Fast and accurate straight-line cutting of sheet plastic and wood-based materials is possible only on a format-cutting machine. The principle of working with this type of circular saw equipment is simple and clear:
However, all employees, from the manager to the assistant operator, are required to have a complete understanding of the intricacies of the process and the features of the equipment. Only in this case can you count on safe work with high-quality results, within the framework of cost-effective operation.
Purpose of the review
- Bring to the prudent manager all aspects of profitable work on an expensive high-tech machine;
- offer the beginning entrepreneur the best versions of suitable equipment;
- help an inexperienced worker understand the types and models of formatters, the intricacies of their setup and safe operation.
In your business, what material is most often expected to be processed on a cutting machine?
To begin with, I will give the main characteristics that you need to pay attention to when choosing and approximate values.
Table of main technical characteristics of format cutting machines
| Characteristic | Meaning | For whom |
| Desktop orientation | Vertical | For retail outlets to carry out transport cutting of sheet wood-composite materials in limited conditions. |
| Horizontal | For furniture production, where chips and errors in the dimensions of parts are unacceptable. | |
| Cut length, mm | up to 3,000 | For a small workshop where solid wood panels and chipboards are cut for individual orders. |
| from 3 000 | For an organization specializing in the serial production of cabinet furniture from laminated chipboard. | |
| Cutting depth (disc overhang), mm | up to 50 | For a company that constantly works with one type of wood-based panel materials. |
| more than 50 | For a company whose tasks require cutting furniture panels, plywood, and any wood-composite boards. Not only individually, but also in packages. | |
| Saw blade rotation speed | one | For organizations that saw the same type of materials. |
| more than one | For a workshop where slabs of different density and composition are cut. | |
| Dimensions of the working space of the machine, m2 | until 9 | For compact premises of small business production structures. |
| over 9 | For spacious workshops of furniture companies. | |
| Design of the carriage running system | ball | For cutting 3-5 sheets of chipboard per day. |
| roller | For cutting 20 or more sheets per shift. | |
| Working adjustment of disk position | manual | For companies for which a low pace of work is not critical |
| electronic | For organizations whose forces carry out the continuous production of cabinet furniture and carpentry. |
When searching for equipment, pay attention to the width of the carriage. With all other technical characteristics being the same, you should choose a machine with the widest carriage surface. This is due to the relatively better distribution of the load on the moving parts of the design of the format-cutting machine. Thanks to this, a fair opinion has become widespread: the wider the carriage, the lower the setup costs and the longer the period of trouble-free operation.
In this article I will consider the most optimal models in terms of price and quality:
Summary table of models
| Model | Characteristic | Average price, rub. |
| 1. Woodtec 3200 R | A simple and reliable machine with the most practical carriage in the class of budget equipment. Repairable, without problems with spare parts - belts and bearings can even be selected in the auto parts catalog. New or used, ideal for cutting for single orders. It is rather weak for continuous production. | 155 000 |
| 2.Holz-her 1270 | With the ability to work with full-size chipboard sheets, this model occupies the smallest area among other format-cutting machines. The saw unit is fed in semi-automatic mode; cutting at an angle is impossible. "Live" used models. | 220 000 |
| 3. Jet jtss 3200 | The most affordable and most “raw” full-format machine among the new branded equipment. It stands out for its simplicity of design and simple maintenance. Requires constant monitoring of the position of supporting elements and the condition of moving elements. Not for continuous production. Used models are clearly overpriced. | 400 000 |
| 4. Altendorf F45 | Leader in all indicators in the secondary market of circular sawing equipment. You can take this model to a furniture shop or carpentry workshop, despite the highest price for a used format machine. And even when purchasing a new machine, you receive time-tested equipment - the basic version has been modernized by the manufacturer for almost half a century. Not only new technologies are taken into account, but also the wishes of specific customers. Therefore, he has no weak points. | 450 000 |
| 5. Griggio UNICA SAFE | The safest - the saw blade stops after 0.005 seconds, after the teeth touch the exposed area of the operator’s skin. The most expensive - after each operation of the protective mechanism, the disk and critical elements must be replaced. | 850 000 |
Woodtec 3200 R – from 155,000 rubles
An upgraded version of the entry-level machine.
