Replacement saw advice

[phaedrus]

After a recent house move I now no longer have a workshop, just a single garage, which is next to useless but better than a couple of workmates outside in a Cumbrian winter. One of several machines which has to go, is my Startrite table saw. I don't know what to replace it with. I've never used, and know little about radial arm saws; would one of these be worth considering? I'm inclined to think it might be better than a Bosch or DeWalt benchtop table saw? I'm keeping my bandsaw which might influence any suggestions.
Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[carlb40]

I would say a radial arm saw will take up a lot of room in a single garage. Ripping timber with one can be done but not recommended for safety. Have you thought about a bandsaw?
That could be tucked into a corner when not being used.
If you are just cutting sheet materials, how about a track saw?

 

[pcb1962]

I've never used, and know little about radial arm saws; would one of these be worth considering? I'm inclined to think it might be better than a Bosch or DeWalt benchtop table saw?

I've never used one either but a RAS would be bottom of my list. A track saw plus an SCMS if you don't have one would be my suggestion.

 

[RobinBHM]

+1 for not a RAS

I had a radial arm saw in my first workshop but found I hardly used it and sold it eventually. I now have a larger joinery shop and still dont have a RAS. A chain saw is used for rough cutting to length before ripping / PAR and then a panel saw is used for cutting to exact length.

If you have a chop saw, then this mostly makes a RAS redundant. In theory they can be used for ripping sheets but I dont think the accuracy or safety makes this worthwhile.

I dont have one, but I notice a lot of people on here are impressed by track saws for cutting sheet material

 

[phaedrus]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll have to research track saws; never used one and know nothing about them. It's the use of the table saw with a crosscut box which I'll miss probably more than anything. Maybe it's time to use hand tools again, certainly cheaper, quieter and less dusty.

 

[pcb1962]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll have to research track saws; never used one and know nothing about them.

Plenty of videos on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=TS55 (other track saws are available :lol: )

It's the use of the table saw with a crosscut box which I'll miss probably more than anything.

Sliding mitre saw would be the closest replacement for that, probably want one with a 10 inch blade.