How to choose a panel saw?

In the world of woodworking, there are tools that are essential, and then there are tools that elevate the craft to a whole new level. Handling large sheets of wood with a regular table saw is doable, but very difficult. As any artisan can tell you, it is never easy to cut larger pieces of wood with a regular table saw. There is a better way to cut larger pieces of wood, and it is called a panel saw.The panel saw is one such tool, playing a critical role in precise, large-scale cutting tasks. For DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike, understanding the mechanics and capabilities of a panel saw can unlock new potentials in projects.

What is a Panel Saw?

A panel saw, at its core, is a type of woodworking machinery that allows users to cut large sheets of materials, such as plywood, MDF, or other paneling. The design usually features a large, flat surface onto which these sheets can be placed and a circular saw mounted, which can be moved either horizontally or vertically to execute the cut,A rotating circular saw blade is moved across the wooden panel to size it.

Two primary types of panel saws dominate the market:

Vertical Panel Saws: In these models, the panel stands upright, and the saw can move both up and down, or side-to-side. They’re often chosen for their smaller footprint, which makes them more suitable for workshops with limited space.ertical panel saws can make two kinds of cuts, cross-cuts (which are vertical cuts) and strip cutting (which are horizontal cuts). In order to make the different kinds of cuts, all one has to do is reposition the saw blade. However, it is worth noting that because of the panel saw’s design, you can’t use vertical models to make angled cuts (also known as miter cuts), you still need a specialty miter saw or a circular saw to do that.

Horizontal Panel Saws: With these, the panel lies flat, and the saw moves over it to make the cut. These tend to be more common in professional environments where space is less of an issue, and speed is paramount.The horizontal panel saws work in a very similar fashion to regular table saws. With a panel saw, there is a single spinning blade and the material is fed into it. So, in that sense, people who are used to cutting with a regular table saw will have no issues using this power saw.On large-sized units, the workpiece is fixed on the table and the rotating blade is moved across it to make the cut.

Vertical vs Horizontal Panel Saws – Differences

Orientation

The biggest difference between the two kinds of saws is their design or appearance. A horizontal panel saw looks very similar to a table saw, except with a wider table. A vertical panel saw essentially looks like a giant, flat board with a saw attached to it. Vertical models actually need to be mounted on a wall to be used properly.

Functionality

Obviously, the differences in appearance affect how each kind of saw functions. With a vertical panel saw, you have a lot more control over the blade itself and can easily reposition it. Likewise, because it is vertical, pushing the wood into the blade is a bit different. You have a bit less control over the wood because it is placed vertically, as opposed to horizontally.
With a horizontal saw, it functions very similarly to a regular table saw. You either push the work across the table or large units, the blade travels across work. Anybody who is used to using a regular table saw will have no issue whatsoever using a horizontal panel saw.

Size

Both kinds of power saws take up a lot of space, but horizontal panel saws take up a lot more. You can easily fit a vertical panel saw into most home workshops, it will be a bit of a hassle, but it is doable. The same cannot be said for horizontal saws, which take up a huge amount of space.

Pros and Cons:

Vertical Panel Saw

Vertical table saws cut through wood panels with both accuracy and speed. There is a reason they are used in commercial settings. If you need to cut through a large amount of wood paneling in a short amount of time, then a vertical panel saw is your best bet.

The main downside to using a vertical panel saw is that there is nothing else really like it on the market, so they can be very difficult to use, especially for amateurs.

Horizontal Panel Saw

Horizontal panel saws function a lot like regular table saws, so they are really easy to start using. Eve an amateur DIYer can learn how to use a horizontal saw with ease.

However, the horizontal type can be difficult to fit into your standard workshop or garage. So, unless you have a particularly large work area, you might find it difficult to use a horizontal panel saw.

Why Use a Panel Saw?

There are several compelling reasons why a panel saw might be preferred over other cutting tools:

• Precision: For large sheets, maintaining a straight, clean cut can be challenging with handheld tools. Panel saws provide the stability and guidance to achieve precise cuts every time.
• Safety: Handling big panels with smaller tools can be risky. The fixed nature of a panel saw, combined with its guided system, minimizes the chances of accidents.
• Efficiency: Especially in professional settings, time is money. Panel saws allow for rapid, repeatable cuts, dramatically increasing productivity.

Uses of a Panel Saw

What is a panel saw used for? You could technically use a panel saw to cut any size of wood, but that would be missing the main point of this powerful saw. The main use of a panel saw is to cut large pieces (think at least as large as 4 feet by 8 feet, if not larger) of wood into smaller, more manageable pieces. A panel saw can be used in conjunction with other kinds of saws, such as regular table saws or miter saws, or it can be used on its own.

• To cut large wooden panels to smaller sizes
• To size plywood, MDF, Particleboards and other engineered wood
• For custom cabinet making and joinery
• To build tables, dressers, furniture, etc.
• Build small houses, play houses, cabins

Conclusion:

In the vast arena of woodworking, the panel saw stands out as a tool that promises precision, efficiency, and safety.If you want to learn more about the circular saw blade working. Please contact our HERO salesman.