Panel Saws come in a variety of sizes, the first decision is to make is what size saw to purchase ie: 5 foot, 7.5 foot or 10 foot.

Length: If you typically cut 4 x 8 sheets of plywood or other type of material you can use all 3 sizes of Panel Saws the following are the differences of each size.

5 Foot Panel Saw: If space is a concern you can purchase a 5 foot wide saw and add roller extensions to add either 8-10 feet of cutting capability to each side of the saw.
7.5 Foot Panel Saw: If a 10 foot saw is to big a 7.5 foot saw will give you one side of 5 feet travel to help keep your job moving smoothly (will have increased stability over extensions).
10 Foot Panel Saw: A 10 foot saw is the best of both worlds giving you the distance to cut 8 or even 10 foot sheets with ease ( you can add extensions to make it a 15 footer)

Height: If you will be cutting sheets of panel larger then 4 feet in height, read this:

Sawtrax and Saw Systems make saws with a larger rip cutting (horizontal cut) capability. Most Saws are standard at 52" but Sawtrax offers 64", 76" or even 100" and Saw Systems has a 64" option as well. Most customers go with a 52" saw but these options must be considered for shops cutting larger sized panels on a consistent basis.

Accessories: Having trouble deciding what accessory to add to your saw? Below is an explanation of the most popular accessories.

Stand: Standard on the Milwaukee Saw, Sawtrax and Saw Systems is an accessory because some shops bolt saws directly to wall both of these stands also come with wheels for mobility not standard on Milwaukee saw.

Wheels: An accessory on the Milwaukee saw and comes with Sawtrax and Saw Systems when stand is ordered.

Flip Stop: If you are making repetitive cuts of the same length or width this option allows you to put a "stopper" at a specific point w/out having to measure over and over. This is an accessory on all saws: Milwaukee has a standard size and Sawtrax and Saw Systems have a 56" or 96" lengths for different sizes of their saws.

Midway Fence: This option is for smaller repetitive cuts, it brings the rollers up to waist level so you dont have to constantly bend down to make these cuts. Milwaukee offers a double fence and Sawtrax and Saw Systems can be purchased as a single or double fence.

Spring Hold Down Bar: This holds down thin flexible material so the panel doesn't move during cutting. All manufacturers offer this bar as accessory.

Extension Kit: Extends the base on which the panel slides on during cutting, Milwaukee Panel Saws have a 1.5 foot extension both sides to make this saw extend to 8 feet wide, Sawtrax and Saw System Panel Saws can be extended to 2.5 feet on either side making it a 7.5 foot or 10 foot wide Panel Saw or larger if needed.

Router Plate: This option is only on Sawtrax and Saw System Panel Saws both offer straight router plates Sawtrax now has a new revolutionary "floating router plate" which rides over any inconsistencies in the panel its cutting which is a big plus for cabinet makers and sign makers.

Knife Cutter: Only on Sawtrax and Saw System Panel Saws (replaces circular saw) allows you to use a box cutting knife insert to cut thin materials without having to cut freehand.Dual Rip Gauge: An inexpensive necessity for Sawtrax and Saw System Panel Saws (included on Milwaukee Panel Saws) this is the horizontal measuring tape for cross cuts on the Panel Saw.

Dust Collection Kit: Collects dust when hooked up to a vacuum or dust collection system while cutting, this is standard on Sawtrax and Saw Systems but is an accessory on the Milwaukee Panel Saw.

If you have additional questions about these saws or have detailed questions please feel free to call one of our Panel Saw Experts for advice on the perfect saw for your needs.