The Track Saw Discussion . . .

[IRQVET]

* Disclaimer: I'm new to wood working, and I ****. . .

Being new to woodworking I was doing the cost v. benefit of getting a track saw. First time working with sheet goods, got my T-Square, got my circular saw, and a few clamps. Ripped a few sheets and thought, "I'm good."

Few sheets later, after leaning too far forward, moving too slow- too fast, and all I could think of was, if this was a field sobriety test. I would have failed! Couple that with the cost of sheet goods, and it seemed obvious the cost v. benefit of a track saw seemed evident, as if I screwed the pouch on a few sheets- a track saw would essentualy pay for itself in short order. I'm getting to the age where I can admit my shortcomings . . .

So I went down the Youtube rabbit hole, researching options.

Being a DIY type, I'm not going Festool.

So I landed on the WEN.

110 inches of track, saw, costing me around $181 seemed like a no-brainer. Again, keeping the cost of wood in mind. But then I realized that WEN track saw comes in two options: 6.5 or 7.25. 9 amp vs. 12 amp.

Went with the 7.25 inch and 12 amp corded option.

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. So cordless didn't make much sense to me personally.

Thoughts?

Discussion?

Other experiences?

 

[Snapped-off]

* Disclaimer: I'm new to wood working, and I ****. . .

Being new to woodworking I was doing the cost v. benefit of getting a track saw. First time working with sheet goods, got my T-Square, got my circular saw, and a few clamps. Ripped a few sheets and thought, "I'm good."

Few sheets later, after leaning too far forward, moving too slow- too fast, and all I could think of was, if this was a field sobriety test. I would have failed! Couple that with the cost of sheet goods, and it seemed obvious the cost v. benefit of a track saw seemed evident, as if I screwed the pouch on a few sheets- a track saw would essentualy pay for itself in short order. I'm getting to the age where I can admit my shortcomings . . .

So I went down the Youtube rabbit hole, researching options.

Being a DIY type, I'm not going Festool.

So I landed on the WEN.

110 inches of track, saw, costing me around $181 seemed like a no-brainer. Again, keeping the cost of wood in mind. But then I realized that WEN track saw comes in two options: 6.5 or 7.25. 9 amp vs. 12 amp.

Went with the 7.25 inch and 12 amp corded option.

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. So cordless didn't make much sense to me personally.

Thoughts?

Discussion?

Other experiences?

I would've gone with a saw that plunges.

I love mine though. Makes breaking down sheet goods and breeze.

 

[jblnut]

Purchased a DeWalt track saw a few years ago and haven’t looked back. I also had the dilemma of a cheap one to see if I liked it or not then upgrade or just get a nice one right away.

We use it to cut sheet goods and straighten homesawn lumber. It is worth every penny. Every single one and then some.

 

[loganb]

I have the corded makita and love it. I had a similar thought on corded vs cordless...I try to run with dust collection and it's always in the garage so cordless didn't have the appeal to me. If often cutting outside on jobsites I can see cordless benefits there

 

[CGarage]

Festool track saw is worth every penny…..

 

[rharman]

I'm an outlier here with the Kreg Tracksaw. Only used it a few times but I'm sold. I had to cut up some 3/4" melamine for a closet prject. Those 4x8 panels are way too heavy to maneuver on my tablesaw - although that's what I did 12 or so years ago.

 

[tarbellb]

You are in the wonderful world of post Festool track saw dominance ( IE patent exp)

I've used Festool, Makita, DeWalt, and that Wen

For the price you can't go wrong with Wen!

I would upgrade the track tho, attaching those shorter pieces is
A) pain in the *** B) can loose accuracy

Save your money on the saw and upgrade the track, grab DeWalt track clamps, and maybe spring for the attachable squares

You'll still be money ahead vs the Festool

 

[Sumboodie]

What's it do that clamping a straight edge doesn't?

I've done that to cut stuff from plywood to 1/2" steel plate.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Just my opinion, a hose is much less fuss than a cable. I went the cordless route with Festool‘s original TSC 55 and never looked back. There are occasions where I use it with the dust bag only, then cordless is the ultimate expression of freedom of movement.

Obviously, there are many options beside Festool - however keep in mind that it is a precision tool and precision, reliability and repeatability is what you want from such a tool. So my advice would be to go with one of the tried and true brands.

Here’s an instance from last summer, where I used my TSC to create a U profile in absence of a spindle moulder. I needed that profile to repair/replace the handrail on the shed.

In a nutshell:

- Don‘t generally ditch cordless just because of the vacuum hose.
- Try to stick with a tried & true brand so you get reliable results.
- Think about possible accessories that you might need/want in future and if they are compatible with the track system you‘re going with.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[Retroman]

I don't do a lot of wood working but when I do I like to have tools to help my somewhat limited skills.
I don't have a table saw. I bought the Milwaukee TS mainly because I am on there platform and it had generally good reviews.
with a miter saw, track saw and skill saw I can get by with what I need to do.

