Radial arm saws vs chop saws are both very popular types of power tools. Theyre both used to cutting wood, but they have some major differences that make them suited for different tasks.
For precise, long cuts, a radial armsaw is the best. A chop saw is best for making quick, rough cuts. A radial arm saw is better if you are looking for precise cuts. If you just need to make a few quick cuts, then a chop saw will do the job.
Let’s look at the differences between these tools.
Whats The Difference?
Radial arm saws are designed to be mounted on the ceiling, or on the wall, so they don’t take up floor space in your workshop. It has an adjustable arm with a circular blade attached to it that can move back and forth across the workpiece while staying perpendicular to the surface being cut.
This allows you to make long cuts without having to reposition your material as often, which makes this type of tool great for cutting lumber into smaller pieces or making rip cuts (cuts made parallel along the length of a board).
Chop-saw blades are typically much shorter than those found on radial arm saws, which means they can only cut through materials that are less than about 3 cm thick (depending on what kind of blade you use).
The table where you place your material is also stationary instead of movable like with radial arm saws, so there isnt as much flexibility when it comes to positioning your workpiece before cutting it.
Stay tuned for more information about each saw with pros and cons!
Radial Arm Saw
Radial arm saws are an electric power tool used for cutting wood. It has a circular blade that moves back and forth across the workpiece while staying perpendicular to the surface being cut.
The saw is mounted on the ceiling or wall so it doesnt take up any floor space in your workshop. It has a circular blade attached that allows it to move around the workpiece, while keeping its position perpendicular with the surface being cut.
This allows you to make long cuts without having to reposition your material as often, which makes this type of tool great for cutting lumber into smaller pieces or making rip cuts (cuts made parallel along the length of a board).
Is This For You?
The radial arm saw is a great choice for someone who needs to make a lot of long cuts in a variety of different angles.
Base Size:
The saw typically has a base that is about 0.6 m wide.
Blade Size:
Although the blade size of the saw may vary, it is usually between 9 and 25 cm in diameter.
Motor:
The motor of the radial arm saw is 1/4 to 3/4 horsepower.
Plunge Cuts:
A radial arm saw can be used to make plunge cuts, but it is not as simple as a chop saw. You have to be careful not to cut into the table or base of the saw.
Curved Cuts
A radial arm saw can be used to make curved cuts, but it is not as simple as a chopsaw.
Cutting Angles:
Adjustable arms limit the angle you can cut with a circular arm saw. The maximum angle will depend on the specific saw that you have.
Capacity For Cutting:
The cutting capacity of a radial arm saw typically ranges from about 2 to 30 cm depending on the blade size and the angle at which the blade is set.
Dust:
Radial arm saws produce a lot dust. You will need a dust collector or another type of dust management system in order to keep your workshop clean.
Safety Features:
There are safety features on the radial arm saw. These include a blade guard to protect the blade from accidental damage, a trigger switch that must remain down in order to turn the saw off, and a safety brake that quickly stops the blade from moving when the trigger is released.
The cost of a radial arm saw ranges from to depending on the features and quality of the saw.
Pros:
- Radial arm saws are great for cutting long lines from a variety angles.
- You can use it safely because of its safety features.
- You will have to purchase a dust collector to manage the dust.
Cons:
- The angle at which you can cut with a radial arm saw is limited by the adjustable arm.
- It is not as easy to make plunge cuts or curved cuts with a radial arm saw as it is with a chop saw.
- A radial arm saw can cost between and depending on its features and quality.
- Keep checking back for more information on each saw, including pros and cons.
Chop Saw
A chop saw, which is a powerful tool for cutting wood and other materials, is very useful. The circular blade moves in an arc-like motion and is perpendicular with the surface being cut.
The chop saw is powered by an electric motor. The blade is mounted on a pivot and when the trigger is pulled, the blade moves up and down in an arc shape.
Is It For You?
A chop saw is the best tool to make straight and angled cuts. It can also be used to make curved cuts, but this takes a bit more practice.
Base Size:
The base of the chop saw should be big enough to support the material that you are cutting.
Blade Size:
The blade’s size will affect the size of your cut. You should choose a blade that fits the material you are cutting. If you’re cutting metal, you will need a blade that has a higher number of teeth.
Motor:
The motor of the chop saw must be strong enough to cut through any material.
Plunge Cuts:
A plunge cut refers to when the blade is moved down into the material from the top. This type of cut is often used when cutting through a piece of wood that is thicker than the blade itself.
Curved Cuts
Curved cuts can be made with a chop saw, but they take a bit more practice to get right.
Cutting Angles:
You can adjust the angle at which the blade cuts by changing the position of the pivot. This allows you make cuts at different angles.
Capacity For Cutting:
The material it can cut is measured by the cutting capacity of the saw.
Dust:
When the chop saw is in use, it produces a lot dust. To protect yourself against the dust, make sure you wear a dust mask
Safety Features:
The chop saw has some safety features that help to protect you while you are using it. There are a safety switch, a blade guard and a no voltage release switch.
Prices for chop saws start at around
Pros:
- A chop saw can be used to make straight and angled cuts.
- You can also use it to make curved cuts but this requires a little more practice.
- You can adjust the angle at which the blade cuts.
- Safety features on the chop saw help protect you when you’re using it.
Cons:
- When the chop saw is in use, it produces a lot dust.
- It can be challenging to correctly curve a cut.
- The blade’s size limits the cutting power of the chop saw.
What Saw Is The Best?
The radial arm and chop saws are both great tools for cutting in many different materials.
For long cuts, the radial arm is more efficient than the chop saw.
The chop saw can also be used to make curved cuts, but this takes a bit more practice. The cost of a chop saw ranges from to depending on the features and quality of the saw.
Conclusion:
I have shown you the differences between a radial and chop saw. It’s now up to you to choose which one is right for you.
FAQs:
Which Saw Is Best For DIYers?
A chop saw is an excellent choice for DIYers because it is powerful and easy to use.
Is It Possible To Make Curved Cuts Using A Radial-arm Saw?
Yes, you can make curved cuts with a radial arm saw, but this takes a bit more practice.
Which Saw Do You Prefer And Why?
I prefer the chop saw as it is a powerful tool that can be used to make straight or angled cuts. It can also be used to make curved cuts, but this takes a bit more practice. A chop saw can cost between and depending on its features and quality.
If Im Just Starting In Carpentry, Which One Should I Buy A Radial Arm Saw Or A Chop Saw?
A chop saw is a great tool for beginners in carpentry. It is a powerful tool that is easy to use and it has several safety features that help to protect you while you are using it.
Which Is More Dangerous: The Radial Arm Or The Chop Saw?
Radial arm saws are more dangerous than chop saws because they have many moving parts.
