a community suffering from radial arm saw phobia?  I used that saw a lot, but grandpa taught me how to use it, I know to keep my hands out of the blades path.

I've had way more encounters to develop a fear of a table saw.

I've got a mid '00s portable, 10", Craftsman.  It's sufficient for most things, a little flimsy, but it's mostly plastic.  I don't think I would have bought it if I were shopping for it, but it was a gift, and it's for sure better than not having a table saw when you need one.

As has been mentioned, the thing is more dangerous with the flimsy guard on, that with an exposed blade, so I removed guard.

It's "portable" in that the stand folds up, and has a place to strap to the side.  It's light enough to manhandle, but is a bit cumbersome.  It doesn't have any wheels.

The fence is adequate, but the table, and its extensions don't get wide enough to rip a 4x8' sheet by yourself, you really need a helper to feed and support a full sheet.

I don't think they make my exact model anymore, but if you're looking at one like it, I'd probably keep looking.

Random Google image of the saw I have:

In reply to ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ :

If you ever come through western PA I'd be happy to take it off your hands. Dana's new work schedule doesn't really leave me an opportunity to come get it. 

I actually think I'm going to buy a RAS. I never got one before because I did my woodworking in the garage and after a project was done everything got put moved out of the way, and a RAS wasn't portable enough and took up too much floor space. Now that I'm buying a barn that will have a full time woodworking area I will be able to make use of it. I have used them in the past and to me it doesnt seem any more dangerous than my table saw or sliding miter saw. I also make it a point to never get in a hurry and always think about where my fingers are. Kind of like the gun analogy above, dont just think about the target, think about what's behind the target. I honestly think what i may do is get it set at a perfect 90, lock it in and not change it, only use it for square cuts.

Busiest tool in my shop is my Hitachi 10" sliding compound miter saw.   It's awesome for a lot of things.

This is now my fingerlopper. As you can see there's a lot of emptying before I can use it to lose things but still.

Oooo ... the radial arm saw pics reminded me of seeing a co-worker get her arm broken when she tried to use the RAS for ripping a piece of wood - against posted company policy none the less- when I worked in a custom cabinet shop.  It was a nasty sight, but taught me a hugely important lesson !

Why is a Radial Arm Saw more dangerous than your normal sliding miter? 

einy (Forum Supporter) said:

Oooo ... the radial arm saw pics reminded me of seeing a co-worker get her arm broken when she tried to use the RAS for ripping a piece of wood - against posted company policy none the less- when I worked in a custom cabinet shop.  It was a nasty sight, but taught me a hugely important lesson !

It's not for nothing they call them "radial arm  saws."  Oy!

In reply to pheller :

Crosscutting is what they are made for.  Ripping not so much.  The blade can hop the grain, and shoot the carriage right back at you.  That is what happened to my coworker with bad results.

I have a DeWalt DWE7491RS folding contractor saw and its way nicer than I have any business owning.  Its really good for everything I need it for, direct drive like most modern saws and plenty of power.  The folding is very convenient, tucks in the corner of the garage when not in use and sets up in 30 seconds.

It definitely feels more stable than any of the other ones I demo'd.