23.5 Sawing Panel Products Handling large and bulky materials is often a problem for cabinetmakers. Panel products are one example. They may be large, thin, and flexible, or thick and heavy. Handling these materials may require two people or a specialized vacuum lift. To cut full-size sheets, most cabinetmakers use a panel saw rather than a table saw. Horizontal and vertical panel saws are avail- able. See Figure 23-26. The panel is supported by a sliding table. The material is fed into the blade by moving the table forward. The disadvantage of slid- ing panel saws is that they take up a great deal of space. A vertical panel saw can be placed up against a wall. The panel is placed in the frame and the saw is pulled through the cut. See Figure 23-27. Another type of saw for cutting panels is known as a beam saw, Figure 23-28. Beam saws are usually found in shops that process at least fifty sheets of material per shift. Many beam saws can cut upward of six sheets at one time. Material moves easily over a bed of air. The panels are clamped in place, and the saw blades travel along a guide system to make accurate cuts. 23.5.1 Scoring Blades Regardless of the type of panel saw, scoring blades are needed to create tear free cuts in panel materials. A scoring blade is a small diameter blade designed to precut, or score, the material before the main blade cuts through the panel. Scoring blades are designed to penetrate just through the face of the material, no more than about 1/40″ (1 mm). Their cut is slightly wider than the main blade. See Figure 23-29. 23.6 Radial Arm Saw The radial arm saw was originally used for sawing, surfacing, drilling, shaping, and sanding, Figure 23-30. Most radial arm saws are now used primarily for sawing stock to length. Imagine trying to crosscut a 12′ (3.66 m) long piece of lumber with a table saw. This task is more easily done with a radial arm saw. The radial arm saw blade, blade guard, and motor are above the table. All of these are mounted on a yoke that moves forward and backward on an arm. The arm swings both left and right for miter- ing. The motor assembly can be tilted for bevels. The entire frame can be mounted on legs or a bench. Radial arm saws are sized according to blade diam- eter, from 8″ to 16″ (203 mm to 406 mm), with 10″ (254 mm) being the most common. Fremont Interiors, Inc. Figure 23-26. Horizontal panel saws are useful for breaking down sheet goods. This panel saw is equipped with a numeric control that stores cutting lists and controls the rip fence, crosscut stops, and all blade adjustments. Patrick A. Molzahn Figure 23-27. Vertical panel saws are used to break down large sheets. They can be equipped with scoring blades to reduce tearout and their small footprint saves space. Chapter 23 Sawing with Stationary Power Machines 385 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.