A circular saw can be used for all the same functions as a track saw, but doesn’t necessarily do them quite as well. If you’re on a budget, you can turn your circular saw into a makeshift track saw with straight edge guide. You can make your own circular saw jig, or buy one instead.
Just line up the edge of the track with your cut line and start cutting! Honestly, once I bought a track saw, I gave away my circular saw and never looked back! In a small workshop, a track saw can replace the need for a larger table saw, or even replace the table saw altogether! You can find out more about the difference between a track saw vs table saw here. A track saw can potentially replace a circular saw, a miter saw, and a table saw! If you’re short on space, this is a great option.
There has been a lot of buzz about Track Saws with both DeWalt, and Makita finally coming out with versions for the USA. But I bet many people don’t know that you can turn just about any circular saw into a track saw for a fraction of the cost of a complete track saw package all with a kit from EurekaZone. The basic system consists of a base that you attach to your own circular saw, or you can buy a saw with a pre-attached base from EurekaZone, and an aluminum guide rail. Check out the into video of the basic track saw kit.
If you try to freehand guide a circular saw along the same path, the result will usually come out uneven and useless, so save some money and build your own track saw using your circular saw and a sheet of wood. We’ve posted the DIY plans for building your own circular saw guide, but this video from DIY Creators does a great show explaining how to build your new track saw. You’ll need a trim router, measuring tape, drill, and combination square to build this track saw, along with aluminum flat bars that will run inside the track and keep the saw straight.
There are retro-fit products available that turn your circular saw into a track saw. “With the saw in place flip the fence over with the factory edge facing right and, up against the saw and then strike a line on each side to mark its basic location. Measure 6” from the right side of the fence to the right side of the jig and make a mark at each end. Clamp the jig down and run the saw along the saw guide again keeping even and consistent pressure against the fence.
Cut a thin piece of the plywood with the circular saw and attach it to the top of the rest of the plywood using wood glue. Be sure to have excess plywood on both sides of the glue joint. Place the circular saw on one side of the straight edge and cut the excess plywood.
can i use my circular saw as a track saw Related Question:
Is a circular saw the same as a track saw?
A circular saw performs double cuts as the rip cuts and the crosscut, whereas the track saw three. The circular saw has a protective guard, whereas the track saw has none. A track saw has an enclosed blade to enhance dust extraction, whereas the circular saw lacks this feature.
Can a circular saw be used vertically?
Circular Saw It’s aggressive, makes straight vertical cuts and it’s fast. The circular saw outperforms the jigsaw and reciprocating saw for most straight cuts. It can be tricky to use in some situations, but the cuts tend to be straighter and more accurate than with almost any other portable saw.
Can you use a DeWalt circular saw on a track?
The DWS5022 is a reversible 1.5 metre track for use with the DWS520 plunge saws, as well as other DeWalt circular saws and routers. It features a support rail which runs up the middle and distributes weight effectively to deliver an accurate cut.
Is track saw safer than table saw?
Track saws are much safer than table saws. Table saws are more powerful than track saws. Track saws allow you to cut large sheet goods that may be difficult to handle on a table saw. Table saws allow easy repeatability when making rip cuts.
Can you make a track saw?
Track saws are easy and affordable to make, and the good thing is that the DIY track saw still cuts fast, giving you accurate sheets of plywood for any woodworking project you might have.
Are circular saw guides universal rail?
The YouTool Guide Rail is universally suitable for almost all brands of saw, and is available up to 5 meters long.
Are track saws accurate?
Track saws make long, precise cuts faster and better than table saws and circular saws. They are light and portable, don’t need clamps and set up quickly and accurately.
Is a track saw as accurate as a table saw?
Verdict: It Track Saw A table saw can make deeper cuts, narrower cuts, dadoes, and rabbets. With a standard setup or a commonly available dado stack, the table saw excels at several of these specialized types of cuts. A track saw really cannot make these cuts—at least not practically.
Can you rip a 2×4 with circular saw?
Choose the right circular saw blade: Typically ripping blades have fewer teeth (10 to 30) and are designed to cut through a large amount of material quickly along the grain of the wood. The best blade for ripping wood (or 2×4) using a circular saw would be a high-quality thin kerf blade like this-Thin Kerf Rip Blade.
What does plunge cutting mean?
A technique of cutting that creates a beginning hole for the insertion of a saber saw. The blade is held flush with the surface of the wood. As the saw is angled to the standard position the cut is finished.
How do you use a circular saw without a sawhorse?
In some cases, it might be better to use your circular saw without a sawhorse. If you need to make cuts without a work support, you can lay a sturdy, stationary surface under the material while making cuts.
How tall should a rip fence be?
BUILDING THE FENCE. To make your own fence, start by cutting the sides. You can make them the length of your rip fence and about 12″ tall.
Can you use a jigsaw sideways?
When a jigsaw is fitted with a standard saw blade, it can’t cut flush to a vertical surface because the saw’s base plate extends past the blade. However, if you install a flush-cut blade, the saw will cut right up to a wall, backsplash, cabinet side, or other vertical surface.
How do you use a circular saw without a table?
Fit your circular saw with an edge guide. Set the depth of the blade accurately enough for it to go through the wood and not cut under the surface. Place the guide on base of the circular saw lines and markings you made earlier on the wood. Ensure that the saw is free to move, and the power cord is not entangled.
Can you make a 45 degree cut with a circular saw?
Making 45-degree cuts with a circular saw might seem like an intimidating process, but with a little bit of preparation and practice, anyone can do this. There are two possible 45-degree angle cuts with a circular saw, a bevel cut, and a miter cut.
