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A radial arm saw is a powerful tool that combines precision cutting with versatile reach, making it ideal for carpentry and woodworking projects of all sizes. The Craftsman brand offers a reliable radial arm saw that delivers professional results with its accurate 9.25-inch blade and 12-foot reach. We've compared their models to help you choose the right saw for your workshop.

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Reviews

Saw 16 in. 1 Phase Metal Cutting Radial Arm Saw

This powerhouse metal-cutting saw packs enough muscle for serious industrial work, with a reliable motor and heavy-duty construction that can handle 2-3 shifts daily. At 16 inches tall, it's not your average shop tool - this saw is built to slice through metal like a hot knife through butter, thanks to its beefy cast-iron arm and deep-cutting capabilities. With a whopping 5-inch plunge capacity and precision miter cuts up to 60 degrees, this American-made saw combines brute strength with remarkable accuracy for the metalworker who demands the best.

Original Saw 3541 Radial Arm Saw

The 16" Heavy Duty Series saw from Original Saw Company packs serious industrial muscle with its 5-horsepower motor, making quick work of everything from crosscuts to compound miters. Built like a tank with cast iron and aluminum construction, this 550-pound beast delivers rock-solid performance with minimal vibration – essential for maintaining those precise cuts you need for your next big project.

Original Saw Radial Arm Saw

The Original Saw radial arm saw combines industrial strength with precise craftsmanship, featuring an oversized 14" blade and 24" crosscut capacity. Built for lasting performance, this USA-made machine uses heavy-duty ball bearings and a powerful 5HP motor to deliver smooth, vibration-free cuts every time.

Craftsman Radial Arm Saw

The Original Saw Company's model 3541-208/230 stands as a testament to precision woodworking, with its massive 500-pound frame and powerful 5HP motor capable of handling everything from straight cuts to complex miter work. The oversized table and ball-bearing carriage system deliver exceptional smoothness and repeatability, making this saw equally at home in professional shops and dedicated hobbyist workspaces. Built for longevity with a heavy cast iron arm and powder-coated steel construction, it's a significant investment in any woodworker's toolkit.

Craftsman 10-in Single Bevel Sliding Miter Saw

This powerful 15-amp saw handles both professional and backyard projects with its 4500 RPM motor and precise LED cutting guide. The sliding head creates clean, accurate cuts up to 12 inches, while the miter detent override lets you bypass the standard angles for custom measurements. A few users have noted the LED light can be finicky, but overall, the saw's solid build and reliable performance make it a capable addition to any workshop.

Craftsman 10-Inch Single Bevel Folding Miter Saw

The Craftsman folding miter saw cleverly shrinks down for storage while keeping its cutting power intact. It's surprisingly light at just 28 lbs when folded, with that weighty motor delivering snappy 4,500 RPM cuts through 2x6 lumber. The included laser guide helps with accuracy when you're marking your cuts. A couple users noted the arbor bolt can get stuck when changing blades, so be prepared to wiggle it loose. Overall, it's a practical choice for occasional projects who want to save space when not in use.

Original Saw Radial Arm Saw with 14" Blade

Imagine a saw that can cut straight, angle, or curved pieces with ease – that's what this powerful radial arm saw gives you. With its heavy-duty construction and precise ball-bearing system, it handles materials from small projects to large panels with the same smoothness. Built to last in professional workshops around the world, this American-made machine is a serious upgrade for anyone serious about their woodworking.

Woodcraft 3546-208 5HP 3-Phase Radial Arm Saw

This massive radial arm saw combines industrial-grade construction with precise cutting capabilities, featuring an 8-bearing carriage system for smooth operation. The 500-pound frame houses a 5HP motor and includes an oversized table top with HDPE lower guard for versatile woodworking tasks. Built for durability with a powder-coated steel frame and 3-phase motor, this USA-made saw is backed by Original Saw's reputation for quality and performance.

King Industrial KC-12RAS Radial Arm Saw

The King Industrial KC-12RAS delivers exceptional power and precision with its 2 HP motor, capable of accurate crosscuts, bevels, and miters. Its sturdy MDF table and automatic blade brake system provide a safe workspace for serious carpentry projects, while the included 12" blade and adjustment tools make setup straightforward for both new and experienced users.

Craftsman CMXGJAMDPS25 P2100 10-in 25-cc 2-Cycle Gas Pole Saw

With its 25cc engine and 10-inch bar, this pole saw can reach heights of 12 feet while cutting through tough branches. The low-kickback design makes it safer to use than similar tools, though some users have reported initial starting difficulties that improved after tuning. The automatic oiler keeps maintenance simple, helping to prevent chain wear and breakage.

Craftsman P205 8 in. 25 CC Gas Pole Saw

This versatile Craftsman pole saw lets you reach high branches with its 7-foot extendable pole (that's up to 12 feet total with your height factored in). With its simple 3-step start and included 2-cycle oil, keeping it running smoothly is pretty hassle-free. Most users find it surprisingly reliable for a consumer-grade saw, though some might need to adjust their expectations based on professional-grade performance.

Craftsman Miter Box

The Craftsman miter box combines a basic hand saw with a compact woodworking solution for precise angles. It offers essential features like adjustable stops and storage for the clamping mechanism, making it serviceable for small projects where power tools aren't available. Users find it adequate for simple cuts and basic DIY jobs, though the plastic construction shows its limitations with repeated use and larger materials.

Craftsman V20 Cordless 7-1/4" Sliding Miter Saw Kit

Craftsman's V20 cordless miter saw delivers precise cuts with its 3800 RPM motor and LED positioning system. The sliding design handles up to 2x dimensional lumber, while the 47-degree single bevel and 9 casted miter stops ensure quick adjustments. Weighing just 21. 8 lbs with side handles, the saw offers portable power for both home and professional use.

