I’ve had the privilege of working with frame and truss manufacturers for many years now, and I’ve seen firsthand how the right equipment can transform a business.
If you’re thinking about investing in an automated linear saw, I can honestly say, you can reap many benefits from doing so. These machines are key to increasing output, improving precision, and taking pressure off your team. But buying one isn’t only about speed or specs, it’s about finding the right fit for your operation.
Here I’ve outlined what I always encourage fabricators to think about before making the decision. [For all photos, See PDF or View in Full Issue.]
Core Features are a Must
When considering an automated linear saw for your operation, you want to ensure the saw can deliver to your needs and the requirements of your jobs. Consider factors such as:
- Cutting speed and throughput
- Cutting accuracy
- Material handling
- Types of cuts the saw can produce.
Also, given the tough environment the saw needs to operate in, you’ll need to look for a saw with heavy-duty construction which will resist wear and tear. Make sure the components can hold up in the dusty, high-volume workplace you’ll be putting them in.
While core features may be more obvious when it comes to requirements in a saw purchase, I also strongly encourage fabricators to take into account the following considerations, as you may be left disappointed in your decision if you don’t.
Know Your Production Needs – Today and Tomorrow
Ask yourself, can the saw handle your current volume—and the growth you’re planning for in the next few years? Think about your average daily output, peak demand periods, and the variety of products you’re cutting. A saw that can’t adapt will slow you down. I’ve seen factories outgrow their equipment faster than they expected. You want a machine that keeps up and grows with you, without becoming a bottleneck.
At Spida, our saws are designed with flexibility in mind. Whether you’re cutting for frames or trusses, running small jobs or full production shifts, I can help you match the right saw to your business needs.
Integration Matters More Than You Think
An automated linear saw shouldn’t disrupt your workflow—it should fit seamlessly into your existing processes and systems, thereby enhancing them. That’s why I recommend to fabricators to consider integration in their decision-making, including software integration. Ask yourself questions such as these: What design software compatibility does it have? Will it read the job files you’re using? Can it import your cutting lists automatically? Does the software assist with intelligent board optimization and reduce waste?
Spida’s automated linear saws have our design philosophy of simplicity at their core—meaning your team can be operating them very quickly with minimal disruption. Also, our cleverly developed software strikes the right balance between being simple to use and offering flexible configuration. Our software supports loading of most job formats (with over 20 types of major job formats used today) and is flexible enough to incorporate new types as needed.
Accuracy = Efficiency + Profitability
You don’t need me to tell you that waste is expensive. Every inaccurate cut costs time, lumber, and trust. Accuracy is key not only for ensuring your frames and trusses go together right the first time, but also for getting the most out of every stick of lumber. When you’re evaluating a saw, look at how it handles optimization and real-time adjustments. Does it give you clean, consistent results across all your lumber sizes?
Spida’s saws come equipped with optimized cutting logic that allows for the best possible stock utilization and waste reduction so you can maximize quality—every cut, across every shift. Optimize one job at a time, or jobs across a production schedule, the choice is yours.
Operator Experience and Safety
When considering a saw purchase, keep your team in mind. A machine’s only as good as the people running it. The more user-friendly and intuitive it is, the faster your team can get up to speed—and the safer they’ll be. Look for features that support your operators, not overwhelm them—look for saws with clean interface designs, clear diagnostics, and robust safety features such as emergency stops and guards. Also, consider the electrical requirements in your factory and whether you need to add a dust collector.
I always say, automation should empower your people. That’s why at Spida we focus on building machines that are safe, smart, and simple to use—whether you’re a seasoned operator or someone just stepping into the role.
Think Beyond the Initial Purchase – Support is Everything
This one’s personal for me. If you’ve ever had a piece of machinery faulter and couldn’t get help fast, you know how frustrating, disruptive, and expensive it can be. Support should be a key consideration in your decision-making. Choose a supplier with a reputation for responsive support and reliable service.
At Spida, our local “boots on the ground” service team is committed to being there when you need us, allowing us to respond to your needs promptly. Whether it’s our service technician onsite or the support we provide with real-time diagnostics, remote assistance, and answers to your questions—we do what we can to keep you moving. We’re also part of a combined service team of technicians in America, New Zealand, and Australia providing our customers one of the most comprehensive service and support networks in the industry.
Range of Spida Saws
An automated linear saw is a serious investment, which is why I encourage fabricators to think through these key considerations. With the right machine, the returns can be just as serious, so it’s an important decision to make. More output, less waste, better accuracy, and happier crews are just some of the benefits that can be achieved with a sound decision.
At Spida Machinery, we’ve spent over 40 years helping fabricators find the right cutting solutions for their unique operation—not all saws are created equal and what works for one operation might not be right for another. I’ve highlighted below three of our most popular automated linear saws, and you can explore our full range of saws on our website.
- The PieceMaker is a high-speed, high-volume automated saw designed for truss manufacturing. It cuts, prints, and handles lumber efficiently and offers the diversity to cut your standard and custom mitres, birdsmouths, raking plates and studs, low angles, long cuts, large lumber sections, and all your normal standard cutting. You can benefit from the PieceMaker’s optimization capabilities—minimize waste and maximize productivity, optimize panel by panel, over a job, a series of jobs, or all-day production. The PieceMaker is ideal for fabricators seeking continuous, high-performance production. Read more details on the Spida PieceMaker online.
- The Tornado M500 is a high-efficiency saw that feeds, cuts, prints, and ejects wall frame components. It handles 20-ft lengths stacked 3 high and features a fully enclosed saw blade for safety. With a 24” industrial touchscreen and optimization software, it’s fast, accurate, and enhances production. The Tornado M500 is ideal for fabricators aiming to increase throughput without adding labor. Read more details on the Spida Tornado M500.
- The Automated Apollo Saw is an all-rounder when it comes to cutting! This versatile radial arm saw accurately cuts any angle between 9° and 171° on lumber components. It’s suitable for various applications, including frame cutting, truss cutting, floor cutting, and even lintels. The automation is simple, with user-friendly software and safety features, your operators will be up to speed in no time. The Automated Apollo Saw is a great choice if you’re looking for reliability, versatility, and simplicity—it’s a saw that fits with whatever size factory you have. Read more details on the Spida Automated Apollo Saw.
An automated linear saw isn’t just another piece of equipment—it’s a strategic move for your business. And when you choose the right one, the benefits speak for themselves: better throughput, more accuracy, reduced waste, and a more empowered team.
If you’re ready to explore your options, I’d love to chat. With a great range of individual saws and full cutting solutions, we can work together to find what best fits your factory, your people, and your manufacturing goals.