Panel Saw Auctions

You can usually find a bargain by participating in panels saw auctions. It's not uncommon to save upwards of 50% off retail list price, just by doing your homework and getting a used panel saw, as opposed to a new one. There are however, a few things to be aware of.

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• Safety Speed Cut Panel Saws
• Milwaukee Panel Saws

1. Shipping - Invariably the panel saw you find the best price on will be halfway across the country. Be sure to carefully read the options on shipping, lately there have been a few saws on eBay that were "pick up only". Which is fine if you're local- frustrating if you are not.

2. Condition - There is used, and then there is abused. If properly maintained the bearings and motors on most panel saws can last several years. Beware shop saws that are run 24/7. Things to be concerned about:

• Running a Panel Saw with a Dull Blade. In addition to chipout, a dull blade can also put additional load on the saw motor. Experienced professionals know this, so if it is a shop selling a panel saw, a quick check of the Better Business Bureau might bring up any customer complaints. As an added bonus, it lets you know how the seller treats customers- which prepares you as a buyer.
• While Most Panel Saws are Heavy Duty, that Does Not Mean they are Indestructible. Check out the roller carriage- dropping heavy stock on it will knock it out of alignment.
• Regular maintenance. Like any machine, a properly maintained saw will work better. In addition to regularly wiping the saw down after use, make sure the previous owner did things like clean out the saw dust from the motor housing vents. Failure to do so results in higher heat and motor wear, not to mention getting dust in grease is impossible to clean and greatly reduces the efficiency of the grease as a lubricant.
• Carriage Slides on the Guide Tubes. Like everything on the saw, they're going to collect some dust. Make sure the previous owner used a dry lubricant- using and oil or grease is just a magnet for the saw dust.
• Check the Oil - Like your car, most panel saws have an oil reservoir. It's usually filled with SAE 70 or 80 gear oil, and should be changed every year or so, more often if the saw sees a lot of use
• Safety Equipment - Make sure the seller did not disable any of the manufacturer's safety features, such as removing a blade guard or ground plug. If the devices have been modified, then you should have them fixed before operating the saw.
• Get all the Parts and Accessories - Be sure to read up on what is included with the saw, and make sure you get everything in one shipment. You are much less likely to receive missing accessories after the sale is complete. The most common missing item? The manual, which is definitely a must have. In addition to basic operation and safety features, it also usually includes part numbers for ordering replacements, and the contact information for the manufacturer for service.
• There's a new service to check out high value eBay items prior to sale, it's called We Go Look. The way it works is simple, people across the country have signed up as "Lookers". Then when a buyer finds an item they are interested in checking out- a house, a car or a panel saw, the local Looker can go over and check the item out, ask questions, take pictures, etc.

3. Payment - Never pay cash or Western Union for a used panel saw. PayPal offers buyer protection- if the saw doesn't show up or is significantly different than advertised you're eligible for a refund.