In order for the radial-arm saw to make accurate cross-grain cuts, how must the table be set up?

For a radial-arm saw to perform accurate cross-grain cuts, it is essential that the table is set up perpendicular to the arm. This configuration allows the blade to engage the workpiece at the correct angle, ensuring that the cut is even and precise across the grain. When the table is perpendicular, it aligns the cutting path of the saw blade in a way that optimizes the saw’s design for making crosscuts, reducing the likelihood of binding or misalignment during the cut.

Setting the table parallel to the arm or at a diagonal would not provide the necessary angle for effective cutting, which can lead to inaccurate results. Additionally, having the table level with the arm is important for stability, but it does not address the critical orientation needed for cross-grain cutting. Thus, the table’s perpendicular position relative to the arm is crucial for achieving clean and accurate cross-grain cuts with a radial-arm saw.