Radial Arm Saws • Table Saws • Miter Saws • Frame-and-Trim Saws Unit 15 Stationary Power Saws Radial Arm Saws • Table Saws • Miter Saws • Frame-and-Trim Saws

A radial arm saw is used to crosscut, rip, and make angled cuts on lumber. A radial arm saw, or cutoff saw, is typically used to cross-cut lumber to length, but can also be set up for ripping and angled cuts. See Figure 15-1.

A radial arm saw is typically used to crosscut lumber to length. On major construction projects where continuous use of a radial arm saw may be required, one carpenter (saw-person) is often assigned to operate the saw. See Figure 15-2. A radial arm saw is placed in a convenient location on the job, and an extension table is constructed on both sides to support long pieces of material.

Different blades are used with a radial arm saw for different operations. The size of a radial arm saw is determined by the largest blade it will accommodate. Blades range from 8″ to 20″ in diameter. The 14″ and 16″ diameter blades are rec-ommended for heavy-duty construction work. Many types of blades are available for different cutting operations. See Figure 15-3.

A table saw is used to make straight and angle cuts in paneling and other finish materials. A table saw is used for straight sawing, and is of great value in interior finish work such as cutting paneling and trim materials. A miter gauge is used to guide a piece of material for crosscutting operations. See Figure 15-4. A rip fence is mounted on a table saw for ripping oper-ations. Freehand cutting is highly dangerous and is not permitted on table saws.

Dado and rabbet cuts are made using a dado head Dado and rabbet cuts are made using a dado head. A multipiece set consists of two hollow-ground blades and chippers. A dado head is used to cut a dado or rabbet. See Figure 15-5. Multipiece dado heads consist of saw blades on the outside with chippers between them. Chippers are in-serted or removed to adjust the cut width. Paper inserts are used to make fine adjustments. Single-piece dado heads are also available.

A guide such as a rip fence or miter gauge must be used when cutting stock on a table saw. Hand injuries are typically associated with table saw accidents. A hand may slip as material is being fed into the saw or if an operator is holding the stock too close to the blade while cutting. In addition, kickbacks may occur if material becomes jammed between the blade and fence or guard. When a kickback occurs, the material is ejected toward the operator at a high rate of speed.Table saw safety rules to observe include the following: • Wear appropriate eye protection. • When performing a ripping operation, always have a push stick available to use. • Use a rip fence for ripping operations or a miter gauge for crosscutting operations. See Figure 15-6. …see complete list of table saw safety rules on page 124.

A miter saw is commonly used to cut trim materials. A miter saw is primarily used for finish work such as cutting 90° and 45° angles commonly used for molding. See Figure 15-7. Depending on the type of blade in-stalled, a miter saw can be used for cutting wood, com-position materials, plastic, and lightweight aluminum.

Wider trim can be cut with a compound miter saw. For many miter saws, the blade remains in a vertical position, but can be rotated to the left and right up to approximately 50° angles, with positive stops at 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 30°, and 45°. A compound miter saw provides the capability of rotating up to approximately 50° angles and also allows the blade to be angled up to 45°. Some compound miter saws are equipped with guide tubes, allowing cuts to be made to wider stock. See Figure 15-8.

A lightweight and sturdy stand is commonly used as a base for a power miter saw on a job site. A miter saw is typically mounted on a stand or a couple of sawhorses at a convenient height. See Figure 15-9. Most miter saws are lightweight (less than 50 lb) and can be easily moved around the job site. Miter saw safety rules to observe include the following: • Wear appropriate eye and hearing protection. • Attach a miter saw firmly to a workbench or other rigid frame at waist height. For job sites, securely mount the miter saw on a thick piece of plywood. • Keep one hand on the trigger switch and handle and use the other hand to hold the stock against the fence. • Keep hands out of the blade path. • Remove the adjusting keys and wrenches before operation. • Ensure that the blade and collars are clean and secure. Recessed sides of collars should be placed against the blade. • Allow the motor to reach full speed before starting a cut. • Clear the work area around the saw of wood scraps. • Ensure the switch is in the OFF position before plugging in the miter saw.