Cutting Sheet Goods in Small Shop

[RagerXS]

This poll replaces the similar thread I started here: http://www.bt3central.com/forum/topi...TOPIC_ID=17147

Short of a folding wide table kit with folding or rolling outfeed table, the BT3 with WTK can take up a lot of space in a small shop. I'm deliberating, so figured I would post a poll for the best option to cutting sheet goods in a small shop...

Panel saws are pricey -- even shop made versions cost as much as or more than the BT3.

EZ Smart Guide appears to provide accuracy, flexibility, and portability. Not cheap but considering everything reasonably priced.

I intentionally omitted options for building a bigger shop and begging LOML for assistance as needed because I don't consider them viable. However, I will readily admit that begging LOML for assistance could lead to getting the green light for any necessary purchases... [8D]

~ Fred

[Tundra_Man]

I thumb my nose at anonymity, and proudly advocate the saw board method!

Extremely low cost, accurate and a lot easier for one person to use than the other methods. Get yourself a thick sheet of pink foam insulation, and you can lay the sheet on that to make your cuts. The sheet will survive many, many projects before it's so cut up it's no longer functional. Beats trying to balance sheet goods on sawhorses.

[gugie]

Ditto, Terry & DonHo!

With fund and space no limit, I'd have a panel saw. But then, there's this $6000 Felder table saw I have my eyes on as well.

But then I was playing around with putting a panel saw on the back of one of these:

http://www.bt3central.com/forum/topi...TOPIC_ID=14898

You can't see the back in the post, but if you download the PDF you can figure it out. That way I'd have a miter station, panel cutter, and lumber storage all in one. If I needed the panel saw, I could just remove the sheet goods I didn't want to cut, and have at it.

[DonHo]

I too voted for the saw board. They are easy, cheap and if I can make good cuts with one they have to be easy :-)

If I know what project I'm buying the sheet goods for AND it's possible(depends on cut layout), I get the store to make one or two cuts (most stores will do this for free). That makes the sheet goods easier to haul and maybe small enought to cut on the BT3.

DonHo

[Otter]

I tried the guide and extention table way, the best results I get from a saw board.

[RodKirby]

Saw board!

[Stytooner]

You left out my routine. Just cut a straight line with the circular saw. Okay, there is years of experience and a long reach available to me that permits this as a viable option.

[mater]

quote:Originally posted by Tundra_Man

I thumb my nose at anonymity, and proudly advocate the saw board method!

Extremely low cost, accurate and a lot easier for one person to use than the other methods. Get yourself a thick sheet of pink foam insulation, and you can lay the sheet on that to make your cuts. The sheet will survive many, many projects before it's so cut up it's no longer functional. Beats trying to balance sheet goods on sawhorses.

I'm sold on the saw board.

[Stick]

quote:Originally posted by mater
[I'm sold on the saw board.

I have the wide table and a full sheet outfeed table on my BT3100 and roller infeeds and I still use sawboards when I'm alone. I'll make panel cuts on the BT if I have a helper, but it's still awkward alone. Especially lengthwise cuts.

[LarryG]

I use a Clamp 'N Guide, which I regard as a slightly more high-tech version of a saw board, and ... a router. The bit cuts smoother than a circular saw blade, and although the bit takes a wider kerf than a saw blade, I more than make up for this by being able to cut panels right to their final size, with none of the additional waste that would come from using a table saw to take off the excess.

[monte]

Definately a shop made saw board.

[don_hart]

Saw Board of course

[jgscott987]

I love my sawboards. I have a 4' and an 8' board, and they work great.

[mccrorey]

I just got around to finally making a saw board and it sure is easy to use. I had just put a new 40-tooth Freud Avanti blade on my Skilsaw and the combination produces smooth, straight edges. And since the saw board is "zero clearance" I always know just where it is going to cut.

Only problem with my board is the the guide (double thick section) is only a couple of inches wide, so clamps get in the way of the saw motor. I'll need to work on that.

[YCF Dino]

Hi Guys.
What about making this poll more interesting.
1.what method guarantee 100% clean cross cuts on veneer plywood?
2.What method is the safest and most accurate on tapered cuts?
3.What method is the safest and most accurate on narrow stock? 1/4"?
4.What method requires less space and with infinite expendability when needed? And fit in the trunk of a Fiat spider?
Because if you only see the EZ Smart as an expensive shooting board it will be...waste of money. But if you take another look at the open design and versatility of the system,this THING is everything you want it to be. Jointer? Straight line rip saw? Anti chip portable panel saw? Table saw? cross cutter? tapered cutter? A Manual CNC?
The perfect shooting board?
Hey guys. i have to help my Ez Smart
YCF Dino