Tom:
You don’t need a track saw.
Member
Tom:
You don’t need a track saw.
Life is too short for dull sandpaper.
Contributor
Like everything in woodworking, there are 10+ ways to do every operation. For me, it depends on the tools I have available, precision required, and speed required. And not everyone works on the same projects. I enjoy using my track saw to break down sheet goods on my garage floor as opposed to wrestling them up onto my table saw. But i've also found a bunch of cool uses for it depending on the project. Anytime I need a straight cut at some weird angle, I use a track saw. Trimming chair legs level before the final glue up? Track saw...
And another vote for the UJK Parf Guide system if you want precision holes. I tried my own jigs, the Woodpeckers version, and the Parf guide gave me the best results.
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Where did Tom go...
Member
Tom,
Any accomplished wood worker that is happy with their setup does not need a track saw in my opinion. I think you might like one if you had one but I do not think you need it.
I agree that Festools MFT is an expensive solution. I find that true for Festools in general although I love my Domino XL. It is not necessary to buy a MFT, however. My outfeed/assembly table is also my track saw cutting table (small shop) and is built using ideas from Ron Paulk (who publishes lots of youtubes). It has two layers of 3/4 plywood separated by 8 inches making sort of a torsion box. But the lower layer of plywood becomes the shelf for the frequently used tools so the accessory table gets less cluttered. I used a router jig from woodrave to bore the holes but there is a better triangulation jig available now and there is always the option to just pay somebody with a CNC to make you one. Or use a MFT replacement top if it is big enough. My point is just that there are many other ways to get the functionality of a MFT without spending nearly as much money.
But still if what you already have works well for you, there isn't anything a track saw offers that cannot be done well other ways. I spent a year or two learning how I wanted to use my track saw - there is a learning curve like a lot of new tools. I spent the time because my shop is small and I am convinced it is the best way to deal with full sheets in a small shop. Large shops have more options.
Contributor
Unless you use a lot of sheet goods in your work a track is probably not a necessity. However a track saw setup has a lot of advantages. The only thing I’d recommend is don’t get a cheap knockoff of the brands that were there in the beginning. There are other good brands besides Festool but I will never be sorry that I bought Festool because of the accuracy and dust collection alone. I have put it to more uses than sheet goods and have always been satisfied.
Contributor
A track is not a necessity. However a track saw setup has a lot of advantages. The only thing I’d recommend is don’t get a cheap knockoff of the brands that were there in the beginning. There are other good brands besides Festool but I will never be sorry that I bought Festool because of the accuracy and dust collection alone. I have put it to many uses besides sheet goods and have always been satisfied.
Contributor
That Menards TS is junk. At least the rails are - only one rail connector so it’s flexy. I returned it.
Got the Wen for $200 including 110” of track and clamps. I’ve been very happy with it for the small investment.
Contributor
I wouldn't recommend any low priced track saw/track combos. If those who bought them can say that they are completely happy with them rather than "happy for the small investment" I'd say it was a bargain. Otherwise, track saws like Makita, Dewalt, Festool, Mafell with their tracks are good investments in quality tools.
Contributor
Some of have a budget and like to save some money Randy. It’s like buying a Honda instead of Porsche. I don’t need a top speed of 200 or 0-60 in 3s.Originally Posted by Randy Heinemann
I’m completely happy with my Wen setup, only thing it isn’t good at is dust collection which I can live with.
Contributor
I'm leaning more and more towards Wen products. They seem to offer a lot of value.Got the Wen for $200 including 110” of track and clamps. I’ve been very happy with it for the small investment.
I believe I read somewhere that the Wen will fit Festool and Makita tracks.
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." - John Lennon
Contributor
I have the Bora NGX setup. I have a couple of skill type saws so one is permenatly mounted to the Bora base. I like that it breaks down, easier to store. But it does have it's flaws. I changed out the phillips head screws for cap screws and enlarged the holes so I could get it nice and straight. I also use it with a router and dado jig to make dados/rabbets when building cabinets. With a few saw horses and a sheet of foam board, I can slide full sheets of plywood out of my truck and break them down quickly.
Member
I am a hobbyist and have two track saws, a Makita and a Festool TS 75. They both serve a purpose and I love them both. They take up little space and are very versatile. Buy one and try it for a while, you will like it.
Member
Before we had internet forums we had Norm "selling" us new tools. I bought the PC biscuit joiner, used it once or twice and sold it. Now we have the internet. One guy gets a track saw and we all think we need them.
For me my homemade track works fine. I haven't had trouble getting a straight cut nor do I have chip out issues. Mine has a square so it only takes lining up with one pencil mark. I don't have dust collection but don't care. I can use a broom........
Seems like lots of folks have lots of disposable income these days- just try to buy a new side by side, boat, RV, house, etc. Same with tools...
Me I am gonna buy a new Bronco....
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