 

[mike93lx]

I own the grizzly and have a buddy with the wen. Both are super useful tools that we are very happy to have. If mine died, I'd replace it in a heartbeat, but would upgrade, likely the Dewalt as I have lots of their tools

 

[shoot summ]

I'm an outlier here with the Kreg Tracksaw. Only used it a few times but I'm sold. I had to cut up some 3/4" melamine for a closet prject. Those 4x8 panels are way too heavy to maneuver on my tablesaw - although that's what I did 12 or so years ago.

I have the Kreg too, mainly because I found a smokin deal on the ACS table, and then on the saw. I had mainly used it on the ACS table and liked it, then did some work at my Daughter's house over the holidays and used it as a track only. I have nothing to compare it to but so far I like it.

 

[shoot summ]

I would've gone with a saw that plunges.

I love mine though. Makes breaking down sheet goods and breeze.

WEN​

12 Amp 7-1/4 in Variable Speed Plunge Cut Circular Track Saw​

 

[lardy1]

I bought the Makita but I don't use it much. I'm proficient with my table saw and have infeed and out feed capability so I was getting by without one all my life. I guess I like it alright but it isn't any easier than my table saw for anything I've done yet. When I evaluate the setup time I usually just use the table saw.

 

[Mike007]

I have a Makita corded I bought refurbished from CPO. Love it. It's so effortless to make a clean, perfect cut. Even with bad eyesight.

 

[FTWingRiders]

Love my Makita 36v plunge track saw paired with my 18v vac. I can easily cut sheet goods down as I pull them from the truck. A lot easier than man handling full sheets solo.

 

[mike93lx]

Love my Makita 36v plunge track saw paired with my 18v vac. I can easily cut sheet goods down as I pull them from the truck. A lot easier than man handling full sheets solo.

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

 

[purplezr2]

Just my opinion, a hose is much less fuss than a cable. I went the cordless route with Festool‘s original TSC 55 and never looked back. There are occasions where I use it with the dust bag only, then cordless is the ultimate expression of freedom of movement.

Obviously, there are many options beside Festool - however keep in mind that it is a precision tool and precision, reliability and repeatability is what you want from such a tool. So my advice would be to go with one of the tried and true brands.

Here’s an instance from last summer, where I used my TSC to create a U profile in absence of a spindle moulder. I needed that profile to repair/replace the handrail on the shed.

In a nutshell:

- Don‘t generally ditch cordless just because of the vacuum hose.
- Try to stick with a tried & true brand so you get reliable results.
- Think about possible accessories that you might need/want in future and if they are compatible with the track system you‘re going with.

Kind regards,
Olli

Don't they offer a grooving head on your side of the world for the tracksaw. I just recently thought I saw a festool offering.

 

[jar944]

automagically?

 

[jar944]

Don't they offer a grooving head on your side of the world for the tracksaw. I just recently thought I saw a festool offering.

Different saw, and mafell has some interesting timberframing tracksaw/groovers

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Don't they offer a grooving head on your side of the world for the tracksaw. I just recently thought I saw a festool offering.

Not for the plunge saws. They have those for HK 85 and HK 132.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[shoot summ]

Love my Makita 36v plunge track saw paired with my 18v vac. I can easily cut sheet goods down as I pull them from the truck. A lot easier than man handling full sheets solo.

With my limited use I am finding that the support and cutting surface is a critical piece of having a track saw. That is a neat way to break the sheets down, any details on how you are supporting the cut portion of the sheet?

 

[aquinob]

What's it do that clamping a straight edge doesn't?

I've had one of the original Festool saws for a long time. I don't use it often but when I do, it makes life so much easier. I use aftermarket track with it and they work fine and even link up with the Festool if I need them too.

What makes it better than a straight edge?

1. All you need to do is lay the track down and make the cut. You dont have to clamp if you dont want to or is a PIA.
2. The saw cant jump the track or wander, its always straight.
3. The track has a zero clearance edge that keeps the cut clean, almost table saw clean.
4. After you use one you will give up trying to cut large sheet goods on a table saw, it is so much easier and safer to use a track saw.

I cleaned up the wild ends on some composite decking with two joined tracks, set the depth so I didn't cut the underlying wood. How would you clamp that?

 

[mike93lx]

With my limited use I am finding that the support and cutting surface is a critical piece of having a track saw. That is a neat way to break the sheets down, any details on how you are supporting the cut portion of the sheet?

I either throw a 2x4 under it or will sometimes use a clamp at the start end of the cut to hold the material. Usually the 2x4,though

 

[aka Larry]

* Disclaimer: I'm new to wood working, and I ****. . .