For cutting standard versions of wood-based panels, up to 5-10 sheets per day. The roller carriage ensures maximum precision and smooth running. Adjusting bolts are provided to remove the lateral play of the movable table. The welded frame determines the strength of the machine. The cast base of the saw unit prevents the occurrence of tool runouts throughout the entire life of the machine. The aspiration system housing is held by the riving knife, and the knife itself is not rigid enough to keep the housing from vibration. If the laminated chipboard is fed unevenly, this nuance can provoke a sharp increase in the amplitude of vibrations of the casing, its beating on the disk and trembling of the sawn board. This is why laminate chips even on high-quality material.
The first experience of working on this particular machine should be obtained only after professional adjustment.
Without a guaranteed correct setting, it cannot be turned on for testing - the same riving knife, due to its low rigidity, does not allow one to determine its weakened fastening even by touch. Which can cause damage to the blade, drive and saw unit. Technical characteristics of the Woodtec 3200 R format saw
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Engine power (main / trim), kW | 4 / 0,75 |
| Disc Ø (main / scoring), mm | 315 / 120 |
| Disk rotation (main / scoring), rpm | 2 800, 4 000, 5 600 / 8 000 |
| Cut (length / depth at 90°(45°)), mm | 3200 / 80(65) |
| Machine dimensions (LxWxH (weight)), mm (kg) | 3200x3440x850 (900) |
Video about the Woodtec 3200 R panel saw:
The best panel saws
Filato FL-3200B
Country of origin: Italy. The model is designed for longitudinal, transverse and angular cutting. It cuts sheet blanks of varying texture densities equally well. The metal frame of the machine is welded from rectangular pipes. It has increased strength and is resistant to deformation.
To dampen equipment vibration during operation, the body of the Filato FL-3200B is reinforced with steel sheets having a thickness of 3-4 mm. The cylindrical type guides are also made of steel. An aluminum carriage moves along them. The machine control buttons are located in the electronic unit, located in a convenient place for access.
Characteristics:
- overall dimensions – 3300x3100x900 mm;
- weight – 1050 kg;
- maximum cutting height – 110 mm.
Advantages:
- the presence of an electronic display and an emergency stop button for the machine;
- reliability;
- durability;
- ease of maintenance and operation.
Flaws:
- high price;
- Difficulties in setting up the carriage.
Bosch GTS 10 XC
Country of origin: China. The model is equipped with a braking function, has a starting current limiter and an overload lock. Designed for small furniture production. The work table has retractable elements that allow you to cut large sheets of material of varying densities.
The design has a well-thought-out slab feeding system, which ensures accuracy and ease of cutting the material. Reliability of sheet fixation is ensured by a parallel stop. The maximum tilt angle is 47 degrees. The machine can produce clean and even longitudinal and transverse cuts. The machine can cut plastic and aluminum profiles.
Characteristics:
- overall dimensions – 635x343x768 mm;
- maximum cutting depth – 79 mm;
- weight – 35 kg.
Advantages:
- smooth start;
- structural strength;
- reliability in operation;
- capacious corner stop;
- the presence of a dust collector and an adapter for connecting a vacuum cleaner;
- ease of setup and maintenance.
Flaws:
- the possibility of backlash;
- high price.
Holzmann TS 315VF-2000
Country of origin: Austria. The model is considered the best professional machine in its class. Designed for longitudinal and cross cutting of slabs. The design of the machine allows you to cut complex configurations from sheets. It features fast, accurate and neat cutting of material.
The machine is intended for equipping furniture and carpentry shops. Can cut chipboard, MDF, fiberboard, plywood, acrylic, composite and other materials. The aluminum carriage has high adjustment accuracy. The stops and marking rulers are made of the same material. The work table is made of vibration-damping cast iron. The body has a welded structure.
Characteristics:
- overall dimensions – 910x741x104 mm;
- maximum cutting depth – 100 mm;
- weight – 263 kg.
Advantages:
- increased security;
- effective cleaning of the working area from dust and chips;
- fine adjustment;
- high quality cut.
