Extending the arm on a radial arm saw

[frank13]

Just a thought......was in the depot getting some ply ripped in half.....

And a thought hit me....could you extend the arm on a radial arm saw to work with a 4 foot arm?

Just curious....

I have been looking at radial arm saws and see lots of cm for under 150 bucks.....



Feedback?

 

[Outlawmws]

Not too practical. A panel saw is what you want for long cuts like that (assuming you make enough of them to make it worthwhile).

If you only do it on occasion get a straight edge, (mine was made in two 4' sections) and use a Skil saw. Clamp the straight edge to the material, (offset for the shoe to blade diff) and go.

 

[trboxman]

Or you can buy one of the track saw systems, a circ saw and tracked guide rail combo that doesn't require any measuring for offset.

 

[frank13]

I understadn there may be better ways, but i am still curious.....

 

[Alchymist]

Most radial arm saws are right at the limit for blade deflection/arm wobble as it is. Extending one would only increase arm instability. Just put your hand on the end of the arm and see how easy it is to move it relative to the table.

 

[mbatarga]

^ +1

Extending the arm would increase flexibility drastically - and further decrease accuracy.

 

[snorky18]

Most radial arm saws are right at the limit for blade deflection/arm wobble as it is. Extending one would only increase arm instability. Just put your hand on the end of the arm and see how easy it is to move it relative to the table.

unless you attached it on both sides so it wasn't cantilevered anymore. Basically a bridge saw / horizontal panel saw

I too though would much prefer a tracked guide rail. largely b/c of space.