If you are searching for a versatile tool for all your woodworking tasks, then the radial arm saw is your go-to tool. It is versatile and can work on all kinds of wood. On top of that, it is quick and easy to use. This heavy-duty tool is the one-stop solution for all woodworking projects.
With various aspects of usefulness, functionality, and versatility, this tool is unparalleled, but choosing the ideal tool for you can be difficult. So, we have discussed some basic factors to make your choice more suitable.
- Motor Amperage: This is the most primary thing to consider for a radial arm saw as it determines how effective and efficient the product is. 7 amps of power are suitable for a radial arm saw with small blades, while 10 to 12 amps are required for a radial arm saw with larger blades.
- Bevel Angle: The bevel Angle is the angle between the blade and the wood it needs to cut. You should go for a radial arm saw with a Bevel Angle of 45 degrees for cleaner and smoother cuts.
- RPM: The speed of the blade or RPM is important to determine the tool’s effectiveness. A better revolution time or greater speed will help to cut through the wood more easily and is preferred when working with hardwood.
More details on the factors to look for are listed in the “Buying Guide” given later in the article. In the next section, we have elaborated on the nest radial arm saw with its notable features, advantages, and drawbacks. Read them to know all about them.
Best Radial Arm Saw Table
| Name | Motor Amperage | Bevel Angle | RPM | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metabo HPT Radial Arm Saw | 15 amps | 45 degrees | 5000 | Check On Amazon |
| DEWALT Radial Arm Saw | 15 amps | 45 degrees | 3800 | Check On Amazon |
| BOSCH Radial Arm Saw | 15 amps | 45 degrees | 4800 | Check On Amazon |
| WEN Radial Arm Saw | 15 amps | 45 degrees | 5000 | Check On Amazon |
| DEWALT 12-Inch Radial Arm Saw | 15 amps | 45 degrees | 4000 | Check On Amazon |
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Best Radial Arm Saw Reviews
1. Metabo HPT Radial Arm Saw
This radial arm saw features a high-power motor with 15 amperes that can function at a speed of 5000 RPM.
The Bevel Range is between 0 to 45 degrees, with several adjustable bevel-stops enabling accurate cuts. With that, the miter angle is between 0 to 52 degrees in both left and right directions for better flexibility.
It features thumb-actuated positive stops for quick miter adjustments. The electric brake can stop the rotation of the blade in seconds.
The large table enables better and more secure material support. The horizontal handle and lightweight boost portability and maneuverability. The warranty on this product is 5 years.
Best Features:
- Motor Amperage: 15 Amps
- Bevel Range: 45 degrees
- RPM: 5000
- Blade Material: High-Speed Steel
Pros:
- High-power motor of 15 amps.
- Electric brake can stop the blade instantaneously.
- Horizontal handle and lightweight.
- Better bevel range and miter range.
Cons:
- Some people received products that are misaligned.
2. DEWALT Radial Arm Saw
This Dewalt radial arm saw features a 10-inch stainless steel blade with 10 positive stops for easy functioning.
The miter system is precise and has a machined base support. Accurate miter angles can be achieved with that and the cam-lock miter handle. The bevel angle can be adjusted between 0 to 48 degrees on the left and right sides.
It features tall sliding fences which can support a 6¾” base vertically. The double horizontal rails feature linear ball bearings and clamping mechanisms for durability and accuracy.
The effective dust collection technology can collect over 75% of the generated dust. The oversized design makes it clear to read the measurements with ease.
Best Features:
- Motor Amperage: 15 Amps
- Bevel Range: 45 degrees
- RPM: 3800
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
Pros:
- 12-inch stainless steel blade.
- Cam-lock miter handle.
- Accurate and durable.
- Dust collection mechanism.
Cons:
- It is difficult to find spare parts.
3. BOSCH Radial Arm Saw
Bosch exudes reliability and efficient performance with all their products. This radial arm saw features the Axial-Glide, enabling better alignments and wider cross cuts.
This saw comes with an upfront and large metal bevel which has a bevel angle of up to 45 degrees. With that, the square lock precision fences enable easy, quick, and precise adjustments.
The miter saw is accurate and provides controlled cuts at all angles. The crown chop lock secures the head in place for the best chop-cutting capacity for nested crowns and upright base mould.
It has an ergonomic handle and is compact with the 10” saw blade. The clear lower guard also enables uninterrupted visibility.
Best Features:
- Motor Amperage: 15 Amps
- Bevel Range: 45 degrees
- RPM: 4800
- Blade Material: Metal
Pros:
- Axial-glide technology.
- Square lock precision fences.
- Enhanced control.
- Ergonomic and compact design.
Cons:
- Little on the expensive side.
