Cutting 4x8 sheets

[lostcreekranch]

Ok, on panel saws, if you're doing a horizontal rip of a sheet of plywood, what keeps the upper piece from pinching the blade near end of the cut?

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[bcp]

You could pull the sheet by the top piece, with a little lift while pulling.

Bruce

 

[lostcreekranch]

You could pull the sheet by the top piece, with a little lift while pulling. Bruce

Doesn't seem like that is easier than cutting flat with guide and circular saw. Probably need two people to make a horizontal rip cut with the panel saw?

I tried letting box store rip some plywood,many years ago, and was so inaccurate I had to re-cut every piece with a lot of waste.

Same with track saw? You still have to move track saw guide, clamp it down, and make your cut, then move, clamp, repeat. That's exactly same as a circular saw and guide? Why would I pay several hundred $$$ to do same as I presently do.





I cut sheet goods, with maybe 1/8" extra then do final cuts on table saw. I can rip up to 32" on my table saw and have a 6' outfeed table.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[downsizingnow48]

I looked up the operator's manual for the Powermatic panel saw ($5300). Some phrases from the manual:

With respect to rip cuts:
"Support the upper piece to prevent it from
pinching the blade or the kerf protector, or
falling away from the machine."

In general:
"Panel saws are for cutting large panels down
to size. As the panel gets smaller, other types
of tools become safer and more convenient to
use. "

So it looks like the panel saw is not a replacement for a table saw. $5300 would be a lot to pay, just to break down a 4x8 sheet. And with respect to rip cuts, like Bruce said, you would have to use one hand to keep the upper piece from binding or breaking, while operating the saw with the other hand.

So with respect to the OP's original questions, I don't see either the panel saw or the track saw as a viable alternative to a table saw for production cuts in plywood. Make some good infeed and outfeed tables for the table saw, that will help a lot.

 

[bcp]

And with respect to rip cuts, like Bruce said, you would have to use one hand to keep the upper piece from binding or breaking, while operating the saw with the other hand.

The saw is clamped in place and you don't touch it. Push the panel 3/4 way through, go the the other side, pull on the top to cut the rest of the way.

Bruce

Rip cut at about 2:45:

 

[downsizingnow48]

Yep that is right, thanks.

 

[joefromga]

That's just for horizontal rip cuts. Most cuts are vertical crosscuts unless you need longer than 4 feet pieces which, for shelving, and furniture is rare.

 

[bcp]

At about 1:30 in the video is a crosscut.

Bruce

 

[Egon]

Working on site the track saw would be a good choice.

Working at home with small space again the track saw. Couple of sawhorses with 2x4 support for sheet goods set up outside

Large shop and a properly equipped & sized table saw should also do.

Short of space & funds a Skilsaw and clamped board works. ( what I've got to do )

It all depends what is needed with the space tools at hand.

 

[Egon]

Working on site the track saw would be a good choice.

Working at home with small space again the track saw. Couple of sawhorses with 2x4 support for sheet goods set up outside

Large shop and a properly equipped & sized table saw should also do.

Short of space & funds a Skilsaw and clamped board works. ( what I've got to do )

It all depends what is needed with the space tools at hand.