// Machinery

Woodworking Machines - Radial Arm Saws

What should be done before using a radial arm saw? A radial arm saw can be dangerous if not used properly.

hand protection

What should be done before using a radial arm saw?

A radial arm saw can be dangerous if not used properly.

requirement Read the owner's manual carefully.
requirement Make sure you understand instructions before attempting to use any tool or machine.
requirement Learn the applications and limitations before use.
requirement Refer to Woodworking Machines - General Safety Tips for general safety precautions.

What safety procedures should be followed when using a radial arm saw?

context Wear safety glasses with side shields or safety goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles).
context Wear hearing protection that is suitable for the level and frequency of the noise you are exposed to in the woodworking area.
context Wear protective footwear, when required.
context Wear respiratory protection, when required.
context Feed the stock against the direction of the blade (the blade should move downward when viewed by the operator).
context Operate the blade at speeds recommended by the manufacturer.
context Use only the accessories designed for that specific saw and application.
context Make sure fences and any other guards are properly adjusted and in place before using the machine.
context Upper hood type that covers the arbour
context Lower guard that rides on the stock, adjusting automatically to the thickness being cut.
context Ensure the guard consists of two parts:
context Stand on the handle side when cross-cutting. Pull the cutting head with the hand nearest the handle and maneuver the stock with the other hand.
context Make sure the hand holding the stock is never in line with the blade.
context Return the cutting head completely to the back of the saw table after each cut. The saw should be designed so that the blade will not move forward under its own weight or if the machine is vibrating.
context When ripping, make sure that the overall length of the saw table (both infeed and outfeed) is twice the length of the longest pieces of lumber.
context When ripping, make sure that the stock is fed against the direction of the blade (from the side where the saw blade rotates upward toward the operator). The blade should extend slightly into the table. The motor head must be locked at the correct height and angle.
context Make sure that the cutting table is wide enough so that no part of the saw blade overhangs the front edge of the table.
context Clamp the stock to the table on one side of the saw blade when making mitre, bevel or compound mitre cuts. Clamping prevents the wood from sliding along the fence during the cut.
context Turn off the saw and unplug the electricity when making any adjustments or changes to the set up.
context When taking measurements, turn off the saw and place the wood to be cut against the stop gauge.

What should you not do when working with a radial arm saw?

requirement Do not cut the stock that has loose knots, splits, defects or foreign objects (e.g., metal or stone) in it.
requirement Do not use radial arm saws for ripping unless the spreader (riving knife) and anti-kickback devices are provided and properly adjusted.
requirement Do not take your hand away from the operating handle unless the cutting head is behind the fence.
requirement Do not remove the stock from a saw table until the blade has been returned to its "resting" position at the back of the saw table. Use a stick or brush to remove scrap from the saw table.
requirement Do not cut "free hand". Use the back guide, fence, or other device to keep the workpiece from moving.
requirement Do not use cracked or dull blades.
requirement Do not leave a running saw unattended – leave only after the saw has been turned off and it has come to a complete stop.
ppe Do not wear loose clothing (including strings or ties), work gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets or other jewellery that can become entangled with moving parts.
requirement Fact sheet confirmed current: 2025-03-10