The Track Saw Discussion . . .

[tarbellb]

I think you'll be happy w the Wen. I really put mine through it's paces doing both a 8/4 live edge walnut bar top slab build AND cut 100+ ln/ft of 14g corrugated steel sheet!

Wen is 85% of the Makita saw, and the Makita is 90% the Festool saw

The track is as important, so make sure you find nice long unbowed tracks and grab those DeWalt clamps, avoid the Powertech clamps.

@Steve_P my limited use of the DeWalt left me liking my Makita a bit more
One nice benefit of the DeWalt is the double sided tracks, really comes in handy during certain builds

 

[tarbellb]

My preferred setup for breaking down sheets is 1" insulation foam board on 3/8" ply or OSB on saw horses or a table

Basically a spoiler (foam) board

 

[jar944]

My preferred setup for breaking down sheets is 1" insulation foam board on 3/8" ply or OSB on saw horses or a table

Basically a spoiler (foam) board

If you buy plywood by the lift, that 1" foam board (and a hardboard cover works as cutting table and a spare assembly table you go through the stack.

 

[FTWingRiders]

That's an awesome setup. Does the vac turn in automagically?

I flaked out and didn’t buy the model with the AWS, and wished I did... but it’s not the end of the world, I just turn the vac on and off as needed.

 

[mike93lx]

I flaked out and didn’t buy the model with the AWS, and wished I did... but it’s not the end of the world, I just turn the vac on and off as needed.

Sounds rough

 

[Firebrick43]

The Dewalt plunge mechanism is completely different. Some hate it, some are OK with it. Don't think I've seen anyone say they love it.

Most saws hinge at a point near the back of the saw, but the Dewalt is on a parallelogram mechanism

I love it. I dislike the pivot in plunge of the makita/festool.

It’s smoother and your wrist doesn’t change angle much.

Why would someone hate it?

Plus the dewalt can’t kick back in the track while it plunges.

 

[IRQVET]

Unless you are cutting a lot of plywood or doors, I'd want a pair of 55's before a 110. That's a huge track

It is two 55 inch tracks.

 

[jar944]

Unless you are cutting a lot of plywood or doors, I'd want a pair of 55's before a 110. That's a huge track

I used the 118 a lot more, but I was mostly cutting plywood and straight lining rough lumber.

 

[jar944]

Why would someone hate it?
.

Most complain about the way it plunges.

 

[loganb]

I advocate for the 110 to 120" single track if you do any amount of full sheet ripping. It's just so much nicer without the flex, bow and offset of jointed shorter tracks. Biggest issue is often shipping cost is very high so finding someplace that carries in stock or will ship to store is big...and storage can be a pain. Garage door makes a nice storage spot

 

[IRQVET]

I advocate for the 110 to 120" single track if you do any amount of full sheet ripping. It's just so much nicer without the flex, bow and offset of jointed shorter tracks. Biggest issue is often shipping cost is very high so finding someplace that carries in stock or will ship to store is big...and storage can be a pain. Garage door makes a nice storage spot

Good point, and even better storage idea. I have to admit, I was just thinking where I was going to store my tracks . . .

Gotta link to those holders?

 

[jar944]

Good point, and even better storage idea. I have to admit, I was just thinking where I was going to store my tracks . . .

Gotta link to those holders?

A couple rips of plywood work if you don't have a 3d printer.

 

[loganb]

Good point, and even better storage idea. I have to admit, I was just thinking where I was going to store my tracks . . .

Gotta link to those holders?

They're 3D printed, file is this one:

https://makerworld.com/en/models/686838#profileId-615545

As Jar mentions, some plywood or a piece of solid stock to cut a notch in the back works as well

 

[rharman]

Amazon has clamps to store the track as well.

Amazon.com

 

[JKinAK]

The smooth vac hoses make a big difference when you're dragging it over the edge of your plywood.
Unfortunately, the only ones I know about are Festool and the hose costs about the same as the Wen Saw with track!
Are there any other smooth vac hoses suitable for dragging behind saw?

Despite the price, I'd get the Festool again if I can't get a similarly performing hose for less.

 

[legenddc]

My dad has the Kreg and I just used it yesterday to break down a sheet of plywood. My issue with the Kreg saw is the track isn't the standard layout of other tracks so you can’t use aftermarket adapters like parallel guides or squares.

 

[tarbellb]

The smooth vac hoses make a big difference when you're dragging it over the edge of your plywood.
Unfortunately, the only ones I know about are Festool and the hose costs about the same as the Wen Saw with track!
Are there any other smooth vac hoses suitable for dragging behind saw?

Despite the price, I'd get the Festool again if I can't get a similarly performing hose for less.

