Track saw quandry

[Walkers]

I am getting ready to do sheathing on my guest house and room addition. I have never liked my freehand circular saw cuts, so I will usually clamp a guide on for a straight cut. A year or so ago I bought a new 36v Makita rear handle 7-1/4” circular saw. I have really enjoyed using it, and it has served my needs well. Clamping on a guide stinks, mostly because it is slow and cumbersome, so I have been considering a track saw, or buying a track for my saw. Aside from this building project I need to break down sheet goods once every 2-3 months and end up cutting up 2x materials about once a month, so I don’t really want to make difficult adaptations every time.

I have looked at the Kreg track and adapter. It looks a little cumbersome, but not horrid. It appears Makita doesn’t make a sled for use with their circular saws. I don’t really like the price of an all new track saw plus track, but if that is what I need to do then so be it. I am sure I could make a sled to use on a track, but have lots of better uses for my time.

Any opinions would be welcome.

 

[Ray-CA]

Take a look here:

. I made a 4-ft and an 8-ft version. They work really well, and were cheap/easy to make.

 

[Farmall450]

Bora makes a decent guide.

My uncle has the Kreg one and doesn't mind it.

 

[mike93lx]

There are some cheap options out there. I have a grizzly and a buddy runs a wen, both work well.

A shooting board is a really simple solution, and I did use one for a while, but didn't like the depth of cut I gave up, plus it doesn't force the saw's alignment like a track saw.

I dont use my track saw a ton, but whenever I do, I'm really glad I have it

 

[AEAdam]

Don’t go the cheap route, just not worth it, Track saws are really good tools. Go get an estimate for someone to do that sheathing, and after you get that estimate, buy yourself a new truck and a tracksaw and you will be money ahead.

 

[rancherbill]

I would buy a Makita track saw guide, and two of their clamps. It is the greatest thing since sliced break. Makita and Festool have the same track and Fetool makes great add-ons.

In the interim, If you really want you can buy a track saw adapter for your exisitng saw.

Knowing what I know now I would never buy a circular saw OR a table saw. A track saw does it all, more precisely and in 1/10th the storage space.

https://www.google.com/search?q=tra...EByAEA4gMEGAAgQYgGAZAGCA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp


https://www.google.com/search?q=tra...FMgYIBxBFGEGoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

[The Cobbler]

If I was 10 or 20 years younger, I'd buy a track saw.

 

[whateg01]

Take a look here:

. I made a 4-ft and an 8-ft version. They work really well, and were cheap/easy to make.

I use 1/8 or 1/4 for the base and 1/4 for the guide itself. The best part is that since you cut the edge off with the saw, lining up the cut is dead nuts.

 

[GeoBruin]

I have the Kreg. It's cheap(ish), and the track pieces are available at home depot. It makes cuts as well as I'll ever need. But cutting wood is a task I avoid at all costs, and a track saw was never really in the cards for me. If I were even an inch closer to being a woodworker, I would have a track saw.

 

[AEAdam]

I would buy a Makita track saw guide, and two of their clamps. It is the greatest thing since sliced break. Makita and Festool have the same track and Fetool makes great add-ons.

In the interim, If you really want you can buy a track saw adapter for your exisitng saw.

Knowing what I know now I would never buy a circular saw OR a table saw. A track saw does it all, more precisely and in 1/10th the storage space.

https://www.google.com/search?q=track+saw+adapter+for+circular+saw&sca_esv=597100123&rlz=1C1CHBF_enCA950CA950&sxsrf=ACQVn0_nuqrRM7xz04bTox2JW9epeIb8OQ:1704857822301&ei=3hCeZa_6Ednk0PEP0bSbiA4&oq=track+saw+adapter+plate&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiF3RyYWNrIHNhdyBhZGFwdGVyIHBsYXRlKgIIADIKEAAYRxjWBBiwAzIKEAAYRxjWBBiwAzIKEAAYRxjWBBiwAzIKEAAYRxjWBBiwAzIKEAAYRxjWBBiwAzIKEAAYRxjWBBiwAzIKEAAYRxjWBBiwAzIKEAAYRxjWBBiwA0iCLFAAWABwAXgBkAEAmAEAoAEAqgEAuAEByAEA4gMEGAAgQYgGAZAGCA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp


https://www.google.com/search?q=tra...FMgYIBxBFGEGoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

I have a carpenters saw that runs on track. It won’t plunge or bevel, both of which are discriminators. Accurate depth control is another plus. When the saw can accurately plunge cut, its significantly easier to use.

