Building a Shop

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:35 pm

a1gutterman wrote:Hi Chuck,

I should have been more specific, as you were: As you noticed, he has (apparently) never used his RAS for cutting 45's et al. I too, was referring to no marks on his "worktable" for using it for ripping. But, by the look of how nice the work surface is, he does not want to, thus my reference about removing the top. It is a bit narrow too, for ripping full sheets of plywood. It looks to me like it is only used as a cut off saw:eek: . Maybe it is "brand new" in the photo and has since been used like you and I would use it?

You are absolutely right! Especially about the width of the table issue! If I had that table I would have taken a picture of it also. But it wouldn't have looked that pretty for long. In fact, I had to change the table on mine several times a year.

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:41 pm

Ed in Tampa wrote: A Radial Arm Saw is no more or no less dangerous than any other power saw, but it does have to be used right.
Ed

I don't have any issues with RAS as a crosscut saw, this discussion was on ripping. I learned to use one in high school and witnessed too many accidents with people trying to rip with it. Of course we never changed blades so the comments about the wrong blade hold.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:12 pm

Safety is not always the first thought by High School students, either.

jbemis · Post by **jbemis** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 10:33 pm

Tractor Supply here in NY sells matting for animal pens, 5'X7'X1" for $40. I plan on using it under my Mark V.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 11:00 pm

Hi jbemis,

Having seen and walked on similar matting, I think that it should work well. And IMHO, the fact that you have such a large seamless piece, it should be easier to work with.