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

 

[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?

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[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.

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[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.