: You CAN rip on a Radial... but not always with complete safety !!

Hi David

I agree with you about the safety aspect. Here is a copy of the post I submitted when last discussing RASs

: As Kudzu says, You feed the plank into the blade from right to left in the
: picture below. The blade spinning toward you.

: A radial arm saw is by no means the optimum tool for the job. It is possible
: to shape the fence to enable the guard to be lowered. This would help a
: bit with dust in the face, but also make it more difficult to see the
: crucial entry point.

: I take the whole shebang outside when I am stripping. I wear a full
: respirator mask with dust inserts (I have proper vapour plugs for epoxy
: work too) and goggles. I don't enjoy the job so once I start I strip
: enough for several boats in one go.

: By the time I am finished I look like the Abominable Snowman.

: Radial arm saws in particular are terribly dangerous machines. They are also
: very easy to use in ways that are unsafe. I have used that saw for thirty
: years uninjured (touch wood) and have gotten to know its foibles and its
: potential dangers.

: Stripping is a repetitive and onerous job. It is very easy to become bored,
: impatient and complacent while in the process. A recipe for disaster. Even
: for the most beautiful boat in the world it is just not worth taking
: chances, and I always keep well away from the blade. Even with the guard
: down it is essential to wear goggles when ripping as a splinter or shard
: from a kick back is goint to go right into your eye.

: I always use a push stick to feed the end through or pull from the out-feed
: side. The plank can be pulled back in from the outfeed side so stay well
: back and let go if necessary.

: The most dangerous thing you can do with any rotary saw is use a blunt blade.

: Be happy to sacrifice a strip or a plank to an error of workmanship or
: judgement. Never try to rescue a jammed or trapped strip while the saw is
: running.

: Three fingers and the thumb on my right hand have slightly longer
: fingernails. I use them for playing the guitar. Whenever I start up that
: machine I notice those fingers and I am given a moment's pause. I love
: playing the guitar, and I intend to carry on into old age with the
: necessary digits.

: The worst injuries I have incurred have been while using a bog standard
: Stanly (utility) knife. I have cut myself badly twice, both times when I
: was distracted by someone asking a question.

: The lesson? Do not work with dangerous tools or machines if you are going to
: be disturbed or distracted or interrupted. Especially by children.

: Sorry to be a bore, but I would hate to advocate the use of an inappropriate
: tool and have someone injured.

: Etienne.