Without any doubt, a panel saw can be one indispensable tool in your arsenal. But you have to know how to work with them for you to experience their delivery to the maximum.
If you work with full-size sheets of materials like plastic, sheet metal, or wood too often, you can truly benefit from the delivery and functionality of a panel saw.
However, the major challenge comes when you are looking for the best panel saw. It is just about walking into a power tool store or visiting an online store and getting the first penal saw you come across.
Rather, you need to only pick a model that meets your project needs accordingly. We understand how challenging it can be to buy panel saws. That is why we came up with this review to help you make an informed decision.
Editor’s Choice: Saw Trax 1064 Full Size Varsity Package Panel Saw .
Reasons: Powerful motor, excellent cutting capacity, impressive accuracy, easily handles demanding projects, good value for money.
Our Favorite Product Comparison 2022
7 Best Panel Saw Reviews 2022
When you are looking for the best quality panel saw, it can be tricky since there are multiple models out there. However, here are seven models we think would make a good pick for you;
1. Powermatic 511 Vertical Panel Saw (1510007)
Key Features
- 3HP 13amp worm drive motor
- 4-inch dual dust ports
- Handles panels up to 5ft tall
- Unlimited rip length and 62-inch crosscut length capacity
- 1.5-inch maximum thickness cut capacity
Check More Photos & Price On Amazon.com
What We Loved
- Massive motor handles demanding projects
- The heavy-duty welded one-piece steel frame offers solid support
- Excellent cutting capacity
- Front and rear dust exhaust keeps working space clean
- Polished stainless-steel guide tubes offer a smooth carriage glide
What Could Be Better
- Highly-priced
Overview
If you tend to work with sheet goods too often, this would be your best panel saw on the market. It comes with plenty of power to easily manage the demanding cuts. Along with that, the carriage assembly is designed with eight unique guide roller assemblies, which will allow it to glide smoothly along the rails.
The massive worm-drive motor of this beast will rotate in the carriage swiftly to give you versatility with your projects. This way, you can perform rip cuts or cross cuts with ease.
You can confidently feedstocks and make 90-degree cuts easily with this saw. Another thing to keep in mind is that the saw comes with vertical and horizontal scales and casters for extra mobility.
Thanks to the counterweight system that keeps the saw carriage in the preferred position, you can load and unload panels effortlessly.
Verdict
Is this the best-powered panel saw? If you want a decent model to meet your demanding projects, this machine would serve you perfectly. Just keep in mind that it is a highly-priced model.
2. Safety Speed Cut H5 Vertical Panel Saw
Key Features
- 3.125HP, 15amp motor
- Unlimited max rip cut, 64-inch crosscut capacity
- 1.75-inch cut thickness
- 1/32-inch cut accuracy
- 8-inch blade diameter
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What We Loved
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Satisfying cutting capacity
- The powerful motor handles different projects with ease
- Great value for money
- Easy to change from vertical to horizontal cuts
What Could Be Better
- It doesn’t come with a stand
- Some users thought the warranty cover could be longer
Overview
This stands among the best vertical panel saws that assure you of productivity with your projects. You can confidently use this saw for all kinds of panel processing applications.
You’d want to get this model for its amazing panel saw that offers you an amazing delivery without an enormous price tag. The saw allows you to work at a full clip while assuring you of accuracy and an excellent finish.
There are adjustable vertical and horizontal rulers and a system that allow you to make vertical and horizontal cuts with absolute ease. Furthermore, the saw is loaded with a spring-loaded counterbalance system, which will offer a grounded and stable feel as you work with the saw.
You also get 1.75-inch zinc-plated guide tubes, along with a bearing system that allows the saw to move smoothly and accurately along the track.
As you would expect, this saw comes with a dust collection bonnet that will help to keep the workspace dust-free.
Verdict
We would consider this model the best value panel saw as it offers a lot of features and functions without forcing you to break the bank. It is super-accurate and you will enjoy an excellent cutting capacity.
3. Safety Speed Cut C4 Vertical Panel Saw
Key Features
- 3.75HP, 15amp motor
- 8-inch blade diameter
- 1/32-inch accuracy
- 50-inch crosscut
- 96-inch max rip cut
- 1.75-inch cut accuracy
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What We Loved
- Powerful and agile motor
- Comes with optional wheels and stand
- Delivers excellent horizontal cuts
- Removable support boards
- Decent cut capacity
What Could Be Better
- You might have to buy extensions for the 8-inch sheets
- It can be cumbersome to load plywood onto the saw
- Could be more accurate
Overview
This would be your best panel saw for woodworking if you plan to cut 4’x8’ material sheets. Plus, it is among the top portable panel saws you would want to have in your shop. Whether you need to take it to your worksite or fit it into a shop with limited floor space, this fella will serve you with excellence.
If you want to use it at a permanent spot in the workshop, this model would suit you perfectly. It can be installed permanently on the wall with ease. You can also use it with a wheelset, fixed stand, or folding stand.