Being new to woodworking I was doing the cost v. benefit of getting a track saw. First time working with sheet goods, got my T-Square, got my circular saw, and a few clamps. Ripped a few sheets and thought, "I'm good."

Few sheets later, after leaning too far forward, moving too slow- too fast, and all I could think of was, if this was a field sobriety test. I would have failed! Couple that with the cost of sheet goods, and it seemed obvious the cost v. benefit of a track saw seemed evident, as if I screwed the pouch on a few sheets- a track saw would essentualy pay for itself in short order. I'm getting to the age where I can admit my shortcomings . . .

So I went down the Youtube rabbit hole, researching options.

Being a DIY type, I'm not going Festool.

So I landed on the WEN.

110 inches of track, saw, costing me around $181 seemed like a no-brainer. Again, keeping the cost of wood in mind. But then I realized that WEN track saw comes in two options: 6.5 or 7.25. 9 amp vs. 12 amp.

Went with the 7.25 inch and 12 amp corded option.

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. So cordless didn't make much sense to me personally.

Thoughts?

Discussion?

Other experiences?

I came to the same conclusion and bought the Wen saw, but opted to go with the Powertec tracks. Works great for me and didn't break the bank.

 

[mike93lx]

I would've gone with a saw that plunges.

I love mine though. Makes breaking down sheet goods and breeze.

I dont think I've ever seen a track saw that doesn't plunge, besides the track adapter from kreg that uses a normal circular saw. That wen certainly plunges

 

[Snapped-off]

I dont think I've ever seen a track saw that doesn't plunge, besides the track adapter from kreg that uses a normal circular saw. That wen certainly plunges

I see that now. It has a pretty high blade guard so I thought the whole thing was static.

 

[Steve_P]

You are in the wonderful world of post Festool track saw dominance ( IE patent exp)

I've used Festool, Makita, DeWalt, and that Wen

Did you have a preference between the Makita and DeWalt? I'm sure you can't go wrong with either, I have tools by both, but having used both, maybe you know of a small difference between the two besides the colors.

 

[mike93lx]

Did you have a preference between the Makita and DeWalt? I'm sure you can't go wrong with either, I have tools by both, but having used both, maybe you know of a small difference between the two besides the colors.

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

 

[Steve_P]

With my limited use I am finding that the support and cutting surface is a critical piece of having a track saw. That is a neat way to break the sheets down, any details on how you are supporting the cut portion of the sheet?

If you look closely, you'll see a black saw horse to the left of the TS. I'm guessing there's another just out of the picture.

 

[tak1313]

I first purchased the corded Makita. It's been great, but I DID get one track that was bowed - a common problem with all brands of tracks. Instead of dealing with returns, I just got another 55" track and cut down the bowed track to 39" to use as a short track (cutting it down got around the bowed section).

I don't use it very often, being a non-pro, but did find it annoying that the cord would frequently get in the way or hung up, especially on long cuts.

SO

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.

 

[FTWingRiders]

With my limited use I am finding that the support and cutting surface is a critical piece of having a track saw. That is a neat way to break the sheets down, any details on how you are supporting the cut portion of the sheet?

Steve P is correct. A couple folding plastic saw horses holds the sheet up while I zip it with the saw. If I’m cutting smaller sheets I have two sacrificial 2x3s that lay across the horses.
And this is my MO even with a full wood shop with a TS and outfeed table. Just easier to make these cuts before I have to wrangle them into the shop.

 

[rlitman]

I'm an outlier here with the Kreg Tracksaw...

Count me in with the Kreg "in" crowd. I went with Kreg for several reasons:
- I've gotten used to lefty circ saws
- More metal than not
- Generalized loathing for the Wen brand
- Cheapest track saw that had a real riving knife (at least, at the time of my purchase)
- Slow start and anti-kickback pawl
- Zero clearance (cut through) anti-chip on BOTH blade sides
- Electronic blade brake (that's typical on cordless, but isn't universal on corded saws)
- Corded (it's not a tool I use enough to want to be locked into a battery platform)

I got a few months of use out of it and enjoyed it a lot until I nearly died (no, the track saw didn't give me cancer), after which I left it in the care of a friend who's used it a lot more. He's since closed over the opening in the guard for better dust collection, and eventually bought a Festool to add to his kit.

The only issue I have with the Kreg is there's a bit of wobble in the hinge. You bring the blade down and can move it right or left almost 1/8". That's a big deal with how the blade interacts with the track edge, and I've posted about it before.

 

[Sumboodie]

I've had one of the original Festool saws for a long time. I don't use it often but when I do, it makes life so much easier. I use aftermarket track with it and they work fine and even link up with the Festool if I need them too.

What makes it better than a straight edge?

