Plunge / Track saw

[boiler7904]

Are any of the 3 track brands interchangeable with different saws?

No personal experience but it sounds like the Makita rails work to some degree with Festool tools and accessories but may require some modification of the lips on the t-slot.

Here some Festool Owner's Group threads to help clarify it:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/makita-versus-festool-guide-rails/

http://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/adapting-makita-guide-rail/

http://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/makita-118'-guide-rail-sale/

DeWalt tracks are not compatible with Makita or Festool due to the difference in the offset from the edge of the rail and the t-slot.

 

[scooby074]

I read a number of reviews on the Makita, and there were complaints that their long (118") track wasn't straight. It really has to be perfect to be any good. It's hard to make an extrusion that long really perfect. For me, that's the set-up I would want- a track saw with a track long enough to rip 8' sheets. It's hard to get a handle on just how many bad ones they've sold, as people that are happy don't tend to review as much as people that are unhappy. Also, their long track is rather expensive- well over $200.

I have the long track and its laser straight.

It was delivered in a rigid wooden crate by itself. I built a wooden "briefcase" style box to carry mine around just so I wont damage them (I have the 1400mm and 3000mm tracks). I wonder if the people with issues might have had theirs damaged in shipping or in use? This is the first time I read that there was any issues with the long track. All long tracks be it Makita or Festool need to be treated with respect. I can see it not taking much to tweak them if you left them laying on the floor for example.

Up here the Festool 118" by itself is $468 CAD, while the Makita is $205CAD. It makes buying into the Makita system a no-braner. The Makita saw and 1400mm track is "only" $499CAD and the Festool equivalent is $850.

 

[nh_yota]

I could understand the usefulness of a track saw if your job is cutting sheet goods all day, but for occasional use I'd think you would be fine with a long straightedge and some clamps, which is what I use to cut sheet goods.

 

[rice rocket]

Seems like the trick to using a track saw is keeping everything in alignment. Betterley makes a Straightline Connector that according to the video not only works on the Festool but also on the DeWalt and Mikita products. Looks like a well thought tool and the results are impressive IMO.
Motoretro

https://www.festoolproducts.com/Bet...-p/slc23.htm?gclid=COWi_IH3hMwCFdgNgQod1aoH0A

A straight edge has always worked fine for me. All the FOG guys get huge boners over overpriced accessories when there's often a simpler, free solution. Oh and whatever you decide on, do not use the Festool rail connectors. They push hardened steel set screws directly into the aluminum rail, whereas the Makita one uses steel plate under it to distribute the set screw load. People have complained about this for nearly a decade, and they won't change their design.


Anyways, I've sold my Festool to get the Makita. The extra 200 watts are much appreciated, the anti-tip and the scoring function are great as well. Off-cuts are always razor sharp, especially if you score it beforehand.

Also, order your rails to your local Home Depot, and check the straightness before leaving.

 

[bcradio]

A straight edge has always worked fine for me. All the FOG guys get huge boners over overpriced accessories when there's often a simpler, free solution. Oh and whatever you decide on, do not use the Festool rail connectors. They push hardened steel set screws directly into the aluminum rail, whereas the Makita one uses steel plate under it to distribute the set screw load. People have complained about this for nearly a decade, and they won't change their design.


Anyways, I've sold my Festool to get the Makita. The extra 200 watts are much appreciated, the anti-tip and the scoring function are great as well. Off-cuts are always razor sharp, especially if you score it beforehand.

Also, order your rails to your local Home Depot, and check the straightness before leaving.

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