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.
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.
An enclosed blade on the saw has a base with runners that fit inside the grooves of a track; the grooves of the track hold the saw as it is moved along the track to cut whatever material the track is set upon. Well-placed saw horses support the plywood, and your track saw makes ripping it into any width an easy task, easier even than on a table saw. Circular saws are less expensive than track saws – a good circular saw can run you between $60 and $150, while a track saw will be $500 or more, depending on the brand.
can any circular saw be used as a 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’s the difference between a circular saw and a track saw?
The critical difference is that a circular saw has a long and rectangular rail in the front, unlike its counterpart. 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.
Do I really need a track saw?
Conclusion. A track saw is unbeatable when it comes to making long, accurate cuts. It can do most things a table and circular saw can, while being more portable than a table saw and more accurate than a circular saw. It’s also better than a table saw at breaking down large sheets of plywood.
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.
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.
Can a plunge saw be used as 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.
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.
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 you rip boards with a track saw?
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.
Can you use any brand blade on a circular saw?
What is this? Not every circular saw is adequate for each material, which means that the blades are made according to whether you need them to cut wood, metal or concrete. Along with that, it is a fact that a single circular saw may need different special blades that aren’t universal or interchangeable.
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.
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.