 

[RivennHewn]

I went with the Makita. Happy with it.

Even happier that I didn’t drink the Kool-aide

 

[whateg01]

I went with the Makita. Happy with it.

Even happier that I didn’t drink the Kool-aide

What Kool aid is there wrt track saws?

 

[tarbellb]

What Kool aid is there wrt track saws?

The green kind

 

[tarbellb]

Bare minimum go with the Wen and find the even cheaper PowerTech? tracks and clamps. It will do what you want.

However, the Makita track saw at maybe double the cost is 90% of the best saw on the market. ie not a lot of money for nearly the best.



All that being said, track saws are excellent for - accurate cuts, fast setup, less error prone, sheet breakdown, and DUST COLLECTION

if dust collection is important at all, they are a game changer. I can cut sheets all day and only sweep up 1/4 pan at end of day

 

[cycle61]

The green kind

Come to the dark side. We have cookies.

I went with Festool because I love the hobby/craft of woodworking and building furniture and cabinets, and the quality is fantastic compared to a Kreg, Bora, or clamped down 2x4. But the cost is definitely a consideration.

 

[Retroman]

Happy with my Milwaukee but not a cabinet maker just a Weekend Warrior.

 

[PCustoms]

Happy with my Milwaukee but not a cabinet maker just a Weekend Warrior.

This, don't over think it @Walkers .

Personally I can't imagine buying a track saw for sheathing a building, massive overkill.

Maybe use a shooting board, even that is overkill. Where 1/4" accuracy is acceptable.

I've got a $100 Ridgid saw, and built a 5' shooting board. With a fresh blade I can get acceptable cuts in most sheet goods for finish carpentry. The cabinet grade material gets cuts slightly oversized and then moved to the table saw for further breakdown.

 

[jonshonda]

I'm also not a fan of my ability to cut straight lines on sheet goods freehand. When I look at my work I want it too look great, even if I know it's gonna be buried behind stuff and I'll never see it again.

I owned a corded Makita track saw for a short while doing a few projects, and I will say it is a time saver and made great cuts w/o constantly worrying about following a line or edge guide. One of the big benefits that lots have left out is the dust collection with track saws. My setup was to lay 2" rigid insulation on saw horses, then the sheet goods. Mark at each end of the cut, lay track on marks, connect shop vac to saw, and have at it. Very little dust and debris flying around, and nice clean straight cuts.

The nice part about buying a good quality saw and taking care of it is that there is a still a lot of value left if you decide to sell it later. I would buy a short and long track for it as well. That way if you are ripping or cross cutting you don't have to take tracks apart over and over.

 

[mike93lx]

I'm also not a fan of my ability to cut straight lines on sheet goods freehand. When I look at my work I want it too look great, even if I know it's gonna be buried behind stuff and I'll never see it again

I'm somewhat similar. I want it nice regardless of how visible it is.

That said, a big part of the appeal of a track saw is simplicity. Measure each side (or once if you have a 90 degree stop attachment), lay the track and cut. No chalk line, no getting a straight edge and striking a pencil line, no watching the line and invariably getting dust and chips thrown at your face. Just plunge and push.

 

[mepstein]

The walls on my workshop slope down and the back side is only five feet over a 4 foot stem wall, Every piece of sheathing needed to be cut to size. If I had known a track saw existed, it would have saved so much time. I have one now. Another tool in the arsenal.

 

[Voi]

I am getting ready to do sheathing on my guest house and room addition. I have never liked my freehand circular saw cuts, so I will usually clamp a guide on for a straight cut. A year or so ago I bought a new 36v Makita rear handle 7-1/4” circular saw. I have really enjoyed using it, and it has served my needs well. Clamping on a guide stinks, mostly because it is slow and cumbersome, so I have been considering a track saw, or buying a track for my saw. Aside from this building project I need to break down sheet goods once every 2-3 months and end up cutting up 2x materials about once a month, so I don’t really want to make difficult adaptations every time.

I have looked at the Kreg track and adapter. It looks a little cumbersome, but not horrid. It appears Makita doesn’t make a sled for use with their circular saws. I don’t really like the price of an all new track saw plus track, but if that is what I need to do then so be it. I am sure I could make a sled to use on a track, but have lots of better uses for my time.

Any opinions would be welcome.

Since you are already in the Makita ecosystem, they do make track compatible circular saws. You won't have the plunge feature or dust collection compared to a regular track/plunge saw.

