As a power tool expert, choosing between radial arm saw and miter saw options can be tough for beginners. Although these are two of the most versatile tools in the industry, I can’t deny that they have different cutting capabilities suited for different projects.
In this radial arm saw vs. miter saw comparison, I’ll help you determine which of these power saws can offer you a better woodworking experience.
Comparison Chart: Miter Saw and Radial Arm Saw
| Radial Arm Saw | Miter Saw | |
| Cuts | Miter cuts, rip cuts, compound cuts, cross cuts, bevel cuts |
Miter cut, bevel cut, compound cut, and cross-cut |
| Advantages |
Produces cross-cut precisely |
Includes safety features |
|
Capable of ripping cuts |
Relatively easier to use |
|
|
Higher cutting depth |
Good for repeated precise cuts |
|
| Disadvantages |
Less accuracy when cutting |
Limited cut variations |
|
Safety concerns for newbies |
Not suitable for thick pieces |
|
|
Its construction is too light |
More expensive than some power tools |
|
| Versatility | Trimming & angular | Trimming & angular |
| Saw Blade | Straight cut saw blade | Fixed pivotal saw blade |
| Blade Diameter | 12-22 inches | 8-12 inches |
| Cutting Capacity | Powerful cutting depth | Not for cutting thick wood |
| Portability | No | Yes |
| Safety Mechanism | Minimal safety specifications | Side Fence & Blade Guard |
| Applications | Carpentry/Woodworking | Crown molding, trimming wood pieces, framing |
| Precision | Less accurate | Accurate cuts |
Key Differences Between Radial Arm Saws and Miter Saws
Cutting Depth
While both miter and radial arm saws provide sufficient cutting capacity, the radial arm saw’s design allows it to handle thicker wood. Surprisingly, even modern miter saws are more suitable for cutting smaller pieces.
Cuts
Besides cutting thicker lumber, professionals seek radial arm saws because they offer more versatility. While a miter saw can produce basic cuts, a radial saw can do a wide range of cuts from bevels and miter angles to ripping.
Portability
From my time in the workshop, I’ve noticed that radial arm saws are definitely bulkier than miter saws. This makes miter saws a go-to for me when I need something more portable around the workspace.
Precision
While it’s true that a radial arm saw is more versatile, the latter is still more precise in repeated angled cuts. Its lighter design makes its circular blade capable of moving in different directions.
What is a Miter Saw?
Generally, a miter saw is considered one of the best power tools for precise angular and cross cuts. It has a circular blade mounted on its frame and a hinged arm that explains its impressive user control and accuracy.
Compound
You can tell you’re using a compound miter saw when its saw blade can be pivoted from left to right.
Dual Compound
Like the previous variation, a dual compound miter saw lets you tilt the blade left and right. However, the only difference is users can do bevel cuts from any cutting angle.
Sliding Compound
As for sliding compound miter saws, their sliding arm allows forward and backward action. Because of this, sliding miter options are suitable for longer wood materials.
What are the Uses of Miter Saws?
Miters
Miter cuts are great for carving corners, so creating door frames and boxes should be easy for this type of power tool.
Crosscuts
Since it has a circular saw blade just like the skilsaw and circular saw, users can make cross-cuts faster without the need for clamps.
Bevels
Having an angular blade meant that a miter saw could execute an automatic bevel. With this, you can select your desired angle with no hassle.
Compound Cut
It’s a combination of bevel and miter cuts, and you can rely on it for projects like crown wood moldings.
Key Features of a Miter saw
- High-powered motorized system
- Optional table extensions and clamps
- Safety tools like dust collector and fence
- Locks rotating angle for precise adjustments
- Eight to twelve inches blade options
Pros
Precision
Because of its blade’s diameter, accuracy is guaranteed during the cutting operations.
More Room for Customization
Since it can do basic cuts at different angles, making customized cuts isn’t impossible to achieve.
Equipped with More Safety Features
Miter saws offer safety gear options like a fence, guard, and dust collection mechanism.
Cons
Less Power
Miter options are equipped with engines with less power, so they can’t handle thicker material as a table saw and radial arm saw options can.
Not Much Variety of Cuts
Typical miter options only offer four cut types. If you need more, we suggest opting for its variations.
What is a Radial Arm Saw?
Like its alternative, a radial arm option includes a power circular saw blade that’s placed on a mechanical arm. Its long arm can also be adjusted to multiple angles, but its biggest perk is its blade size which ranges up to 22 inches.
Are Radial Arm Saws Obsolete?
No, radial arm saw options are not yet obsolete. However, they’re not as popular as lightweight power tools like miter and table saws which dominate today’s market.
What are the Uses of Radial Arm Saws?
Crosscuts
This type of saw can do cross-cuts, but you’ll have to mark exact wood measurements for better results.
Miters, Bevels, and Compound Cuts
Similar to miter models, it can produce basic cuts. However, radial arm saws lack measurement indications.
Dadoes and Rabbets
These power tools can make perfect L-shaped and U-shaped cuts, which means they can be handy for projects that need dadoes and rabbets.
Ripping
Because radial saws have blade rotation, adjustable height, and lock features, making rip cuts in thick pieces won’t be a problem.
Key Features of a Radial Arm Saw
- Dadoes blades attachment
- Side fence for stability
- Rotating feature for versatile cuts
- Blade size up to 22 inches
- Has a sliding mechanical arm
Pros
Cutting Depth
Above all else, its blade’s size range allows radial saws to have higher cutting depth than their alternatives.
Versatile
Its ripping and cutting capacity is highly owed to its versatile blade rotation feature.
Smaller Than Table Saw
Unlike other powered tools, it has a compact design, so it doesn’t take too much storage space.
Cons
Less Precision
It takes time to get used to, making it less precise and not beginner-friendly.
Less Safety Features
As it lacks portability, this tool is more susceptible to accidents.
What to Look for in a Radial Arm Saw or a Miter Saw
Power
The power of your cutting tool signifies its cutting capacity. It depends per model, but you can check it in the saw’s specifications.
Blades
Professionals often opt for radial arm saw options because they have blade sizes ranging up to 22 inches. Meanwhile, miter blades are only up to 12 inches, which are perfect for intricate cuts.
Safety Features
Many people consider radial arm saws dangerous as they don’t offer tool safety [1] features like miter options. I recommend reading safety tips if you really need to buy a radial arm saw.
Accuracy
If you’re making repeated cuts, accuracy is important for the power saw you’ll purchase.
Brand
Power saw features could differ per brand, so buying ones that offer more safety and convenience is better.
FAQ
How can you cut more accurately with a radial arm saw?
You can cut more accurately with radial arm saws if you use a template for repeated cuts.
Will I need a radial arm saw if I already have a miter saw?
Yes, you will. Although miter saws are great with precision, there are thicker materials that only table and radial saws can handle.
Is a radial arm saw dangerous?
If not properly used, radial arm saws can be dangerous. Furthermore, their safety guards aren’t widely available in the market.
Conclusion
Wrapping up this miter saw vs radial arm saw debate, the choice all boils down on your project. Always think about what you really need for your project. Craving flexibility? Go with the radial arm saw. But if you’re just starting out and need something more portable, grab that miter saw.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
