Cutting 4x8 sheets

[downsizingnow48]

Never used or seen a track saw. I looked at some photos on the web. Can't figure out how does it work for repeat cuts? On a table saw I set it to rip plywood to say 11 3/4 inch and cut up several sheets that way without another measurement or setup. All the pieces are exactly the same.

There are many things for OP to consider. Accuracy, straightness, repeatability, ease of use, cost, portability, out-of-the-way-when-you-don't-need-it, etc.

 

[EddieWalker]

I also wonder about what it takes to set up a track saw or a panel saw when cutting plywood for something like shelves. Building shelves for clients is something that I do fairly often, and probably my biggest use for my table saw. I cut 3/4 inch plywood 11 1/2 inches for as many shelves as I need. Then I set it up to 1 1/2 inches to cut 3/4 plywood for the brackets or supports that I screw into the studs that will support the shelves. And then half inch mdf for the fronts of the shelves, or stain grade wood if that's what they want instead of painting.

For me, it's very fast to just move the fence to where I want it for the cut, run the plywood through until I have the desired number, then change it and make my other cuts. Clamping on a guide for each of those cuts seems very time consuming. Setting it into a panel saw also seems very time consuming.

 

[BoylermanCT]

Using a track saw is MILES ahead of a straight edge and circle saw.... Anyone that says they are the same thing, don't know what they are talking about... SR

Track saws are nice, but a bit costly. A Dewalt track saw is $500-$600 depending on how much track you get - 4' or 8'. If you are in the business of cutting plywood every day, money well spent. Of course, the plywood saws at Home Depot are several thousand dollars and they give you 2 cuts for free.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Waiting to be educated on track saws. $600 seems like a lot. What does it do other than make one straight cut?

 

[joefromga]

They keep your from having to lift the panel more than. A few inches off the ground.

You're cutting vertically so you really just let the saw cut with gravity. There are stops on the right side so you make one measurement, set the stops (like a fence) then slide over the panel to the stops. Then you start the saw and slice down. Pull out the cut piece, slide the leftover to the stops, cut again, repeat.

Imagine a table saw laid over on its front side. But with stops instead of the fence and the panel stays square because it's in a track at the bottom near the floor.

You get perfect square cuts, no lifting, easy readjustment, and works much faster than any other method.

You could probably make 12 cuts in under a minute with a panel type saw. All perfect, square, and exactly the same.

One man job.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Is that a panel saw or track saw or are they the same thing?

 

[joefromga]

So easy even chicks can do it.

They also allow the saw to twist 90 degrees for longitudinal cuts.

 

[joefromga]

Is that a panel saw or track saw or are they the same thing?

They appear to be different.

Panel saw is what we're talking about. Track saws have the saw on a track which you can use on a flat table.

They also are plunge cut so you can start into the middle of the wood or flooring type jobs. The track allows perfect straight cuts but the panel saw is for production and the track saw is more portable.

 

[downsizingnow48]

OK that is helpful.

So track saw = measure, mark, clamp, cut one straight line. Do it over again for another straight line.

Panel saw on the other hand can make multiple identical cuts, same as a table saw, but with less effort than a table saw.

If I was still doing production I would look into a panel saw -- what is the cost, accuracy, and repeatability, compared to a table saw.

But can't see spending $600 for the track saw that apparently gives you one straight line per setup.

 

[two_bit_score]

OK that is helpful.

So track saw = measure, mark, clamp, cut one straight line. Do it over again for another straight line.

Panel saw on the other hand can make multiple identical cuts, same as a table saw, but with less effort than a table saw.

If I was still doing production I would look into a panel saw -- what is the cost, accuracy, and repeatability, compared to a table saw.

But can't see spending $600 for the track saw that apparently gives you one straight line per setup.

It's already been mentioned and remember this is a "new in box" price. I'm sure you could find a good used one for a lot less. but they are probably worth twice the price if you are using them every day or close to that:FREE SHIPPING — Milwaukee Panel Saw — 8 1/4in. Blade Size, Model# N6480-20 | Panel Saws| Northern Tool + Equipment