RVA-Jeff
Well-known member
For general Harry Homeowner use? Ripping 1x4? Certainly cutting plywood. Want to save space mainly by getting rid of table saw. Use it 4x a year but need it when you need it.
Can a Track Saw Replace a Table Saw?
- Thread starter RVA-Jeff
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manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Not entirely, but I've found that combining my track saw with a band saw I've not needed my table saw. Just sold the table saw as a matter of fact.
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bcradio
Well-known member
For the most part yes, but some things a track saw does better and some things a table saw does better. Also, a few things each can do that the other cannot. If you are not using one that much, i think you could make due with just a track saw.
dutchgray
Well-known member
Maybe look at getting a flip over saw to replace the table saw as well as having a track saw, Makita still makes one, the Elu one was very good, the legs come of so it will store away and its other function is a mitre saw, which is better than using a table or track to cross cut (unless very long workpieces or you want to cut part way through.)
We have a track saw at work and we certainly use a table saw a lot less, but its still needed.
We have a track saw at work and we certainly use a table saw a lot less, but its still needed.
Stuey
Well-known member
Yes, but depends on the task.
I made due with my tracksaw. I have room for a table saw now, and use both for different things.
I made due with my tracksaw. I have room for a table saw now, and use both for different things.
woodymark
Active member
It depends on what you do. If you want to be able to rip narrow strips nothing beats a table saw. The table saw is also useful for things like dados, cutting tenons and many other things. I LOVE my track saw, but I wouldn't live without a table saw. I think the best option for someone with little space is to have a track saw and a small portable table saw. I think the Dewalt is the best because it has the best fence. If you are going to buy a track saw do yourself a favor and get the Festool. I have the Dewalt and am thinking of selling it and getting the Festool. The Dewalt works fine, but the little extras you can get for the Festool are things I wish I had.
Thanks, all. I have the Bosch "portable" contractor's table saw. It folds and rolls (although tires are usually flat...). One man handling of sheet goods ***** with it. Ripping narrow stuff is about all I do with it (well). Looking at track saw info online I can see that ripping a 1 x 4 in half isn't where a track saw shines. The Makita looks like a decent system. Decisions, decisions...
Not able to reply to your question as I am not using the portable saw I have very often.
However, if you are looking for a tracksaw and considering the Festool then better look the reviews and to my opinion get the Mafell.
Again, depends on the depth you want to cut and specific jobs.
Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk
However, if you are looking for a tracksaw and considering the Festool then better look the reviews and to my opinion get the Mafell.
Again, depends on the depth you want to cut and specific jobs.
Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk
bcradio
Well-known member
Probably grizzly.
Going with the cheapest option isn't usually the best option, but good luck.
KMdef9
Well-known member
Not that it's always a major thing, but don't table saws cut deeper/thicker stock than a track saw? I realize it may vary from product to product.
(I own a table saw, not a track)
(I own a table saw, not a track)
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Depends on your table saw. If your table saw is a 10" or larger then it can cut deeper than a track saw for sure. If it's 8" or so it may be a toss up depending on the saw.
KMdef9
Well-known member
Mine is, but never bothered to max it out and measure.
But that might be something to consider for some.
Space isn't as issue for the average homeowner IMO, if I need to rip a large piece of plywood, adequate space is needed no matter what. Can easily go out the garage or driveway to cut.
KMdef9
Well-known member
Another thing, can a track saw rip 2 1/2" trim?
the right answer is no.
depending how you use your table saw the answer is maybe. Many people try to do sheet goods with a table and get less than perfect results. I don't look at a track saw replacing a table to do these cuts, I see it as someone trying to use a table to replace a panel saw. A track saw can replace a panel saw much better.
Since your table is already portable I would not recommend selling it. Hell even if you only use it as an extra flat surface from time to time I wouldn't. My table is portable also, it gets set up when its needed and put away the rest of the time. My miter saw in contrast is also portable but seems to always be set up. Just how I work.
I wouldn't buy a track saw unless you are planning to get fully involved with Festool. Instead I would suggest the wood river guide set like I did. I have 3 tool bases although only one is in use now, attached to my DW369. I have the connector piece to make a full 8ft guide but haven't had to rip a full sheet yet to use it. I have the angle guide which is incredibly beefy, but have only used it to help square up the guide rather than set at an angle. The clamps are really awesome.
