Panel Saw

How To

Video / Tutorial

Instruction

  1. What it does best:
    • Makes clean and accurate straight cuts in sheet stock.
    • The panel saw excels at cutting down larger stock that would be difficult to handle on the table saw.
  2. Allowed Materials:
    • All eligible material must have one flat face and one straight edge.
    • Allowed materials include: plywood, MDF, plexiglass, foam, solid wood, cardboard, dibond.
  3. Basic use:
    • Identify your cut type (rip or cross cut) and adjust the saw for the correct cutting action.
    • Load stock into the machine from the left, sliding it along the metal rollers on the base.
    • Measure for your cut, either using the supplied rulers or by viewing through the dust collection tube for alignment with the blade.
    • Adjust the tension bar to firmly hold the stock while being cut
    • Power the saw on and make your cut
  4. Safety Reminders:
    • Always use the red handles when moving the saw carriage
    • Never operate the panel saw with any of the guarding removed or damaged
    • Always cut from the top down for vertical cuts
    • Always make horizontal cuts in the direction of the arrow on the motor
    • Beware of all possible pinch points on the saw (counterweight chain, intersection of carriage and guides, saw plate rotation).
    • Never place your hands behind the carriage or inside the blade guard
    • Always turn off the saw when your work is done and remain with the saw until the blade has completely stopped spinning.
    • If you changed anything on the saw (added accessories, modified its cutting position etc..) always return the saw to its standard position before moving on.
    • If anything seems wrong when using the saw immediately alert a shop supervisor or TA.
    • Disconnect power to the saw before changing the blade
    • Never operate the panel saw without proper dust collection
  5. Finishing:
    • Turn off the saw and wait for the blade to come to a complete stop
    • Remove the panel and cut pieces
    • Clean the work area

Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Eye Protection: Safety glasses
  • Ear Protection: None required, hearing protection recommended
  • Respiratory Protection: None required
  • Body Coverings: None required, and gloves are never allowed when using power tools

Engineering Controls

  • Dust collection
  • Blade guards