Cheap Panel Saw

[uneedasign]

I Finished the saw. I didn't like the plans that came with the saw kit, so I purchased these plans http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/produc...&offerings_id=5311&catid=7&objectgroup_id=293 and made it 14' long. I also purchased the 60" rail kit, so I can cut 5'x12' Aluminum. The saw was relatively easy to make, however it took much longer than I expected. I have about $450.00 total into this and so far it seems to cut really nice.
I hope this helps.

 

[Baz]

Thats a sweet deal for $450.00 and some sweat. Nice saw!

 

[Gino]

Actually, that’s not bad. I hope it remains square for you, since you used wood for everything. What are you using for ‘Stay-Downs’ ?? Are there any in-place clamps to prevent any pieces from flying off without your holding them or clamping it ??

You might want to think about re-enforcing your top and bottom bolts that are holding your guide bars down, because they take a beating every time you cut.

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Also, it’s hard to see from your photos if you can take the saw out and run it horizontally, but if you change the direction….. how do you move the substrate through ?? It would help to have some kind of wheels or bearings for the substrate to ride along at the bottom.

 

[Marlene]

how square are your cuts? that's the hard part of this do-it-yourself kit. were you able to build it so you can adjust it when it's off or is it OK?