Panel Saw DIY, Panel Saw (DIY Style) Options

[voxelman]

I have the plan for the Rockler design. It can be implemented with two sheets of MDF ($19.95 ea), but the extruded aluminum components have to come from Rockler ($300).

Instead I'm going to be using CNC router techniques ie two 10' lengths of 1 1/4 rigid conduit ($20.00 ea), 22mm OD, 8mm ID skate bearings ($23 gets you 100! on Ebay), 1.25" Aluminum angle (about $10 for 2'), assorted nuts, bolts, Glue, etc. (conservatively another $20). Lets say $150 when everything is said and done.

I have a router, table saw, circular saw, combination miter, drill press, etc for tools. Going to build this over the next couple of weeks.

I plan to follow Joe's advice for building a CNC Routier ie work from the tool out. First, I plan to machine the mounting plates for the circular saw and router. I have a Bosch 1658 7.25" circular saw and a Freud FT2000 router. I expect the mounting plates to be about 12" square and to build them up out of .25" poplar underlayment. I want the plates square so that I can mount the saw in either a vertical alignment for cross cutting or horizantal alignment for ripping. The goal will be to have the saw positioned as squarely in the plate as possible to ensure the minimum kerf. I don't expect the router to be quite the challenge because the hole pattern for the mounting plate is aligned corner to corner with the center of the motor shaft. Pictures will follow.

Joe can you move this discussion to a dedicated thread?

The Panel saw seems very easy to build.

4 u bolts with nylon washers, baybe bearings around it, But my lenear slides may work better with less play in it. just depends on the pipe rails, the one shown above would cost about 400.00 for all parts i would guess.

This post has been edited by voxelman: Jul 20 2005, 04:31 AM