I got sucked into helping build sets for my son's high school showchoir. I was truly frightened by what I saw. People with little tono experience were wrestling 4x8 sheets of plywood across a littlejobsite table saw to rip strips about 18" wide. Then they'd crosscutthe strips they had ripped - no sled or anything - just put the endagainst the fence and go at it. Only the large size of the panels andthe low power of the saw saved them from being hurt by the severalkickbacks that occured. But they just stayed at it.The sets change each year, so this is an annual project. I expect tobe involved for four years. Something's got to change. I think theanswer is a dedicated panel saw like the ones they use at the borg tocut plywood. Milwaukee makes one that seems to go for about $1,500.Our budget is pretty generous, so I think I could talk them into theinvestment. Question is, Is this the saw I need? Anyone haveexperience with Milwaukee's panel saw? It's marketed as a commercialuse rig, but it's still about half of the cost of Powermatic's panelsaw. Are there others I should consider?DonkeyHody"Every man is my superior in that I can learn from him." - ThomasCarlyle

This sounds like a job for Festool.I recommend one of their circular saws with the appropriate length guide rails. Their large multi-function table would also help.

Panel Saw Experiences?

Dec 23, 2007 42 Replies

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toolman946 via CraftKB.com 18 years ago

Hey Bud (I can't bring myself to call you Donkey)

Although a few folks posted personal, and improper, comments - most folks are just trying to be helpful.

Your biblical references tell me that you're a religious man and I'm convinced that your goodness flows from your beliefs and convictions. I'm not religious but I've studied the writings of the world's major religions. No where (including the bible) is one encouraged to disregard "truth", or to be "cheated to the last".

I applaud your efforts and urge you to continue your good work... just be careful.

Best wishes,

Michael

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Puckdropper 18 years ago

"Upscale" wrote in news:1c56$477202b2$cef88bc5$ snipped-for-privacy@TEKSAVVY.COM:

*snip*

You know, you don't always need graphic examples to get the point across. A few kindly spoken words, suggesting that they do something different, or rethink an action they're taking sometimes works just fine.

As long as you're trying to help, IME most people are willing to let you.

Puckdropper

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Spruce3 18 years ago

Festool has a pretty neat setup . . . but its $$$$$.

In the recent FWW 2008 tool review they looked at a number of methods of cutting sheet goods. Cant remember all they tested, but the festool got high marks and the Lee Valley system did pretty well.

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