Do I need a RAS or Miter saw?

[Climb On!]

So I'm in need of a saw for cross cutting, my last project had me cutting long lengths of 2x4 on my table saw...very awkward, hence my need for another tool!

I'm debating over getting an old 50's era Craftsman RAS like attached or a modern compound miter saw. The RAS is big and I don't have a lot of space, and it'll do more than I need it to do. Can it do compound miters? I think the tool I really need is the miter saw, but I like the old tools and thought the RAS would go well with my 50's DP, BS, and grinder.

Any opinions on using the RAS for a reliable miter saw? Any suggestions for maybe an old miter saw? Or should I just accept the reality and buy a used modern miter saw...I'm trying to keep my budget under $100

 

[theoldwizard1]

I'm debating over getting an old 50's era Craftsman RAS like attached or a modern compound miter saw. The RAS is big and I don't have a lot of space, and it'll do more than I need it to do.

You just answered your own question ! (BTW, I don't think RAS came along until the 60s, but you are correct, the older ones are better)

I'm trying to keep my budget under $100

You might find a decent old RAS for $100.

You will NOT be able to find a decent new or used power miter saw and stand (Don't kid yourself. If you are going to do more than a couple of cuts, you want a stand) for $100. A good, new saw and stand will cost more than $300, probably more than $400.

 

[scott37300]

First, for cross cutting 2x4s I use a 20 dollar circular saw over a table saw anyday. Simple and safer.

As for the difference in the RAS and the miter saw in my opinion they are two totally different saws. I have an older craftsman RAS and mostly use it for quick cross cuts and some other things like dados sometimes and I have used it for vinyl siding and aluminum soffit before. The miter saw is smaller, portable, easier to change angles, better suited for any trim work.

They both have their place but it sounds like you are looking for a miter saw. You are not going to find a decent one for under 100 bucks, but you can pick up craftsman RAS all day long for under 100 bucks. And there was a recall on most of them, I just found out about it a month or two ago and filled out some form and within a week had a new table top, guard, and some other pieces for free. The radial arm saw would be good for cross cutting 2x4s.

 

[lbgradwell]

(BTW, I don't think RAS came along until the 60s, but you are correct, the older ones are better)

DeWalt invented the RAS in the early 1920s!!!

Yes, you can get a RAS pretty cheap these days. You won't get a decent mitre saw for $100...

 

[Stuart in MN]

You can get yourself a real nice hand saw for well under $100, and you'll probably have the 2x4 cut in the time it takes to set up a power miter saw.