Makita Track/Plunge Saw

[Larry Edgerton]

I have the cordless version, have had it a couple of years, use it on site a lot and have absolutely no complaints. Has rotten a lot of rough use cutting sheeting and decking and does well, no cord is handy. I have a TS75 as well, think I like the Makita better.

[tim walker]

Man I was going thru Checkout at Ace Tools and then the shipping costs of $278 shoed up on a 4 pcs total cart value of $570. Guess I will go elsewhere.

[Jamie Buxton]

Man I was going thru Checkout at Ace Tools and then the shipping costs of $278 shoed up on a 4 pcs total cart value of $570. Guess I will go elsewhere.

Were you buying a long track? That might be the issue. At some length, packages get too long for regular UPS.

[tim walker]

Nope, the 55" that comes with the saw and an additional 55" with connecting kit.

[tim walker]

It was $226 if I reduced cart to only the saw and carrying case.

[tim walker]

So I am about ready to order (still havent decided who) but now torn between ordering a second 55" track ($87 plus connectors at $35 = $122 plus tax) or just going for the 118" track at $225. Will utilize for building cabinets for my shop but very little usage after that.

[Jim Becker]

Tim, I don't use my long track very much, but I'm glad I have it. It's much preferable over joining two together for long cuts and I know it's absolutely straight.

[tim walker]

Jim, do you have the connectors for two shorter tracks and if so have you had any alignment issues while cutting?

[Jim Becker]

Jim, do you have the connectors for two shorter tracks and if so have you had any alignment issues while cutting?

Yes, I had them originally, but wasn't enamored. My experience at the time was that the connection was "fussy". I could get it straight, but by moving on to the long track, the cut was done in less time than assembling two tracks. I sold one ~55" track when I bought the long one. Later, I added a "short" track (Makita branded rather than Festool) when someone was selling them here in the SMC classifieds. That's also come in handy a lot. It probably gets more used than the ~55" one simply because it's suitable for many of the cuts I do with the track saw "in the shop". (I have a slider and a CNC)

[tim walker]

Jim, did you have the single or double set of connectors? The double set should help alignment issues at least to a degree wouldn't it?

[ChrisA Edwards]

I use two Festool 55" tracks and use the two connectors when ripping the length of an 8' sheet.

The amount of slop or movement, imagining the location of the connectors as a hinge, is less than 1/16", 55 inches away. If the cut is super critical, over that length, I'll put a straight edge, along the back side of the rail, spanning the seam of the two rails, and make sure they are aligned as accurately as possible.

At some point I may buy a long one piece track, but, to-date, I've not had any issues with the connected rails.

[glenn bradley]

I do as ChrisA does without issue. I ripped a batch of French cleats 3-1/2" wide out of 3/4" material. They all fit together.

[Jim Becker]

Jim, did you have the single or double set of connectors? The double set should help alignment issues at least to a degree wouldn't it?

Double. But that was a long time ago (mid-2000s)

I have nothing against using the connectors and admittedly, storing an 8'+ long track can be a challenge for many folks. I fortunately have a place on the wall for it under my two 9' pipe clamps.

[Dave Sabo]

For those of you joining makita/festool rails,do yourself a favor and get the tso connectors. Better than the makita ones, and waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than festool.

https://tsoproducts.com/accessories/...il-connectors/

[mike stenson]

For those of you joining makita/festool rails,do yourself a favor and get the tso connectors. Better than the makita ones, and waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than festool.

https://tsoproducts.com/accessories/...il-connectors/

Yea, I'm now happy I read this thread. Thanks!