Buying an industrial Panelsaw – what to look out for!

There is one task that no workshop owner can avoid in his career, and that is buying a machine, whether it be new or second-hand.
Without a comprehensive knowledge of machines, this task can become quite daunting and not something to look forward to.
Today, we are giving away some tips on what to look out for when buying the one machine that every company which works with panels/boards needs, and that is a Panelsaw...

​The most important first decision to make is to buy new or second-hand. This is a very personal choice that depends on various factors including budget availability, usage time, and quality expectations.

The two different types that most dealers offer is the Vertical (or Wall) Panelsaw and the Sliding Table Panelsaw. Choosing between the two will depend on the amount of floor space available. The Vertical Panelsaw is more expensive but takes less space. If you have enough floor space available (at least 7m x 5m), it is advisable to think of a Sliding Table Panelsaw since this is the most frequently used.

Sliding Table Panelsaws come in automatic and manual form. While they perform the same, an automatic Panelsaw will require more technical knowledge and their price is higher than the manual version. The automatic Panelsaw normally has a screen into which one can put the size that one wants to cut. The fence will then automatically move to the correct setting. 

They are accurate and fast. However, it has often happened that people who have an automatic machine use it as a manual because after some time the automatic fence settings are not accurate anymore and need a knowledgeable person to recalibrate it. Our recommendation would be that only qualified people work with the automatic Panelsaw. Otherwise rather stick to a manual one. 

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Most of the industrial Panelsaws have a 3-phase / 380v motor, but they are also available in a 220v motor. 3-Phase motors are not suitable for home use, so if the Panelsaw will be used at a home-based workshop, it is important to make sure that the Panelsaw comes with a 220v motor.

The standard size of the sliding table on a Panelsaw is 3.2m, meaning that full boards (which are normally a maximum of 2745mm x 1830mm) can be easily cut with it. There are some bigger and smaller versions however, and all this will depend on the size boards that need to be cut. Panelsaws with 220v often come standard with a smaller sliding table.

Although Panelsaws are normally used for boards, they can be used for solid wood which would give it the same function as a rip saw.

While all the above information is related to the overall functions and specifications of a Panelsaw, there are a few things worth looking out for when looking into buying a second-hand saw:
o Is there play on the sliding table?
o Do all the functions work (like up and down and tilt)
o Is there a riving knife (most people tend to work without it and then loose it)
o Do all the electric motors work?
o Do the bearings sound good? (no roughness)
o Does it cut straight and square? (if not, then settings need to be done)
o Are all the safety covers in place and does the emergency cut-off switch function?


After all this is said, we want to assure you that you are not alone in this. If in any doubt, give us a call and we will be more than happy to assist you in making the correct choice!

Also make sure to connect with us on social media and do not miss out on our amazing special!!

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CONTACT:
​Andrew Roos | 082 756 5067
andrew@roosgroup.co.za