Makita USA - Product Details -XSH08Z

36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless 7-1/4” Circular Saw with Guide Rail Compatible Base, Tool Only

www.makitatools.com

I already have a Makita corded track saw but if I needed a cordless, blade-right circular saw and needed to cut a lot of sheathing, I'd probably consider one of these.

 

[Walkers]

Okay, I will buy the track saw. I am mainly Makita and have a lot of batteries, but recently had to buy 1 Milwaukee battery, and I have a Makita to Milwaukee adapter, so I could go with Makita or Milwaukee at the most reasonable cost.

Next, why are these track extrusions so dang expensive? The brand name tracks are averaging $33 a foot. The off brand and WEN tracks are much cheaper. Is there any real difference between the two?

 

[bcradio]

Mainly compatibility with your saw

 

[txvwnut]

I have the Kreg track adapter and have been pleased with it. I have one complaint and that is the base that attaches to the saw is not a tool free install/removal operation. Which really isn't a big deal but when you are switching between operations where you don't need the track it becomes a little bit annoying.

 

[manwithtools]

The real advantages to track saws are the ability to plunge cut and their dust collection abilities - also anti-splinter features. I have the Festool, if I was buying today, I'd look strongly at the Milwaukee. I've built many saw guides over the last 40 years and despite what all the Youtubers and anti-track saw folks say, there is no comparison between a good track saw and a cheap circular saw and home made guide. Get some clamps for the track to provide fool proof cuts when working alone.

I built a set of slats and holders mounted to foldable saw horses to allow ease of cutting sheet goods. You can slide the sheets out of the pickup and straight onto the gridwork. Cut to size with the track saw and then do the same to the next sheet. I have both long and short tracks so can do rips and crosscuts on 4' x 8' sheets.

 

[ATTappman]

Take a look at this circular saw guide from Milescraft: https://milescraft.com/product/tracksawguide/
Milescraft stuff is hit or miss, but people seem to like this particular item.

 

[RivennHewn]

What Kool aid is there wrt track saws?

The festering kind

 

[GeoBruin]

Take a look at this circular saw guide from Milescraft: https://milescraft.com/product/tracksawguide/
Milescraft stuff is hit or miss, but people seem to like this particular item.

One of the only universal sleds out there made of aluminum instead of plastic. Possibly why they're well liked. I have been considering one for my metal cutting circular saw as the the hot chips have a way of embedding themselves in my plastic Kreg sled.

 

[aka Larry]

I was in the same boat and built my own homemade guide with less than perfect results. After a recommendation from another GJ member, I pulled the trigger on the more budget-friendly Wen track saw and Powertec rail setup from Amazon.

The setup directions for the Wen saw were a tad difficult to follow, but I figured it out. The Powertec rail setup was very well packaged and helped it survived the delivery by the infamous UPS Basketball Team.

After the initial setup of the track, I positioned it to make my first cut. The Wen saw's safety trigger makes it really deliberate to engage the motor and allow the blade to plunge. No way you can accidentally power it up, which is a good thing I guess. Once I got cutting, it was great. Nice, straight, perfectly even cuts. Kind of like a table saw result, but without the danger of trying maneuver a 4'x8' sheet of MDF all by yourself.

I'll echo the other comments here. Decide on what you are willing to spend on a track saw setup, and buy it. There is no way you will be disappointed vs. using a homemade guide or Kreg add-on to your standard circular saw.

 

[tak1313]

I have only bought the corded Makita. I'm not a pro, so can't compare to anybody or any other brand.

It's worked fine for me. It's slides really nicely on the track. Once adjusted, there is no slop. The sacrificial strip makes it superbly easy to line up the cut, and the cuts are REALLY smooth - really minor splintering on cross grain ply cuts, but the Makita does have a "scoring" setting that I could use, but never have yet.

My only issues are/were:

I first bought 2 tracks with the connectors. When I got mine, you only got one connector, which was pretty stupid since one connector isn't stable enough. Even more stupid is the fact that it was selling everywhere else outside the US as a set of two. Two connectors separately was more expensive than even getting it from Canada as one set.

1 of the two tracks was bowed slightly. I had to compare it to a straight edge to realize it, but it was initially causing slight binding and burning. I got a third track in the clearance rack at HD, and that one was fine - i cut the bow out of the bad track to use as a short track. Realistically though, from all I can tell, all brands have issues with bowed/warped tracks since they are all extrusions and not machined. I read a lot of posts by Festool users about it when I decided to go Makita, so at least I didn't shell out the $$$.

