Panel Saws

Bill,

I owned a Milwaukee model 6480-20 panel saw. I found it handy when I was alone and had to cut 4×8 sheets of thing. However, that said They take up a lot of space. They are hard to get plumb and square to start with and keep that way. I built a wheel and roller kid which made it a lot easier to handle. I would recommend the extension kit and the midway fence kit if you do buy one.

Over all it performed well, and if i did a lot of cabinet and space wasn’t a issue and I used it almost daily on 4/x 8 sheet goods -and was alone most of the time then I can see the need.

When I moved to my new shop I sold it. I replaced it with my new 3 hp Delta Unisaw with the large top. I can do everything with my table saw and more than I just did with the panel saw.

I don’t miss the panel saw and wish I would of bought the Delta Unisaw or large cabinet saw to start with.

-- Dusty

I can cut full sheets on my Exactor sliding table on my table saw. But I tend to cut up with a skill saw on sawhorses. Because of trying to manhandle 4 X 8 sheets by myself.

Then I trim to size on the TS

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

Bill, if you look at my workshop photo’s, I have a panel saw that I built. It will handle material up to 1” in thickness. It uses a regular circular saw. The magazine plan used a 18 volt circular saw, but I don’t have any issues with the cord. I need to make and add some adjustable guides for better control over the saw. When I made the guide I didn’t have a dado blade, so it has a little more slack than it should have. My cuts have been square,even with the slack. I think it was WorkBench that has the plans. I’ll try and get the exact issue for you.

-- Jesus is Lord!

I have a magazine with the plans to build a panel saw. Til then I use a skil saw and clamp a strait edge on it and with a 40 blade, looks like a factory cut.

We’re gonna have to get together, so I can show you some tricks of the trade. Why spend a buttload of money on a panel saw, when a real carpenter can cut it with a circular saw?

-- http://ye-olde-cabinet-shoppe.com/

How to build a Panel Saw Shop Notes Issue 88

-- http://ye-olde-cabinet-shoppe.com/

The panel saw, Obi is talking about is a very well made one. I opted not to build this one because of the complexity of it. The one I built is more of a manual saw, no springs or cables to help hold the saw and no pipe with rollers to allow for horizontal cutting, which is a neat ability. I just wanted something that I (alone) could put a full sheet of 3/4 ply on and cut into more managable pieces for the tablesaw. Granted I have to either use a circular saw with a straight edge or man handle a full sheet on my tablesaw if I need to rip a full sheet of plywood, but the idea was for most cabinets and other projects, seldom would I need longer pieces than 4’. There are several plans to pick from.

-- Jesus is Lord!

I actually shouldnt be so criticle, If I had room for a panel saw, I’d probably make one, because this man-handling full sheets of 3/4” plywood up on the table saw or onto saw horses is a pain …

-- http://ye-olde-cabinet-shoppe.com/

I am looking to see if I have issue 88. It may have been before I subscribed to Shopnotes though.

Like all tools, they do have their place. I was thinking it would be easier to run panels through a panel saw rather than the sawhorse and straight edge method. I have also used a tablesaw, but that is tough work.

You do have a point. I have used the straight edge method so far with good results. However, it does take some time and effort ensure the straight edge is even at both ends (since I usually do not need angled cuts).

It is just one more thing on the tool wish list. I am trying to prioritize which items are necessary and which are nice to have. After my taxes are done, the necessary items will begin to be purchased.

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com