Not positive but I believe there are hose wraps or sleeves similar to welding lead sleeves that will turn any ribbed hose into a smooth(er) hose

Someone should find and link

 

[mike93lx]

Not positive but I believe there are hose wraps or sleeves similar to welding lead sleeves that will turn any ribbed hose into a smooth(er) hose

Someone should find and link

I did this for my track saw dust hose. Worked ok, but I couldn't find a great way to keep it in place

 

[SRSemenza]

Not positive but I believe there are hose wraps or sleeves similar to welding lead sleeves that will turn any ribbed hose into a smooth(er) hose

Someone should find and link

True there are several types of sleeve material that will work. I tried one of them ( Gorilla Sleeve ) before the newer type of Festool hose came out. It was OK I still found that the little expanded openings would snag sometimes.

You can also run the cord through the same piece of sleeving. Which is nice but adds stiffness.

However that newer type of Festool hose is really, really flexible. And has very little curve memory. It will easily bend either way and stay. Best hose I have ever used! The flex and lack of memory is waaaay more of it's feature than the smooth outer sleeve.





Seth


Bias disclaimer ....... I am a moderator on Festool Owners Group. For what it's worth I don't play the bias game when giving info on items.

 

[jarhead]

what are you KREG branded guys using for a replacement blade?

I see diablo has one for 14 bucks cheaper but it has a 1.8 mm kerf instead of a 2.2

 

[rharman]

I haven't needed one but I'd likely go OEM Kreg. I do like Diablo for my table saw and circular saws though.

 

[danski0224]

Thought about the cordless option. But here is the kicker (in my mind), if you're going to have to drag a dust collection hose, dragging a power cord isn't really much work.

Running the vacuum and the saw on a single circuit can easily result in circuit breaker trips.

Dedicated 20A circuits are not common.

 

[acer66]

I advocate for the 110 to 120" single track if you do any amount of full sheet ripping. It's just so much nicer without the flex, bow and offset of jointed shorter tracks. Biggest issue is often shipping cost is very high so finding someplace that carries in stock or will ship to store is big...and storage can be a pain. Garage door makes a nice storage spot

Yeah, I have that one too and I like to have a shorter and a longer track.

 

[IRQVET]

I advocate for the 110 to 120" single track if you do any amount of full sheet ripping. It's just so much nicer without the flex, bow and offset of jointed shorter tracks. Biggest issue is often shipping cost is very high so finding someplace that carries in stock or will ship to store is big...and storage can be a pain. Garage door makes a nice storage spot

Stole your idea for track storage, thanks for giving me the idea.

 

[rlitman]

Running the vacuum and the saw on a single circuit can easily result in circuit breaker trips...

That's one reason people like battery track saws. To be fair, most vacuums that are meant for a power tool to plug in have a soft-start feature on the tool plug (and on their own motor) to reduce the odds of that happening. Even so, my DeWalt chop saw already trips the breaker every so often, so I use a lamp plugged into my Fein vacuum at my saw station to activate the vacuum (and light up the blade) on a different circuit, rather than plugging the saw into it. I'm not sure how my Kreg track saw would work in my Fein vacuum plug either, because the Kreg has it's own soft start, and I've seen stacked soft starters compete and do weird things.

 

[RonnieC]

A couple rips of plywood work if you don't have a 3d printer.

Sorry, distracted by the huge jointer!

 

[loganb]

Stole your idea for track storage, thanks for giving me the idea.

Looks great!

 

[rlitman]

Sorry, distracted by the huge jointer!

That's not huge. That's the same size they use to level the decks of wooden frigates like the Constitution. You should have seen the truly huge jointers they used for something like a WWII aircraft carrier (back when they still had wooden decks). How you would lift an aircraft carrier however, flip it upside down and run it on a jointer is still as much a mystery to me as how they built the pyramids.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Op if you have $ to spend Makita circular saw with Kreg track and portable table saw. Lots of projects over the years.

 

[AEAdam]

Being a true GJ member, I decided to get a cordless one to not use very often, and went with the Milwaukee because of the great reviews and because I already have a plethora of red batteries (I have a bunch of M12 and M18 stuff including automotive), and the Milwaukee uses my existing Makita tracks. Like many members with a plethora of tools that one doesn't REALLY need, I have not had the opportunity to use it yet, so can't compare the 'experience.'

I never did use dust collection with the Makita, and don't plan to with the Milwaukee since I always use it outdoors and just let the wind blow all the sawdust away - plus I'm lazy. My wife would suspend my tool privileges if I used it indoors, even with dust collection.

I had some basic Milwaukee batteries for drills and things. While these are physically compatible, even 3/4" plywood rips really require the MASSIVE 8amphr battery which is not a battery I owned or would use for any other woodworking tool (might be good for garden equipment). So for me, the battery compatibility is the reason I chose Milkwaukee and it really wasn't compatible with the batteries I had.

If I could start over, I'd go with Makita for their better selection of blades. The Milkwaukee riving knife is kind of a problem. In theory, you can get kick back from plywood (which is 99% of my use for a tracksaw), but I don't think its worth the issues it causes with the blades. (can't use a blade thinner than the riving knife with his like .063 IIRC.)

