Hi,
I am going to be setting up an old radial arm saw with a new stand and would like to know what you all think is the ideal height for it? I have seen them at a lot of different heights at lumber yards and would like some advice.
Thanks,
Wayne
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I am going through this right now. It's my 4th of July weekend project! There are no restrictions and several factors that come into play. One thing is that it depends on how tall you are. If you are 6'6" you may want it a little taller.
Another issue is shop space. Do you need to store anything underneath (such as shop vac or other mobile tool)? Are there clearance requirements for storing these underneath? Do you plan on using the wall space behind it or any space above it? I work out of the garage so every inch is precious space.
Another one is will the table be used in conjunction with other tools? Meaning do you set up a CMS or other tools left or right and use the RAS table as an extension table for the other tool? If so you may want to make everything the same height.
There are no restrictions and you will get a variety of opinions. It really is personal preference and probably has a lot to do with your height. I personally would like the table to be about stomach high so that when I extend my arm out to pull the blade through it is straight out, not angled up or down. Stomach high for me may be knee cap high for you though.
3', plus or minus.
Wayne, the pull handle height (my opinion) should be slightly below shoulder height so you can control it as it tries to climb into the cut.
If it's down low with a bent elbow, it's harder to manage.
Joe H