Sheet goods storage cart with Panel saw

[fcpjax]

Hi fellow BT3Kers,

I am building a sheet storage cart and would like to add a panel saw to it.

I am using this cart design with a slight modification (32" wide with two cutoff rows on one side Vs one and the base will be 2X4 covered in 1/2 plywood and 6" wheels).

Thanks to Ken Weaver for this idea and photo.



I am looking at the versatool panel saw kit for about $200 www.wersatoo.com/panelSawKit.htm
or maybe an EZ smart guide system also about $200. www.eurekazone.com/products/detail/sgs.html

I know most feel the grid table works for them but I think this set up will fit better in my shop. I will also use it for routering large sheets

Has anyone build anything similar?
Anywords of wisdom/pictures would be appreciated.

Thanks
Bob Pepple

[cabinetman]

Bob

Can't say that I have built one, but your idea is great for limited space. I would recommend using good size casters that swivel and lock, make the base wide enough to prevent tipping, have enough angle so storage sheets don't fall, and buy the set up for the length you want, so you don't undersize yourself.



"I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

[Mogo]

I can't answer the sheet panal saw question but i will add there is a more space saving version of the sheet goods cart for folks with little space. The one in the photo is from a woodworking book on table saws I purchased form Lowes.

My space is very limited so I flipped the design 90 degress so the cart footprint is 48 X 24, but it still holds about the same material.

[Ken Weaver]

Be sure to post pics when you finish Bob, look forward to seeing it.

[ExYankee]

I've been pondering building my own as well. I have a HF tile saw that I used for a floor project and halfway thru a zillion cuts I realized that it was really just a short stroke panel saw laid flat.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=92386

I called HF and got a price for the aluminum extrusion a while back and if I recall right it was $35 I have a source or HF returns that have these saws every now and then fo around $100 or less. so if all goes well I could built it all for under $200. And I dont have to buy a new circular saw or figure out the carriage design. I figure I can make a joining plug and then tension the two extrusions to give me over 50" of travel. I plan on inclining it 10-15 degrees. I picked up several sticks of roller tracks with 1" rollers to make the bottom support from and plan to just swap out the diamond blade for a woodcutting blade. The balde guard may need a tweak or too. I have an old seldom used (big surprise) exercise machine I've salvaged a ton of pulleys and cables from to make a couterweight to return the saw to the top.

Ahh someday I will stop BUILDING my shop and start USING my shop.

J

[fcpjax]

Hi All,
I have the cart about half built now and will add pictures when I finish it.
I got worried about the base sagging with so much weight so I used about
ten 2X4X8s in the base and covered it with 1/2 plywood and used a whole 7$ bottle of titebond II glue on the base and boy is it strong now. The six wheels make it easy to move around too. I made the scrap side two rows wide and made the inserts removable so I can reconfigure the scrap bins any time my need changes to hold scrap pieces.

I have been doing a lot of research on the panel saw portion to be added after I complete the cart. So far I am looking for four things in the saw:
1. Dust port
2. Laser
3. zero line displacement for ease in aligning the cut
4. Battery powered so I don't have to worry about the cord.

I have not found the right saw yet but I will work that out later.
Also, I am thinking about going with the circular saw guide as it seems both easier and cheaper for what my needs are anyway that is my leaning at this point.

Thanks for all the good comments.
Any experience / comments on saw guides or battery powered circular saws would be appreciated.