Track saw vs table saw?? Which style

[tinysparky]

At this point I dont have a table saw and was wondering what the thoughts are on a track saw vs a table saw. In the end, space isn't limited, it would be used maybe once a month, and I can't spend more then 800.

Examples:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LZ31PU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F2CGVPE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If I get a portable one I would end up building a table for it.

Thoughts??


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[guy48065]

A track saw only does one thing well--at a high price. If you need finish-quality cuts in entire sheets of plywood they are fabulous and worth the expense. Otherwise it's really a luxury tool for after you own everything else.

 

[bdbecker]

You'd definitely want to build a table for a portable saw to realize it's full potential. That's kind of where I'm at with my contractor saw. I either need to build a table for it, or sell it and get a track saw (I'm leaning towards the latter option right now based on my needs/interests/space restrictions).

I don't really use my contractor saw all that much because I always find that ripping down big sheets by myself is always kind of sketchy, even with additional infeed/outfeed support setup. More often than not, I'm happy to pay the $1 a cut (or whatever) have the sheet knocked down at the store using their panel saw, or I'll clamp up an angle iron guide and use my circular saw. I don't do any real fine woodworking, so the need to rip boards to size is rare. If I need to rip a board to size, ever since I got my band saw, I've used it more than my table saw because its quieter, cleaner, and IMO safer. I also have a miter saw, so cutting anything to length that's 12" wide or less is easier to do on that than the table saw.

I suppose your decision would also be fueled by what saws you currently have, and what type of work you intend on doing. If you don't have any saws, a table saw would be a good start because it can do a lot of jobs. However, if you already have a miter saw and are just looking for a means to knock down sheets to size for building cabinets, a good track saw might be a better option (or even a circular saw with a clamp on guide). If you are looking to get into fine woodworking, I'd say skip the portable/contractor type saws and look for a good used cabinet saw.

EDIT:
Also, have looked at the Kreg Accu-Cut fixture for circular saws? Seems like an affordable option to get into a track style saw without breaking the bank.
https://www.kregtool.com/store/c48/saw-attachments/p425/accu-cuttrade/
https://www.kregtool.com/store/c48/saw-attachments/p465/accu-cuttrade-xl/

 

[Higgins]

Depends on how may times a Yr. you need to cut the piece, how accurate you need to cut the piece, and how easy it is for you to physically pick up a 4x8 sheet of finished plywood and feed it thru the table saw by yourself!

As for myself, when I was younger Id manhandle the PW and cut it on my table saw. As I've aged, I'd go for using a track saw on the plywood on some good saw horses. I've learned that I can make some very accurate cuts, as to trying to manhandle the PW thru the table saw.

A number of yrs ago I found an 8ft x 3" aluminum C channel used for communications eqpt. I've used that for yrs for making panel cuts. Which the price of 2 clamps plus the C channel would be a lot cheaper than the track saw setup.

Look at Midwest steel and aluminum - 6061 Aluminum Standard Channel
(61AC3258) Size: 3 x 1.498 .258 ~ $70.

 

[Handyfarmer]

Ok I don't have a track saw, but do have a good table saw, I think I prefer a table saw,

as I have only a few times thought about a track saw, and that is away from the shop,

on my saw, I have extended the right hand table, and extended it so I have 49" from blade to fence, and I have a roller stand table behind the saw as well a second roller table I can set up on the left hand side if needed, )

besides sheet goods a table say is very handy for ripping and cutting solid wood, doing rabbits and datos and other cuts, with the proper accessories one can cut tendons and other cuts, I like my miter saw for cross cutting normally,

but for the most verseralty I think the table saw is the best over all,

I personally think the table saw is the best over shop tool for a saw, second is the miter saw, (I have a good radial arm saw, but prefer the table saw, the radial arm saw is more of a cross cut tool that can rip and the table saw is a ripping tool that can cross sut,

an older comercial cabinet saw (if you can afford new go for it), but I have an old walker turner, saw I have had (bought from the High school) when I was in High school, about 50 years ago, and it was not new then,

weight is your friend (except when your moving it),

 

[Git]

What do you think you are going to make and what material are you thinking of using?