Craftsman 12-in Miter Saw

The Craftsman 12-inch sliding compound miter saw packs impressive power into a practical design, with its heavy-duty motor and 60-tooth carbide blade handling everything from rough-cutting to precise miters with ease. The LED cut line indicator and adjustable D-grip handle make it a joy to use, whether you're setting up intricate moulding patterns or making quick frame cuts. At just over 54 pounds, it's a powerhouse tool that stands up to serious woodworking sessions without weighing you down.

Craftsman 8.25-in Portable Table Saw

This portable table saw packs a punch with its 13-amp motor and steel construction, making quick work of cutting hardwood floors and cabinetry. The carbide-tipped blade keeps its sharpness longer, while the coated steel table can handle longer stock pieces. The fence system locks into place for clean cuts, though some users find the setup process a bit cumbersome.

Craftsman 7-1/4 in Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Craftsman's 9-amp corded miter saw combines powerful 5200RPM performance with precise 0-47° miter cuts and single-bevel 0-45° capabilities. The saw's LED cut line indicator and 1.5-inch dust port with included bag help maintain a clean work area.

Craftsman Miter Saw

The Craftsman miter saw combines precise cuts with surprisingly simple setup for a tool that doesn't break the bank. At just 18 pounds, it's a breeze to move around the shop or job site, though you'll want to find a steady surface for those critical finish cuts. Thanks to its durable aluminum construction and hardened blade, this saw more than holds its own against higher-priced options in its class.

Craftsman 10-Inch Carbide-Tipped Blade Table Saw

This 10-inch table saw from Craftsman combines decent power with passable precision for basic workshop tasks. The cast aluminum table offers ample cutting capacity, though setup and assembly can be a bit of a chore. Reviewers mix it up, with some praising its performance for quick cuts around the shop and others finding serious flaws in the fence system and overall build quality.

Buyer's Guide

A Craftsman radial arm saw is a versatile power tool that combines the precision of a miter saw with the flexibility of a table saw. Understanding the key features and considerations will help you select the right saw for your woodworking needs.

Key Features

Craftsman radial arm saws feature a large table that can accommodate wide boards, while the arm extends for precise cuts. The blade mounts at the end of the arm, allowing for both in-feeds and out-feeds. Important components include the motor, blade guard, and fence system that ensures accurate measurements.

Motor and Power

Look for a saw with a powerful motor that can handle your cutting needs. Industrial-grade motors provide consistent performance, while variable speed controls allow you to adjust the cutting speed for different materials. The motor base should be stable and well-ventilated to prevent overheating.

Blade System

The blade system determines the saw's versatility. Key aspects include quick-change mechanisms for easy blade installation, arbor size compatibility for various blade types, and blade retention systems that prevent wobble. The blade guard should be adjustable for different cutting heights and configurations.

Table and Arm Design

A sturdy worktable with adjustable height and tilt capabilities enhances versatility. The arm should have smooth, reliable movement with proper counterweighting to prevent sag. Consider features like board support stands and dust collection attachments that improve safety and workflow.

FAQ

What is a Craftsman Radial Arm Saw?

Crafted by Craftsman, a respected brand under the General Electric Company, radical arm saws combine the flexibility of a bandsaw with the precision of a miter saw. Their design allows for versatile crosscutting and ripping capabilities that many traditional saws cannot match.

These saws typically feature a powerful motor mounted on a sliding arm, enabling you to cut at various angles while keeping your workpiece stationary. The arm's travel capability varies by model, with longer travel allowing for larger cut sizes.

How does a Craftsman Radial Arm Saw work?

The saw operates by mounting the cutting mechanism on an arm that can slide along a guided track. This setup allows for precise cuts at various angles while keeping the workpiece stationary, which is particularly beneficial for dado and tenon joints.

When making a cut, the motor drives the blade, which is perpendicular to the workpiece, allowing for clean and accurate crosscuts. The sliding mechanism also enables you to cut wider materials than you could with a conventional miter saw while maintaining blade exposure for efficient cutting.

What are the main features of Craftsman Radial Arm Saws?

Key features include a powerful motor for heavy-duty cutting, adjustable blade height for versatility, and precise miter capabilities for angle cuts. Most models feature a dual-bearing system for blade support and include safety features like blade brakes and anti-kickback mechanisms.

Additional features may include adjustable side fences for better control during cuts, dust collection systems for maintaining clean working conditions, and blade changes that typically require simpler tools than those found on professional saws.

Which Craftsman Radial Arm Saw is right for me?

Selecting the right saw depends on your cutting needs and space limitations. Basic models are suitable for home workshops with occasional use, while professional-grade models handle extensive cutting tasks and require more frequent use.

Consider factors such as available space, required cutting capacity, and intended use. You'll want enough arm travel for your largest cuts and a motor powerful enough to handle the material you'll be working with.

How do I maintain a Craftsman Radial Arm Saw?

Regular maintenance includes checking the motor for proper cooling, ensuring all safety guards are in place, and lubricating moving parts. The blade should be inspected for wear, and the saw should be cleaned of dust and debris after each use.

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for chain oil, keeping the blade lubricated to prevent overheating and ensure smooth operation. Proper maintenance extends the saw's lifespan and ensures safe, efficient performance.

What safety measures should I take with a Craftsman Radial Arm Saw?

Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and ear protection. Ensure your workpiece is securely clamped before making cuts and use push sticks or guards for smaller pieces to prevent kickback.

Keep loose clothing and long hair away from the saw, and never touch the blade while the motor is running. Regularly inspect the saw for damage or loose parts before each use, and follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines.