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I wanted to buy a Safety Speed Cut from GBC as part of a deal with some other equipment, and found out they stopped selling them in favor of another brand, Saw Trax. I insisted on SSC but they didn't even want to try to get it for me. I had to buy directly.
My question is, Was it worth the trouble? Is Saw Trax of equal quality? Has anyone used both and compared features? I've wanted a Safety Speed Cut since I was a child (yes, I know, that's strange), and I'm very happy with it, and it's obviously a moot point now. But I'm still curious.
BTW, the Safety Speed Cut came with a 2 HP Milwaukee, a good saw. Also, the adjustments on the tool were already right on. It cut perfectly and accurately from the beginning with no tuning whatsoever. My only complaint was the utterly worthless blade that came with it. I hope I didn't actually pay for it. (Like spaghetti in a restaurant. I just wouldn't order it. It's so cheap, I feel they should pay me to eat it. But that's just me, I guess).
Also, has anyone put together one of the panel saw kits? You know, the ones where you supply the pipe? Are you happy, or is it something you don't want to talk about? I was pretty sure I didn't want to go that route. I built a swing set once.
posted
Brad, I'm planing on buying a Saw Trax very soon. It is the kit that comes with everything but the saw and the mounting board. The crosscut / rip version is $405. I've heard they work great but would like to hear more about the brand you bought before I buy.
------------------ Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 ICQ: 21604027 sherwood@up.net
Posts: 5396 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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posted
I don't know about other brands, but we do know about Safety Speed Cut. They are not only Letterhead Website advertisers, but we have used their saw in our own shop for years. Solid thumbs up on this product! Do you all realize that as a registered Letterhead Website user, Safety Speed Cut offers you a 15% discount? Find out more at http://www.letterhead.com/sdb.cgi?Shop=772
posted
Dave S., Sounds like the Saw Trax has a very attractive price. I think the very basic Safety Speed Cut (with saw) bumps up over $1000 US.
If the Saw Trax utilizes some kind of backing board that you provide, this may explain a lot of the price difference. The SSC has a welded fence made of heavy aluminum tube. Mine is heavy enough that I cannot move it without the optional wheels. It is free-standing and does not require wall mounting for stability, even when cutting three quarter inch panels. Fence extensions, a thin material hold down system, a mid-way fence (for cutting smaller pieces without having to squat) are all optional. And the wheels. And the extras add up in cost quickly.
My saw was bundled into a loan with other equipment, so it was not like it put that much of a dent in my cash flow. Had that not been the case, I would have looked harder at the Saw Trax kit. If that's the route you take, I would be interested in hearing how it works out.
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I made a panel saw a couple of years ago.. It worked awesome!!! I found the plans in a woodshop magazine(can't remember the name right now). The saw cost me only $155 Canadian funds to build and about 10 hours of time.. I always like to do these projects in the winter when time is more available.
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I built mine about 15 years ago. Like the Energizer bunny, it's still going. It makes an 8' vertical cut. Brad, I had it when you came down for the Letterhead meet I hosted here in El Dorado.
------------------ Frisby Signs, Inc. El Dorado, Arkansas 870-862-5073
Posts: 902 | From: El Dorado, Arkansas, USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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posted
Roy, I remember your panel saw, now that you mention it. Mounted on the wall as I recall, wasn't it? Or was that the power assisted easel? Wasn't that the easel that could flatten a sign painter if he ran it up so high it went off the tracks.
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this is one of those things that ...how do you justify the money for what it does..i see em advetised for $1400.00....and you can buy a SHOPSMITH FOR damn near the same money and it will do a drill press, lathe, sander, and other things...but $1400 for a "straight edge"??????? old paint joe P.S.where i buy my mdo at they got one....and for a buck they will cut a 4x8 ------------------ joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 6050 mobile hwy pensacola, fl 32526 850-944-5060
[This message has been edited by old paint (edited September 14, 1999).]
Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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