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The portable panel saw cuts large boards or panels into smaller, more manageable pieces. It is an easier and more efficient option for those who cannot handle big and bulky panels. There are several types of panel saws.
Horizontal panel saws:
This saw involves the use of a horizontal blade to make cuts. In this type of panel saw, the panel moves horizontally into a stationary saw blade. It is a common type of panel saw used in the woodworking and furniture industry. The saw provides small crosscut capacities on large boards. One good thing about it is that it uses gravity to support the panel. This means that operators won't have to exert manual force. It allows for easier handling, reduced operator fatigue, and improved cutting accuracy. Horizontal panel saws are easy to use for both professional and inexperienced users. They also work with various materials, like wood, plywood, and particleboard.
Vertical panel saws:
As the name implies, vertical panel saws stand vertically. It involves a vertically mounted (or standing) blade that cuts through the panel or board in a downward motion. The vertical panel saws aren’t as common as the horizontal panel types. Nevertheless, it offers certain benefits, like saving shop space. Many vertical panel saws have a tilting mechanism that allows operators to easily cut at different angles. Like the horizontal type, vertical panel saws allow users to cut with precision. They are, however, easier to use on large panels.
TABLE SAW:
The portable panel table saw comprises a tabletop, fence, rip, and crosscut sled. Unlike the horizontal, vertical, or any other type, this saw creates a cut by sliding the material across a stationary blade to produce the required cut. The fence is then used to guide the material. With a table saw, cuts can be made at various angles and accurately with simple adjustments. The table saw also comes calibrated and set to make cuts at various bevel angles.
A major drawback of the table saw is that large and heavy materials are difficult to maneuver when making cuts. This makes the table saw mostly ideal for smaller size materials.
CONTRACTOR SAW:
The contractor panel saw is a completely portable cutting system designed for job site use. This means it has to be lightweight and easy to assemble. So often, contractor panel saws may include features like folding stands and wheeled portability. It may also be powered by a direct drive motor. That said, many contractor saws are designed to break down into smaller parts so that they are as easy as transport as they are to set up and use.
The contractor saws are great for those who work from home and need a portable saw to cut panels and lumber.
This saw is not limited to contractors. It works for any DIYers looking for a portable option or without enough space to accommodate a stationary saw.
Specifications of portable panel saws may vary depending on the type and size. The following details are the key specifications of portable panel saws.
Cutting Capacity
The cutting capacity of portable panel saws are usually described with thickness and width. The cutting capacity shows the maximum thickness and width of the material that the saw can cut. For example, the cutting capacity of some saws are 25mm-50mm (1-2 inch) and 610mm-1220mm (24-48 inch).
Cuts
The number of cuts per minute that a saw offers. Higher cutting speeds result in smoother cuts and shorter processing times. The speed of most portable panel saws ranges 3000-6000 RPM.
Power
The power of a portable panel saw is usually measured in horsepower (HP) or kilowatts (KW). It is the motor that drives the saw. Higher power indicates stronger cutting ability. For example, some portable panel saws have a motor power of 2-5 HP.
Weight and Portability
Finally, the weight and portability of a panel saw is crucial. Especially for those who need to transport the saw frequently. It may also comes with carrying handles or built-in wheels for portability.
A portable panel saw offers many applications for furniture businesses, construction companies, and other industries that deal with large panels regularly. It is an essential cutting tool for the following industries:
Woodworking industry
Cabinet makers and carpenters use a portable panel saw to cut plywood, solid wood planks, and MDF to create furniture items like cabinets, wardrobes, shelves, and doors. The precise and straight cuts of panel saws enable carpenters to make pieces that fit together seamlessly.
Signage industry
In the signage industry, a portable panel saw proves to be a valuable tool for cutting materials used in signage production. This includes sheets of acrylic, PVC, foam board, and aluminum composite materials, which are commonly employed in the creation of professional signage. By employing the precision of panel saws, craftsmen can achieve accurate cuts that guarantee the ideal fit for their signage structures.
Packaged food industry
Panel saws are commonly used in the food processing industry to cut large panels of food products into smaller portions or units. This is particularly relevant for industries dealing with items like bread, cheese, meat, fruits, and vegetables. Portable panel saws offer the flexibility and precision needed to make exact cuts, ensuring consistent portioning and maintaining product integrity.
Construction industry
When it comes to construction projects, panel saws play a crucial role in handling large sheets of materials such as plywood, OSB (oriented strand board), MDF (medium-density fiberboard), and gypsum board. These materials are commonly used for structural elements, sheathing, drywall, and various building components. By utilizing panel saws, construction professionals can efficiently cut these oversized sheets with precision, facilitating the construction process and ensuring accurate fitting of materials.
Plastic fabrication industry
In the realm of plastic fabrication, panel saws serve as indispensable tools for shaping various types of plastic materials. This encompasses a wide range of substances, including PVC (polyvinyl chloride), acrylic, polycarbonate, and other engineered plastics. Panel saws offer the precision and versatility required to cut these oversized plastic sheets accurately. Whether it's for creating prototypes, products, or components, panel saws enable plastic fabricators to achieve precise cuts that meet their specific requirements.
When choosing the right portable panel saw for particular needs, it is essential to look for key features such as blade quality and the cutting capacity of the machine. First and foremost, customers should only purchase panel saws with premium and high-quality blades. The saw panel's blade will significantly determine the machine's cutting performance and efficiency. A good-quality blade will provide good cutting accuracy and smooth cuts.
Next comes the most important feature of the saw panel- its cutting capacity. Customers need to consider the materials they usually work with and the dimensions required. In the case of frequently cutting large panels, one should look for a portable panel saw with a higher cutting capacity.
Does the panel saw have a bevel cutting feature? If yes, customers should consider those saws with this feature, as such saws provide more versatility and options to users. On the other hand, if the panel saw does not have bevel cut capabilities, customers should consider the beveling tools that are required to use alongside the saw.
Another key feature to look at is the portability of the panel saw. This is especially important to consider when the panel saw needs to be moved frequently between different job sites. A portable panel saw with a roll cage or built-in handles will allow easy transporting and shipping.
Finally, operators safety is of utmost importance when using machinery like a panel saw cutting machine. When choosing a portable saw, one should consider the safety features it provides. Look for those saws that come with blade guards and anti-kickback mechanisms.
Q1: What kind of blades do portable panel saws use?
A1: Portable panel saws can be fitted with a variety of blades depending on the material to be cut. For instance, hardwoods and softwoods will laminate and use saw blades with fine-toothed firings to achieve smoother edges. Circular blades designed for cutting plywood are also applicable. Moreover, blades designed for cutting metals, such as carbide-tipped blades, will be used if the material is metal.
Q2: Can a portable panel saw cut curved or irregular shapes?
A2: Unfortunately, portable panel saws are not designed to cut curved or irregular shapes. Instead, they make straight cuts. In order to achieve curved or irregular shape cuts, one would need to use other types of saws such as jigsaws, bandsaws or hand saws.
Q3: Is it safe to use a portable panel saw?
A3: Yes, it is. As long as the operator follows the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines, they can use the panel safely. Among the instructions likely issued by the manufacturer include proper setup and prioritizing the use of safety equipment and accessories.
Q4: Can someone use a portable panel saw in the rain?
A4: Using a portable panel saw in the rain is not recommended. Most of the machines are constructed with electrical components. As such, operating in wet conditions might pose safety risks such as electrical shock or equipment malfunction.
