Carpentry and woodworking is an art, and some power tools, such as radial arm saws vs miter saws, make it SO! Both miter saw and radial saw were invented to reduce the hassle and time involved in the undertaking of various woodwork projects. Between these two power tools, the radial arm saw is the oldest. At the time when it was invented, it revolutionized the woodwork industry as many experts grabbed it. On the other hand, a mitre saw is relatively new in the industry and it has more advanced technological features than the conventional radial arm saw.

Although radial arm saw and miter saw have a number of similarities as they both make accurate and precise cutting of woods, they vary in multiple ways. The radial arm saw is specially designed for cutting through thicker lumber due to its higher cutting depth. On the other hand, a miter saw is ideal for precise and accurate bevel crosscuts on thicker pieces of wood. When stuck on which of the two power tools to go for, it is essential that you select one that will fully meet your cutting needs.

Although radial arm saws are versatile and can be used in a vast array of carpentry and woodwork projects, they have become less popular over the years due to stiff competition by state of the art, modern miter saws built using the latest technology. Miter saws are designed with safety features, which make them safe for use, unlike the radial arm saws, which have minimal safety specifications as they could easily expose the users to unprecedented accidents. However, both power tools are hazardous, and the safety guideline should be followed to the latter while using them.

This piece will enlighten you on the similarities and differences between a radial arm saw and a miter so that you may decide which is ideal for you.

Let’s get to it.

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What is the Difference between a Radial Arm Saw and a Miter Saw?

Radial arm saws have advanced cutting depths, which makes them ideal for cutting through thicker pieces instead of a miter saw, which does not have this capability. A miter saw is perfect for cutting less small but thicker pieces of wood. To increase the efficiency of these power tools and to increase your productivity, it is wise that you use each power tool for its exact functionality. Ignoring this will not only be practically impossible but will also be compromising on your safety. 

Unlike miter saws, which are lightweight and portable, they can be easily moved from one workstation to another. Radial arm saws cannot be moved around and require a station for operating, they are also heavy and could occupy a more significant surface area.

Radial arm saws are versatile as they are suitable for a wide range of cuts; on the other hand, miter saws have limitations on the number of cuts they can make. For instance, it may be challenging to use a miter saw to rip boards lengthwise. 

Although both miter saw and radial arm saw uses a mounted spinning blade to make cuts, the radial arm saw has shortcomings when it comes to a safety mechanism. The blades of these power tools spin at an electric speed. If not careful, they could be dangerous. However, miter saws have improved safety features.

Different brands manufacture miter saws with a laser guide, and radial arm saws do not use this feature. The laser beam guides the carpenter in making accurate and precise cuts. This feature helps to produce clean and tidy work by eliminating chances of mistakes and errors.

Here’s a video showcasing what radial arm saws are all about:

What’s Better: Radial Arm Saw vs Miter Saw?

Deciding on which power tool is the best between a radial arm saw and a miter saw will depend on your cutting needs and also on your preference. Although radial arm saw is ideal for making different types of cuts and various woods, they have minimal safety specifications. Many people may opt to go for miter saws. Radial arm saw is old school and may be hard to compete with miter saws specially designed for accuracy and precision.

If you are undertaking a rigid and wide-scale woodwork project, a radial arm saw may come in handy due to its robust ability to make different types of cuts on lumber and wood. However, miter saws are specially designed to offer precise angle cuts but may not be used to rip lumber.

Although miter saws are not suitable for all types of cuts, they tend to be more superior due to the advanced technology used in their production.

Why are Radial arm saws no longer made?

While you’re not likely going to find a radial arm saw at your local big box home improvement store, these saws are still made. Radial arm saws are still used in many industrial and commercial applications, they just aren’t common for home use, and they never truly have been. Since power tools have been common in homes, the miter saw and table saw have been easier choices for homeowners. There are a couple main reasons why radial arm saws are less common today than in the past, because they can be dangerous and to an extent they are obsolete.

Are Radial Arm Saws Obsolete?

Over the years, the woodwork and carpentry industry has undergone a revolution due to the introduction of more advanced power tools, which has increased efficiency and production of more precise and accurate cuts. Although the radial arm saws have not become obsolete, they are rarely used by woodworking hobbyists.

Most professionals prefer modern saws such as the miter saws as they are more efficient and have made work more manageable. Also, the modern power tools are safer to use as compared to radial arm saws, which expose the users to hazards.

Does anyone use radial arm saws anymore?

Certain uses and applications might find a good use for a radial arm saw, but it would be uncommon to find a use where a hobbyist needs a radial arm saw. You might have uses where a radial arm saw would have made a single job easier, but still likely doesn’t justify owning another tool when you have one that meets the demand.

