Vertical Panel Saw

**NightPanther** · 17th April 2005, 07:10 PM

After much concern over the possible inability to use the Triton Maxi Sliding Extension when I upgrade to a "real" table saw, I've decided it would be a better solution to get/make a vertical panel saw. This was reenforced by a simular comment made by Sturdee and by the recent article in the Woodworkers Journal magazine.

I didn't really like the magazine article because it relied on a kit that has to be ordered from the US. See this link for some info

http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/product...erings_id=5311

I also came across this link which is a lot simpler

http://www.versatool.com/PanelSawKit.htm

However, with both of these designs it doesn't seem practical to turn the saw sideways and rip the sheets. The magazine article implied it was possible but from the design the only way it seems possible would be to push the sheet material through on its side. I just can't see that working well.

I'm now throwing some ideas together in order to make one of my own that is better than these. At the moment I am thinking that two vertical guide rails (like in the above designs) combined with a track and roller system (like sliding doors) would allow the saw/router to run in either axis, and the sheet could be clamped in place to prevent jamming when doing rip cuts. I also would like the guide rails to fold down from above so that sheets could be loaded from the front.

As I'm still in the "thought" phase I thought I would throw this open to the forum for ideas, insights and other design examples that may be out there. When I get around to putting this together I'll document and share my progress for you all.

- John

**Gumby** · 17th April 2005, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by NightPanther

When I get around to putting this together I'll document and share my progress for you all.

- John

Excellent. I prefer to learn from other people's mistakes !

Keep us informed.

**echnidna** · 17th April 2005, 07:45 PM

Seem to recall there was an article about making one in a FWW book about making machines. At this point in time I can't find it in my bookcase.

**mickey** · 17th April 2005, 08:00 PM

Hi John,

Have you heard of Lexan? It is a kind of super duper pespex that I have used to make replacement router bases and drop-in inserts for router tables. I believe that you could use this to replicate the saw base in the second set of plans. Witha good big saw with a firm base palte and a good blade such as a Freud, you might get some very worthwhile results. I have a good combo machine with an outrigger and really lifting a piece of 8 X 4 ply or mdf on to it is too much for one person to handle safely. As well, the vertical saws that I have seen operating (there is one at Canterbury timber) are space saving.

Mike

**NightPanther** · 17th April 2005, 08:13 PM

I have heard of Lexan thanks to the Mythbusters tv show. Unfortunately I have no idea where to get it in Australia (let alone in Canberra). Anyone know?

- John

**bitingmidge** · 17th April 2005, 08:34 PM

Lexan is a brand for one species of Polycarbonate.

It is available at any plastic/perspex supplier.

Check out Wayne Davy's Wall Saw ... no need to re-invent the wheel, and I'm sure Wayne will provide advice on the way through!!

Cheers,

P

**Wayne Davy** · 17th April 2005, 11:09 PM

You beat me to it Midge!

John,

Go for it - you have some great ideas. My saw does not spin and only operates in Vertical mode but I have not had any need for that - the saw cuts up to 1250mm sheets.

btw: Go to Workshop and then Wall Saw on my website - (must change it from Frames one day so I can provide direct links to sub pages). http://members.optusnet.com.au/waynedavy/

**Gaza** · 18th April 2005, 10:06 AM

I too have been thinking about building a vertical saw, but want it to work in both directions, for a clamping system i was thinking of using some kind of vacum to hold the sheets in place so that cuts can be made with out worry of the sheet falling or having to use 100's of clamps.

**Sturdee** · 18th April 2005, 10:35 AM

I have been planning one for a while now and with the changeover from the Triton to a TS I have decided to build one along a spare wall in the garage rather than attach the sliding extension table to the TS.

It will be capable of handling full 2440mm * 1220mm sheets of chipboard and will be able to cut both vertical and horizontal as well as using a router for rounding over larger panels.

There are a couple of projects on the go that are more urgent ( like new router table and jigs for the TS and building in another mini cyclone ) but I've started to collect the parts I will need. When I start building I'll posts details as I go along.

Peter.

**NightPanther** · 18th April 2005, 12:28 PM

I love the idea of a vacuum clamp/hold down. I'm not sure if it is feasable though. Surely the required suction power would require a very sturdy frame and a very strong (specalised) vacuum pump. Or am I wrong?

**hilltopper34w** · 18th April 2005, 01:58 PM

Mr. Panther,
Can I call you Night?
Since I am a real tightwad, I am always reluctant to spend a lot of money on solutions that don't have confidence in. I direct your attention to FINE WOODWORKING TOOLS & SHOPS # 153 winter issue in their Methods of Work section, they show a very simple & inexpensive solution. It is sturdy & doesn't take up a lot of room.
It might serve as a temporary solution until you find or develop something better.
Sincerely,
hilltopper34w

**numbat** · 18th April 2005, 03:50 PM

This is not a vertical panel saw but it might be an option to consider http://www.onlinetoolreviews.com/reviews/ezsmart.htm

Cheers

**NightPanther** · 18th April 2005, 04:41 PM

Hi hilltopper34w,
Can I call you 34W?

I'd love to know what you are refering to but I don't have that issue. Can you give me any clues?

Hi numbat
It's an interesting idea . I'm considering if it would do all that I am trying to achieve with the vertical panel saw. As it turns out it has given me an idea for a type of hybrid of the two ideas. Stay tuned.

**soundman** · 18th April 2005, 10:51 PM

A mate of mine has two verticle panel saws, one that he made himself & he uses regularand one shop baught unit requiring "some repair"
Aparantly the horisontal ripping isn't the problem that it wold first appear.
The shop baught unit has round wheels allong the bottom that look suspiciously like rollerscate wheels. Securing the sheet shouldn't be tooo much of a problem because the saw should climb cut like a radial arm forcing the sheet onto the deck combine that with the backward tilt & a couple of clamps are all thats needed to keep it honest.

"We" have been "planning" to fit the head from one of the electrabeckum style dropsaws to the shop baught unit to allow plunge cuts & other tricky things.
If you can get a look at a real one many things will become cleer.

cheers

**sinjin1111** · 19th April 2005, 09:12 AM

Hi guys i don't know much about these machines but i'm very curious.
Just how accurate are the so call good machines? Are they as good as a panel saw. The pics i have seen of these machine don't look rigid enough. And just about all seem to be using shop bought 9 1/4" saws or whatever. So do people worry about run out on the blade end float. Or these machines just used to get sheets to a more managable size.
Sinjin.

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