Milwaukee Panel Saw
If you're thinking about a Milwaukee panel saw, it helps to know a little about the company beforehand. Milwaukee has been manufacturing power tools since 1924. It's a worldwide company, and currently markets about 500 different tools, including their flagship 6480-20 panel saw.
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They use cellular manufacturing to increase productivity. Basically you have a team (specialized cell) building the entire saw, which allows better quality control and faster response to defects than the usual assembly line. Milwaukee sells primarily through distributors and home centers, as well as online. Milwaukee has manufacturing in Greenwood, Blytheville, Arkansas and overseas. Distribution centers are in Mississippi, Belgium, Canada, and Mexico.
In addition to the 6480-20 panel saw, they also sell the following accessories:
- Hold Down Bars - used to hold especially thin and bendable material in place for precise cuts. This works great with stock like Masonite.
- Quick Stop - adds an aluminum stop block so you can make precise cuts consistently. If you've never used stops, you really should look into them. You can make your own with clamps- and once you move from measure then cut straight to cut, you'll never want to go back. Shortcuts that work and still produce great results are hard to come by- stops are on the short list.
- Midway Fence - allows cutting of smaller panels at waist level. Also comes with a stop block and fences. If you have to make many, smaller cuts, this allows you to work at a comfortable height and not bend constantly.
- Dust Collecting Kit - although you need to have your own vacuum. Dealing with sawdust in the shop could be the subject of a book, but let's just say that planning ahead can save you a lot of time with the broom later.
- Wheel Kit - to make the saw mobile. At a couple of hundred pounds, if you plan on moving the panel saw, go ahead and get the wheels, your back will thank you.
Milwaukee customer service is responsive, and they have been know to replace parts free of charge outside of warranty, depending the on circumstances. Complaints, if you can call them that usually center around the weight of the panel saw, however a product of the heft is stability. If you plan on purchasing this saw, grabbing some of the accessories above- particularly the wheels are a good idea if they are not part of the auction. You may also want to consider the extension bars- if you cut eight foot or longer stock the weight will actually cause the wood to tip without the extenders in place. The Milwaukee panel saw is not cheap- but it is a good saw that will provide you with years of consistent and low maintenance operation.
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