Thread: Sliding Panel Saw vs Cabinet Table Saw?

Originally Posted by RossM

Hi,

I am interested in opinions about the benefit (or disadvantages) of a panel saw compared to a normal cabinet saw as I am looking at upgrading from a Triton.

It seems that the sliding panel saws will cut melamine well due to the scoring blade, but is this the only real benefit?

Also, the sliding saws seem to take up much mode room, and look like the panel support mechanism will get in the road for general saw operations (not involving panels). Hase anyone any comments o the ergonomics of these panel saws with outrigger type supports?

Would I be better off with a 12" cabinet saw and use the savings for a Festo plunge saw & guide rail system for reducing panels?

Does the (substantial) additional cost of the panel saws buy better accuracy or any other benefits?

I have searched the forums, but could not see any direct discussions of benefits between panel & cabinet saws.

Thanks for any comments.

Ross.

if you've got the space to accomodate the table and the $$$ (in this order) go for it

ian

Thanks Ian

Do you have any comments on the apnel support? I am worried that it may get in the road with some operations where yuo are near the edge of the saw (eg creating round tennons with a jig)

It comes down to what you plan to do with it. If you plan to do a great deal with sheet goods then the panel saw is the better choice. If you plan to do a great deal with solid wood then the cabinet saw it the better choice. If you are going to do an equal amount of each I'd say get a cabinet saw. I think the cabinet saw will work with sheet goods better than the panel saw will work with solid wood.

Apart from the space and dollars there are several other considerations, e.g. is the arbour long enough to mount a dado set?

on some models the sliding table can be swung out of the way for operations where it's not required.

but I think it always comes back to the space required for the saw.
If you don't have the space, then it's not really an option
but then again, a cabinet saw with extension tables probably takes up as much if not more space.

Thanks Guys,

Seems that I will be better off buying a cabinet saw as most of what I will do will be solid timber.

Slightly off topic, but can you comment on where the value "sweet spot" is for cabinet saws? Seesm yuo can apy from $1000 to $100,000 for saws (OK, the $100,000 is a bit of exaggeration, but gets close with CNC commercial grade gear!) Is there a point where extra money only marginally increases that accuracy & ease of use of the saw?

For example the LedaCraft MJ-2325A is about $1300. The Carbatec TS-10L 1PH is about double that & Felder saws are more than double the Carbatec. Is there such a big difference to justify the prices? I want to get good quality results from the machinery, but don't want to throw money away either!

Working in only solid timber... well, 99% of the time, I recommend a cabinet saw with sliding table.

It offers more options for doing things.

If room is a problem most sliding table cabinet saws, the table will fold down & swing the outrigger out of the way.

I have one of these, which is almost identical to the Carba-Tec MBS300 model

I own both types.

If you have the space and money, the panel saw is the better option.

I don't agree with the panel saw for panel goods only attitude. Most panel saws have motors well in excess of the 3Hp usually found on cabinet saws.

Panel saws are generally better built than the cabinet saws. The only down side is the lack of dado blade (although Felder do one) and space.

I wouldn't discount the smaller panel saws with a 1200mm slider either. I think you should actually go out and try some. You will see the difference.

If you are deadly serious there are a couple of bargains in Western Sydney on e bay right now. You have about 2 days left. If interested perhaps someone in the know could have a look at them for you.
I have no $$$$ interest in the sales.

Carry Pine

If I were buying another saw again. I'd be looking for a 10". I've had a 10, 12 and 14. The bigger the blade the farther away from you it is. The 12" saw was great. But when it came to leaning over it for extended periods of time it got a bit hard on the back. But if you plan to do a lot of ripping of large timbers the 12 or more is better. I'd be looking for a used saw pre 90's with at least a 3hp. When they're that old they're easy to rebuild unless the casting are broken. Rust can be a real turn off when it comes to looks but easily cleaned up on a used machine. I think a good rule is the heavier the better - until you have to move it.

Originally Posted by RossM

Thanks Guys,

Seems that I will be better off buying a cabinet saw as most of what I will do will be solid timber.

I started woodwork making things with solid timber, after few years I found myself making a kitchen, several wardrobes and various pieces of furniture using man-made boards, in time, you may also find yourself doing the same things, if this is the case a panel saw is ideal. Compared to a cabinet saw I feel that the panel saw is more versatile and safer, particularly for man-made boards.
Zelk

Originally Posted by Toolin Around

I think the cabinet saw will work with sheet goods better than the panel saw will work with solid wood.

100% spot on

Originally Posted by Toolin Around

If I were buying another saw again. I'd be looking for a 10"

Again spot on. 10" is the perfect size.

Originally Posted by Toolin Around

The bigger the blade the farther away from you it is.

Thats why i like the 10." I like to get close and over the cut as i feel im more in control. Thats something i dont like about panel saws i always feel detached. Most will think thats silly, but ive never felt a conection with a panel saw even some very expensive ones ive used. But my 10" Super saw i just love. Even though its a fraction of the price of a panel saw, i would have it anyday.

Thanks everyone. The consensus so far seems to be that the cabinet saw is a better bet. Any comments about what the additional money buys you as you go up the "value chain"? My main concern is accuracy. Does double the money buy double the quality, or does the value start to taper off beyond a certain point?Ross.

"Does double the money buy double the quality, or does the value start to taper off beyond a certain point?"

No, yes.
Like most products once past a certain point you spend a lot more to gain very little.

Thanks Harry - That's what I expected - any idea where that point lies? (Either a machine model or a rouhg price point)