cross-posted from: https://pixelfed.crimedad.work/p/crimedad/705187000877520551
Is this correct for the updated blade guard on a radial arm saw?
The carriage doesn't go back far enough for the blade guard to fall down behind the fence. I thought the guard was supposed to keep the carriage in the home position until the user lifts it with the lever on the handle. I'm wondering if I did something wrong. Any RAS users know what I'm talking about?
Intimidated is good in this case but a table saw is not really any more dangerous than a radial arm saw. You also don't have to worry about the blade riding up and grabbing the material. A good (cabinet saw or high end contractor) table saw is a very accurate and vesatile tool.
A solid low cost option is a Craftsman 113 series which, with the right model (10 inch belt drive) and upgrades, is an excellent saw. There's still a whole lot of them sitting around in garages collecting dust, ready to be picked up for less than a couple hundred bucks.