Best Vertical Panel Saw (2024)
Having a panel saw in your shop could be a major time saver and allow you to quickly break down plywood. However, choosing the best panel saw for your needs is crucial since they are such a big investment. This is why I reviewed and ranked the 6 best panel saws to help you save time. I also picked the top 4, so you can pick the best one for your needs.
Safety Speed SR5 Vertical Panel Saw With Router
Safety Speed invented the panel saw and in my opinion, reinvented it again with the SR5 vertical panel saw with an interchangeable router.
Powermatic 511 Vertical Panel Saw
Powermatic offers the most robust and high-quality panel saw on the market, and is designed to excel in a commercial environment.
Saw Trax Full-Size Panel Saw Model 2076
The Saw Trax is the most capable panel saw with a 76-inch crosscut which can easily speed up processing panels.
Milwaukee Panel Saw Model 6480-20
The Milwaukee is a great budget option with the capability of large panel saws but at an affordable price and small form factor.
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Table Of Contents
1. Safety Speed SR5 Vertical Panel Saw With Router
Best Overall
9.6 out of 10
My Take
The SR5 panel saw is currently the best panel saw on the market today. Safety Speed has developed a highly accurate vertical panel saw while also integrating an interchangeable motor carriage for a router.
Key Features
Interchangeable motor carriage allowing you to swap the saw for a router
8 Nylatron roller bearing system to effortlessly maneuver sheet goods
10-foot welded steel frame providing an accuracy of 1/64 of an inch
Unique midway fence allowing you to process wooden panels at waist level
Pros:
Dual Functionality
Extreme Precision
Mid-Way Fence
Cons:
Expensive
Complex
Dust Collection
Capability & Accuracy
The SR5 vertical panel saw has a maximum crosscut capacity of 62 inches and is unlimited for rip cuts. The SR5 is capable of producing crosscuts as well as rip cuts with an accuracy of 1/64 of an inch straight and square, making this saws one of the most precise on the market. If you count on perfect 90-degree cuts both horizontal and vertical, the SR5 is the best option. In addition, the saw is able to mount a router within the carriage providing quick and precise groves, dados, or rabbets. This capability could be a big time saver for a small shop or if you lack additional floor space for an additional machine.
Frame & Tool Components
The SR5 panel saw has a 10-foot welded steel frame which has a lifetime guarantee. The SR5 also has many add-ons that other saws do not offer. The panel saw has both vertical and horizontal rulers as well as a Mid-Way fence. The Mid-Way fence allows you to place smaller sheet goods at waist level to easily cut or route the workpiece. The saw also includes four material clamps, two blind dado stops, and integrated stops in the Mid-Way fence. The tool is also powered by a 3 1/4 hp Milwaukee saw and 1 3/4 Milwaukee Router. The SR5 also has an enclosed counterweight system preventing any damage from sawdust or debris.
Dust Collection
The only downside to the SR5 would be the dust collection. It has an integrated dust bonnet for the saw and Safety Speed also offers a dust kit as an add-on. While the router is attached to the carriage you can expect the dust collection to be very minimal.
Warranty & Support
The SR5 comes with a one-year parts warranty and the panel saw frame has a lifetime warranty. Safety speed manufacturing also has part catalogs and support services that are comparable with most tool manufacturers.
If you're looking for the best, most capable, and most precise panel saw, the Safety Speed SR5 should be your number one pick.
2. Powermatic 511 Vertical Panel Saw
Runner Up
9.3 out of 10
My Take
The Powermatic 511 is one of the best panel saws for a commercial shop. With a high-quality carriage assembly, great dust collection, and legendary reliability the Powermatic 511 is in my option one of the best you can buy.
Key Features
Stainless steel guide tubes with 8 guide roller assemblies to easily maneuver larger panels
Dual 4-inch dust ports with nylon brush guards that completely eliminate sawdust
An effective counterweight system that keeps the carriage in place while you move material
The heavy-duty welded one-piece steel frame helps to prevent vibrations and provide accurate cuts.
Pros:
High Quality
5-Year Limited Warranty
3 HP Worm Drive Saw
Cons:
Expensive
Large Footprint
Forklift Required For Delivery
Capability & Accuracy
The Powermatic 511 has a maximum cross-cut capability of 62 inches and an unlimited capacity for rip cuts. The saw is powered by a 3-hp worm-drive motor and is capable of being rotated in the carriage and locking it in place for both vertical and horizontal cuts. The saw also includes horizontal and vertical scales with integrated stop blocks to quickly batch out your material.
Frame & Tool Components
The carriage assembly on the Powermatic 511 is very heavy duty with it being a one-piece steel frame. The carriage assembly is also built to last with stainless steel guide tubes and 8 guided roller assemblies which make moving material on the panel saw very easy and ensure perfect rip cuts every time. The saw blade also has a counterweight system that keeps the carriage where you position it when you're moving or loading new stock onto the panel saw. The saw also has integrated casters if you do decide you need to move the tool.
