Low End Vert Saws

[RealWorldIdeaMan]

I am a wood and HPL geek seeking enough knowledge to become an SS geek.

I have a 5000sq ft shop producing HPL tops and casework just starting to produce SS tops using Polystone (a perfect price point for my existing customers). With all of this going on in such a small space I am thinking of switching from my Paloni sliding panel saw (now used only for wood) to (2) vertical panel saws (one for wood and the other for SS). I am thinking this will not only free up valuable floor space, but help speed up cutting time for both products. I will need to look on the lower end of the market for these vert saws (under $5k each) and hoping to get some direction from the geeks as to brands, experiences good and bad and maybe some info on in feed and outfeed set ups to help with the processing of 144" sheets of SS.

Your Humble Geek-Wanna-Be...RWIMan

[Shane]

Lower end saw = lower end cut.

I am sure you realize this but it can make a big difference when it comes to working with solid surface. A quality saw will give you seam ready cuts right off the saw, otherwise you will need to rough size only then rout your seams and finished edges. The extra money you invest in a quality saw will be offset by less labor and a better quality product. (IMHO)

Shane

[lensmith]

We found a pretty good deal on a used Streibig, and I'd suggest looking at Woodweb and Ex-Factory to see if there might be a used Streibig in your area. Good luck!

[Darin H.]

Ditto to the previous replies. If your buying new, the saws that give you seam quality cuts/edges start in the $25K range. Striebig is probly the most widely used in the industry. Holtzer and some Italian brand that I can't remember are also good saws. I would be curious to know if anyone has produced seam quality cuts with a cheap panel saw. I'd be willing to bet it's possible, but I've never tried it myself or heard of anyone else being sucessful at it. Happy hunting.

Darin

[Wags]

The lower end saws typically use a standard circular saw,mounted on a rail system. This will NOT produce a cut good enought for either SS or cabinetmaking. Much as a low end table saw does not produce a good cut. As others have said, it would only be good for rough cutting not finished cutting. Rather than two $5,000 saws get one good saw. If you find a used Strebig have their techs install it so it makes square cuts.

Good Luck !

[Shane]

I just learned of a Striebig saw for sell, if anyone is interested send me an email and I will hook you up.

Shane