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.
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 circular saw is slightly heavy hence not easy to carry, whereas the track saw is lighter.
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.
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.
circular saw as track saw Related Question:
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.
What is a track saw used for?
The track saw is great for ripping boards, cutting trim, and providing splinter-free cuts across panels. The track saw is also excellent when used as a plunge saw because you can set it to a precise depth and it won’t fail you. You have the ultimate in control when working on wood flooring or sub flooring, for example.
Do all circular saw blades Universal?
Circular saw blades are designed for use with miter saws, table saws, radial arm saws, cut-off saws and standard circular saws. Many circular blades can be used interchangeably between devices.
What’s the difference between a plunge saw and a circular saw?
A plunge saw is like a circular saw with a blade that spins and cuts, only with much more sophistication and accuracy. Rather than the guard retracting to expose the blade when cutting, such as with a circular saw, it has a fixed guard and the blade is exposed when plunging the handle to the pre-set depth.
Do track saws need clamps?
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.
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.
Why is festool so good?
So what makes Festool so good? We believe it’s because Festool has focused on creating high-performing tools that are robust, reliable and precise. Their numerous innovations, like their dust extractors and cordless options, put Festool in a league of their own.
Can you use a guide rail with a circular saw?
A Guide Rail is designed to be used with a Circular Saw for creating precise and straight cuts every time.
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.
How deep can a track saw cut?
Most track saws can cut just over 2 inches deep; however, some of the larger track saws can cut up to 2½ inches deep.
Can a track saw replace a jointer?
Track saws allow you to cut an almost perfectly straight edge, as the saw is locked into place by the track. As a result, a track can replace a jointer to square and joint the edges of timber.
Can I put a metal cutting blade on my circular saw?
Only blades and discs specified for cutting metal should be used. These professional circular saw blades are perfect for cutting through aluminium, copper, lead and other non-ferrous metals; while these diamond cutting discs will make light work of cutting through stainless steel.
Why do circular saws have different saw teeth?
Blades with more teeth yield a smoother cut. Blades with fewer teeth remove material faster, but tend to produce a rougher cut with more “tearout”. More teeth means you will need to use a slower feed rate.
Can I use a 7 inch blade in a 7 & a quarter inch circular saw?
The only fine-tooth blade you have lying around is a 7 ¼ inch size. The short answer to the above questions is that you can generally use a smaller blade in a circular saw – within reason. Of course, there will be some drawbacks and changes in performance, especially when you size down by a significant margin.
Do you need a circular saw if you have a track saw?
All of the saws can be used without a track, just like a regular circ saw. But guiding them with a track guarantees dead-straight cuts. All the tracks work similarly: The saw straddles a raised rib that maintains a straight cutting line, and rubber grip strips on the bottom prevent the track from scooting during a cut.
