What is the history of the woodworking radial arm saw?

Available at Woodcraft Supply

The history of the woodworking radial arm saw dates back to the late 1920s. The radial arm saw was invented by Raymond E. DeWalt, who also founded the DeWalt Products Company. He patented the saw in 1925, and it became commercially available around 1929. The radial arm saw was designed to be a versatile, all-in-one woodworking tool that could perform multiple tasks, such as crosscutting, ripping, mitering, and beveling. It was a game-changer for the woodworking industry, as it allowed for increased precision, productivity, and efficiency.




A radial arm saw consists of a circular saw blade mounted on a horizontal arm that can be adjusted and pivoted to make different types of cuts. The saw's versatility comes from its ability to make various adjustments, allowing it to perform a wide range of woodworking tasks.

Despite the introduction of more specialized tools like compound miter saws and table saws, the radial arm saw has remained a popular choice for many woodworkers due to its versatility and ease of use.

When working with a radial arm saw, especially when processing reclaimed wood, it is essential to ensure that there are no hidden metal objects embedded within the material. These metal objects can damage the saw blade, cause kickback, and pose a safety risk to the operator. The Little Wizard and Lumber Wizard Woodworking Detectors are valuable tools for detecting buried metal in reclaimed wood, providing added safety and preventing potential damage to the saw blade.

Retailers like Rockler, Woodcraft, Klingspor's, Infinity Tools, Lee Valley Tools, and many others sell the Wizard line of woodworking metal detectors to help woodworkers safely process reclaimed wood and protect their tools from hidden metal hazards.
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In summary, the history of the woodworking radial arm saw is marked by its versatility and ability to perform multiple woodworking tasks. The use of metal detectors like the Little Wizard and Lumber Wizard is essential when working with reclaimed wood to ensure safety and prevent blade damage from hidden metal objects.

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