Bosch and Makita both sell circular saws in Europe, that have a track system groove in the base, but which are otherwise regular non-plunging circular saws, although I’m unsure whether these saws with these bases are sold in the USA.

The standard battery powered Bosch saws CS180 have the groove for a track, but the tracks aren't festool/Makita/milwaukee compatible and aren't available in the US. You can order them from amazon germany tho (or at least you could, because I did).

Non-plunging saws are lighter, and easier to handle than the plunging saws, and really serve well as an essential framing saw without the track. But not at all easy to start a track saw cut with. I often cut right on the floor, with the plywood sitting on scrap plywood. A little tricky to start that cut. I can't practically plunge the saw without hitting the track or.... The other huge negative is no tilt is possible. The saws tilt, but tilt the wrong way (into the track instead of away from it).

Still, if you could get a cheap, light 18V c saw with track, I think it would be useful. I still use both sorts.

 

[jar944]

I had some basic Milwaukee batteries for drills and things. While these are physically compatible, even 3/4" plywood rips really require the MASSIVE 8amphr battery which is not a battery I owned or would use for any other woodworking tool (might be good for garden equipment). So for me, the battery compatibility is the reason I chose Milkwaukee and it really wasn't compatible with the batteries I had.

You don't need the 8ah, they work with the 6ah.

The 6ah were cheaper than the 5ah last month.


NAINA.. but the M18FCSG66-0 circular saw is track compatible.

 

[AEAdam]

You don't need the 8ah, they work with the 6ah.

The 6ah were cheaper than the 5ah last month.


NAINA.. but the M18FCSG66-0 circular saw is track compatible.

Say more about this? Is that the std Milwaukee/Festool track with their non-plunging circ saw on it? Is there a special adapter base or is it just built in?

 

[Roert42]

Not a track saw, but another option.
Rockler sells a nice straight edge with T slots in the bottom to clam it boards. There are also slots in the op of the straight edge where you can use it as a track for a jig.

Two parts, 104" long. Comes with two clamps for the bottom, a handle that clamps into the top t slot, and adapter that turns it into a T Square for the bottom, and bracket for the jig like shown in the second picture. $110.00

Obviously works with any circular saw or router.


I went this route because I could use any of my existing tools with it instead of needed something else dedicated. I already have several circular saws, jig saws, and routers.

 

[jar944]

Say more about this? Is that the std Milwaukee/Festool track with their non-plunging circ saw on it? Is there a special adapter base or is it just built in?

It's a euro only option, but yes its a standard milwaukee circular saw with a track capable milwaukee factory base plate.

 

[csp]

I'd follow a line.

You asked what a track saw gets you that a circular saw following a clamped guide won't.

Not following a line is the best feature of a track saw IMO.

I did the circular saw on a guide for years. Then there was that one time that it drifted and I missed it and ruined a butcher block counter top.

I have an earlier version of the Wen track saw (same as the Grizzly and Shop Fox saws) and it was far better than following a guide for numerous reasons. Speed of setup, accuracy, zero splintering, better dust collection (and the Wen is pretty bad relative to others).

My wife bought me the cordless Festool and the accompanying vacuum last Christmas.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I advocate for the 110 to 120" single track if you do any amount of full sheet ripping. It's just so much nicer without the flex, bow and offset of jointed shorter tracks. Biggest issue is often shipping cost is very high so finding someplace that carries in stock or will ship to store is big...and storage can be a pain. Garage door makes a nice storage spot

That is genius. What did you use to mount it?

 

[loganb]

That is genius. What did you use to mount it?

Couple of self tapping pan heads

 

[borgdog]

When shopping for a track saw last year I ended up with Milwaukee for a few reasons:

1. I was all Makita cordless and wanted to get another brand cordless tool for variety and options
2. Excellent reviews on the Milwaukee
3. Home Depot had a great sale on it at the time I was looking that even buying battery and charger was cheaper than the Makita setup, and even got a free sander to boot. Plus they have free ship to store and often home on pretty much anything they don't have in the store.

Very happy with the purchase. I went with both a 55" and a 110" track, both hang vertically on the end wall of the shop.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Couple of self tapping pan heads

Stealing that.

 

[alinc100]

Not a track saw, but another option.
Rockler sells a nice straight edge with T slots in the bottom to clam it boards. There are also slots in the op of the straight edge where you can use it as a track for a jig.

Two parts, 104" long. Comes with two clamps for the bottom, a handle that clamps into the top t slot, and adapter that turns it into a T Square for the bottom, and bracket for the jig like shown in the second picture. $110.00

Obviously works with any circular saw or router.


I went this route because I could use any of my existing tools with it instead of needed something else dedicated. I already have several circular saws, jig saws, and routers.

While certainly do-able the eventual downfall to systems like this is doing math for offsets, bit sizes etc.