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A Panel saw is a cutting tool used to cut
wood sheets into panels of the desired dimensions. This is a useful
implement in the cabinet industry to cut the required plywood and
melamine sheets. Some common applications of panel saws include sawing,
wood molding, and trimming. This tool is often seen in many wood
workshops and is popular with skilled workers such as carpenters and
other building contractors. The panel saw is designed to cut a wide
array of materials. This tool is often used in lumber yards and in
small sign shops to cut around 8 x 4 foot paneling sections. Operation
costs are generally lower in the case of panel saws. Additionally,
panel saw blades do not need to be sharpened very often.
Features and working of a panel saw
The panel saw can either be vertical or
horizontal. The saw is powered by an approximately 15 amp worm gear
driven motor. Durability is enhanced with stainless steel or nickel
plated guide tubes having around 8 roller bearing guides. Additionally,
the tool often incorporates sturdy aluminum rollers having external
brackets. An average panel saw uses around 7-1/4 inch or 5/8 inch saw
blades, offering a cutting depth of around 1-3/4 inch. To increase the
compactness of the tool, the saw, router, and the knife cutter are
included in the same carriage. The depth of the blade can be controlled
by the user. Even angular bevel cuts are possible with this tool up to
around 45 degrees. The most popular blade in a panel saw is the 20T
carbide tipped saw blade.
A mid-Fence can be installed to allow the
user to make clean waist height cuts. This mid-fence combines the
benefits of a Radial Arm Saw and a router table into a single unit,
increasing the versatility of the unit. The user can vary between
horizontal and vertical cutting. The saw offers a cutting accuracy of
around 1/32 inch. Quick repetitive cuts can be performed with a stop
bar and tape system fixed to the panel saw. The stop block can be
accurately moved and locked into place without using a wrench.
A full size panel saw would have an
approximately 10 foot wide frame and a cutting capacity of around 8
foot wide sheets. The tool also has a cross cutting limit of around 76
to 88 inches.
For workshops that are short on space, a
mid-sized panel saw would be ideal. A mid-sized panel saw occupies
around 5 feet on one side of the cutting line and 2-1/2 feet on the
opposite side, offering a 52 inch cross cutting limit, with around a
1.75 inch cutting depth. All panel saws offer an unlimited rip cutting
capacity on either side. Dual carriage locks prevent any play during
ripping tasks. The frames of these saws are expandable. The tool plate
is detachable and the tool incorporates around 14 to 18 injection
molded plastic material holders. A spring loaded saw counter balance
provide better stability when cutting. Panel saws occupy much lesser
space than table saws and are also safer to use.
During vertical sawing, the panel saw
carriage moves vertically on two heavy extruded beams using Dual-Vee
bearings offering a cutting accuracy of 0.0005 inches. A traveling beam
allows the panel to be stationary, with the cutting beam moving both
horizontally and vertically.
What to look for in a panel saw
As with any cutting tool, there is bound to
be a certain amount of dust being produced. Dual 4 inch dust ports with
a nylon brush surround the blade. Some saws have a brush fixed to the
underside of the carriage that sweeps the dust into a dust hose
attached to the tool. To offer a combination of sturdiness with
stability, the panel saw may have a single-piece welded steel frame.
The complete steel construction prevents any warping or chipping.
A convenient blade lock helps the user to
change the saw blades quickly and easily. Roller bearings enhance
smooth functioning and also minimize wear and tear due to friction.
Some saws have a non-marring, thin material pressure guard. Most of the
saw components are easily replaced.
Some reputed manufacturers of panel
saws include Milwaukee, Powermatic, and Saw Trax.
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