Why are Radial Arm Saws so Dangerous?

Unlike the modern power tools, which are designed with various safety features to protect the user from any injury while undertaking the different carpentry duties. Radial arm saws have minimal safety features and could expose the user to much danger as the saws are more exposed.

Radial arm saws were designed prior to modern safety standards and while manufacturers have added safety features, the radial arm saw by nature is going to be more dangerous than a table or miter saw.

The radial-arm saws tended to cause more injuries as the blade’s rotation could pull the saw into the operator and onto the work. Miter saws tend to be safer as they use different methods, which are safer.

Can a Radial Arm Saw Replace Table Saw?

Although both radial arm saw and table saw have similarities when it comes to functionality, radial arm saws tend to be more superior as it has more adaptation for attachments for jobs that do not need cutting such as drum sanding, surface planning, and routing. Table saws do not typically provide attachments for non-sewing jobs like sanding.

Additionally, radial arm saws are easier to maintain as their overhead blade can be quickly aligned. If your workshop has limited space, you can position your radial arm saw against the wall. On the other hand, a table saw must be positioned away from the wall to give room for bigger workpieces to be moved across the blade.

Generally, radial arm saw and a miter saw have many similarities when it comes to functionality but miter saws tend to be more superior due to the advanced safety features and precision in cutting. That said, the choice between these two boils down to user needs and preferences.

Dewalt vs Festool miter saws has been a long drawn out debate, however, does it need to be? Dewalt vs Festool might be competitors, but are the direct competitors in every space or can we better assess what we need out of our tools to better determine which brands, and ranges within the brands, we should go with.

A miter saw is a distinctive type of power tool used by woodwork experts and carpenters globally to precisely cut a wide range of angles. This type of saw has a big circular blade with a mounted swing arm that pivots from left to right to make accurate angle cuts. It is ideal for creating door frames, crown molding, window casings, picture frames, and many more. However, with the wide range of miter saws in the market, it can be challenging when deciding on which miter saw to go with. Luckily, there are two powerful miter saw brands that you can never go wrong with, Dewalt vs Festool.

Dewalt vs Festool miter saws are the commonly known and recognized brand for cutting power tools by renowned woodwork specialists globally. With their similar robust features, it can be an uphill task to decide which brand to go for. When purchasing a miter saw, it is recommended that you go for a power tool that will specially suit your cutting needs and at the same time give you value for your money. It can be frustrating to buy an expensive power tool only for it to produce shoddy quality work.

Festool Kapex and Dewalt have been producing the best miter saws in the market. Apart from the similarities in functionalities, they tend to differ in various aspects. Although the two robust power tools are high end, Festool tends to be more costly than the Dewalt miter saw. These two powerful tools are specially engineered for carpenters and woodwork experts who go for quality over cost.

This piece will give you much-needed insights into the similarities and differences between Dewalt vs Festool Kapex so that you may decide on which one is ideal for you.

Here’s an awesome video comparing Dewalt vs Festool miter saws:

Is Festool Better than Dewalt?

Before deciding which power tool is the best, Dewalt vs Festool Kapex, you must put various aspects into consideration. You should scrutinize the different specifications and features that make them the best in the woodworking industry. These power tools are highly recommended due to their capabilities to make precise and accurate bevel crosscuts. The following are some of the ways in which the two power tools vary:

• Quality 

Festool Kapex and Dewalt miter saws have many similarities when it comes to quality, as they are both high end and of the best quality. However, they have some quality differences. Although Dewalt is expensive, their prices are reasonable. This is because their high cost is translated to their excellent manufacturing standards and high quality.

 In the recent past, most of the miter saws produced by Dewalt are assembled and manufactured in the USA. Products manufactured in the USA tend to be of quality, thus zero chances of counterfeits. However, some of its components are made in Mexico, China, the UK, and Italy. Over the years, Dewalt has been at the forefront in maintaining high quality across the board.

On the other hand, Festool Kapex is one of the few brands that manufacture the most expensive miter saw than Dewalt vs Festool and other high-end counterparts. However, this depends on the specific models. But a majority of the Festool power tools are three or four times more costly than Dewalt tools. The best thing with Festool tools is that you exactly get what you pay for. Their power tools are unrivaled due to their high quality. They are considered the best in the industry. Festool Kapex is German made; this is why they have been able to maintain their top manufacturing standards.

• Product Portfolio

When weighing which miter saw to go for, it is vital to note that quantity is not synonymous with quality. On the same note, you will note that Festool power tools are of decent size, which is not gigantic, but at the same time, they are of top quality. Festool Kapex manufactures a wide array of corded and cordless power tools, things like drivers and drills, a variety of saws, dust extraction tools, and impact drivers, and anything that you may require in the carpentry industry.  