Dust Collection
The Powermatic has 2 4-inch dust ports that completely eliminate any sawdust minimizing the time you'll need to clean up. One dust port is located at the bottom of the frame and integrated into the saw channel to collect any sawdust that falls during operation. The other dust port is directly integrated into the carriage to collect any sawdust coming from the blade. The saw blade also has nylon brushes surrounding the front and rear to prevent any sawdust from escaping.
Warranty & Support
With Powermatic you know you'll have a company that you can depend upon if something happens to your panel saw. The Powermatic 511 vertical panel saw comes with a five-year warranty, but if it's used for commercial purposes the warranty is reduced to two years. However, Powermatic is known to stand behind its machines and offer genuine replacement parts with same-day shipping as well as toll-free support, repair help, and videos.
If you're looking for a workhorse full-size panel saw for your commercial shop the Powermatic 511 will give you performance and reliability while also minimizing downtime to help you keep making money.
3. Saw Trax Full-Size Panel Saw Model 2076
Most Capable
8.6 out of 10
My Take
The Saw Trax full size panel saw has massive capabilities at a lower price range than most. In my opinion, the 76in Saw Trax is a very good value.
Key Features
18 material rollers providing support for large sheet goods
Ability to install a new saw in the carriage
Accu-Glide bearing system with 12 bearings for smoother precise cuts
Pros:
Low Price Point
Largest Capacity
Cons:
1-Year Warranty
Lower Quality Materials
Capability & Accuracy
The Saw Trax model 2076 has a maximum cross-cut capability of 76 inches and an unlimited capacity for rip cuts. The 76 inch crosscut capacity is one of the largest available and helps you easily break down large panels. The saw is equipped with a Makita circular saw with a powerful 15 amp motor. The saw also has a maximum cut thickness of 1 3/4 inches which is plenty for most composite materials. One of the main reasons to consider this saw is Saw Trax's patented accu-square alignment system, which ensures your machine will always produce square cuts.
Frame & Tool Components
One great feature of the Saw Trax is they include 18 material rollers which provide better support for larger pieces of wood. This is a big increase over the competition and full-size sheets of material will easily glide over the guide rails and prevent smaller pieces from falling after being cut. Also, the 76-inch panel saws come with modularity in mind with replaceable components in the carriage, guide tubes, and material fences.
Dust Collection
The Saw Trax 76-inch panel saw comes with a dust hood that mounts over the carriage. However, it does not come with a containment brush, hose, or frame dust collection which are sold as optional accessories. I would think over the course of a day the area around the bottom of the saw would be covered in sawdust without those add-ons.
Warranty & Support
The Saw Trax panel saw comes with a one-year warranty from the date of purchase, and it excludes the electric motor. When it comes to customer support or parts it doesn't appear that Saw Trax offers parts or repair services online like other industrial duty saw manufacturers.
If your looking for the largest cutting capacity for the money the Saw Trax 76in full-size panel saw is definitely the way to go.
4. Safety Speed 6800 Vertical Panel Saw
7.3 out of 10
My Take
The Safety Speed 6800 is one of the best vertical panel saws with its incredible precision. I personally would consider the 6800 a great all-around machine.
Key Features
1/64 of an inch cut accuracy from additional bearings
Weighted pulley system for easy cross cuts
Heavy-duty frame system for increased stability
Upgraded worm drive motor for the most demanding cuts
Pros:
High Quality
Extreme Precision
3 HP Worm Drive Saw
Cons:
Expensive
Requires Additional Dust Kit
Capability & Accuracy
The Safety Speed 6800 has a maximum cross-cutting capability of 74 inches and an unlimited capability for rip cuts. Also, the saw offers the best panel cutting on the market with a tolerance of only 1/64 of an inch. The accuracy is for both vertical and horizontal cutting. The 6800 is equipped with a 3hp worm-driven saw motor which ensures reliability and a long life. Similar to the SR5 the 6800 has adjustable vertical and horizontal rulers for quick and easy measurements.
Frame & Tool Components
One of the main reasons the 6800 is so accurate is due to the frame construction. The saw includes additional steel welded in a diagonal pattern to offer increased weight and a solid surface for the panels to rest. The 10ft wide frame also includes 8 Nylatron roller bearings as well as solid aluminum material rollers. The 6800 also is equipped with a weighted pully system rather than a spring-loaded counterbalance system for smoother operation.
Dust Collection
The Safety Speed 6800 has an integrated dust collection bonnet, yet does not come with a hose or any brushes around the saw carriage. Safety Speed does offer a dust kit which will add a few hundred dollars and the kit includes a mounting bracket for the top of the saw and a dust collection hose.
Warranty & Support
The 6800 comes with a one-year parts warranty while the frame has a lifetime warranty. Safety speed manufacturing also has part catalogs and support services that are comparable with most tool manufacturers.
The Safety Speed 6800 vertical saw would be a great addition to any shop and help you become more productive.
5. Saw Trax Heavy Duty 1000 Panel Saw 64 Inch
6.8 out of 10
My Take
The Saw Trax 1000 is a great entry-level full-size panel saw with a large cutting capacity and the necessary features. I personally would consider it a great first entry into getting a panel saw.