Flaws:
- high price;
- Can only saw small slabs.
ZENITECH FR 1800
The country of development is Switzerland, the manufacturer is China. The model is designed for longitudinal, transverse and angular cuts. The machine is professional equipment. Equipped with a powerful three-phase motor. Provides high cutting accuracy. Can cut wood-based materials of various densities, as well as plastic and composite materials.
The desktop has a sliding structure made of cast iron. The frame is made of the same material. Despite the powerful engine, the machine is quiet in operation. The carriage is made of aluminum. The air cooling system prevents equipment from overheating during operation.
Characteristics:
- overall dimensions – 936x756x1040 mm;
- maximum cutting depth – 100 mm;
- weight – 300 kg.
Advantages:
- high power;
- cutting accuracy;
- high quality cut.
Flaws:
- high price;
- You can only cut one slab.
FDB Maschinen MJ 61232Z-B
Country of origin: China. The model is equipped with a powerful three-phase electric motor. Belongs to the group of heavy professional machines. It has a cast iron frame, which dampens even slight vibration during equipment operation. The desktop is made of the same material. Aluminum carriage. The machine can cut large slabs.
Characteristics:
- overall dimensions – 3250x3150x900 mm;
- maximum cutting depth – 80 mm;
- weight – 790 kg.
Advantages:
- high-quality cutting;
- high performance;
- ease of adjustment and maintenance.
Flaws:
- insufficient thickness of the carriage;
- large mass;
- high price.
Holz-her 1270 – from 220,000 rubles
Format cutting machine with a vertical table – for transport cutting of dimensional slab materials.
Takes up minimal space. There is a semi-automatic feed of the saw unit with return to the starting position. The design allows you to quickly adjust the cut size and change the cutting axis in two movements.
Does not allow cutting a sheet of material diagonally.
Despite the pneumatic clamping of the workpiece to the table, it is inconvenient to cut and remove large parts alone. Please note: the design of the saw unit does not provide for a scoring disc. Therefore, only equipment recommended by the manufacturer is used. High-quality cutting using analogues of branded blades is possible only if it fully complies with the specifications of the “original” cutting part of the equipment. Technical characteristics of Holzher 1270
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Motor power (saw/feed) kW | 3 / 0.35 and 0.55 |
| Pressure in the pneumatic system, bar | 6 |
| Disc Ø, mm | 220 |
| Disc rotation, rpm | 5 450 |
| Cut (height, length / depth), mm | 2 145, 5 300 / 50 |
| Machine dimensions (LxWxH (weight)), mm (kg) | 6315x1420x2890 (1050) |
Video about the Holzher 1270 panel saw:
Jet jtss 3200 – from 400,000 rubles
A full-size format cutting machine for the needs of small (10-15 “room” projects per month) furniture production.
The electronic engine brake prevents free rotation of the disc and holds it so well that you can unscrew the lock nut without blocking the shaft. There is a comprehensive system for protecting the electric motor from overheating, voltage surges, and exceeding the permissible load threshold. Convenient access to the saw unit is provided. The operating mode of the S1 electric motor is that it would be possible to work without stopping, but the settings of the disks and rulers are periodically lost, and when cutting short parts for a long time, the block of carriage rollers tends to go beyond the rubber stopper. Over time, due to activation of the brake system, the drive belts begin to slip.
The most controversial point regarding this model is the welded structure of the frame, inside of which a reinforced concrete block is placed. Anyone who immediately noticed this feature, as a rule, wonders whether it is worth paying a lot of money for such a solution when there are more profitable machines. Both in price and functionality.
At the selection stage, you should also pay attention to the fact that the belts of both disks are pulled by the shaft of one engine.
