Panel Saw vs Table Saw (What Do You Really Need?)
Choosing between a panel saw or a table saw is a big decision and you need to take into account a few deciding factors. I realized just how expensive they could be when I ranked the best vertical panel saws on the market, and the last thing you want to do is invest in a tool you don't really need. It can be hard to decide whether to continue using a traditional table saw or purchase a new machine for your woodworking shop to save time. In this guide, we will go through the various differences, important factors to consider, and whether or not you should buy a panel saw or keep using your table saw, or look at some panel saw alternatives. We will also look at some of the pros and cons of each tool so you can make an informed decision for your different needs.
Table Of Contents
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Main Differences Between a Panel Saw and Table Saw
When comparing a panel saw to a table saw there are a few key differences with the main being versatility when working with large sheets of materials. A typical vertical panel saw has a saw blade that is mounted on a slider that runs along guide tubes to easily make vertical cross cuts as well as rotate 90 degrees for rip cuts. A panel saw can also support a wooden panel vertically along a channel of rollers allowing for easier material handling. In contrast, a conventional table saw is able to make the same rip and crosscuts, but also beveled and angled cuts. A regular table saw is significantly more versatile than a panel saw however if you're working with large sheet goods a panel saw allows for one person to easily break down full sheets of plywood easily and is safer.
Which is Better a Panel Saw or a Table Saw?
To determine which is better a panel saw or a table saw, you need to figure out your needs, and depends on the individual woodworker. A table saw is an essential tool for most woodworking shops and DIY woodworkers and is capable of crosscuts and rip cuts on large sheets of wood, especially the large table saws paired with an outfeed table. I personally use a full 4x8 foot outfeed table and roller supports to break down plywood on my table saw. However, I only need to cut large panels on a few occasions and panel saws have a very large footprint and are quite expensive. Although, vertical panel saws are great for larger shops or cabinet makers that need to process plywood sheets on a daily basis. Panel saws are better than table saws and are ideal for cutting large sheets of plywood in a commercial workshop.
Pros & Cons
Panel Saw Advantages
The main advantage of a panel saw is that you can easily handle large pieces of wood panels with one person safely. It only takes a few inches to lift the sheet materials onto the roller channel and eliminates any risk of kickback with a fumbled panel. Also, panel saws can make unlimited rip cuts with ease by sliding the panel through the saw blade without having to lift the panel. If you're processing a lot of sheet goods a panel saw makes quick work of vertical and horizontal cuts and could save you a considerable amount of time and money.
Panel Saw Disadvantages
One of the main disadvantages of a panel saw is the initial cost of the new saw and the limited versatility. A panel saw is very limited in that it can't cut angles or bevels which would have to be done on a table saw. Also, adding a panel saw would take up quite a bit of space in your workshop, and depending on the panel saw they are not portable for job site construction.
Table Saw Advantages
The main advantages of table saws are they are affordable and can be used for countless functions including breaking down panels. A table saw is a perfect choice if you want to cut more than standard 90-degree crosscuts and rip cuts on sheet goods. A table saw is also able to rip solid wood due to having much higher hp motors than a panel saw. Also, job site table saws are portable and easily stored away for DIY woodworkers.
Table Saw Disadvantages
Unless you have a large sliding table saw or a cabinet saw with additional work supports, breaking down a full plywood sheet is difficult. I have on occasion made rip cuts on a full sheet of plywood on my hybrid table saw but wouldn't recommend it if you need to do it regularly. Also, one major downside of a table saw is safety, with a lot of injuries and accidents by accidental contact with a spinning blade. Realistically one person can't have control over large pieces on a table saw, increasing the risk of a kickback or injury.
Tool Comparison Panel Saw vs Table Saw
Accuracy
Both panel saws and table saws can produce accurate cuts for crosscuts and rip cuts but depend highly on the build quality. Most panel saws are engineered to an accuracy of 1/32 of an inch and some saws made by Safety Speed offer an accuracy of 1/64 of an inch. To get a perfect cut on a table saw you will need a highly calibrated rip fence as well as the ability to keep the panel against the fence, which can be hard to do with large heavy panels. Luckily, JessEm offers their Clear-Cut TS Stock Guides for your table saw fence to help hold down panels and guide them against the fence. I personally use the stock guides when working with plywood and it's definitely worth the money. However, panel saws are very accurate and quick to use on a repeatable basis.