The saw allows you to break down large sheets effortlessly without breaking a sweat. It offers you a satisfying cutting capacity in any possible approach.
The fine-toothed blade of this fella works with perfection on the wood pieces. But you can change it if you need the right blade for slicing through non-ferrous materials. One major drawback of using this saw is that you’re going to be forced to spend money on add-ons.
Verdict
Generally, this can be one of the best cabinet shop auto panel saws to go for if you run a remodeling business or anything relatable.
4. Saw Trax 1064 Full-Size Varsity Package Panel Saw
Key Features
- 3.75Hp, 15amp motor
- 1/64″ cut accuracy
- 7-1/4″ blade diameter
- 1.75″ cut depth
- 64″ crosscut capacity
- Unlimited rip capacity
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What We Loved
- It never goes out of square (set and forget mechanism)
- Comes with a folding stand and frame wheels for portability
- Cuts with more accuracy
- Impressive cut capacity
- Heavy-duty 10ft frame
What Could Be Better
- Highly-priced
- The handle of the saw can be a little awkward at first
Overview
This could be your best panel saw for the solid surface as it is designed to save you time when it comes to square alignment. The Accu-square alignment system allows you to set it once and forget it. no more need for re-aligning because it never gets out of the square.
If you are planning to break down sheet goods that are less than 1.75-inches thick and you want a saw to make precise cuts, this one would suit you perfectly. Keep in mind that this model also comes with a range of accessories, so you might not have to purchase them separately.
There is an exclusive sealed bearing system that allows the carriage to move easily and with more precision.
This model is strong and can easily serve you for a maximum of three to five hours every day. That should give you enough time to handle multiple projects.
To assure you of a stable model, this unit comes with a powder-coated steel frame, along with guide tubes that are plated with 11-gauge zinc.
Verdict
If you are in search of the best cabinet shop auto panel saw and you are not afraid of spending a few more dollars, this model would be a good pick for you.
5. MILWAUKEE 8-1/4 In Panel Saw
Key Features
- 3.75hp, 15amp motor
- 8.75-inch blade diameter
- 1/32-inch accuracy
- 50-inch cutting height
- 1.75-inch cutting thickness
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What We Loved
- Powerful motor
- Decent cutting accuracy
- Rigid steel frame
- Excellent value for money
- Easy to use
What Could Be Better
- Limited tearing limit
- Nylon heading rather than steel
- Takes a long time to assemble and calibrate
Overview
We would consider this the best budget panel saw on our list. Coming with a price tag that is almost four times less than other models on the list, this would be the top panel saw to save you money. Its delivery isn’t that bad either.
The saw is equipped with a rigid steel frame, along with a square tubing that is electrically welded to prevent any twisting or warping.
Thanks to the innovative horizontal handle onboard, you can enjoy a convenient on and off operation of the saw. Along with that, there is a commercial-grade paddle switch that will remain strong even after several uses.
You can turn the saw at 90 degrees, and you can also fix it to make vertical cuts with ease. Furthermore, the saw allows you to load workpieces from either side. The smooth-acting roller mechanism allows the workpieces to roll gently through.
And yes, this saw is only suitable for cutting panels that are less than 4 x 8 feet.
Verdict
This is the best cheap cross-cut panel saw, and it lets you save money while getting the most of your projects at the same time. Just keep in mind that the initial setup and calibration will take a while.
6. Saw Trax C52C Compact Vertical Panel Saw
Key Features
- 15amp motor
- 1.75″ cut depth capacity
- 52″ crosscut capacity
- Unlimited rip capacity
- 7-1/4″ saw blade
Check More Photos & Price On Amazon.com
What We Loved
- Comes with an Accu-square alignment for perfect cuts
- Runs with an incredibly smooth operation
- Easy to use and maintain
- Comes at a decent price point
- Excellent accuracy
What Could Be Better
- It doesn’t come with a stand and selected accessories
- The handle seems a little awkward when using for the first time
Overview
This model is featured among most Saw Trax panel saw reviews, and it offers you a decent delivery while saving you some money.
It is a compact model that would fit in a squeezed workshop. Besides that, the saw is equipped with the Accu-Glide bearing system and Accu-fence system that work perfectly together to offer you precise cutting. Plus, these features help to deliver clean cuts with a smooth operation.
The saw also comes with 12 sealed steel bearings per carriage. Another feature to love about this panel saw is the set-and-forget Accu-square alignment system. This system offers you the perfect alignment that will not require any adjustment.
Also, this panel saw is very compatible with many add-ons that other saws cannot use. For example, you can use it with a floating router, ACM rolling shear, razor knife, or glass cutter.
Verdict
This could be your best hand panel saw if you need a compact model that is also affordable. The saw is very versatile, and you would love to work with it on multiple projects.
