Carpentry Tips on Using a Panel Saw

Precision Alignment

• A panel saw's rollers, guides and blade must be in near perfect alignment to create straight cuts. During regular use, heavy materials and jostling cause a panel saw's components to fall out alignment; the implications are unnoticeable at first, but can ruin a precision carpentry project. Periodically check to see if all of the saw's rollers sit at the same height; this can be done with a true straight edge and level. A straight edge, level and square check the alignment of guides and blade; guides must be perpendicular to rollers and the blade must lock in place parallel to rollers and perpendicular to guides. Check these attributes regularly and your panel saw will remain true.

The Right Blade for the Job

• Keep in mind that when it comes to blades, one size doesn't fit all. If you notice your panel saw splintering fine materials or moving slowly through thick ones, you might be using the wrong blade. Always match blade type to material type prior to using the saw. Keep a fine-toothed blade on hand for thin or finish-grade materials and a coarse-toothed blade for thick or tough materials. The right blade for the job will reduce material costs by reducing damage and extend the saw motor's life by making the job easier.

Tips on Moving Material through the Panel Saw

• The most important tip regarding moving material through a panel saw is to keep your hands away from the blade. Although it's tempting to push your speed to the limit, you'd probably rather keep your finger than finish the job early. Instead of pushing your fingers close to the blade, push the material halfway to through the saw, move to the other side of the saw and complete the cut by pulling the material. Aside from saw alignment, the saw operator is the most common cause of crooked cuts with a panel saw. If making rip cuts, let the material fully rest on the rollers and push the material from behind. If you grip the material's corners, you might lift the opposite side of the material or bind the blade.