Thread: table saw v panel saw

A panel saw will easily make short work of it (and is probably the best tool for the panel work), however if space is at a premium, I would look at other options. I don't know about the Festool plunge saw (and guide rail), but I've had good success with a normal power saw (with a good blade) and a suitable guide rail.

Hi Vernonv,

So you think a table saw for the solid timber and a good hand saw & guide rail will be the go.
Any idea on how much i should spend?
Don't want to regret my purchase in 6 months time thinking i should have spent an extra grand on more accurate/reliable equipment.

Well I've done a lot of MDF and melamine board with an old Skil saw and a bit of steel RHS for a guide, and got good results. I don't know what your budget is, but for the panel work I would go for the best quality, high tooth count blade you can afford (as it will mostly determine the quality of the cut). Fit it to a reasonably priced saw that doesn't have any side to side play in the arbor.

As for a table saw - that choice will certainly depend on your budget ...

My budget is about $4-5k. Can probably stretch that a bit if i have to but obviously would like to spend less and put the rest of the money towards other tools.

Paul

buy yourself a makita curcular saw and a couple of saw horses.

and make ap a guide with a sheet of mdf and some 20 x 40mm pine.

if ya want some pics i think i got some here someware.

Panel saws are huge and need loads of space. To rip a 2400 mm sheet you need more than 2400 infeed and obviously the same as outfeed. On your budget you will be able to get a good table saw and a Festool saw with the long guide rail. I use a homemade sawboard with a Makita CS which works well for breaking down sheet goods but a Festool would almost certainly give a better quality cut with almost zero breakout on the cut edge of the veneer. I made myself a cutting grid out of three 8' lengths of 4x2 that sit notched into a couple of 4' 6x2s. I support the grid on a couple of Triton multistands. The multistands allow the grid to tilt from horizontal to near vertical for loading on a full size 8'x4' sheet. A couple of 3/4" dowels set in one end of the 6x2s keeps the sheet in place as I swing it back up to the horizontal and lock it off. The sheet is then supported for layout and cutting and nothing drops to the floor at the end of the cut. The 4x2s are cheap enough that as they get chewed up I can just replace them.

cheers

George

I've got the Festool plunge saw and a 2700/1400mm guiderail and they work great for cutting up full sheets.

Also a panel saw takes up alot of room, needing atleast 25-30 square metres room.

If you've got the space and money definetly get a panel saw I reakon. The main advantage is of course the sliding table which gives you control over large stock.

I don't work sheet much where I work. mostly solid. The biggest advantage with a panel saw there I think over a table saw is in establishing a straight edge from your ruff stock from the very beginning ie. You have a stop on the sliding table. laying the stock on that against the stop.......rip a straight edge where ever, then immediatly slide over and rip off at width (say 3mm over final dimention, depending how its behaving.) along the fence, and end up with stock that often needs little jointing. then thicknessing to final width. its fast. Makes all the difference when there's much to do.

I am able to get the Festool TS55 EBQ-Plus Circular Plunge Cut Saw for $820 at the moment. Is this a good buy?

Cheers,
Paul

I'd look at the Festo saw and guide rail, Paul

As it's a one off/occasional items, you don't really need the panel saw, and, as others have said, the Festo saw packs into a lot smaller space.

Cheers,

eddie

Originally Posted by snapman007

I am able to get the Festool TS55 EBQ-Plus Circular Plunge Cut Saw for $820 at the moment. Is this a good buy?

Cheers,
Paul

A circular saw ? ... a tablesaws better than that ant it.

Would definitely get the Festool. A cheap $4k panel saw will only be nothing but pain.

I just had a look at a festool plunge cut saw in a catalog here......and the guide rails only 1400mm long. Don't you wanna rip up to 2400. Maybe I'm looking at the wrong one.

Also you can rip on a table saw with decent roller stands......and you'll end up with a more versatile machine (crosscuts etc etc)

I'd definetly buy a panel saw (even a 5 grand one like in the carpatec catalog), over table saw over circular saw with guide (no matter how flash it is)

Circular saws gota be more fiddly.

anyway goodluck.

Hi Apricotripper,

I believe & I may well be wrong that they make adaptors to join guide rails and they also make single rails upto 5000mm.

Cheers,
Paul