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Panel Saw Help
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.
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