Key Features
Accu-Square alignment system for accurate repetitive cuts
Sealed steel bearings for smooth operations
64 inch cutting capacity for large pieces
Pros:
Makita Saw
Full 10 Foot Steel Frame
Dust Hood & Hose
Cons:
Lacks Accessories
1-Year Warranty
Capability & Accuracy
The Saw Trax model 1000 has a maximum cross-cut capability of 64 inches and an unlimited capacity for rip cuts. The saw is equipped with a Makita 5007F circular saw right off the shelf making it easy to replace. The saw also has a maximum cut thickness of 1 3/4 inches. Even though the Saw Trax 1000 is an entry-level panel saw it still has its patented accu-square alignment system. This ensures your panel processing is precise and accurate to 1/64 of an inch.
Frame & Tool Components
The Saw Trax frame consists of 18 material rollers that help support large sheets and contribute to the accuracy of the saw. The saw also comes standard with a folding stand and frame wheels if you need to move the saw.
Dust Collection
Similar to the Saw Trax 2000, the 1000 model saw features a dust hood, hose, hose coupler, and dust containment brush. However, I would also consider the frame dust collection system which adds a second dust port at the bottom of the saw.
Warranty & Support
The Saw Trax 1000 panel saw offers a one-year guarantee from the time of sale, but it excludes the motor. They also don't have an online store for parts or services like other industrial-duty saw manufacturers, but I assume it is accessible if you call.
The Saw Trax 1000 saw will help you work faster in the shop, so don't hesitate to take advantage of its capabilities.
6. Milwaukee Panel Saw Model 6480-20
Best Compact
6.0 out of 10
My Take
The Milwaukee is a perfect option if you're looking to quickly break down large composite panels but don’t need a full-size panel saw and want to save money. This saw in my option is perfect if you don’t have much room and you have a small shop but want to save time.
Key Features
1/32 of an inch cut accuracy
Powerful 15 amp Milwaukee Motor
Rigid All Steel Frame
Small and Portable Compact Footprint
Pros:
Affordable
Highly Accurate
5-Year Warranty
Cons:
Small
Limited Workpiece Support
Limited Rip Capacity
Capability & Accuracy
The Milwaukee 6480-20 panel saw is able to easily break down a 4x8 sheet of plywood even with its small footprint. However, one downside is that the small roller supports may make rip cuts on large horizontal panels difficult or not as precise. The saw can make cuts within 1/32 of an inch which is more than enough for most applications. The saw also has a maximum cut thickness of 1 3/4 which is similar to the larger types of panel saws.
Frame & Tool Components
The Milwaukee's frame is made from electrically welded steel to prevent warping or twisting and is very compact. The width of the saw is only slightly larger than 5 feet, making it compact enough to fit in a small home shop.
Dust Collection
One downside of a smaller and cheaper option is the lack of dust collection. The saw doesn't come standard with dust collection but Milwaukee offers an add-on kit for dust collection. However, even with the kit it won't compete with the larger saws.
Warranty & Support
The Milwaukee panel saw comes with a 5-year limited warranty which is one of the best in the market. Milwauke also offers replacement motors and parts to repair your saw if something were to happen.
The Milwaukee panel saw can save you significant time in your shop without the enormous price tag of a full-size panel saw.
Final Thoughts
A panel saw is not one of the first few tools to buy as a woodworker, but it can quickly speed up your workflow in a commercial shop. I personally would see buying a panel saw as an investment that will pay itself off over time and make sure I picked the best one like the Safety Speed SR5. If you are a DIY or hobby woodworker the Milwaukee is the best panel saw that has a compact footprint and affordable price. I hope this article helped you pick the best push stick for your specific needs.
To sum things up here are my top picks for this year:
If you're looking for the best overall, I highly recommend the Safety Speed SR5.
If need a panel saw that is going to hold up to daily abuse the Powermatic 511 is a great choice.
If you need the most capable saw with the largest crosscut capacity the Saw Trax Full-Size Panel Saw is your best option.
For the best compact panel saw, the Milwaukee panel saw is affordable and capable.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Panel saws are clearly superior to track saws however, come with some disadvantages. Panel saws are much more expensive and take up designated space in your workshop. For DIY or hobby woodworkers a track saw is more suitable due to the lower cost and being able to store it away when not in use. For commercial workshops that break down plywood daily, a dedicated panel saw will save significant time and are much safer than using a table saw.
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For the most part, you can do the same crosscuts and rip cuts on a table saw that you could on a panel saw. However, when working with 4x8 sheets of material some cuts on a table saw can be risky and unsafe. If you regularly need to break down large sheets of plywood using a panel saw is much safer and will be much faster.
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If you don’t want to spend money on an expensive panel saw, there are a few good alternatives that can save you time. The best alternative would be a track saw and a long track. You could also use multiple different products that transform a standard circular saw into a track saw. Not to mention a good cabinet table saw can easily break down large sheets of plywood.
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