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Message
Track saw recs?
Posted on 9/5/23 at 10:22 am
Posted on 9/5/23 at 10:22 am
I’m debating getting a track saw to break down sheet goods. I can never seem to get a straight cut with circular saw.
I’m sure the $700 festool would be nice, but not sure my use justifies such an expense.
Any recs for more affordable varieties? Pros/cons of models?
I do want to rip sheets of plywood so would need rail to accommodate that.
I’m sure the $700 festool would be nice, but not sure my use justifies such an expense.
Any recs for more affordable varieties? Pros/cons of models?
I do want to rip sheets of plywood so would need rail to accommodate that.
This post was edited on 9/5/23 at 10:24 am
11
Posted on 9/5/23 at 10:38 am to Tiger in Gatorland
I have the Kreg and it works great for what I use it for (cutting down sheets, cross-cutting longer boards)
My miter saw has been in storage, and it’s been getting a lot more action recently… may not bring the miter back out till I need to trim a house or another big project.
Haven’t used any of the other brands, but I believe the Kreg, Wen, and ryobi are all identical. Might be wrong though.
Check out marketplace; there’s usually a few on sale… I picked mine up with the ACS rolling table and it works well.
My miter saw has been in storage, and it’s been getting a lot more action recently… may not bring the miter back out till I need to trim a house or another big project.
Haven’t used any of the other brands, but I believe the Kreg, Wen, and ryobi are all identical. Might be wrong though.
Check out marketplace; there’s usually a few on sale… I picked mine up with the ACS rolling table and it works well.
Posted on 9/5/23 at 10:38 am to Tiger in Gatorland
Highly recommend a track saw in general. I would go with one that uses the Festool track geometry at least. More accessories and more affordable tracks out there. I have the Festool TS55 and it came with a 55" track. I purchased another 55" to get the full rip of a sheet of plywood when they are combined. However, there were options for Powertech and Makita tracks that would have worked with my saw if I wanted to go that route.
I was interested in the Kreg saw, but it was always backordered at the time. And I even ordered a Makita, but the day it was supposed to arrive, I got a notice that it was on backorder. Out of annoyance and having plans to do a lot of work that weekend that "needed" the track saw, I broke down and got the Festool that was in stock at my Woodcraft store. I don't regret it at all if spending that much is on the table for you. It opened me up to quite a few other Festool tools (shop vac, sander, domino) once I saw just how quality it was.
I was interested in the Kreg saw, but it was always backordered at the time. And I even ordered a Makita, but the day it was supposed to arrive, I got a notice that it was on backorder. Out of annoyance and having plans to do a lot of work that weekend that "needed" the track saw, I broke down and got the Festool that was in stock at my Woodcraft store. I don't regret it at all if spending that much is on the table for you. It opened me up to quite a few other Festool tools (shop vac, sander, domino) once I saw just how quality it was.
Posted on 9/5/23 at 10:39 am to Tiger in Gatorland
I have the Makita and I use it on festools MFT. It’s solid
Father in law bought the wen on Amazon. He said it’s underpowered
Father in law bought the wen on Amazon. He said it’s underpowered
Posted on 9/5/23 at 11:15 am to cajuns td
quote:I have the Makita as well with the 55" and 118" Makita guide rails. I'm just a DIYer and it serves me perfectly.
I have the Makita and I use it on festools MFT. It’s solid
quote:I haven't cut anything deeper than 1 1/2" maple (butcherblock countertop) but it sliced through it just fine. I mainly use it for breaking down plywood.
Father in law bought the wen on Amazon. He said it’s underpowered
Posted on 9/5/23 at 11:34 am to Tiger in Gatorland
I have the corded Dewalt setup, works extremely well even in 2" thick Acacia but getting additional track sections took a few months.
Posted on 9/5/23 at 11:47 am to Clames
So the rails are not proprietary per saw? Are they universal or a few did types?
I watched a YouTube on the Wen and one remark was power for a slab. I’m not sure I plan to cut a slab but would like the option as I dream about doing some slab work (table).
I watched a YouTube on the Wen and one remark was power for a slab. I’m not sure I plan to cut a slab but would like the option as I dream about doing some slab work (table).
Posted on 9/5/23 at 12:04 pm to King George
No, I meant the Wen brand on Amazon is under powered. I’ve never had an issue with my Makita.
Where’d you get the 118” rail. I’d love to have one but shipping is always crazy
Where’d you get the 118” rail. I’d love to have one but shipping is always crazy
Posted on 9/5/23 at 2:02 pm to nahtanojc
I have the Kreg as well and have had no problems with it. I will say the Kreg track is unique to Kreg, therefore more limited accessories available for it compares to some of the other brands. I haven't found it to be a problem yet though.
ETA...I love that damn tool by the way, makes me wonder how I ever survived without a track saw before.
ETA...I love that damn tool by the way, makes me wonder how I ever survived without a track saw before.
This post was edited on 9/5/23 at 2:04 pm
Posted on 9/5/23 at 3:34 pm to Tiger in Gatorland
I have the Festool TS75 and TS55 and an old defunct Dewalt 28v.
The key with Festool in general is the more you invest in the ecosystem the more value you get out of it. Unless you are going to buy something that nobody else has (yet) like a Domino if you are only going to have 1 piece of Festool it makes a lot less sense. I went full in and probably have 40 Systainers full.
If I wasn't going to get a Festool or Mafell I would get the Bosch. If you plan to break down sheet goods lengthwise get a long rail that doesn't require connecting two. It makes life much easier.
Both of my Festool track saws are corded. I prefer them because due to the fact Festool cords are all removable I have cords run with my dust collection hoses under hose covers which reduces the chance of them hanging. So because I always use dust collection cordless is low utility for me plus the extra cost.