When it comes to the quantity of power tools produced in the woodworking and carpentry industry, Dewalt is the definite winner. This is because they manufacture a wide array of tools that you may need for any woodworking project. Festool Kapex tends to produce tools that are application-specific and strictly designed for professional use. Dewalt power tools are ideal for tradesmen as well as the average Joe.

• Warranty

Dewalt vs Festool Kapex brands excel in providing warranties to customers who buy any of their vast array of power tool products. Dewalt provides lifetime and limited lifetime types of warranties on specific products, as well as seven-year and three years limited liability warranties on selected products. Dewalt also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on the majority of its products.

On the other hand, Festool Kapex offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for customers who are not satisfied with the power tool they have bought. In a scenario where the power tool fails to perform optimally due to a defect, they are ready to repair it or give you a replacement for up to 10 years. Apart from that, Festool Kapex power tools come with a three-year comprehensive warranty, plus every tool you buy is eligible for an extra two-year warranty.

• Dewalt vs Festool Drill

When buying a miter saw, you should be keen to ensure that it comes in a wide array of drills and that you can quickly get one when you need it. Dewalt tends to have a better selection of drills as compared to Festool Kapex. Dewalt has over 100 drills selection, while Festool has about ten products. However, you should note that quantity is not the same as quality. It is vital that you go for a power tool that will meet your cutting needs and be easy to repair if it malfunctions.

• Track Saws Selection Dewalt or Festool

Both Festool Kapex and Dewalt produce a wide array of track saws. Dewalt tends to produce more track saws compared to Festool. Track saws are ideal for cutting trim, ripping boards, and for splinter-free cuts across panels. They are also suitable when used instead of the plunge seen as you may set to an accurate depth, and it won’t disappoint you. When working with track saws on subflooring and wood flooring, you will be in ultimate control.

Although Dewalt manufactures a wide range of miter saws with track saws, Festool’s ones tend to be better and robust as they will give you an outstanding cutting experience.

• Weight

For easy usage and flexibility of a power tool, the size of a miter saw masters. Festool Kapex miter saws tend to be lighter as compared to Dewalt. However, this may vary depending on the specific model. The lightweight feature of a miter saw aids in easy mobility from one area to another as it can easily be carried. In this case Dewalt vs Festool, Festool wins.

Is a Dewalt better than Festool: What Reddit has to say

If you search through Reddit you’ll find some great discussions around Dewalt Vs Festool. The general consensus seems to be that Festool is better suited to professionals that need precision and can afford to pay more for that extra 5% you might get out of a Festool over the next best tool. Dewalt is well received among Reddit users. Dewalt can be close to entry level, dominates the mid range and peaks with their high-end tool range. Festool on the other hand doesn’t have an entry level to mid-range selection of tools and only starts at the high-end range.

Although there is a wide range of brands that produce miter saws in the market, only a few, such as Festool Kapex, stand out. This is primarily because they produce specialized tools. Festool does not manufacture power tools for every application. Many of their tools are specially aimed at woodwork specialists. However, most of their tools for orbit sanding are the suitable selection for discerning auto body shops. Festool Kapex holds the title for the best miter saws, and that’s the reason behind their high cost.

When selecting a miter saw to purchase, it is essential to note that Festool Kapex is expensive and is specially designed for high-end woodwork experts. Most renowned professionals will agree that this robust power tool is worth every penny. Festool is one of the remaining few power tool brands that actually manufactures their miter saws in Germany. Many experts tend to believe products from Germany are superior and of top quality.

Festool Kapex has a 90% rate of customer loyalty. This is because those who have tried using this power tool in their various woodworking undertakings were satisfied with the outstanding performance. This miter saw has robust features that make it ideal for challenging tasks to rip and precisely cut different wood types.

The material used in the production of the Festool Kapex miter saw is of high quality and durable. These power tools will give you outstanding cutting performance for many years and without failing. Unlike other miter saws that tend to break down easily, Festool is rugged and suitable for large-scale undertakings as it can work for long without falling. 

Festool miter saws are also equipped with safety features that make them safe for novice users and experts as well.

Both Dewalt vs Festool Kapex are high end and of high quality, but Festool tends to be more superior and costly. This is because the Festool miter saw manufactured in Germany, has more quality features than the outshine Dewalt miter saw. However, depending on your financial capabilities, you should go for a power tool that meets your cutting needs to give you value for your money. Dewalt vs Festool can be a hard choice to make, but it doesn’t have to be!