Thread: Carba-tec Panel saw 3.2m

I had no replys to my panel saw query so maybe i am on the wrong track.. should i be looking at a different pannel saw ...
any advice would be apreciated.
I am after a single phase with scriber that can handel a 2400 sheet , and around the 5-6000$ mark. Ive had a durden for so long but the size of my projects have now out grown it. Its accuracy and poor cut finish (no scriber) has been a bug bear.
Cheers
Oliver

Hi Oliver

I think maybe panel saw users are a very small % of users on the forum so it may take a while for you to get an informed reply.

Sadly I can add nothing other than the obvious you get what you pay for so spend up big

I read your post the other day, but am not in a position to advise as I only have an MBS300 tablesaw.

There has been a few comparison type articles on panel saws in the woodworking magasines over the years. If you could dig them up somehow, they may be of use.

Another thing too, is the Carbatec P/saws I believe are a relatively new model and there may not be that many out there yet.

Single phase is my only restraint -( dont know how much 3 phase would cost ).
1200 x 2400 x16mm is tha standard size sheets id be cutting up for kitchen cabinets and other bitsa's.
Is 3hp main and 3/4 hp scribe enough grunt ??
Saw blades Most teeth but quiet ..recommendation's ???
Panel saw recommendations please.............

Oliver

A single phase 3hp motor is ample for what you want. The trick with the scriber is to keep the blade sharp, otherwise it can bog down and burn.

I had a quick look at the Carbatec machine the other week. It looked OK, but until you get it home you won't know for sure. Sorry I can't help further.

Jeff

Hi Oliver...

I saw that Carba Tec saw last week, but I didn't spend any time examining it. I was surprised at the low price. If you are going to look at it have a good look at the sliding table, the trunnions, the dust collection provisions, and get an idea of how stable the chassis is, how smooth the slider moves.

Have a good look at the crosscut stops, and how easy they are to adjust and how fine the scale resolution. Have a look at the motor and electronics. Is the motor S1 duty rated? By whom?

Is the rip fence repeatable, is the crosscut fence ditto? mitre fence?

If possible, get a good idea of how to adjust the machine so that it cuts well. Have a look at the machine's manual to see if you can get past the Chinglish far enough to get a good understanding of the machine.

Since it is what it is, be prepared to:

1.Replace the motor soon, or the bearings in it if nothing else
2.Be your own machine tech to perform slider adjustments and calibration
3.Perform minor re-engineering tasks to tweak the machine.
4.Perhaps have to replace electronic components with name brand parts down the road. (Motor contactors and relays and micro switches etc)
5. Accept all the other compromises that come from trying to get a European
machine's capabilities without paying the Euro prices*

*I'm not saying that some machines aren't a bit overpriced, but the difference in quality would amaze you. AWISA is on next week in Sydney-it might pay you to go and have a look at Felder, SCM, Robland, Martin and Altendorf just to get an idea of what you won't be getting.

Power: 3 hp is plenty for cutting sheet goods. I have a 4 hp sliding saw and it never bogs down in hardwood using the full blade. (This is something I rarely do). I have a 1 hp scoring saw as well, but I have never used it as I have yet to cut one piece of melamine board.)

You will need to factor in your dust collector into your power requirements also, but I'm sure that you knew that.

Finally: The world of 240v VFD's has finally got to the point that 5 hp 3 phase can be obtained from single phase power, with the advantage of variable speed thrown in. Also rotary phase converters are available to convert single phase to three phase. This opens the door to a good used industrial machine such as you see on eBay more and more frequently.

Good luck, and keep us updated!

I forgot to mention a couple of things:

Assuming that you have no plans to go into competition with the cheap imported flat pack folks, why do you need a huge panel saw? A 3.2M slider requires a minimum of 7.6 metres of throw, and a width of about 3.2 metres also. That's a lot of real estate. If it's just for the odd sheet, you really don't need a scriber. A triple chip ATB blade will do most of what you need without a separate scoring system. If its just the odd sheet then you can get a smaller slider and a Festool guided saw for the long cuts. Seriously, its a good alternative.

On blades, I have a Guhdo "piano plus" blade that's quieter than most, but I hear that Felder's current "silent power' blade is very good, and very good on sheet goods too.

I mentioned some electrical alternatives before: I think that a 2.2 kW Variable frequency device (VDF, also called VSD) would be around $300-400 shipped, plus installation by an (of course) qualified electrician. Rotary Phase Converters are less if you make 'em yourself, otherwise you can get them ready made for $2K or so. Making them yourself violates all that is holy and legal regarding electrons in Australia.

Greg

Has any one else have any recommendation's
on a panel saw in around the $6000 dollar range 2.8 - 3.2 table single phase, with scribe.
Cheers Oliver

Don't mention it...happy to help. Really. Anytime.

I thought it was some pretty good info Greg. Two informative posts and like to be the only two at this rate.

Thanks G. I am just being especially touchy today...wake-up call was too early. Still though, I'd have thought that even a word of thanks wouldn't go amiss, especially after asking for the advice in the first place. Anyway, to the O.P....there are no other saws with your specifications and price point. It's a minor miracle that the C-T saw is so relatively inexpensive.

Oliver, just another possibility, if you have room for a 3.2 m panel saw, you may consider a secondhand industrial machine, you'll no doubt have to get 3 ph power connected, but overall it may be well worth it. Other forumites may like to add to this option.
Zelk

Hi Oliver

I have just put up an new post about plans for a Wall mounted Panel Saw. (click the link below)

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...ad.php?t=76293

Probably a bit "amateurish" compared to what your after but anyhow thought you might want to take a look at it.