Have recently taken a look at www.panelsaw.com and www.sawtrax.com We have a gigantic old bandsaw (Jonsered cast iron). A Hegner scroll saw and an old table saw for cutting offcuts of acrylic sheet. I am after a saw to cut larger aluminium sheets, mdf, acrylic sheets etc, space is not really a problem we have nearly 1000sq ft but I like the idea of a wall type panelsaw, what are your experiences? or what do you use? Our 3 main plastic/pvc/acrylic sheet suppliers cut most stuff to size but then the spill can be 8ft by whatever, I just figured it was maybe time to go out and see what was available at a price and level of quality to meet our business.
------------------ Henry Barker #1924 akaKaftan SignCraft AB Stockholm, Sweden. A little bit of England in a corner of Stockholm www.signcraft.se info@signcraft.se
Posts: 1552 | From: Stockholm, Sweden | Registered: Nov 1998
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I have been using a Safety Speed panel saw for about 4 years now and love it. Mine is an older model that will allow up to a 75" rip (versus the newer ones only going to 64") It's probally the most important power tool in my shop. We cut everything from plastic to aluminum with it. I would hate to have to go back to cutting this type of stuff on the table saw. I also have their dust collection system but in my opinion it could do a bit better of a job.
------------------ Greg Gulliford aka MetroDude Metro Signs and Banners 1403 N. Greene St. #1 Spokane, WA 99202 509-536-9452
mail@metrosignsandbanners.com
Posts: 576 | From: Spokane, WA USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Hi Henry, I too have a Safety Speed Cut panel saw that we've had for 10-12 yrs. Just replaced a couple of rollers this year, and they were excellent to deal with, knew right away which saw we had. We cut acrylic, pvc, coroplast, mdo & even Dibond although it dulls blade quickly. A blade especially for aluminum would be the answer. We are currently considering the knife conversion kit for cutting styrene, foam core etc. would highly recommend.
------------------ Colleen Henderson Signs Now, Thunder Bay, ON signsnow@tbaytel.net
Posts: 140 | From: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jun 1999
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I have a full size model by SawTrax. Cuts like a dream like I'm sure they all do. But one nice feature of the SawTrax is that the saw that comes with it is a standard Porter Cable model. Get ready for sticker shock if you ever have to replace the saw on a Safety Speed Cut. I saw a speed cut at a lumber yard and the SawTrax seems beefier. You can also buy a plate for the SawTrax so you can pop out the saw and pop in a router.
------------------ Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 ICQ: 21604027 sherwood@up.net
Posts: 5397 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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