A radial arm saw combines the accuracy of a miter saw with the flexibility of a table saw, making it a valuable addition to any serious woodworker's collection. This detailed comparison evaluates the top Craftsman models, examining their features, construction quality, and performance to help you select the ideal saw for your projects.
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This American-made radial arm saw packs serious power for metalworking shops, handling 5-inch deep cuts in one go. The 16-inch blade tackles everything from straight cuts to complex miters, while the TEFC motor keeps things cool under heavy use. Built tough enough for 2-3 shift days in industrial settings, this saw brings precision and durability to every cut.
At 500 pounds, this heavy-duty radial arm saw transforms your workshop into an industrial cutting powerhouse. Its 5-horsepower motor handles everything from precise crosscuts to complex compound miters, while the solid cast iron and aluminum build keeps vibrations at bay.
This powerful 5HP radial arm saw doesn't just cut wood - it slices through your projects like butter. The heavy-duty construction, from its induction motor to its steel frame, ensures every cut is straight and precise. With an included 24" crosscut and upgrade options like a rip conversion kit, it's a versatile workhorse that'll handle everything from simple slices to complex angles.
The Original Saw 3541-208 combines raw power with precision engineering for demanding woodworking tasks. Its massive 500-pound frame and industrial-grade 5HP motor deliver the muscle needed for heavy-duty cutting, while the precision-bearing carriage system ensures smooth, vibration-free operation. The oversized MDF table andincluded HDPE guard provide ample workspace and protection, making this saw a durable centerpiece for any professional shop.
This powerful sliding miter saw from Craftsman delivers impressive performance with its 15-amp motor and 4500 RPM, making quick work of precise cuts up to 12 inches. The LED cut line and miter detent override enhance accuracy, while the sliding head design provides exceptional versatility. Users appreciate its solid construction and reliable performance, though a few note limitations with taller cuts and dust collection.
This single-bevel folding miter saw from Craftsman combines portability with powerful cutting capabilities, thanks to its 15.0 Amp motor that slices through 2x6 and 4x4 boards with ease. The saw's innovative folding design collapses it into a compact form for transport and storage, measuring just 20.75 inches tall when tucked away, while still delivering precise cuts with its tool-less laser guide system. The included support base not only provides stable storage but also offers extra support during long-board cuts, making it a practical addition to both professional and home workshop settings.
The heavy-duty radial arm saw combines precise ball-bearing mechanics with a powerful 5HP motor for professional-grade wood cutting. Its oversized table and durable steel construction ensure consistent results for demanding woodworking tasks. The saw mounts directly to your power source, eliminating cord limitations for extended use.
The Original Saw radial arm saw brings serious cutting power to your shop with its 5HP motor and massive 16" blade. Built like a tank with a beefy 500-pound frame and precision ball bearings, it effortlessly handles everything from straight cuts to complex miter work. Its oversized table and USA-made construction promise years of accurate cutting, whether you're building furniture or precision joinery projects.
This powerful industrial radial arm saw combines precision cutting capabilities with robust construction, featuring a 2 HP motor and precise indexing for accurate miter and bevel cuts. The oversized MDF table and magnetic safety switch ensure secure operations, while the automatic blade brake system provides added safety during use.
The CRAFTSMAN P2100 pole saw delivers impressive cutting power with its 25cc engine while featuring practical design elements like low-kickback technology and an automatic oiler system. Users particularly appreciate its extended 12-foot reach combined with relatively simple pull-start operation, though the saw's reputation varies among owners, with some praising its durability and performance while others struggle with start reliability and maintenance requirements. Despite mixed reviews, its lightweight design and versatile attachment capabilities make it a noteworthy option for both new and experienced users tackling various pruning and cutting tasks.
The Craftsman 25cc pole saw combines an 8-inch bar with a 7-foot extension for reaching high branches easily. Its simple 3-step start system and automatic oiler make it practical for both quick yard work and professional use, while the versatile design can be converted into multiple outdoor tools with the right attachments.
This affordable miter box gets the job done for basic woodworking projects, with users particularly praising its straightforward design and decent cut quality for small tasks. While it works well for occasional use and simple cuts, more experienced woodworkers note that its plastic construction and limited durability make it less suitable for heavy-duty tasks. The included saw and storage features add practical value, making it a reasonable choice for craft projects and small DIY jobs where a full miter saw isn't available.
This cordless sliding miter saw makes precise cuts with its LED positioning system and 47-degree bevel range, while its lightweight design and quick-charging battery make it ideal for both beginners and experienced DIY projects. The powerful 3800 RPM motor handles tough materials like hardwood and dimensional lumber, and the compact sliding design lets you tackle tight spaces and large pieces with ease. The cleverly engineered dust control and foldable storage features help keep your workspace clean and organized between cuts.
This powerful sliding compound miter saw combines impressive torque with precision cutting capabilities, thanks to its heavy-duty motor and 60-tooth carbide blade. The LED cut line indicator and D-grip handle make it a practical choice for both professional and DIY projects, while the generous miter capabilities of 52° left and 60° right ensure versatile cutting options. At 54.5 pounds, it's a substantial tool that delivers on its promise of durability and performance.
You're getting serious cutting power in a surprisingly portable package with this Craftsman saw – built tough enough for professional-looking results on your projects. The carbide-tipped blade keeps its sharpness for cleaner cuts, while the coated steel table lets you handle longer boards with ease. Whether you're fitting hardwood floors or building custom cabinetry, the easy-lock rip fence makes precise cuts a breeze.
