Project that might push me to buy a panel saw (system)?

[masonsailor2]

I have a couple issues with Lowes and HD. They tend to stock imported ply which is 1/32 less in thickness. I have the router bits to match which solves the dado issues but it still poses some issues. Invariably I will end up with pieces in the shop of both standard and metric thicknesses in all three plys ( 1/4-1/2 and 3/4 ) which can drive you crazy. It can also makes layout interesting. A classic example are the top runners on lower cabinets. I like to rabbet the sides and thereby inset the runners. I use whatever ply leftovers in the stack for them and then they end up 1/32 bigger or smaller than the rabbet without fail. As far as them doing rough cuts in the breakdowns I don't care. No matter who does it they will have to be recut. I never use a factory edge either for the same reason. The other and most important issue is they don't deliver. If you are going to be buying anything over a couple of hundred dollars of material get it delivered. Especially sheet stock. Plus the driver will usually help you sticker it all !
Paul

[reible]

So it is another day and I have decided to place an order for the EZSmart Universal Edge Guide with Universal Saw Base.

I ordered from Rockler (53970) and I think it should be here this week.

I have hopes that this will be a good starting point. I will get to see how the saw base does as far as mounting and how well it cuts with built in chip control.

I think this will give me a good feel of their product and if I wish to get the associated tracks fine if not then I see have added to what I have and I'm sure it will be useful in general panel cutting at the very least.

Not to sure I made the right choice but I have to start somewhere so there it is.

Ed

[tdubnik]

I bought the same system a few years ago and have used it to cut down every panel since then. I mounted the base to a Ridgid 6 1/2" saw and it cut very well and as accurately as you can set it up. You get very little tear out when the anti-chip edge is in good shape.

I did add this http://www.eurekazone.com/product_p/ezt2300.htm which I set up on a couple of saw horses. Pull the panel off the truck straight onto the table set the rail and cut. Doing it this way it's a one man job even with 3/4" MDF.

A couple of pointers though. If you set the rail on the keeper piece you can set the edge directly on the cut line and not have to worry about the saw kerf. I also cut with the face side down so any tear out is on the back side of the panel. Tear out is minimal if the anti-chip edge is in good shape and they can be changed out when they wear out.

[reible]

Hi,

I already have a support system I got from another vendor some years ago. It is same basic idea with the slide out supports. I don't love it but it is the best I have for now. I might want to rework it for my next projects this summer, get rid of the saw cuts on the supports and have a look at another way to attach it to something better then the workmate I now use.

One thing I found is that the plywood likes to slide around when you are trying to cut it, might want to make the wood sticky or something, perhaps attach some surface to the supports or ??

I think I'll check it out using my PC circular saw but I could see even getting yet another saw to just leave for this purpose. Would like something lighter and with a brake. Time will tell.

BTW for those who are somewhat interested here is a link to what I ordered:

http://www.rockler.com/ezsmart-universa ... l-saw-base

Ed

I bought the same system a few years ago and have used it to cut down every panel since then. I mounted the base to a Ridgid 6 1/2" saw and it cut very well and as accurately as you can set it up. You get very little tear out when the anti-chip edge is in good shape.

I did add this http://www.eurekazone.com/product_p/ezt2300.htm which I set up on a couple of saw horses. Pull the panel off the truck straight onto the table set the rail and cut. Doing it this way it's a one man job even with 3/4" MDF.

A couple of pointers though. If you set the rail on the keeper piece you can set the edge directly on the cut line and not have to worry about the saw kerf. I also cut with the face side down so any tear out is on the back side of the panel. Tear out is minimal if the anti-chip edge is in good shape and they can be changed out when they wear out.

[reible]

I've started a review of my purchase at:

http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/woodw ... 16204.html

Ed