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table and radial saws
Table and Radial Saws
If you are a one of those homeowners that
like to make your own home improvements, investing in either
a table saw or a radial arm saw is an important decision.
Both of these power tools make woodworking cuts a cinch.
Although, it is important to understand, that both of these
saws are beneficial in different ways. If space and money
are an issue, be sure to take the time to consider the features
of both before purchasing.
A table saw is a large piece of woodworking
machinery. It is extremely versatile, but generally used
for ripping or cutting large pieces of material. A table
saw consists of a circular saw blade, mounted under a table,
which is driven by an electric motor. Pieces of work are
pushed through a table saw, giving you the control of making
extremely accurate cuts. Due to the fact that objects are
being pushed through the saw, it allows for you to cut large
sheets of paneling, plywood and wallboard. However, a certain
amount of space is required for large pieces of work to
be handled. Additional parts include a table, fence, blade,
and tilt and height adjustments.
Similar to the table saw, radical arm saws
can make most of the common woodworking cuts. However, this
saw is best for making crosscuts and rip cuts. The biggest
difference in these two saws is that a radical arm saw is
positioned above the table and is moved through the piece
of work. Making cuts in long work pieces is made simple
with a radical arm saw because you don't have to move a
large 2 x 12 board through. Also, radical arm saws take
up less space compared to a table saw. They can be positioned
against a wall and kept out of the way.
With both tools, it is important to always
wear safety goggles or safety glasses and a full face shield
when needed. Also, use a dust mask in dusty work conditions
and wear hearing protection during extended periods of operation.
It is suggested that you refrain from wearing gloves, loose
clothing, jewelry or any dangling objects that may catch
in rotating parts or accessories. Lastly, never use these
tools with debris or any loose objects on the table. With
radical arm saws in particular, check often to assure that
guards are in their proper position.
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