What is a mobile table formatter and what are its uses?

Handling and cutting PAL (chipboard), MDF or solid wood panels with standard table saws is feasible, but rather difficult because of the large size of the panels. There is a more efficient way to cut these panels: the sliding table panel saw.

If you are not familiar with the term panel saw or panel sizing, in this article we will cover everything you need to know about this machine, which is essential to any carpentry workshop.

What is a circular to format?

A panel saw is a machine whose design allows large panels of chipboard, MDF, solid wood, OSB and similar materials to be cut (sized) into smaller sections of the desired dimensions.

It features two independent motors, one for the cutting unit and the other for the scoring unit. The scoring blade is used for melamine-faced panels and prevents the melamine surface from chipping as the saw blade exits the material, leaving the final result ready for the next operations: edge banding, multiple drilling, CNC milling and so on.

At the same time, through the option of independent motors, the scoring unit can be stopped, in the case of formatting parts that do not require special attention when the cutting blade exits the material.

Another important advantage of circular saws is the movable table. Its sliding must be smooth and without deviations, in order to have optimal and precise cuts. The movable tables made of extruded aluminum ensure optimal torsional resistance and balance, providing an easy and efficient working experience.

Circular to format or circular with table?

Unlike classic table saws, panel saws can have sliding lengths of up to 3200 mm as standard (see the last photo) and over 3500 mm in custom versions. Their considerably larger working surface increases operator safety during cutting and allows easy, fast and precise cutting of the desired material.

The possibility of adjusting and quickly cutting at an angle of the cutting blades allows for various working possibilities.

The main safety elements are represented by the large size of the machine, which allows easy handling of large plates, the protective hood positioned above the cutting blades, the eccentric clamping devices, the anti-recoil devices, the small parts pushing devices, specially designed to increase the operator's protection.

In the case of circular format machines with tables over 2600 mm, it is recommended to use it by 2 operators.

A decisive factor when comparing the two woodworking machines is the higher precision of the panel saw. For melamine-faced chipboard, MDF or HDF panels, in addition to the scoring blade, a dedicated saw blade with many teeth delivers a perfect final cut onto which ABS edge banding, for example, can be applied immediately.

What are the uses of the formatting circular?

• formatting (cutting) wooden boards, chipboard, etc. into small pieces;
• furniture manufacturing from chipboard, MDF, HDF;
• construction of wooden houses;
• billing, formatting services.

Advantages and disadvantages of the circular to format

Advantages:

• precise cuts, on large work sections;
• speed of processing;
• finished product ready for the next operation (drilling, edging, milling cnc router etc);
• relatively short learning and adaptation time;
• reliability and robustness over time;
• possibility of angle cuts;
• cheap and easy maintenance.

disadvantages

• requires a large total footprint;

A circular saw is a necessary tool for any professional carpenter.