Shop Notes Vol. 15, Issue 88

[gad5264]

I just wondered who is going to be the first forum member to build the "Ultimate Shop Built Panel Saw" that is on the cover? I have not read the complete article yet but it looks like a good set-up. I just wish I had the room for it.

[MilDoc]

Only someone who has to cut lots of panels!

[sacherjj]

I don't see ever building one. My 3.5" high plywood grid table with folding legs and a good sawboard is easier. I can pull the plywood out of the back of the truck onto the table and cut it up. Much easier that trying to load into a panel saw.

[gad5264]

My 3.5" high plywood grid table with folding legs and a good sawboard is easier.

Joe,
Would you mind posting pictures of this grid table you are referencing? Or email them to me?

Thanks,

[mater]

It would be nice to have but I am out of room.

[cobob]

I asked the same question & got the same answer ... grid table. I used old scrap 2x4s; cut approximate 1/2 laps with circular saw; laid the long pieces across saw-horses and fit the cross pieces in. It took no time, no thought, it's not level or square but the sheet stock is stiff enough that it still works great.

I may spend more time on the guide. I'm thinking of 8' shelving from lowe's with an added aluminum channel to the edge.

[uglystick]

Here's one design for a panel cutting table. Very simple, works great, extra work surface when you need it.

[LCHIEN]

there's a design for a grid table in the current woodsmith, I think.

Consists of N-S and E-W running board on edge like dividers for christmas ornament storage box. The north-south boards are notched in the top and the E-W in the bottom. so they overlap and interlock.
Lay on top of sawhorses for a stable, flat sacrificial cutting surface.

[bigsteel15]

I just wondered who is going to be the first forum member to build the "Ultimate Shop Built Panel Saw" that is on the cover? I have not read the complete article yet but it looks like a good set-up. I just wish I had the room for it.

If that is normal t-track as guides, the bolts must be really tight fit to make it guide straight.
I probably won't see the mag up here for another couple weeks.
There was one in another magazine last fall that I was trying to find room for.
If I can figure out a way to make it attach to my sheet storage bin...

[Tom Miller]

If that is normal t-track as guides, the bolts must be really tight fit to make it guide straight.

You could attach runners to the bottom of the sled part to run in the t-track slot, kind of like a miter bar.

Regards,
Tom

[JR]

If I can figure out a way to make it attach to my sheet storage bin...

Hmmm

A couple of weeks ago I needed some 1/2" MDF pieces. The one sheet in my shop was at the bottom of the stack on my sheet storage bin. I just pulled the sheet out the end until what I needed was exposed, then used a circular saw to slice it off.

Now, this was an awkward cut, with some pretty interesting results (read: curvy cut lines!). But I wonder if having some sort of guide hanging off the end of the cart might facilitate this kind of activity....

I'll have to wait for my ShopNotes issue to come in the mail, before thinking about this more, I guess.

JR

[maxparot]

I find my Sawboard and a couple of milk crates to be all I need to get panels down to size. I have a fair sized shop but a panel saw just takes more room than a sawboard and I can make non square straight cuts using the sawboard.

[25]

I find my Sawboard and a couple of milk crates to be all I need to get panels down to size. I have a fair sized shop but a panel saw just takes more room than a sawboard and I can make non square straight cuts using the sawboard.

My method as of late is using some 2" thick seat cushion foam. Holds the panel in place really well. Also when not in use, it rolls up quite nicely. Only down side is that most of the work is done on the floor .

[Tom Miller]

I get a lot of use out of my panel saw, and storage space is not an issue. I keep it at Home Depot.

My saw operator isn't exactly the sharpest chisel in the drawer, though.


Regards,
Tom

[bigsteel15]

I get a lot of use out of my panel saw, and storage space is not an issue. I keep it at Home Depot.

What a great idea!!

My saw operator isn't exactly the sharpest chisel in the drawer, though.

This is the biggest problem. They always seem to figure you're trying to tell them how to do their job if you ask them to make sure everything is straight.