Radial Arm Saw Vs Table Saw: Which Is Better?

A power tool in a workshop is as important as the engine in a car. One of the most efficient power tools is the saw. There are many types of saws in the market. But many of us get confused between the radial arm saw and the table saw. They both help in making crosscuts in raw materials. After examining these saws by various tests, we are here with some conclusions. We have provided a complete review of Radial Arm Saw Vs Table Saw. 

Our Verdict 

Both these almost do the same job but have different designs. They have their pros and cons. If the budget is not a problem, then the radial arm saw is the better one. They are portable and are very versatile too. If budget is an issue, the table saw is better. They are handy and safer to use again. The accuracy in the cuts is also high with the table saw. Let’s check out the different features between these two products.

Radial Arm Saw Vs Table Saw: Comparison Chart

Radial Arm Saw Vs Table Saw: Differences

1. Price

The radial arm saws are a bit expensive than the table saw. They may not be affordable for common household use. They also have a smaller market than the table saw. The table saw is relatively cheaper than the latter. They are available everywhere and are much affordable. 

Bottom Line: If the budget is the primary concern, the table saw is the winner.

2. Safety

Proper safety is critical before using any power tool. Regardless of the saw, equipment like gloves and goggles will keep the user safe. The radial arm saw has some blades which will be pointing out. This may injure the user as the blade cuts. These saws are hand-held, and a small mistake may injure the user. This is not the case in table saws. They have most of the parts fixed. The blades aren’t exposed much too. 

Bottom Line: The table saw is much safer than the radial arm saw.

3. Space And Portability

The table saw is a stationary tool. They are enormous. If your workplace is small, this may be an issue. They may occupy more space. This makes the user difficult to move the saw too. The radial arm saw is hand-held. It needs significantly less space and can be portable too. Professionals who work in different places may find this perfect.

Bottom Line: The radial arm saw occupies lesser space and is portable too.

4. The Design

Both the saws do almost the same work. But their designs are not the same. The blade of the table saw is stable and fixed to the table. The materials get fed to the saw. They need space on the left and right to cut. This is not the case in radial arm saw. The blade is above the work surface. The blade moves to cut the material on the surface. They need space on the front and back to cut the material. The space to be left relies on the size of the material.

Bottom Line: The design of the saws is different, and it may vary between the users. People may find any of the design comfortable. 

5. Noise

The radial arm saw is one of the loudest power tools. They may make a lot of noise, which may disturb the user. The table saw is better in this feature. It doesn’t make noise as loud as the latter.

Bottom Line: The table saw makes lesser noise.

Radial Arm Saw Vs Table Saw: Similarities

Both these saws do have some similarities. Both of them do almost the same job. They do crosscuts on the raw materials. They both are very versatile and can do quality work. Both of them can handle materials of different types.

Radial Arm Saw Vs Table Saw: Features

Features Of Radial Arm Saw

The famous Raymond Dewalt found the radial arm saw in 1922. They became a great hit, and this was a big reason for the rise of Dewalt. The blade of the radial arm saw hangs from the top. They have a horizontal arm that moves front and back. This movement happens on the push and pull. When there is a pull, the blade rotates, and the saw cuts the material. This looks complex, but the experience can make the process easy. 

They come with different settings. Few adjustments can make them do bevel cuts, miter cuts, and even routing. They can cut many pieces at the same time. They can make cuts across the width of the wood. The movable arm gives more accuracy to the cuts. These days the miter saws are replacing these saws. But still, the radial arm saw has its unique uses.

Features Of Table Saw

The table saw came into use in the late 18th century. From there, they have been modifications to the table saw which we use at present. The clean and precise cuts made by the table saw made it very popular. They are very good at crosscuts. The speed and comfort given by the table saw is the reason for its popularity. The recent table saws also come with automatic braking systems. They can be a powerhouse of the workshop

They can even cut ribs and miter cuts. The circular blade and motor rest in a table. The table saw is an expert in the ripping cuts. They come with mobile bases that give the saw mobility. The rip fences help with the adjustability. They even make very little noise and are much safer to use. The accuracy in the cuts is very high due to the fixed blade.

Some Top Radial Arm Saws

Here are some excellent radial arm saws

1. General International 14-Inch Radial Arm Saw

This is one of the best radial arms saw in the market. They are of high quality and are very durable too. They come with rod and blade protectors for extra safety. They have a heavy-duty steel base. They come with a dust-proof magnetic switch for adequate protection. They weigh around 550 pounds. They also come with a tempered steel locking handles. 

2. Dayton 49G998 Radial Arm Saw

This saw from Dayton is of high quality and has some outstanding features. They come with a one horsepower motor that can run up to a speed of 3400 RPM. They weigh around 400 pounds. They also come with a large work table. They can work with 10″ and 12″ blades. They also come with many safety precautions. They come with a blade guard and an automatic blade brake. 

3. DELTA 33-400 14-Inch Radial Arm Saw

 They are mighty and can help with many types of cuts. The construction can make the blade rotate a full 360 degrees. They come with an electro-mechanical blade brake. They weight about 750 pounds. They come with a three horsepower motor. The oversized table helps the saw work with large materials. They also have safe upfront controls for the easy operation of the saw. A 14-inch blade guard is also there for extra protection.

Some Top Table Saws

Here are some excellent table saws. If you want you can compare with cabinet saw as well.

1. Sawstop PCS175 Table Saw

The best part of this saw is the safety measures. It provides 99 percent dust collection. It has an overarm dust collection for this purpose. It has a patented safety system that stops the blade if someone is in contact with it. This is an outstanding feature. It comes with a 1.75 horsepower motor. It also has a 36-inch T-glide fence system for extra support. They weigh around 430 lbs. The presence of the arbor gives the saw extra stability. 

2. Jet 708675PK Table Saw

They are one of the best in the market. They have three V-belts for extra power. It comes with an in-built storage drawer, which may be very useful. The quick releasing riving knife is the asset to the tool. It reduces kickback risk. It also comes with a dust port. The motor is potent and has three horsepower. They weigh around 520 pounds. The 50-inch fence gives the users more accuracy and safety. It also has safety features like blade guards and anti-kickback pawl. 

3. Dewalt DW745 Table Saw

Dewalt is a global brand with excellent quality in its products. It comes with a 15 Ampere motor with a speed of 3900 RPM. It has a steel roll cage, which gives the saw extra protection. It also comes with a miter gauge and blade guard. It has telescoping fence rails and can be portable too. They weigh around 60 pounds. The quick and tool-free adjustments are an added advantage. They also come with a dust collection port. 

FAQs

Conclusion

Both the saws are unique and versatile. They are very good at their jobs. 

The table saw is a better option and is very affordable. They are very safe and are the best for ripping. They even make less noise than the radial arm saw. The only problem in them is space. 

The radial arm saw is convenient and versatile. They are a bit expensive than the table saw. They are the best for crosscuts. They even can manage large pieces faster. Beginners may face some problems, but with experience, the job becomes easy.

We hope you’ve made your choice. Whatever they saw, make sure all the safety measures are followed. A small mistake may prove costly.