posted November 03, 2002 01:09 PM
I'm going to purchase a panel saw and I thought I'd ask if any of you have one to recommend for under $1500. Something to crosscut and rip up to 4x8 sheets. The Milwaukee looks like it would do the job. I just found one in a Rockler woodworking catalog called the Panel Pro for $700 that looks pretty good, but I'm afraid to buy something I can't see first and I really don't do well with cheap tools. I'm sure a lot of you use panel saws so, any feedback? Thanks
-------------------- Chuck Peterson Designs San Diego, CA Posts: 1073 | From: San Diego, CA USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted November 03, 2002 01:48 PM
Chuck, we had a Safety Speed that was a very solid piece of equipment. It had a Milwaukee saw on it. Other than burning up one saw motor in ten years (operator abuse) there were no problems. Ours was on wheels which came in handy when cutting extra long pieces (cutting on the long dimension) in our small shop. The saw flipped 90 degrees and you could push a board thru much like a table saw, so you need lots of space on both sides. In our case, a dust collector was a must-have. The dust collector head was an option, as were the wheels.
There used to be an industrial tool store in San Jose where you could look at specialized tools like this. There is probably something similar in your part of the state.
Vic G
-------------------- Victor Georgiou Danville, CA , USA Posts: 1746 | From: Danville, CA , USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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posted November 03, 2002 03:40 PM
Hello Chuck,I found a used panel saw without the motor for $150. I put a cheap skill saw on it and used it for 5 or 6 years. It was quick to cut your basis quickie sign panels for jobs while the customer waits, but now that I have down sized my shop, I've gone back to my basic table saw. I would prefer a more versital table saw with a good 48" fence anyday. The cost for the panel saws, in my opinion is not worth it. You can control the dust better with a table saw and a box under it.
-------------------- John Arnott El Cajon CA 619 596-9989 signgraphics1@aol.com http://www.signgraphics1.com Posts: 1443 | From: El Cajon CA usa | Registered: Dec 1998
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posted November 04, 2002 09:28 AM
I struggled with a table saw for years. When all alone, you can't beat a panel saw for speed and accuracy. I bought a SawTrax and never regretted it. It was accurate right out of the crate, very sturdy well built machine.
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