: Ettienne- What direction do you feed the boards? I too have only a radial arm
: saw, but have wondered how to deal with the dust flying into my face.-Greg

Hi Greg

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.