The first radial arm saw was developed in 1922, by a man named Raymond E. Dewalt. The premier radial arm saw was marketed as the Dewalt "Wonder-Worker." Radial arm saws were manufactured by Dewalt until 1990 when the rights were sold. The Original Saw Company was the company that purchased rights to Dewalt's radial arm saw. Since its inception, several companies have emerged to manufacture radial arm saws.
According to Stason, radial arm saws are ideal for crosscutting applications. However, they may be employed for ripping. Radial arm saws are most effective for non-sawing tasks such as overhead routing, drum sanding and surface planing. Ripping involves pushing a work piece under the motor. Pushsticks make ripping easier for radial arm saws however, length is limited by the radial arm saw's arm length.
According to Sawdust Making 101, the main components of a radial arm saw are its blade, a motor and a long arm from which the motor and blade are suspended. A carriage holds most of the components of a radial arm saw together. A radial arm saw's blade is adjustable and can be fixed into many positions.
These devices feature a blade guard that is employed to reduce the risk of injury while the tool is in operation. Operators should employ hearing and eye protection while operating radial arm saws. Radial arm saw work areas should be kept relatively clean and free of debris. Only proper components should be fitted onto any radial arm saw. Work pieces should be held firmly to the radial arm saw before the blade is drawn toward the work piece. Running saws should never be left unattended, cautions Sawdust Making 101.
According to Stason, radial arm saws are less rigid than table saws because of their cantilever arm and column. They are more prone to wander, requiring multiple adjustments during a project. Stock that gets caught in the blade of a radial arm saw can kick back at the operator, warns the U.S. Department of Labor.