4. WEN Radial Arm Saw
This radial arm saw makes it to the list of the best ones owing to the high-power 15 amps motor with a high-speed steel blade that is 13 inches long and 4.5 inches thick.
The bevel and miter angles feature 9 adjustable stops and an angular range of 45 degrees on both sides. The innovative double rail system enables compact size and minimises the footprint of the saw.
This radial arm saw features a carbide-tipped, 80-tooth blade with an inch arbour with a carrying handle, a dust bag, a dust port, one quick assembly, and two adjustable genes.
There is an LED cutline guide that illuminates the space for better accuracy. The brand offers two years of durability.
Best Features:
- Motor Amperage: 15 Amps
- Bevel Range: 45 degrees
- RPM: 5000
- Blade Material: High-Speed Steel
Pros:
- 13-inch long blade.
- Quick assembly.
- LED cutline guide.
- Dust bag and dust port.
Cons:
- People complained that the customer support is terrible.
5. DEWALT 12-Inch Radial Arm Saw
This radial arm saw by Dewalt has a high-power motor of 15 amps with a 12-inch blade and a speed of 4000 RPM.
The adjustment of both the bevel and the miter angle is 45 degrees to the left and right of the machine. The stainless steel miter is known for durability and power with a high rate of repeated accuracy.
The tall sliding fences support 5½” of base moulding vertically and 5½” of crown moulding, ensuring accuracy and improving productivity.
This tool has a lightweight design and a built-in handle, making it perfect for portability.
Best Features:
- Motor Amperage: 15 Amps
- Bevel Range: 45 degrees
- RPM: 4000
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
Pros:
- Speed of 4000 RPM.
- Accurate and durable.
- Built-in handle.
Cons:
- Some people complained about the accuracy.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Radial Arm Saw
As we have discussed the top radial arm saws, we now discuss the new things to consider when selecting a radial arm saw. To find the most suitable one for you, there are some primary factors that you need to look at for choosing the correct radial arm saw for you. Nothing is very difficult or technical, so this should be easy for you.
1. Motor Amperage
The first thing to be considered is the motor amperage or the power of the radial arm saw. It is the determining factor as to how efficient the radial arm saw is. For a radial arm saw with a smaller blade, 7 amperes of power is enough, while you would need at least 10 amperes to 12 amperes of power for a radial arm saw with a larger blade.
2. Bevel Angle
Bevel Angle is the blade’s angle with the perpendicular cut surface for smooth and clean cuts. If the bevel Angle is too steep, it is difficult to get cleaner cuts. The best Bevel Angle for the radial arm saw is 45 degrees. You should go for a radial arm saw with a Bevel Angle of 45 degrees.
3. RPM
The rotation of the blades per minute defines the RPM. A better RPM guarantees better performance for the radial arm saw. It can go deeper and cut through the wood more effectively. When the user is dealing with hardwood, it is particularly necessary to go for a product with high RPM, or else any RPM would suffice.
4. Mitre Angle
The miter angle is the angle at which the piece of wood is cut through the main surface. In most cases, the miter angle is 45 degrees but in rare cases; it can also be 90 degrees.
5. Material and Size of Blade
The blade is obviously the primary component of the radial arm saw, making it the most important too. With the high motor speed, you need to ensure that the radial arm saw has a wide blade, around 10 inches to 12 inches. Now, after you are done checking the size, you should look for the material. For cleaner and faster cuts, it is better to go for copper, aluminium, or other non-ferrous metals. It should also have a protective layer to prevent injuries and accidents.
6. Warranty
When investing in a radial arm saw, you need to ensure that it is durable and long-lasting. You would be really annoyed if the machine stopped working during any important task.
Radial Arm Saw – FAQs
Ans: The radial saws are much easier to maintain because the overhead blade can be angled easily for a clean and easy cut. The radial saw can be pitted against the wall for easy functioning if the space is limited.
Ans: The maximum depth that a 12-inch radial arm saw can cut is 24 inches, while for a deep cut, it can go 3 inches.
Ans: The rip cuts are strictly prohibited with the radial arm saw due to exposure and accident hazard.
Ans: Radial arm saws can take care of wood up to the thickness of 3 inches.
Final Word
With this guide at your disposal, choosing the best radial arm saw will be like a walk in the park. We have listed all the criteria you need to know to buy a radial arm saw. Therefore, you must apply these considerations when buying a radial arm saw. You can write to us in the comments section below if you still have doubts.
- If you are here for the recommendations, we have listed the top three favourites from the list. The first recommendation for the best overall product is Metabo HPT Radial Arm Saw. It features electric brakes and a high-power motor.
- If you are on a budget, the second recommendation is DEWALT Radial Arm Saw. It has a 12-inch stainless steel blade with a cam-lock miter handle.
- The third and final product is the BOSCH Radial Arm Saw. It has axial-glide technology and an ergonomic design.