There used to be a woodcraft near me and I liked how they looked in person, and I think when I bought it all they had a 'kit price' that was way better than the website. Maybe a specific sale at a holiday or something I don't really remember. I do remember it was give or take $50 less than the retail cost of all of the pieces. Every piece is really nice, the only complaint is the track is actually too light and smooth in some cases when I set it down on a sheet and it slides really easily. Just means a few extra seconds with the square to clamp it but before I was using a box level and it was heavier so I got used to that.
I don't know if Rockler or Bench dog has a similar kit or whether theirs might be better, but there is a woodcraft near you I would at least go look at it and decide if you have a circ saw how easy would it be for you to do it into a track saw.
depending how you use your table saw the answer is maybe. Many people try to do sheet goods with a table and get less than perfect results. I don't look at a track saw replacing a table to do these cuts, I see it as someone trying to use a table to replace a panel saw. A track saw can replace a panel saw much better.
Since your table is already portable I would not recommend selling it. Hell even if you only use it as an extra flat surface from time to time I wouldn't. My table is portable also, it gets set up when its needed and put away the rest of the time. My miter saw in contrast is also portable but seems to always be set up. Just how I work.
I wouldn't buy a track saw unless you are planning to get fully involved with Festool. Instead I would suggest the wood river guide set like I did. I have 3 tool bases although only one is in use now, attached to my DW369. I have the connector piece to make a full 8ft guide but haven't had to rip a full sheet yet to use it. I have the angle guide which is incredibly beefy, but have only used it to help square up the guide rather than set at an angle. The clamps are really awesome.
There used to be a woodcraft near me and I liked how they looked in person, and I think when I bought it all they had a 'kit price' that was way better than the website. Maybe a specific sale at a holiday or something I don't really remember. I do remember it was give or take $50 less than the retail cost of all of the pieces. Every piece is really nice, the only complaint is the track is actually too light and smooth in some cases when I set it down on a sheet and it slides really easily. Just means a few extra seconds with the square to clamp it but before I was using a box level and it was heavier so I got used to that.
I don't know if Rockler or Bench dog has a similar kit or whether theirs might be better, but there is a woodcraft near you I would at least go look at it and decide if you have a circ saw how easy would it be for you to do it into a track saw.
Zeke
Well-known member
I don't think any of those flip saws are made to work with US voltage. I haven't looked lately but I was in the market for one a couple years ago and nothing was available on this side of the pond.
I can't imagine unless you just never cut any sheets.
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
cheechi, unless you have used a REAL track saw it's hard to make a comparison to the guide you reference in your post.
Track saws work completely differently than a circular saw, they plunge cut without moving the base of the saw, they have a riving knife, they have an anti-kickback mechanism built into the base, have excellent dust collection, have anti-splinter features, variable speed, tighter arbor bearings resulting in very little blade run-out.
They have rigid one piece tracks long enough to do 8 foot cuts - not a wonky connector mechanism that will leave you cussing after you screw up a $100 sheet of hardwood plywood - BTDT. They have clamps to hold the track solidly to the stock if desired allowing for some very precise cutting. I'd wager I can make a truer cut with my track saw than most folks can with a portable table saw like the OP is referencing - particularly if each of us is working by ourselves.
By the way, you don't need to go Festool to get a good (great) track saw. As a mater of fact, some folks recommend against Festool, but that's like the old Snap-On vs Craftsman debate so I won't go there.
Track saws are much more than a circular saw with a guide. It's hard to appreciate what they are capable of without using a real one a few times.
I've built a saw horse based grid support system using 4) 1 x 4's that allows me to pull sheet goods straight out of my truck onto the grid. In a couple of minutes I can cut the sheet stock into manageable sizes instead of fighting it across a tiny table saw like the OP is referring to. When I'm done, the saw horses and 1x's store neatly out of the way without taking up much space.
I also have a router setup with adapter to use the track saw guide. I can make long dado's of much more consistent depth than can be done on a table saw.
Track saws work completely differently than a circular saw, they plunge cut without moving the base of the saw, they have a riving knife, they have an anti-kickback mechanism built into the base, have excellent dust collection, have anti-splinter features, variable speed, tighter arbor bearings resulting in very little blade run-out.
They have rigid one piece tracks long enough to do 8 foot cuts - not a wonky connector mechanism that will leave you cussing after you screw up a $100 sheet of hardwood plywood - BTDT. They have clamps to hold the track solidly to the stock if desired allowing for some very precise cutting. I'd wager I can make a truer cut with my track saw than most folks can with a portable table saw like the OP is referencing - particularly if each of us is working by ourselves.
By the way, you don't need to go Festool to get a good (great) track saw. As a mater of fact, some folks recommend against Festool, but that's like the old Snap-On vs Craftsman debate so I won't go there.
