I am considering the purchase of a panel saw. I have looked at saw trax, safety speed cut, milawaukee and panel pro.. i have also looked at the track saw by dewalt. I am looking for something that I can cut mdo, dibond, acrylic with also have looked at the keen cut, i know they wont do heavy stuff.. what do you all have that you like or dont like
Posted by Checkers (Member # 63) on :
Hiya Henry, When I worked for the franchises, all they used Speed Cut panel saws - typically the H4 & H5 series. They were quite accurate and very dependable for cutting nearly anything a typical sign shop would throw at it, including .063" aluminum with the right blade. You probably could cut thicker aluminum with a stronger saw. The only issue with a panel saw is space. If you plan on cross cutting 5' x 10' panels, you should have at least 22' of space to maneuver the panels through the saw. IMHO, the dust collection system and the hold down bar should be mandatory items. The stop block, wheels/fixed frame and mid way fence were also very convenient. Anything else would depend on your shop environment. And, when it comes to replacement blades, you may get a better deal buying locally.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
I have a Saw Trax. It is well built and very accurate. It uses a Porter Cable hand saw, which is easily replaced or fixed, locks in tight for accuracy, but the down side is the dust collection on this isn't the best since it uses a little 1 1/4 inch diameter hose. But I like seeing where the blade is in relation to the substrate and I don't mind the one minute it takes to sweep up.
Posted by Bill Lynch (Member # 3815) on :
