A panel saw cuts panels out of wood, plastic, and other materials. In woodworking, it is commonly used in the production of cabinetry, tables, and wood paneling. Panel saws are available in conventional models or CNC models. The former requires the operator to move the cutting mechanism across the cutting plane in a vertical or horizontal motion, while the latter automatically moves the cutting mechanism. Depending on their size and technology, panel saws can require a significant investment. Consequently, many woodworkers buy them secondhand. If you plan to buy a pre-owned panel saw, be sure to consider the tips below as you conduct your search (tips also apply to used wood boring machines, routers, and other types of pre-owned woodworking machines): Measure Available Workspace Depending on the size of the cutting plane, a panel saw can be rather large. In addition to needing space for the saw, you will also need space to load panels onto the cutting plane. The larger the cutting plane, the more room you need to do this. If you have a warehouse style workspace, these issues should not pose a problem. If your workspace is on the level of a woodshop, you need to measure the available workspace. Avoid Buying From Auctions Some woodworkers prefer to buy used panel saws at auctions, but doing so can be risky, especially when you do not know the following aspects about a machine: • The environment in which it was used • The condition of its internal parts • The status of its maintenance record These aspects can affect the longevity of pre-owned woodworking equipment. Therefore, auctions that do not provide you with this information should be avoided, especially if the equipment you need plays a pivotal role in your woodwork. Research the Seller Carefully Some woodworkers focus on the quality of the machine they need, but not on the quality of the seller from whom they buy. Unless you plan to inspect a machine firsthand and perform your own research on its past—both of which good ideas— you must trust the honesty of the seller. To see if the trust is deserved, you should speak with at least four of the seller’s previous customers, and research its record at the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Buy a Reconditioned Saw Reconditioning restores a machine to “like new” condition by cleaning its interior, replacing components that are worn or broken, and resolving cosmetic issues. A professional seller of pre-owned woodworking machinery should have a facility where reconditioning is performed. If a seller does not recondition its machinery, find a different seller who does. RT Machine Sells Pre-owned Woodworking Machines For over ten years, RT Machine has sold quality pre-owned woodworking machinery, including used panel saws, wood boring machines, and a variety of CNC machines. Unlike some sellers, we recondition our owned machinery prior to reselling it. We also have a machine locator service that can locate woodworking machines in equipment inventories across the globe. Source: rtmachine.com