On the one hand, this solution saves electricity and creates a relatively low cost of a new machine; on the other hand, when working with solid wood, where the scoring disc does not have such practical importance (as when cutting laminated chipboard), idle wear of the scoring disc bearing occurs. Technical characteristics of Jet jtss 3200
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Engine power, kW | 4,2 |
| Disc Ø (main / scoring), mm | 315 / 80 |
| Disk rotation (main / scoring), rpm | 4 000 / 8 000 |
| Cut (length / depth at 90°(45°)), mm | 3 150 / 102(81) |
| Machine dimensions (LxWxH (weight)), mm (kg) | 3400x3000x880(570) |
Video about the Jet jtss 3200 sheet saw:
Full service and the best terms of cooperation
In order to choose the optimal set of technical means to solve the problems facing furniture production, you need to take into account many factors. These include:
- basic parameters of the machine;
- proposed set of functions;
- characteristics of materials with which the installation is capable of working;
- productivity of certain operations;
- cutting parameters;
- weight and size parameters of the machine and requirements for its power supply.
From us you can buy the most modern equipment for cutting plywood with a laser, the price of which in our catalog will pleasantly surprise even an experienced, informed client. We offer each customer full service and the best terms of cooperation.
If you need equipment for cutting plywood, machines for working with chipboards, automated lines, MDM-TECHNO specialists will provide advice completely free of charge and answer any questions. They will help you choose the optimal technical solution that meets the goals of furniture production.
Our delivery is an additional advantage for each client. Working with many transport companies, we will bring everything purchased by the customer to any region of the Russian Federation. And we will do it promptly, on favorable terms, with guarantees of no damage to the machines.
Altendorf F45 – from 450,000 rubles
The basic version of the line of format-cutting machines designed to work on an industrial scale with chipboard, solid wood, plasterboard, plastic, and aluminum. Electronic adjustment of the disc position. Indication of everything: from current values to error codes. Convenient and reliable systems for fixing disks on shafts. Manual installation of stops using a fine adjustment mechanism. Convenient location of the control unit. Smooth adjustment of saw blade rotation speed.
Taking into account the list of all available basic solutions, the relatively high cost of new and used equipment becomes justified. Another plus is that to adapt any model of the updated F45 line to the technical conditions of a particular production, a proprietary list of additional equipment of 15 items is offered.
Keep in mind: if the scoring disc rotates in the same direction as the main one, this is not a breakdown, but a feature of the Vario motor control unit.
This is how it reacts to errors in connecting to a three-phase network. In order to start the machine correctly, you just need to swap the phases. The main drive here is controlled by a frequency converter, so phase reversal does not affect its operation in any way. Technical characteristics of Altendorf F45
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Engine power (main / trim), kW | 4 |
| Disc Ø (main / scoring), mm | 315 / 120 |
| Disk rotation (main / scoring), rpm | 2 000-6 000 / 8 200 |
| Cut (length / depth at 90°(45°), mm | 3 200 / 82(56) |
| Machine dimensions (LxWxH (weight)), mm (kg) | 3200x3000x910 (1318) |
Video about the Altendorf F45 panel saw:
MDM – techno solves any production problems
MDM-TECHNO offers are able to satisfy the needs of any client. We have equipment for laser cutting of plywood, as well as:
- machines for format cutting of chipboards, including installations with a movable carriage;
- many types of vertical class saws;
- automated centers for cutting sheet wood materials;
- band saws for cutting chipboard;
- cross-cutting machines for end cutting of workpieces;
- double-sided format trimming units;
- equipment for shaped cutting of plywood with different levels of capabilities.
The online store of the MDM-TECHNO company presents functional, modern technical solutions at an attractive price. The variety of offers allows each client to make the best choice. It is easy to buy machines that can effectively solve the problems facing furniture production.
Griggio UNICA SAFE – from 850,000 rubles
A line of 5 dimensional options for reliable and safe format-cutting machines, with programmatic control of the saw unit.
For ease of operation, the carriage is locked in any position. To remove backlash as the rollers wear out, the movable frame is equipped with reversible screws - this detail provides a stated 10-year warranty on the carriage mechanism. There are systems for smooth speed control and instant stop of the saw blade, and a digital indicator on the ruler. The readiness of the machine for operation is indicated by LEDs on the desktop. Fast and precise adjustment of the position of the scoring and main equipment is ensured by separate drives.
The need to replace critical elements of the safety system after each operation makes it very expensive to operate a far from cheap machine.
