What’s the difference between a track saw and a circular saw, and which is best for you? I’ll compare these two tools to help you decide! Track saws are essentially circular saws that run along a track. A track saw is essentially a circular saw that runs along a track. 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. Deck – The deck or base plate of the circular saw will glide across the wood; the track saw glides across a track. 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.
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.
Before we move on to identify the differences between the circular saw and track saw, it would be a good idea to see what these two saws actually are and also their specific workability. Some of the conventional circular saw classification are hypoid circular saw, worm driven circular saw, and sidewinder circular saw. Track saw vs circular saw, both saw are unique and extremely use for woodworkers.
If you just use a circular saw with homemade guide like you have been doing for years, then that will save you some money over buying the track saw and tracks. Aside from the potential of better dust collection, the track saw has an advantage of being able to put the edge of the track exactly on the line, often without requiring clamping, and the saw and track are essentially locked together for very precise motion while you make the cut. A regular circular saw can make the cut, but one must figure offsets in for positioning the straight edge and since the saw isn’t constrained to a straight line, the cut may or may not be as clean as with a track saw.
The main difference between a circular saw and a track saw is that track saws attach to tracks that guide them across the board to make a cut. Track saws are portable; you can carry the small, handheld track saw and the track to the wood you need to cut, rather than having to bring the wood to your saw. Although both the track saw and the circular saw use circular blades, the track saw’s blade is less visible and exposed than the circular saw’s.
track saw versus circular saw Related Question:
Is a track saw better than a circular saw?
Circular saws are much cheaper than track saws. Track saws are traditionally used for cutting down large sheets of plywood with a clean edge that is ready for assembly. Circular saws can leave splinters and tear out along the cut. With modification and jigs, you can use circular saws similarly to track saws.
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.
Are track saws worth it?
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.
What is a track saw good 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.
Are track saws safer?
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.
Is a track saw a plunge saw?
A plunge saw, sometimes referred to as a track saw, is a type of hand held circular saw which slides on a rail during application. You can perform long and accurate cuts with a plunge saw. Unlike other saws, a plunge saw can be fed at the start of the material or be plunged directly into where you need to cut.
How does a track saw stay in place?
While it cuts, a plunge-cut track saw rides along a stable track, which stays in place thanks to non-slip, non-marring pads on its underside.
Does Milwaukee have a track saw?
Plunge Track Saw from Milwaukee Model #2831-20 as well as 55 in. Track Saw Guide Rail Model #48-08-0571 #MILWAUKEETOOL.
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 you cut angles with a track saw?
Benefits of a Track Saw In addition to rough cutting pieces to size, a track saw can be used to miter carcase sides, cross cut large pieces to length, and cut angles on large pieces.
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.
How much should I spend on a circular saw?
A circular saw can cost between $50-$200. Depending on your budget for the tool, you may want to go either cheaper or pricier. There are factors that can affect the price, such as brand or size. You will want to consider them when buying your own circular saw.
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.
What keeps a track saw from moving?
This power tool allows ultra-accurate cutting along straight lines on wooden boards of all sizes. Unlike a typical circular saw, track saws provide users with specific cutting depth. The track will stabilize the saw when running, deterring it from moving or slipping away from the marked line.
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.