You probably already know the trick but my favorite way to break down sheet goods is using a 4x8 sheet of pink rigid foam laid on the floor and I just put the sheets on it and go to town. Some people find it a PITA to do on the floor but I much prefer it.
The key with Festool in general is the more you invest in the ecosystem the more value you get out of it. Unless you are going to buy something that nobody else has (yet) like a Domino if you are only going to have 1 piece of Festool it makes a lot less sense. I went full in and probably have 40 Systainers full.
If I wasn't going to get a Festool or Mafell I would get the Bosch. If you plan to break down sheet goods lengthwise get a long rail that doesn't require connecting two. It makes life much easier.
Both of my Festool track saws are corded. I prefer them because due to the fact Festool cords are all removable I have cords run with my dust collection hoses under hose covers which reduces the chance of them hanging. So because I always use dust collection cordless is low utility for me plus the extra cost.
You probably already know the trick but my favorite way to break down sheet goods is using a 4x8 sheet of pink rigid foam laid on the floor and I just put the sheets on it and go to town. Some people find it a PITA to do on the floor but I much prefer it.
Posted on 9/5/23 at 3:46 pm to Tiger in Gatorland
I have a Makita that works great! Use the table saw a lot less now. Super easy and convenient.
Posted on 9/5/23 at 4:17 pm to Obtuse1
quote:
my favorite way to break down sheet goods is using a 4x8 sheet of pink rigid foam laid on the floor
Yes, my preferred way as well. Learned it from woodworking for mere mortals.
I do not have any Festool products at this time. That domino looks nice tho and I heard great things about their random orbit sanders as well. 40 systainers? I'd say you're well entrenched into their line of products.
Posted on 9/5/23 at 4:33 pm to Tiger in Gatorland
My man Nick has a go to if you wanna DIY it...
LINK
I'm sure some of you have his books but if you aren't familiar with him, he is just so good.
LINK
I'm sure some of you have his books but if you aren't familiar with him, he is just so good.
Posted on 9/5/23 at 5:00 pm to Tiger in Gatorland
Love my makita tracksaw
Posted on 9/5/23 at 5:18 pm to Tiger in Gatorland
quote:
heard great things about their random orbit sanders
The sanders blow typical Home Depot brands out of the water. Like he mentioned, I have a vacuum system with power cord and hose together. Can plug any festool tool up with dust extraction that auto turns on . My garage used to be covered in fine dust after an afternoon of sanding. With festool....nothing. The domino is pricey, but so fast and again, perfectly clean work area. Not saying the price is for everyone, but if you do a lot, they are worth it, and the resale value is pretty good.
Posted on 9/6/23 at 7:22 am to Tiger in Gatorland
I'm super happy with my corded Makita and Powertec track guides.
My logic behind choosing corded over battery is that 100% of the time I'm going to have the saw attached to a vacuum hose, so the battery feature isn't really giving me the same benefit as it does on a regular power tool that wouldn't be connected to a vacuum.
The Powertec tracks have been great. I have the 110".
I also purchase a 4x8 sheet of 2" Foam Board. I cut it down it into 4-2x4' pieces and attached 2 of pieces together along the 4' side with duct tape. I then repeated this with the remaining two sides. This allows me to have a great surface to use the saw on, and be able to shrink the board down and store it on top of cabinets.
Powertec Track
Makita Corded Track Saw
Pink Foam Board
I also use a Bora 4x8 Work Stand when I'm using my track saw, but this isn't necessary, just convenient.
My logic behind choosing corded over battery is that 100% of the time I'm going to have the saw attached to a vacuum hose, so the battery feature isn't really giving me the same benefit as it does on a regular power tool that wouldn't be connected to a vacuum.
The Powertec tracks have been great. I have the 110".
I also purchase a 4x8 sheet of 2" Foam Board. I cut it down it into 4-2x4' pieces and attached 2 of pieces together along the 4' side with duct tape. I then repeated this with the remaining two sides. This allows me to have a great surface to use the saw on, and be able to shrink the board down and store it on top of cabinets.
Powertec Track
Makita Corded Track Saw
Pink Foam Board
I also use a Bora 4x8 Work Stand when I'm using my track saw, but this isn't necessary, just convenient.
Posted on 9/6/23 at 12:26 pm to cajuns td
quote:I bought it from Grainger about two years ago. The price for the track was a little higher than other distributors but the shipping was a flat $40. Other distributors were charging $100-$200 for a freight carrier.
Where’d you get the 118” rail. I’d love to have one but shipping is always crazy
Just checked Tool Nut and they have it on sale for around $260 right now with $50 shipping. That's cheaper than what I paid in 2021.
This post was edited on 9/6/23 at 2:46 pm
Posted on 9/6/23 at 1:08 pm to nahtanojc
quote:
I have the Kreg and it works great for what I use it for (cutting down sheets, cross-cutting longer boards)
Is this what you're talking about? I bought it recently to make some cuts on butcher block counter tops, have yet to use it.
Posted on 9/6/23 at 3:34 pm to Loup
quote:
Is this what you're talking about? I bought it recently to make some cuts on butcher block counter tops, have yet to use it.
That just converts a circular saw into a track saw. Kreg also makes an actual track saw.
Posted on 9/6/23 at 7:33 pm to Obtuse1
quote:
Both of my Festool track saws are corded. I prefer them because due to the fact Festool cords are all removable I have cords run with my dust collection hoses under hose covers which reduces the chance of them hanging. So because I always use dust collection cordless is low utility for me plus the extra cost.
So I'm trying to understand their blue tooth system. The feature that particularly appeals to me is the vacuum kicking on/off when I press the power button of respective tool. Is that only on the cordless models of dust extractors?
I see you use the corded version and just use a hose cover to contain it to one piece "dragging." Do you have the option to power your extrator via remote?
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