I want a track saw but I don't want to spend thousands or even hundreds of dollars for a tool I rarely use. I also want a router guide that will allow me to reliably cut dados and rabbets.
I have a Skillsaw Classic (Model 5275:05) 7-1/4-inch circular saw and a couple of straight edges but I never get great results with that combination. I also have that Craftsman router with a unique mounting hole spacing.
I kept hoping a used DeWalt, Makita or Festool setup would magically appear but no such luck. Then Google showed me a really really cheap track saw setup that works with a router, jig saw or circular saw. I like the idea of the router on a track because it tends to wander even more than my circular saw.
I found a Bora track setup that kinda meets my needs but it has a pretty low price and we all know low price means terrible quality. I started out buying a 50-inch section of track, the saw guide and router guide for $112. The track isn't long enough to cut an 8-foot panel but the first job I need it for only requires a 48-inch cut. Here's the track, with a built-in clamp.
The saw guide is mostly plastic with threaded metal inserts for the mounting hardware.
I wanted to increase my chances of success so I bought a new Freud Diablo 60-tooth carbide blade. This blade cuts plywood cleaner than any blade I have ever owned.
The router guide is also mostly plastic. It has an interesting feature that helps you to cut dados to the exact width of the board going into it. You put the board you plan to go into the dado in the slot next to the Bora logo after loosening the two knobs. You set the pointer to the size router bit you are using (1/4, 3/8 or 1/2) and tighten the clamps. Make the first dado pass and loosen the two knobs. Slide the guide to the appropriate stop (1/4, 3/8 or 1/2) and make a second pass. According to the instructions you will have a perfect width dado. Since plywood is sold in millimeter thicknesses and most router bits are not, this is a great solution. I understand you can buy bits that are the right size but now I don't have to.
This router guide requires that brass Porter Cable style bushing to be mounted on the router plate and none of my plates have that size hole. I bought a "universal" router plate that I hope will work. It comes with a centering bit so hopefully I can set it up to work properly.