Track saws are much more than a circular saw with a guide. It's hard to appreciate what they are capable of without using a real one a few times.
I've built a saw horse based grid support system using 4) 1 x 4's that allows me to pull sheet goods straight out of my truck onto the grid. In a couple of minutes I can cut the sheet stock into manageable sizes instead of fighting it across a tiny table saw like the OP is referring to. When I'm done, the saw horses and 1x's store neatly out of the way without taking up much space.
I also have a router setup with adapter to use the track saw guide. I can make long dado's of much more consistent depth than can be done on a table saw.
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manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Something to consider when you mention space needed to rip a full size sheet of plywood - on a table saw you need at least 10 feet in front of the blade and 10 -12 feet beyond the blade to allow room for operators and stock. With a track saw you need 10 -12 feet total - that means I can do it inside the garage when the weather is not cooperating. The excellent dust collection means there's very little to clean up as well.
Also, unless the table saw has a large out-feed table, it's a downright pain in the *** to make that cut with one person. With a track saw it's a on man operation all the way.
The above is not a concern if you have a full size shop with full size tools, but if you are doing it in one bay of a two car garage on the weekend with a portable table saw, it's an entirely applicable argument.
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manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I agree Zeke. If someone gave away a track saw and the recipient and the giver neither used it, it was either a cheap knock-off or they just don't understand how to use it.
It seems Ryan; this forums owner, recently made the plunge (no pun intended) into the track saw world with his Festool adventure. I'd like to hear what he has to say after he builds some case-goods using that system.
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As mentioned, I think most people use track saws to break down sheet goods
Your example of ripping a 2 x 4 is not where a track saw shines.... First of all, most track saws usually come with a combination blade with a lot of teeth. If you were going to do a lot of 2 x ripping your best bet would be to also buy a ripping blade. Then you have the problem with supporting the track on a single 2 x 4 - you would most likely need several adjacent 2 x 4's and clamp them together to make a decent platform for your rips.
I have a Festool Track Saw - when I bought it they were the only game in town. My son has the Dewalt version and is very happy with it - he got a great deal on it. I think if I was currently in the market for a track saw, I would be looking at the Makita
I don't care about the 'dust collection' that much with it either because I mainly use my track saw to cut up sheet goods right out of my truck from the store - like manwithtools mentioned. I just sweep up most of the mess and then use my leaf blower
Lastly, FineWoodworking in their 2017 tools issue rated the $660 Festool in the #1 spot and the $406 Makita #2 and the $315 Triton #3. (I would go with the Makita)
Firebrick43
Well-known member
I have the dewalt and have no table saw. Do have access to one down the road but rarely use it. He however borrows my track saw constantly for sheet goods and to rip long boards first edge. This "joints" that edge so when ripping the other side it's stays strait on the fence. Sheet goods it's amazing and the dust control and anti chipping is spectacular. The safety of the riving knife, plunge mechanism, and anti kickback cams is worlds apart from a circular saw on a guide.
Small narrow strips can be cut if you have the right clamps and have another piece the same thickness to support the off side of the track.
Get a 54"~ track and a 103"~ track. One to cross cut 4x8 sheets and the other to cut length wise.
A festool mft bench would give you all the cross cut capabilities of a table saw and much of a miter saw. The dewalt saw will work on the festool track but not the other way around.
Small narrow strips can be cut if you have the right clamps and have another piece the same thickness to support the off side of the track.
Get a 54"~ track and a 103"~ track. One to cross cut 4x8 sheets and the other to cut length wise.
A festool mft bench would give you all the cross cut capabilities of a table saw and much of a miter saw. The dewalt saw will work on the festool track but not the other way around.
bigdav160
Well-known member
Grizzly is made by Scheppach. It's German.
I have a Scheppach and it works just fine. Is the plunging action as smooth as a Festool? No. Do I need to clamp down the tracks? Yes.
danski0224
Well-known member
Simple answer: No.
Complex answer: If you did all of the blocking necessary to position the track to rip the 1x4 down, maybe. Some things are much easier to do with a table saw.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Track saws are great for breaking down 4x8 panels, but that is about it.
A table saw excels at cross cuts (even large pieces if you make a cross cut sled) and ripping long, not too wide, stock. Change the blade, they great for dados and rabbets. With the proper jig, they can not be beat for making tenons.
I have also used mine for cutting plastic and aluminum.
A table saw excels at cross cuts (even large pieces if you make a cross cut sled) and ripping long, not too wide, stock. Change the blade, they great for dados and rabbets. With the proper jig, they can not be beat for making tenons.