 

[f121]

Track saw is on the ‘where have you been all my life’ tool list. Theres no comparison for anything involving sheet goods, my only regret is not buying one a decade earlier.

 

[MongoTA]

Next, why are these track extrusions so dang expensive? The brand name tracks are averaging $33 a foot. The off brand and WEN tracks are much cheaper. Is there any real difference between the two?

I agree.
I bought a Dewalt track, the kit came with a 59" Dewalt track.
I picked up two 55" Powertec (compatible with DW) tracks at HD for a fraction of the price of the main brands. They work just fine. I joined them using the connectors and was going to TIG them together if the connection was wonky, but it's been fine.
Naysayers abound all over, but I use my setup 2-3 times a week. I'm happy. If it didn't work or was not accurate I would not be happy.

 

[aquinob]

Okay, I will buy the track saw. I am mainly Makita and have a lot of batteries, but recently had to buy 1 Milwaukee battery, and I have a Makita to Milwaukee adapter, so I could go with Makita or Milwaukee at the most reasonable cost.

Next, why are these track extrusions so dang expensive? The brand name tracks are averaging $33 a foot. The off brand and WEN tracks are much cheaper. Is there any real difference between the two?

Good choice. I've had one of the original Festool saws for probably going on 15 years now and I have never regretted spending the money on it in all those years. My original festool track got chewed up a bit so I ended up buying a pair of the powertec rails that Amazon sells along with a bag to store them in. The saw works fine on the aftermarket track and you can even link the festool and powertec tracks together if you want to.

The festool rails are very nice, but not so nice that I want to spend the extra coin to get them.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I started with a corded dewalt, great package with both tracks and then added a 60v cordless. I like that both sides of the track can be used, I set one side for 90deg cuts and the other for 45s. The cordless is so good I sold the corded one, just get spoiled with cordless convenience.

 

[Walkers]

Okay, I hunted and finally ordered a Makita 36v XOS01Z saw, and I found a deal on some WEN track. So I should get it in a week or so. I’ll post up about the quality of the track after I get it.

Thanks for the help

 

[mike93lx]

Okay, I hunted and finally ordered a Makita 36v XOS01Z saw, and I found a deal on some WEN track. So I should get it in a week or so. I’ll post up about the quality of the track after I get it.

Thanks for the help

Nice. You are going to love it

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I have been using a straight edge guide since 1984 . My skill with a Skillsaw isn't what it once was, the last time I used it, I wandered off , I didn't hold tight to the aluminum. I know it's not the saw, it has excellent balance.

I'm now using a 40t thin kerf Freud blade , my saw was designed around a thicker kerf blade, so the offsets are slightly off. It's annoying to measure out and mark.

Because the of the above issues I have been rough cutting then finish on the tablesaw. With a track saw it's one and done. And dead simple to align.

I no longer casually toss 3/4 sheets of plywood around . I can barely drag them to the 24" sawhorses, now.

Festool invented it for the European market. EU regs are stricter on safety, so dust extraction is important. These saws are designed to be used with vacuum cleaner hose, So a cord isn't as much of a problem. Besides, my cordless tools are yellow. The Makita gets better reviews than the yellow ones.

I choose a Makita corded .It came with a 55" track and box, but I had to to buy another 55" track, connectors, clamps and a hose adapter. I'm getting a router plate that fits the track for my Bosch 1617 and a square . The square should make for more accurate and easier cuts on plywood than what the DeWalt handles. He said hopefully.

The price of the saw doesn't include the accessories, which adds almost as much.

 

[mike93lx]

Used my track saw last night. Neighbor asked me for help fitting a screen door in an opening that wasn't remotely square. Did some measuring, and evaluating with a laser level, then made two marks on the door and cut the perfect taper with a really slight bevel. It was the perfect tool for it.

 

[tarbellb]

Used my track saw last night. Neighbor asked me for help with a screen door in an open in an opening that wasn't remotely square. Did some measuring, and evaluating with a laser level, then made two marks on the door and cut the perfrct taper with a really slight bevel. It was the perfect tool for it.

lasers and track saw

your neighbor probably thinks you're from the future, or at least a badass

 

[mike93lx]

lasers and track saw

your neighbor probably thinks you're from the future, or at least a badass

Lol. He was blown away

(and I need to review posts before submitting... Autocorrect isn't doing me and favors)