This versatile sliding compound miter saw brings big power to small-space projects with its 9-amp motor spinning the 7-1/4-inch blade at a snappy 5200 RPM. Its compact design fits easily in tight spots while still delivering pro-quality cuts up to 2 inches deep at 90 degrees and 2 inches wide at 45-degree bevels. The intuitive 9-miter detent system and single-bevel knob make precise angles a breeze, and the included dust bag keeps your workspace tidy as you work.
This handy miter saw makes quick work of precision cuts with its simple one-touch angle adjustment and 11 preset stops. The sturdy clamps keep your project steady while the work stop helps you nail those repetitive cuts with ease. The sharp induction-hardened blade means you get clean cuts every time, though finding replacement parts can be a bit tricky.
When you need to cut through anything from hardwood floors to plywood sheets with professional-grade precision, this table saw delivers. The powerful motor and stable aluminum table handle everything from quick workshop tasks to full-on construction projects. While the folding stand wobbles a bit on perfectly level ground, the saw itself cuts like a champion once it's squared away.
Buyer's Guide
Radial arm saws, also known as radial arm circular saws, are versatile woodworking machines combining a powerful circular saw with an extended arm that enables precise, cross-cutting operations. These tools are essential for shops requiring consistent, accurate cuts across multiple workpieces. When selecting a radial arm saw, several key factors determine its performance and appropriateness for your woodworking needs.
Base Design and Stability
The base is the foundation of a radial arm saw, directly impacting the machine's stability and the accuracy of your cuts. Quality bases incorporate heavy-duty construction materials like cast iron or steel, which resist vibration and maintain their shape over time. The base should feature adjustable feet and a large, flat surface to accommodate various mounting options, including shop floors and concrete slabs.
Arm Strength and Extension
The arm's weight capacity and extension length define its capability to handle different types of cuts. Premium radial arm saws offer arms ranging from 48 to 60 inches in length, supporting up to 200 pounds of cutting capacity. Longer arms improve visibility and access to workpieces but increase the overall machine's weight and complexity. Consider an arm that matches your typical project dimensions while allowing some flexibility for future needs.
Saw Quality and Safety Features
The saw blade's construction, motor power, and arbor strength determine cut quality and material throughput. Choose a machine with at least a 12-inch diameter blade and a motor rated for 3 horsepower or greater for efficient material cutting. Safety features like blade-brake systems, dust collection ports, and anti-reverse switches significantly reduce user risk. Look for saws with clear sightlines through the base plate and adjustable miter slots for improved cutting accuracy.
Space Requirements and Compatibility
Radial arm saws demand specific shop configurations to function safely and effectively. Minimum working clearances of 36 inches behind the saw and 48 inches to the sides ensure proper operation. The machine's required footprint varies from 4 to 6 feet wide, depending on arm length and base design. Consider your shop layout when selecting a model, as some designs mount to existing structures while others stand independently. Factors like shop height, ceiling clearance, and power supply options further influence compatibility with your space constraints.
FAQ
What is a Craftsman Radial Arm Saw?
A Craftsman Radial Arm Saw is a versatile power saw that combines the precision of a miter saw with the reach of a table saw. It features a circular blade mounted on an extendable arm, allowing users to make cuts at various angles and depths.
The saw's design enables multi-position cutting without repositioning the workpiece, making it ideal for trimming, crosscutting, and mitering tasks in woodworking projects.
What are the key components of a Craftsman Radial Arm Saw?
Basic radial arm saws typically consist of a base plate, an extendable arm with a blade assembly, a carbide-tipped miter gauge, and a dust collection system. More advanced models may include laser guides, digital height adjusters, and safety features like blade braking.
The saw houses a powerful motor and a precision-pitched carbide-tipped blade that can be adjusted in 1-degree increments for accurate angle cuts.
What types of materials can be cut with a Craftsman Radial Arm Saw?
This saw is versatile enough to cut lumber, veneer, plywood, particleboard, and plastic composite materials. Its adjustable miter gauge and variable blade diameter accommodate both thin and thick workpieces.
The saw's vertical and horizontal cutting capabilities make it suitable for creating precise angled cuts, such as rabbets, dadoes, and tenons, which are essential in furniture-making and cabinetry projects.
What accessories are available for a Craftsman Radial Arm Saw?
Standard accessories include spare blades, miter templates, and various cutting guides. Optional accessories may include larger dust collection attachments, built-in lights, and improved blade guards for enhanced safety and visibility.
Users can also add specialized cutting attachments like a plunge router guide, feather board system, and specialized blade protectors to extend the saw's functionality and precision.
What are the safety considerations when using a Craftsman Radial Arm Saw?
Users should always wear appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses, hearing protection, and dust mask when operating the saw. The saw should be unplugged when changing blades or making adjustments to prevent accidental startup.
Properly align the miter gauge and use the saw's built-in safety features like blade brakes and finger guards to prevent kickback and injuries during operation.
What maintenance tasks should be performed on a Craftsman Radial Arm Saw?
Regular maintenance includes checking blade tension, cleaning the blade and motor housing, and ensuring the miter gauge is perfectly calibrated. The saw's bearings, gears, and belts should be inspected and replaced as needed for optimal performance.
After each use, wipe down the saw with a damp cloth to remove sawdust and debris, and address any loose parts or worn components promptly to maintain the saw's operational safety and longevity.
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