7. Safety Speed Cut H6 Panel Saw
Key Features
- 3.75hp, 15amp
- 74-inch crosscut capacity
- Unlimited rip cut
- 1/32-inch
- 8-inch saw blade diameter
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What We Loved
- High-quality stainless-steel frame
- Impressive capacity
- Powerful motor
- Decent cutting capacity
- Offers smooth operation
What Could Be Better
- The dust collection system is purchased separately
- The warranty could be better
Overview
This is another industrial panel saw that does the job with perfection. It comes with a nylon bearing structure that allows it to move clearly and smoothly on its tracks. There is also a spring-stacked balanced structure that is designed to offer a grounded and stable use.
The saw comes with a notable and unlimited tear that doesn’t put any tear cut or crosscut limit on whatever you are cutting through. You’d love the edge of the saw, which is fair forever. In other words, this protects you from anything that will break on the saw. The edge acts as a protective feature.
Changing from vertical to horizontal is easy, and you get a pressure guard and steel guide tubes that are zinc-plated for durability.
Other features to love are the plastic rollers, which are injection-molded for extra strength and durability. You can move the spring-loaded counterbalance system to move material easily across the panel.
Verdict
Does this panel saw make the cut among the best panel saws? Yes, it does. Its delivery is impressive, and you would love how easy it is to work with it on your projects.
Types of Panel Saws
Panel saws come in different categories, and they include the following;
1. Vertical Panel Saws
These saws are designed around a frame system, which will hold the workpiece (panel) vertically.
Key Features
- They come with guide rods for positioning the stock.
- Feature roller bearings for easy saw adjustments.
- Can cut hundreds of sheets in a day.
Advantages
- Best choices for the construction industry.
- Easily handle substation sheet materials.
- They are usually permanent, sturdy, and durable.
2. Horizontal/Sliding Saws
With horizontal panel saws, the sheet material is clamped into a brace, and it’s slid towards the blade. They are more similar to table saws with a specialist attachment.
Key Features
- Can work with a sliding attachment.
- The workpiece is clamped into a brace.
- Can make rip cuts, angled cuts, or crosscuts.
Advantages
- It can be used to handle almost any woodworking task.
- Can be converted into a vertical panel saw.
- More portable than vertical panel saws.
3. Hand Panel Saws
This type of saw works traditionally when cutting panels.
Key Features
- Run with steel blades.
- The teeth cut on pull action.
Advantages
- They use less energy.
- They leave a cleaner edge.
Buying Guide: What to Consider When Finding a Panel Saw
Now that you have the best vertical panel saw reviews, it is important to find one that meets your project needs accordingly. That being said, here is a look at what you should consider when finding the right panel saw.
Factory Alignment
For a panel saw to be accurate, it must be assembled and aligned to perfection by its manufacturer. Therefore, consider the accuracy and alignment of the saw before you buy it.
Mobility
If you plan to use the saw in different locations, you must choose one that is easy to move. Weight is a factor here, and the model should come with wheels to facilitate its portability.
Quality of Frame
The panel saw frame quality is another top factor worth considering. Ideally, the frame should come with a one-piece welded construction to offer you a steady operation.
Rip-Cut Capacity
One of the major functions of a panel saw is to make rip cuts. So, ensure that the saw you go for delivering unlimited rip cut capacity. However, some models can only manage a rip cut capacity of 4 x 8 ft materials.
Crosscut Capacity
With the crosscut capacity, the saw should offer at least a 60-inch. But this should be determined by your needs.
Saw Blade Diameter
The size of the blade will range from 7.25 inches to 10 inches. Always choose the size that meets your project needs perfectly. Too often, most projects will require a 10-inch saw blade.
Ease of Changing Cuts
How easy is it to change from cross-cutting to rip-cutting on the saw? That’s another factor you should consider. A good model will feature a rotating center that can rotate at 90 degrees. This way, you have an easy time switching from crosscuts to rip cuts.
Above all, choose a model that has a good guide system, one that is user-friendly, and one that falls in your budget bracket. Don’t forget to choose a durable panel cutting saw.
FAQ’s
Q. Who Needs a Panel Saw?
Ans. These are not power tools for everyone. Rather, they are best used in lumber yards or lumber sections. They can be used by cabinet makers, furniture makers, sign makers, or prop houses.
Q. Is Vertical or Horizontal Better?
Ans. Usually, horizontal panel saws are the better options when it comes to stack-cutting operations. They can cut thicker stacks than vertical panel saws. However, vertical panel saws deliver better cutting depth.
Q. What Are You Able to Not Cut With a Panel Saw?
Ans. A panel saw can allow you to cut different materials and in different applications. However, they cannot cut metal and flexible materials.
Q. How Long Maybe a Panel Saw?
Ans. A panel saw will vary in length from one model to another. However, they will range from 16 inches to 24 inches in general.
Q. How Do I Cut Paneling Without Splintering it?
Ans. The best way to cut paneling without splintering is to ensure that the measurements are correct and that you lay the paneling facing up. The paneling should also be laid across a pair of sawhorses, and you should cut slowly but firmly.
Check the Videos to Learn How to Operate a Panel Saw
Final Words
There goes it, folks. With this list of the best panel saw, you know have an idea of which model to go for. Whichever model you choose, ensure that it meets your project needs and serves you for long enough.