Panel saw or wall saw

[deema]

I'm looking into either getting a Panel saw or a Wall saw, and can't work out which is the best. My research indicates that a wall saw has many advantages over a panel saw, however, it seems that wall saws are no longer that popular with most people I know having a space hungry panel saw.

The advantages of a wall seem seem to be
1. I can load it easier, I'm predominantly on my own so lifting 18mm sheets onto a flat table isn't something I enjoy on my own. However getting them on a wall saw is easy.
2. Wall saws can have scribing blades and can also plunge which a panel saw can't.
3. They can cut angles as well as straight cuts.
4. They use up less floor space.
5. The only disadvantage I can find is that I haven't found one that can cut a bevel.
6.The wall saw does need the battens replacing once in a while.

I've convinced myself that I must not be looking at this correctly and have missed out on some key advantage of the panel saw. Your views and recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[MattRoberts]

Have you considered the setup time for the wall saw, and (I presume) the lack of being able to handle thin cuts?

 

[bourbon]

Didn't take the guy at B&Q long to set up when I wanted some ply cut

 

[MattRoberts]

Sure, but that's one of two cuts on large sheets I guess?

 

[RobinBHM]

The big difference is thst a wall saw is a dedicated wall cutting machine.

A panel saw can do everything a dimension can as well as cut sheets.

Using the outrigger fence, a panel saw will cut solid timber to length. Using the rip fence allows all options for ripping solid timber.

The sliding table allows huge options for jigs. Fix a piece of ply or mdf to the sliding table, fix on battens for stops and some toggle clamps, you have a super accurate cutting jig. I make roof lanterns and it to cut plumb, seat and compound jack cuts to 1/4 degree accuracy.

Disadvantages.....space a panel saw needs a huge space if you want to routinely cut 8 x 4 sheets just think about needing 8ft in front of the blade, 8ft behind, 8ft on the outrigger side, 4ft on rip fence side. Loading and unloading a panel saw can be awkward on your own, esp if you dont have much head room. A bit of thought can help overcome that though.

Its probably easier to get a decent panel saw than a decent wall saw 2nd hand. Also I believe wall saws need careful setting up and calibrating during installation. Pro wall saws are quite big money, I think.

 

[RogerS]

I'm with you, Deema. Get a decent wall saw ad a small table saw for doing all the other things that you might use a panel saw for.

Humping massive heavy sheets of 18mm stuff is great for the workload of physiotherapists and chiropractors.