RADIAL ARM SAW

History Unlike most types of woodworking machinery, the radial arm saw has a clear genesis: it was invented by Raymond De Walt of Bridgeton, New Jersey. De Walt applied for patents in 1923, which were issued in De Walt and others subsequently patented many variations on the original, but De Walt's original design (sold under the moniker Wonder Worker) remained the most successful: a circular saw blade directly driven by a motor held in a yoke sliding along a horizontal arm that is some distance above a horizontal table surface. Unlike most types of woodworking machinery, the radial arm saw has a clear genesis: it was invented by Raymond De Walt of Bridgeton, New Jersey. De Walt applied for patents in 1923, which were issued in De Walt and others subsequently patented many variations on the original, but De Walt's original design (sold under the moniker Wonder Worker) remained the most successful: a circular saw blade directly driven by a motor held in a yoke sliding along a horizontal arm that is some distance above a horizontal table surface. Raymond De WaltBridgeton, New Jerseypatents motoryoke Raymond De WaltBridgeton, New Jerseypatents motoryoke

DEFINITIONS Crosscutting is the process of cutting lumber across the grain. Crosscutting is the process of cutting lumber across the grain. Ripping is the process of cutting lumber with the grain. Ripping is the process of cutting lumber with the grain. Joinery is the act of cutting specific joints in order to join a number of pieces of wood together. Joinery is the act of cutting specific joints in order to join a number of pieces of wood together. The face of the board is the large surface. The face of the board is the large surface. The edge of the board is the surface next to the face that runs with the grain of the board. The edge of the board is the surface next to the face that runs with the grain of the board. The end-grain is the end of the board that runs across the grain. The end-grain is the end of the board that runs across the grain.

PARTS 1. Bevel Clamp: Unlocks motor and blade allowing it to be tilted. 2. Yoke Lock & Locating Pin: Spins to put blade in ripping position. 3. Fence: Keeps stock steady during the cut. 4. Arm: The yoke slides back and forth on along the arm. 5. Elevating Crank: Raises and lowers the blade. 6. Miter Latch & Clamp: Allows the arm to be moved to various angles.

USES The radial arm saw is very similar to the table saw. The radial arm saw is very similar to the table saw. 1. The radial arm saw is best used for crosscutting. 2. The radial arm saw can be used for ripping, but it is very dangerous and not recommended. 3. The radial arm saw can be used to cut joinery. 4. There are several special cuts that can be made on the radial arm saw, such as, cove cutting.

SAFETY RULES 1. All stock must rest firmly against the fence. 2. Never saw severely warped lumber, though the lumber does not need a flat face. 3. No “cross-handed” sawing. 4. Keep scraps cleared from the table. 5. Feed saw into the wood at a slow even rate. If the saw binds, turn it off! 6. Always make sure the saw returns to the rear of the table.