1. All you need to do is lay the track down and make the cut. You dont have to clamp if you dont want to or is a PIA.
2. The saw cant jump the track or wander, its always straight.
3. The track has a zero clearance edge that keeps the cut clean, almost table saw clean.
4. After you use one you will give up trying to cut large sheet goods on a table saw, it is so much easier and safer to use a track saw.

I cleaned up the wild ends on some composite decking with two joined tracks, set the depth so I didn't cut the underlying wood. How would you clamp that?

I'd follow a line.

 

[rharman]

With my limited use I am finding that the support and cutting surface is a critical piece of having a track saw. That is a neat way to break the sheets down, any details on how you are supporting the cut portion of the sheet?

I lay a small (about 3'x5') OSB sheet across two sawhorses and support the workpiece with some 4' 2x2 cutoffs I keep around. Works great.

 

[rharman]

Count me in with the Kreg "in" crowd. I went with Kreg for several reasons:
- I've gotten used to lefty circ saws
- More metal than not
- Generalized loathing for the Wen brand
- Cheapest track saw that had a real riving knife (at least, at the time of my purchase)
- Slow start and anti-kickback pawl
- Zero clearance (cut through) anti-chip on BOTH blade sides
- Electronic blade brake (that's typical on cordless, but isn't universal on corded saws)
- Corded (it's not a tool I use enough to want to be locked into a battery platform)

I got a few months of use out of it and enjoyed it a lot until I nearly died (no, the track saw didn't give me cancer), after which I left it in the care of a friend who's used it a lot more. He's since closed over the opening in the guard for better dust collection, and eventually bought a Festool to add to his kit.

The only issue I have with the Kreg is there's a bit of wobble in the hinge. You bring the blade down and can move it right or left almost 1/8". That's a big deal with how the blade interacts with the track edge, and I've posted about it before.

Interesting. I haven't noticed any play in mine.

 

[neophyte]

I dont think I've ever seen a track saw that doesn't plunge, besides the track adapter from kreg that uses a normal circular saw. That wen certainly plunges

Hilti makes several circular saws that can be used on tracks, but which may not plunge, and has made saws like this for possibly two decades or more.
Festool (at the time Festo) also used to make non plunging tracksaws, since the single pivot, spring loaded, classic Festool track saw design works like **** using traditional hand held and guided circular saw techniques. I’m not sure that Festool ever sold the non-plunging saws in the USA, but I’ve seen the saws on eBay in Europe.
Festool’s “sister” brand Protool, (now since rebranded to Festool), also made non plunging, but track capable circular saws.
Mafell also might have made some non-plunging circular saws, that were track capable for the Mafell track system, and may still.
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.
Fein also sold a non-plunging circular saw, that could be used with the Mafell track system, and which was almost certainly manufactured by Mafell.
The Fein circular saw appeared on the Fein USA price list a couple decades or more ago, but I’ve never actually seen a picture of a US spec version.
In Europe, back when the patent on the original Festo/Festool plunge design was still in effect, there were likely other track capable circular saws as well, probably made to fit the Festo track system.

 

[Mavawreck]

I bought the Bosch, at that particular moment in time there was a deal where it came with free tracks. I’m happy with it. I’ve added more pieces as I find them on sale - short tracks and a router guide. My only thought is to consider the cost of all items you‘ll want, make sure the platform supports those accessories and see if anyone out there has a sale going on that brings the overall investment down.

 

[IRQVET]

I was on the fence between the Kreg and the WEN. I was going to pull the pin on the Kreg from Lowes at $249 (saw only), but Lowes didn't have it in stock. So they wanted $69 shipping (which was a JOKE!) and they wouldn't honor my military discount.

Went to Home Depot.com and was able to pick up the WEN for $181 (Saw and track), free shipping, AND they gave me my military discount. I'll admit, I tend to favor HD over Lowes because of how and when I'm allowed to use that military discount. Lowes puts up roadblocks that HD does not, and I appreciate that very much.

Considered the Grizzly, but it didn't have very good reviews. A lot of folks noted it was very underpowered.

Saw arrived yesterday, but the track hasn't arrived yet so I cannot use it yet. But I'm looking forward to it. Plans are to see how I like the saw, determine how often I'm going to use it, and if I decide to upgrade- do it later. I would lean Black & Yellow as most of the tools are on that platform. But I think Dewalt is redesigning their current tracks after some backlash involving the plunge feature. People seem to love the power of the saw, the track, but that plunge unique feature doesn't seem to be very popular.

As for the track, I read a few places where people decided against the WEN track and opted for the PowerTec tracks. But it all seems very speculative, and I have yet to find any worthwhile comparison between the two. Seems like a lot of online rumor mill/ speculation?

I originally ordered mine with 100 inch track, but returned and reordered the 110 inch track as soon as I realized my error.

 

[mike93lx]

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