Capability
One of the biggest differences is the type of cuts you can perform on a panel saw vs a table saw. Table saws are designed to handle more complicated cuts like bevel cuts and small pieces, whereas a panel saw is limited to only making straight cuts either vertical or horizontal on large panels. Panel saws are not capable of angular cuts or beveled cuts, also panel saws are not designed to cut solid wood. Table saws are able to handle rip cuts and crosscuts on larger panels however it can be difficult to maneuver heavy panels. I personally use a Bora Portamate Adjustable Conveyor Roller and additional roller support stands to help support a 4x8 sheet on my table saw.
Time Savings & Speed
The biggest difference between a panel saw and a table saw is the ease of use and time savings. If your woodworking shop is continually breaking down plywood on a table saw or a track saw you are potentially losing money. The time it takes to set up rollers and work supports on a table saw, or measuring and clamping down tracks could be used for more productive tasks if you had a panel saw. It makes the most sense to use a panel saw and will likely pay for itself in a cabinet shop or commercial workshop.
Dust Collection
When comparing a table saw vs a panel saw for dust collection, the table saw defiantly comes out ahead. Most panel saws don't come with dust collection kits and require you to buy add-ons that only surround the saw head. Also, what is not collected by the blade on a panel saw will fall to the bottom of the saw leaving a pile. Most table saws provide adequate dust collection at the back of the saw but when working with large panels it helps to have a floating dust collection on the top. I personally added the PSI Woodworking Dust Collection Guard to my table saw and it works incredibly well. Also, it can be removed or adjusted when you are making other cuts. As for a table saw the only issue with breaking down
Safety
By far a vertical panel saw is much safer to use than a table saw in every sense. Panel saws are designed to be used in a commercial business with operator safety in mind as well as speed and ease of use. A panel saw doesn't have the risk of kickbacks, blade contact, or heavy lifting however, it's not suited for smaller pieces. Tables saws can still be safe but only if you have complete control of the panel and are properly using a riving knife to prevent kickback.
Portability & Size
If space is an issue, adding a panel saw may not be a good idea however, you could get a compact panel saw like the Milwaukee Panel Saw which would take up less space. In a home workshop it may be better to upgrade your job site portable saw with a sliding table saw which would use less floor space than another tool. If you need portability, a panel saw or table saw is not the ideal choice, I personally would recommend a track saw.
Price Comparison
When it comes to comparing the cost and affordability of a panel saw vs a table saw, it can vary significantly. Most full-size panel saws are in the price range of 2 to 6 thousand, yet smaller versions like the Milwaukee compact panel saw are less than 2 thousand. Table saws come in a wide variety with portable table saws only costing a few hundred dollars, and hybrid cabinet table saws around 1 thousand. On the higher end, a sliding table saw would set you back anywhere from a few thousand up to 10 thousand for a high-quality machine.
Panel Saw Alternatives
Luckily if your woodworking shop isn't ready to invest in a panel saw there are quite a few good alternatives. The best alternative is your existing table saw with added workpiece supports like an adjustable conveyor and an overhead dust collection system. Another great alternative is a standard track saw with a long track however, to get precise clean cuts you will need a good saw, track clamps, and dust collection. If you are looking for the cheapest alternative there are numerous products that convert circular saws into a track saw however, some don't work very well.
Should You Buy a Panel Saw?
If you're consistently breaking down plywood sheets on a daily basis a panel saw is the way to go. You will save an incredible amount of time and effort and eventually the saw will pay for itself. You can check out my other article where I have outlined the best available panes saws on the market.
Should You Buy or Keep Using Your Table Saw?
If you're a hobby woodworker or a small shop with limited space and don't need to process sheet goods on a daily basis you should keep using your table saw. However, if you have a small job site saw, I would recommend at least a hybrid cabinet saw or larger to make sure you can safely break down larger pieces. I would also highly recommend getting overhead dust collection, and a conveyor roller to help work with large panels on your saw.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A panel saw is not an ideal replacement for a table saw. Panel saws are limited in their functionality and cannot make angled cuts, or be used on solid wood. Table saws are very versatile and depending on the type of saw you can break down plywood panels similar to a panel saw.
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Panels saws are typically used by cabinet shops or commercial woodworking shops that are cutting wood panels on a daily basis. Panels saws are used for ease of use, safety, and time savings when processing large amounts of sheet goods in a production environment.
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One of the biggest disadvantages of a panel saw is that it cannot cut angles or bevels. Vertical saws only make a vertical or horizontal cut on sheet goods, limiting the versatility of the saw.
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