I think that the best use of a tracksaw is cutting down large items. I am mainly talking about 4' x 8' sheet goods. You can make some pretty accurate repetitive type cuts with the help of some guides - like cutting 2 1/2" wide strips of you need to

I also use my tracksaw for putting a straight edge on rough cut lumber before running it through the jointer and planer

And it comes in handy when you need to 'clean' some things up. For example, sometimes when I make cabinet doors, I leave a little extra on the top and bottom. I then line then all up together and cut them to final size (top and bottom) with my track saw

I have the festool. It was great when it was first release (only game in time) but now there are better choices/better value for your money. Look at DeWalt, Makita etc

 

[44Dan44]

Each has its place. I couldn’t justify the festool price however and have been very happy with my solution https://www.truetracsaw.com/collections
Family run business, Made in the USA and they answer the phone if you have questions, imagine that.
They make a handy table solution as well

 

[wes.harville]

I own both a powermatic 66 tablesaw and a makita tracksaw. I love them both, and use them both independently of one another. If you plan on making furniture / cabinetry I would say table saw 1st, track saw second. If you can are doing more general diy / carpentry and can only have one, I would say a track saw with multiple tracks. I have a youtube video of a project that I used the track saw for a lot and I think it truly shows the diversity of the tool. It might help you make the decision.

 

[wes.harville]

Each has its place. I couldn’t justify the festool price however and have been very happy with my solution https://www.truetracsaw.com/collections
Family run business, Made in the USA and they answer the phone if you have questions, imagine that.
They make a handy table solution as well

These do look nice, but having just a track that attaches to a standard circular saw doesn't give you all of the advantages of a true plunge cut track saw

 

[44Dan44]

These do look nice, but having just a track that attaches to a standard circular saw doesn't give you all of the advantages of a true plunge cut track saw

Hi Wes, I’ve seen your videos before No one tool for every job indeed, I do like the Makita over Festool if going for a dedicated use tool.

 

[wes.harville]

Hi Wes, I’ve seen your videos before No one tool for every job indeed, I do like the Makita over Festool if going for a dedicated use tool.

agreed! I like the festoon, but the added quality isn’t equal to the added cost, lol


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[wes.harville]

Hi Wes, I’ve seen your videos before No one tool for every job indeed, I do like the Makita over Festool if going for a dedicated use tool.

Also, thanks for watching! I really appreciate it!


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[44Dan44]

No problem , enjoy them a lot, I stole your paper roll idea from E55!

 

[Two Door]

A track saw might be accurate enough to help build your table saw table, or be helpful in locations other than where your table saw will be. The track saw is portable, the table saw provides automatic size accuracy (greater than the tape measure and pencil mark accuracy of the track saw). Sometimes a pencil mark matters.

 

[RKA]

Like everyone said, what do you plan to build and what other tools/machines do you have? I can add more perspective having gone the “both” route starting with the tracksaw once I know more.

Also, the TS75 is not better than a TS55, it’s different, which can be a plus or minus depending on what you’re doing. I thought it was odd that you honed in on the 75 for the first Tool. If you’re just after more power, the cordless TS55’s have more power than the corded and they should be discounted a bit soon as Festool rolls out kits with Bluetooth batteries.

 

[bigdav160]

At this point I dont have a table saw and was wondering what the thoughts are on a track saw vs a table saw.

I think it's been covered. Two saws that do different things better than the other.

Track saws are great at breaking down sheet goods. If you build a lot of cabinet boxes you'll want one.

Table saw is better at just about everything else and cuts thicker wood.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Get a GOOD contractor "job site" saw (another huge debate). With a properly designed/built saw table/bench and some roller supports you will be good. A metal saw guide, circular saw and clamps is close to a track saw, just longer to set up !