Circular saws with scoring: characteristics, types and applications in the woodworking industry

You have decided to start a business in the furniture manufacturing industry or you want to upgrade your current circular saw and you naturally need information about this important machine in any workshop or factory. The offer is large and at first glance, all models perform the same operation. However, there are differences, in some cases smaller, in others larger, that can make the difference between a workshop equipment and an industrial one. 

What is a circular saw with a scorer?

Sliding table saws with scoring unit are machines used for sizing panels made of chipboard, MDF, HDF or other wood-based materials.

As standard, every sliding table saw with a scoring unit has a sliding table available in various sizes, with 1600, 2600 and 3200 being the most common.

The cutting group is composed of the main blade and the scoring blade, which aims to make an incision in the melamine of the boards to be processed, to prevent its chipping effect. 

In made-to-order furniture production from chipboard, MDF or HDF, this machine is indispensable, because board sizing cannot be done accurately without it.

Panel-stack sizing saws are industrial machines capable of precise cuts at high working speeds. The ability to cut 5 boards in a single pass places these machines at the top of the scoring saw category.

Main features of circular saws with movable table

The main features are related to the mobile table, the mobile table extension and the scoring unit. 

The sliding table – enables safe cutting of large boards, giving the operator control over the panels being processed as well as very good visibility of the saw blades. Its movement must be smooth and natural and must allow vibration-free machining, since vibrations result in faulty cuts, chipping of the melamine or even damage to the anodized aluminum table.

The sliding table extension – supports the boards and allows them to be sized to the dimensions preset by the operators on the cross fence. If needed, it can be removed on most models. It is important for this extension to be solidly built so that it can withstand daily use.

The scoring unit – is the strong point of these saws, as it makes a groove ahead of the main saw blade, which allows the material to be cut through without damaging the underside melamine. It is mounted against the direction of the main blade and is adjusted left–right so that it is aligned with the main blade. It can also be adjusted up and down. Some models have a system that automatically raises the scoring blade electrically when it is in use and lowers it below the table when it is not. It cannot start independently of the main blade, even though some models have a separate motor for the scoring unit.

Cutting width on the right side – the fixed tables allow generous cutting widths to the right of the blade.

Main features of circulars to be formatted in a package

Productivity. This is the word that perfectly describes these top-of-the-range machines. Working speed combined with cutting precision ensures stable and efficient production.

The optimization capability of Lohmeyer package format circulars ensures minimal material loss and economical resource optimization at an optimal level. The intuitive software graphically displays cuts in real time, offering the option of error diagnostics and automation technologies at the highest level of performance.

The powerful motors, together with the solid construction, ensure emotionless processing under intense working conditions. You can find out more about package circulars here.

Design and construction

In terms of design, scoring saws do not differ greatly from one another; most differences lie in added options such as electric height or angle adjustment, an automatic parallel fence or touchscreen panel control.

If we talk about construction, the greater the need for cutting, the more solid the construction must be. The sliding guides of the movable table, the transverse and parallel rulers, the movable and fixed extensions, are designed in such a way as to successfully accommodate a certain type of activity. It is important to remember that all circular saws cut, but not all of them do so at the same capacitive level. 

A striking example can be highlighted in the case of Rema circular saws, which allow for chipboard formatting and cutting operations, but are also suitable for processing solid wood, largely due to their extremely solid construction. The high weight of a circular saw ensures vibration-free cuts and high performance. 

The electronic components built into the saws must be of superior quality and properly matched to the machine's main functions in order to ensure a competitive level of performance.

With panel-stack saws, the material is handled using an air-cushion table, which allows a single operator to easily maneuver up to 5 sheets of chipboard at once. These are then picked up by the clamps, whose accurate positioning without deviation is ensured by the magnetic tape. This also eliminates the maintenance and periodic adjustments typical of conventional versions.

The canvas carriage is positioned at the bottom and is driven by a rack and pinion system, which allows operation at high speeds without vibrations and provides superior accuracy repeatedly.

Advantages of the incisor

The main obvious advantage is protection of the melamine. Its height can be adjusted manually or electrically, depending on the model.

Burn prevention – the initial cut made in the material reduces the risk of it burning during cutting with the main blade.

Cutting efficiency – because the scoring blade makes an initial cut, the main blade meets less resistance during cutting, which makes the operation more efficient and extends the service life of the cutting tools.

Improved safety – the scoring unit actively contributes to a higher level of safety when using the panel sizing saw. It reduces the risk of the main blade jamming or bending, which can cause serious accidents.

Safety in use

Safety is the first aspect we make known during commissioning. For this reason, we ensure that the operator knows how to use such an aggregate. Knowledge of the equipment along with the techniques of use are important, and every operator must know them well. 

Protective equipment should include helmets, goggles and tight-fitting clothing. Gloves are not recommended, especially in the vicinity of the cutting blades. Loose clothing can also cause serious accidents by pulling the operator directly into the cutting blades. 

Check the circular before use. The blades should be well secured, the mobile table should slide smoothly and the surrounding area should be free of disturbing elements. Periodically check that the emergency buttons are working properly and the sliding systems are cleaned and lubricated.

During adjustments, make sure the machine is turned off. 

Regular maintenance is vital to have a perfectly functional machine for a long time. 

Types of circular saws with a scorer

Circular saws come in different sizes and for different applications. They can be most easily categorized into circular saws for small or medium-sized workshops and circular saws for large workshops or factories. 

Depending on the number of plates being cut and the intended workflow, the circulars must be correctly aligned for optimal performance. 

Applications of circular saws with scoring in the wood industry

The most common applications in the wood industry are: 

• shaping and
• debit
• split
• hemming
• angle cut
• grooving

Conclusions

A circular saw with a scoring blade is indispensable, as we always say, in a furniture production workshop made of chipboard, MDF or HDF. Without it, the following steps do not exist, as cutting large boards is not possible.