Unfortunately I can't afford to buy a track saw right now so I am going to make a track for my skill saw. I would like some advice on the best material to use for the track. I am Leary of plywood because it might warp but I am also not sure if I can make one out of metal. Has anybody here made one and what did you use?
My brother just went through all the track saw options. Yes, some get very pricey. He bought one that wasn't ridiculously expensive, but I believe he still spent 200-300. His GF cuts a lot of veneered plywood, for art projects. So it made sense to spend a little so they didn't waste expensive plywood.
Pete, are you looking for just a saw guide at this point? I've seen the clamp on circular saw guides for 48" panels. I believe bogieb posted one in a thread once. Almost like a table saw rip fence, but no sled. It seemed to lock pretty positively at the ends, instead of using a few clamps. I believe it was made by Bora, and I saw it at a big blue box store out here.
The guide I got was from Harbor Freight and I've used the heck out of it using both my circular saw and the little Dremel Saw Max. Works good. The guide goes on sale on a regular basis - I think I got it for around $15. Good memory fishingpol - you remember a pic from a year or more ago!
I though it was a great product from your pictures, I think that is why I remembered it. It must have been a different brand at Lowe's.
I just did a quick Google for the guides at BBS and holy cow they get top dollar for those things (and at Global Industries too). Makes me happy I got the one from HF!
I have a Harbor Freight guide but I am after more accurate cuts. I love that guide but it's not as precise as I would like or as easy to set as atrack saw. Right now I am after the saw guide and rail. I just found one by Bora that has a track an sled! I'm not sure of the quality though. Bora 542006 WTX Saw Plate - The Easy to Use Saw Sled / Circular Saw Guide That Ensures Straight, Precise Cuts. Easily Rip Plywood or Other Sheet Material to Your Exact Specifications and Measurements - - Amazon.com
If you make your own, most likely you'll need to clamp it down. I also have the 4' aluminum flat bar clamp. Not much ply being purchased around here any more (me). If I do, I have HD slice it down for me, then I'll do the final sizing. I made mine several years ago out of some scraps of plywood. Haven't used it in quite a while, but it's accurate....if you are accurate in layout, and positioning. I'd love the Festool, but their stuff is waaay pricey. I found a review of 6 different models, and I think the Makita ranked as very good..........Track Saw Review | Tool Test | Woodworking
Pallet Pete, I have both the Makita and the EZSmart system. I use both depending on the application. I like the EZSmart system for the router (SSRK) system. I was tempted to get the Triton but the Makita track meshed better with my EZSmart track and I like the way Makita handles 45 degree cuts. I am currently bidding on a Festool 75 which would allow me to cut 3" material. I am a proponent of the track saw and the "dead wood" concept which all track saws are based. The material always remains fixed and the cutting tool moves. Much safer.. let us know what you decide. Marty
I have a couple clamp on aluminum Straight Edge guides I have used for years, 8' and a 4' heavy duty , the clamps slide in a slot on the bottom similar to this 52" to 104" Low Profile Straight Edge Clamp System - Rockler Woodworking Tools Mine are just straight edges though, you don't hook anything to your tool . About 15 years ago I got energetic and built my copy of a C5 Safety Speed Cut panel saw from steel tubing , my carriage is different but it works great and is accurate .
I have clamps like these , much harder IMO to set up accurately, compared to the ones with clamps that slide in slots on the bottom .
I have one of those and I do like it but it flexes to much in the center for my liking. Maybe a better quality one is in order. The harbor freight one is nice but I wouldn't mind an 8 footer too. I should explain a little.... I ran a wood shop for many years and we had large industrial saws of all kinds that I used to build firniture for home and sale off the clock. I am no longer at that employer and don't have access to those saws or have the room for a bigger table saw in my wood shop . The reason I want to build a track saw Is because I have used track saws and really like how accurate they are giving the accurate cut of a table saw without the bigger table however after reading al those reviews above I am going to save up for an actual track saw to add to my wood shop at home. Thanks for your advice guys.
shoot Pete, you got it going on, man. IMO, Makita or Triton for the price. I have done the plywood for taper porch columns on the 45 edge, on site!! They are dead on accurate. I have heard that the Grizzly and the Shop Fox with some slight spring modifications are good too. and at the best price. If the wife let's you spend the money you could go to Festool or Mafell. Good Luck bro.
