Circular saw preferences

[Brent Malwicks]

There are many different ones you can get that will do the job well. If you don't intend to ever be far from an outlet when you're working, there's not much reason to go cordless - they're generally more expensive and can be less reliable. But here are the best I've tried and their prices:

- Dewalt DWE575SB ($100-$120)
- Dewalt DCS575T2 FLEXVOLT ($300+)
- BLACK + DECKER BDECS300C ($40)

The Dewalt DWE575SB in particular is light, easy to handle, and cuts very well. It also has a great safety stop feature that lower-end models don't have.

[Larry Foster]

Thanks, Brent.

As I mentioned a couple posts up, I have 4 circular saws

[Larry Foster]

Thanks, Van and Andy.

I did take a quick look at Pittsburgh CL and saw nothing and a couple of my many quirks are impatience and I hate buying some used stuff.

Van, I looked at those Dewalt and Makita and decided I didn't need a 5th saw.
One of the things that attracted me to the EZSmart system was the flexibility of using multiple saws and not being married to one particular saw

[Prashun Patel]

I have an EZ Smart track and it's pretty good. One thing to note is that the depth of cut is limited to about 1.75". That may or may not be an issue for you.
Also, it doesn't have dust collection. I happen to live close to the EZ Smart headquarters and 10 years ago they retro'd my circ saw for free.

[Larry Foster]

Thanks for that info, Prashun.

It's good to hear validation on one's decisions.

They seem to have a pretty complete system where everything works together.

I was looking at their square and handle combo after seeing a video,

I better make something before I buy too many more tools

[Larry Foster]

In my quest to see how many dumb questions I can ask...

Since I bought the EZSmart Track System that runs on (virtually) all circular saws (and I have 4 circular saws now) would it make any sense to consider buying a dedicated Track Saw down the road?

If so,what advantages might I see?
Thank you

[Jim Becker]

A dedicated track saw may provide potentially better dust collection; potentially better/smoother plunging; potentially easier/faster depth of cut setting. It may also be lighter in weight. The EZSmart system is about the best there is for using an existing circular saw for guided work and a designed-for-purpose track saw is just more optimized for the guided job.

[andy bessette]

To what Jim said, add:

the Festool track saw will provide splinter-free cuts on BOTH sides of a sheet of expensive veneered plywood, can produce glue-ready surfaces and, by virtue of its plunge feature, is vastly safer to use and can start and start cuts anywhere on a panel.

[Larry Foster]

Thank you, Jim and Andy.

After receiving and using my track, I'll evaluate and go from there

[Van Huskey]

Thank you, Jim and Andy.

After receiving and using my track, I'll evaluate and go from there

Buyers remorse should be organic, never ever chase it.

That said tracksaws are not designed nor built like a regular circular saw but are designed to live on a track, so they have advantages otherwise most of us with tracksaws would have just gotten Dino's Eureka Zone products. The tracksaw is one of classes (not quality) of tool that produced a paradigm shift in the way I work. The good ones aren't cheap so they take an initial leap of faith.

I would say put tracksaws out of your mind for the moment if the EZ Smart system doesn't meet you needs then revisit, if it does meet your needs then all is good.

[Larry Foster]

That's probably good advice, Van.

I just need shop time before I buy anything else.

It's amazing how many time stealers there are for a "retired" guy.

[Rich Engelhardt]

It's amazing how many time stealers there are for a "retired" guy.

Oh do I hear you there brother!!! My time quit being my own ~ 7 years ago when I 'tired...

Anyhow back on track (groan - I know bad pun )
I do have to say that one area my Festool TS55 EQ excels at is it's ability to stop at any point in a cut, remove the saw, then place it back on the track and finish the cut - and not leave any trace of that happening.
My cordless Makita can't do that.

As you use a track saw more and more, you'll find that surprisingly often, you run into that. With the cramped space you have, you might run into that on a fairly regular basis.

Also - don't discount either the plunge feature or the riving knife (Festool) and lack of one (Makita). The riving knife is the only feature my Makita cordless lacks that would make it "perfect" for me.

[lowell holmes]

This string is like asking do you like blondes, brunets, or read heads.

[Larry Foster]

All of the above?

[Rich Engelhardt]

Ok - we had a break in the weather yesterday.
Here's a few pictures I took of the cutting setup I rigged up.

The hinged 2x4 are supporting the one table & on the other table, I have the Veritas platform saddles. These things got a not so kind reception a few months ago when they were introduced.
I find them an extremely valuable aid & well worth the $25 or so I have invested in them.