I have also used mine for cutting plastic and aluminum.
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Do you own a track saw Mr. Wizard?
I disagree. I have used the Makita, Dewalt, and the older model Festool for reference.
Other than plunging to a set depth to cut a slot, and possibly the extremity of an angular cut, you can get the same end result. For straight cuts, other than a little difference in the setup they give you the same options.
I chose to do this instead of buying the Festool. So you lay down the track, pull the trigger, plunge and make your cut. Yes it's quick and easy. I clamp down my track pull the trigger, plunge and make my cut. The only difference is the setup.
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Okay, I respect your point of view. Without too much background, I'll respectively disagree. You may reach a point one day where your prospective is altered and then again you may not, until then, good luck with the guides (I've used them many times before as well - I won't tell you the cost of my experience 
.)
"I clamp down my track pull the trigger, plunge and make my cut. The only difference is the setup."
I think you are over generalizing with that statement, but to each their own. Interestingly; I used to think the same as you in regards to track saws. My prospective gradually changed over time and now I'm in the other camp as you can see.
.) "I clamp down my track pull the trigger, plunge and make my cut. The only difference is the setup."
I think you are over generalizing with that statement, but to each their own. Interestingly; I used to think the same as you in regards to track saws. My prospective gradually changed over time and now I'm in the other camp as you can see.
I disagree also
For years I used the Porter Cable 314 which is a worm drive trim saw with a 4 1/2" blade with an assortment of guides. It just did not compare to a true track saw, especially when you factor in the accuracy of a 8' + track
Don't forget - a real tracksaw usually has some sort of rubber 'splinter guard' that the blade of the saw cut's through the first time you use it. Now you know EXACTLY where the blade will cut and will also help reduce splintering on the top surface as the blade cut up through - you just can't get that with a home brew solution
American Locomotive
Well-known member
Don't forget table saws are also great when you need to cut more than 1 of something the same size.
I've used panel saws, track saws and table saws. As mentioned, a good track saw could probably replace a panel saw, but definitely not a table saw. The only time I could really see a track saw replacing a table saw, is if you literally only used your table saw for breaking down large pieces of sheet stock.
I've had the Dewalt track saw and the Dewalt portable table saw for several years now; imo they are best used together. Each excels at different things; for me the track saw was one of those things that until I used one I didn't know what I was missing. It's simply fantastic for breaking down sheet goods with amazing speed and accuracy. Like someone mentioned it's not a regular ole circular saw, it's much more refined. I highly recommend one of each.
Crazyjake8493
Well-known member
If it had to, a track saw *could* replace a table saw. But I feel like it would be aggravating at times. The suggestion of a track saw and band saw would work pretty well, but a decent band saw would take up at least as much room as a small table saw.
If space is an issue, a small portable table saw that stores vertically coupled with a nice circular saw and DIY tracks would be a great cost-effective way to go.
If space is an issue, a small portable table saw that stores vertically coupled with a nice circular saw and DIY tracks would be a great cost-effective way to go.
speed bump
Well-known member
I sold my table saw 3 months ago with the intention of funding a track saw. I haven't bought the track saw yet so I have been using my worm drive with a guide. The only thing I miss about my table saw is the one time setup for batch work. Otherwise a simple router table and a track saw will cover all of my wood worker needs until I get really serious.
Nope, way too many cuts best made on a table saw.
Many cuts you can't make period on a track saw.
Table saw can make repeated rips amazingly faster. Try ripping 100 - 2 1/16 stiles out of a stack of 2s oak with a track saw.
A track saw might be handier for a few things than either a table saw or a panel saw, but will never be a replacement.
Many cuts you can't make period on a track saw.
Table saw can make repeated rips amazingly faster. Try ripping 100 - 2 1/16 stiles out of a stack of 2s oak with a track saw.
A track saw might be handier for a few things than either a table saw or a panel saw, but will never be a replacement.
tonyciambrone
Well-known member
In summary,
not really, but, sure
not really, but, sure
My Old Tools
Well-known member
Let's see you plow dados, cut tenons, cut half laps, cut box joints, or dozens of other joinery operations with a track saw. If all you want to do is cross cut and rip, you can to that with a handsaw.
Trey T
Well-known member
If you ask Festool, they will say no because they have their own table saw setup. Their tables are tiny and they're designed to rip small stuff.
rlitman
Well-known member
Typical German engineer's mentality.
Either they have a product that solves your problem, or "Why would you want to do it that way?"
So, if you ask Festool about cutting a tenon, they'd say you should buy a Domino.