Panel Saw

[Ed in Tampa]

I forgot to mention there are two types of panel saws.
One where the saw is fixed on the horizontal and can only move vertically.
To rip cut on this you pivot the blade and the sheet itself must be shoved down a roller track. So for a 4x8 sheet of ply you need 8 ft of clearance before the blade and 8ft after.

On upscale panel saws the saw is mounted on a trolley and you move the saw/tolley to cut both vertically and horizontally. On these you only need room of enough for the biggest panel you will cut.

Also unless the panel saw has way to secure the wood such as suction horizontal cuts can cause the wood to pinch the saw blade. On high dollar panel machines they have suction holder every square foot to hold the panel independent of the cut.

To me a track saw is superior in accuracy, ease of use, cut quality than a panel saw without the carriage/trolley to move the saw both vertically and horizontally.

I know of more than one commercial shop that had very upscale panel saws that got rid of them and went with the track saw. In fact one laminate shop has a commercial table, 12 inch radial arm and panel saws sitting idle as employees use the track saw. Of course insurance liabilities played a part in that decision also.

[kablerj]

always be ready to set in a sheet and cut it to size.

"cut to size" was a poor choice of words. I didn't mean to finish size with perfectly smooth edges. I meant to a size that would be more manageable on the table saw. So amazing accuracy and perfectly clean cut are not required.

I have a couple saw horses that are notched to connect them with 2x4's forming a table to cut plywood with a track saw. Up until now, I only needed this a few times a year, and I would set it up outside.

Now that I have an actual shop, and will be doing much more and using year around, I would like to create a more permanent solution that doesn't require me to move things around, and put together the cutting table.

Maybe a large wall mounted jig capable of holding sheets up to 4' high and 8' wide would work. With about a 10 degree tilt, and adjustable clamps to hold the sheet in place so as to avoid pinching the saw blade. Then I could use the track saw down to up or right to left.

[cooch366]

If I remember a past issue of either Woodsmith od Shopnotes had plans for a homemade setup. Don' remember how long ago. I'm working tonight and can look for it if you need it.

Steve

[anmius]

The following plans seem to be a compromise between a track saw set-up (which I use) and a vertical panel saw. It appears to really be a vertical holding system with track saw. In any case, it might be worth the $5 to check it out.

http://www.plansnow.com/panelcutguide.html