If you’re looking for the Rolls Royce of panel saws, you’ve found it with the Milwaukee 6480-20 Complete Panel Saw System. If first off, if you’re a home handyman, the system may not be for you, as it is large, heavy, and a bit expensive (if you’re looking for a smaller, less expensive, panel saw system, you may want to check out PSI Woodworking PPS-2). If however, you work in the trades, are constantly handling 4'x 8' stock, look no further you found your tool.
This behemoth boasts an 80 inch panel saw driven by a 15 amp motor. All that power does not come without precision, however, accuracy is one 32nd of an inch in either a rip or a cross cut. The frame is rock solid, an electrically welded, so it won’t warp or twist. The entire system weighs about 175 pounds, so make sure that you have a friend available, or pop for a set of wheels. Speaking of optional accessories, you may also want to buy the extensions kit if you’re going to cut stock over 6 feet long.
This monster will handle up to 1 ¾ inch stock. The saw carriage can move either horizontally or vertically with equal ease. As you would expect with a tool of this price point, there are horizontal and vertical scales. Another nice feature is the retractable counterweight which makes movement of the saw carriage effortless. The nylon bearings glide effortlessly over the stock and never require lubrication. The Milwaukee 6480-20 Complete Panel Saw System is a good value for the money.