Cutting Substrates

[Tagdog]

I do not have a panel saw. I see that Grimco has a "Fletcher-Terry Substrate Cutter". Has anyone used one of these? Are they as good as Gromco claims?
But untill I can get one or the other, I will have to use my skill saw with a straight edge.
What is the best type of blade to cut with? Dibond or Maxmetal, Alumicore?

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[TonyHoles]

Fletcher makes a good product. If you have a jig saw use it with a fine tooth blade. Jig saw isn't hard to get a straight line as some would think.

 

[TLG]

I've had both an Exacto Elite & now a Fletcher 3100 (same thing). Loved them both and are a great addidtion to the shop and worth the $$ to me. Works well for alum, coro,pvc, acrylic, poly. Just change cutter heads for the substrate type. I can shave as little as 1/16" off most things and if set-up right, it will save you lots of time when cutting multiple repeat pieces.

Does not work for wood/Omega Board etc. but a sharp, quality jig saw and circular saw and some quality saw horse tables cover that.

I bought mine from Jason @ All Square (South Carolina) which I believe is a member here. Good people to work with and had the best price.

Good luck!

 

[ChiknNutz]

I've looked at those compared to a reg. panel saw. However, you cannto rip a 4x8 sheet with one of those right? They only allow you to cross-cut from what I've read. Is that the case?

 

[TLG]

Yes, only up/down cuts. I think mine handles up to 52" tall so anything longer requires a straight edge/knife.

 

[imaSIGNr]

If you do alot of cutting ,then yes a panel saw, but I've always just used a straight edge. It comes in (2) 50 " pieces that fit together for full sheets or halve it for smaller pieces. Clamps on the edges and just cut with a skill saw. I use a good carbide tooth combination blade is all. No problems.
A panel saw can be costly and take up a lot of space. We had one once where I used to work and it was more of a pain than just using the straight edge.

 

[ilevelsign]

http://www.festooljunkie.com/catalo...festool-ts-55-eq-plunge-cut-circular-saw.html The best.Guide rails go upto 16 feet in length.Perfect cut everytime on Alumilte, Sintra, Dibond, Omega board.Rip a 4 by 8 with ease.Make sure you get the appropriate blade for aluminum products

 

[Tagdog]

Thanks

Festool, I forgot about those. I've seen them at Woodcraft. I now have a great excuse to go get one.
Thanks
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[ilevelsign]

Festool, I forgot about those. I've seen them at Woodcraft. I now have a great excuse to go get one.
Thanks
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Careful.Once you get bitten by the festool bug it gets very expensive and those grey systainers start to mount up.