The base disk Ø 400 mm, when the saw unit is lowered into the table as much as possible, still remains 25 mm above the surface of the machine. A Ø 300 mm disc is ideally hidden. Technical characteristics of the Griggio UNICA SAFE machine
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Engine power (main / trim), kW | 5,5 / 0,75 |
| Disc Ø (main / scoring), mm | 400 / 125 |
| Disk rotation (main / scoring), rpm | 2 000-6 000 / 8 000 |
| Cut (length / depth at 90°(45°)), mm | 3 260 / 130(90) |
| Machine dimensions (LxW (weight)), mm (kg) | 2150-4300x3000(1100) |
Video about the Griggio UNICA SAFE machine:
Conclusion
Due to the fact that the issue of choosing the right formatter is most acute for representatives of small businesses, let us summarize based on the needs of these customers.
the most acceptable option for starting production activities is the inexpensive Woodtec 3200 R. Its capabilities are sufficient for the leisurely production of cabinet furniture according to individual projects.
Altendorf F45 , due to its reasonable price and high cutting accuracy, in general terms outperforms even the most expensive representatives of format cutting machines.
FAQ
What is the best way to lubricate the moving elements of the carriage for a consistently smooth ride?
It is extremely rare and mainly for equipment with ball carriage systems that the manufacturer recommends a special lubricant that does not collect dust and sawdust. “Veretyonka” and “Industrial” cannot be used as a worthy alternative, because the dust on them accumulates to a thick consistency.
The only solution is to disassemble the carriage and physically remove all debris. It is strictly forbidden to lubricate the system with “WD” type aerosols. Because this is the main reason why the sealing rubber inserts come off. In the vast majority of cases, the units of format-cutting machines do not require lubrication. Simply blow them off with a stream of compressed air.
Is it possible to customize the format yourself?
Yes, if it is a manual machine. Moreover, for most budget models, monitoring of the accuracy of settings should be carried out constantly. Because of this, independent adjustment may be required quite often (up to daily correction). And each call to a specialist significantly increases the payback period of the machine.
In fact, this process is not the most difficult. Even a novice operator who has no experience in carrying out such work can handle it. To speed up the process and correctly perform the adjustment procedure, it is necessary to determine in advance the position of all adjustment points and prepare a suitable tool. More details about the principles, devices and simplest methods of fine adjustment of mechanical systems are described in the video:
Setting up the operation of electronic units should be entrusted to a service technician with the necessary diagnostic equipment.
Which saws are suitable for the format saw?
Particular care should be taken when using refurbished saw blades (usually sold together with used machines). Overheated, with broken geometry; sharpened without the use of high-precision, highly specialized equipment - all this is a potential threat to the quality of cutting.
New discs are selected in accordance with the specified dimensions (outer Ø, seat Ø) and the characteristics of the material being processed. There are many nuances, each of them is necessarily reflected in the catalogs of equipment manufacturers. Based on the general principles of correspondence between the characteristics of the teeth and the properties of the materials being processed, general rules are formulated:
- teeth with a positive slope of the working edge are better suited for processing solid wood than others;
- with a negative slope - suitable for laminated particle boards and aluminum;
- The more teeth on the disk, the cleaner the cut of hard materials.
What to look for when choosing a “no name” or used machine?
Difficult to eliminate, and therefore not acceptable: backlash in the carriage, violations of the integrity and geometry of the working surfaces.
The package should not be ignored. An unpleasant surprise here will be that for discontinued models, not to mention additional equipment, even original elements from the basic set will be difficult to find.
It’s good if, when comparing the expected load and the machine’s passport data, the reserve potential becomes obvious (high power, wide range of disk revolutions, etc.).
Lifehacks
In order to avoid chipping when cutting chipboard or laminated board, you must first draw a cutting line on the material with a sharp tool. Damage to the decorative layer of the slabs can be minimized by applying paper tape to the surface of the material along the cutting line.
You can reduce the number of chips on the cut edge of material sawed on light machines by reducing the vibration of the equipment during operation. To do this, work tables are additionally attached to the floor using metal corners and dowels.
Format cutting equipment ensures high accuracy of material cutting, which is fundamentally important for furniture production. With their help, angular, transverse and longitudinal cuts are made of particle boards of various densities, as well as solid wood.
