Replies

1. 
   BillHartmann | Dec 07, 2002 01:26am | #1

   Since you said "small shop" I am assuming that you are talking about a verical pannel saw like Safety Speed Cut

   http://www.panelsaw.com/

   And not the horizontal pannel saws like this

   http://www.lagunatools.com/Z3200.htm

   Don't have an experience with either, just wanted to make sure that every one was on the same page.

1. 
   Ragnar17 | Dec 07, 2002 01:28am | #2

   Yes, the vertical kind is what I'm considering.  Thanks for the post.

2. 
   sdr25 | Dec 07, 2002 02:49am | #3

   Bill, just wondering if you have seen prices on the horizontal saws you posted the link for? I didn't want to provide my life history just to see there price list.

   That little C-4 model would be nice.

   Scott R.

1. 
   BillHartmann | Dec 08, 2002 02:18am | #8

   I believe that come in the "if you have to ask you can't afford it" price range. Langua (sp?) had a special on their web page, I don't remember if that is the one I posted or not. I beleive that it was $20k+ but that was a combo that included an edgebander.

1. 
   brisketbean | Dec 08, 2002 03:52am | #9

   We converted ours to a panel router with the 3 1/4 portercable router on it, works great for making shelf rabbits for box work, but have never ripped on it since we have two unisaws in the building with it.  

1. 
   Adrian | Dec 08, 2002 05:24am | #10

   Generally, if what you want are square and rectangular pieces with 90 deg. edges cut out of sheets, then a lot of folks choose a vertical saw; fast, and reasonably accurate. Ripping is a little tricky. If you do a lot of angled cuts, and especially if you need bevelled edges (like in mitre joints on the edges of cabinets), those folks usually go with a horizontal slider, which is usually more accurate but a little slower. Angles can be done on a vertical saw, but it can be a pain, and if you wanted a scoring saw blade, for chip free cuts, that's a big upgrade on a vertical, not such a big deal on a horizontal. Prices on either (Safety Speed Cut stuff aside), can range from under 10K to over 70K. The Laguna slider was around 10K Cdn last tme I checked.

   I know a few people that love their verticals, and they seem to do a good job for production cabinet parts. I've seen a lot of shops with both, and inevitably it seems most people end up preferring the horizontal....if they have the production to justify it, some will move to a beam saw (price: don't ask) for simple rectangular shapes, and keep the slider for oddball stuff.cabinetmaker/college instructor. Cape Breton, N.SWAY too conservative to be merely right wing

2. 
   sdr25 | Dec 10, 2002 03:22am | #11

   Bill, /cough...gag/ HOLY CHIT!

   Scott R.

2. 
   CAGIV | Dec 07, 2002 04:19am | #4

   Ragar,

     I tried to post a similar response to this a sec ago and it didn't take so here goes again, and if its there twice sorry.

   I assume you want  a panel saw to cut 4x8 ply?  I have never used a vertical panel saw before, but have used a sliding panel saw, there great  and if you could get one on the cheap I would recommend it over anything.

   What type of table saw do you use.  I have used a unisaw for making a fair amount of cabinets, entertainment centers, bookcases etc.  It was set up with the large side extension about 6 foot off the edge of the saw, and a collapsible outfeed table.  Its fairly easy to rip or cross cut 4x8 sheets on it by yourself especially if you set up a couple of rollers in front of the saw for ripping.

1. 
   Ragnar17 | Dec 07, 2002 05:14am | #5

   CAG,

   You did indeed answer this post already -- but it is over in the "General" folder.  I posted it two places; sorry for the confusion!

   Ragnar

1. 
   user-409932 | Dec 07, 2002 05:34am | #6

   I have the C-4 model. Cat's pajamas for sheetgoods. Rips straighter than my portable DeWalt and crosscuts to a 32th over 4'. I can manhandle it in and out of most houses  by myself, though on occasion I ask for help. Really speeds up cabinet carcass construction. I split a house with some competition a few years ago. At first they sneered at my big "toy", at the end they looked at it with jealousy... It's a big hit on the tool budget, but worth it if you do a lot of site built cabs..Even doubles as a quick cutoff saw when my mitersaw is on a different floor!!!

   Just your average former lurker...

2. 
   CAGIV | Dec 07, 2002 07:08am | #7

   Well at least I didnt loose my mine, I though I might have when I just noticed it was in two different sections lol