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.
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 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.
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.
using a circular saw as a track saw Related Question:
Can I use my circular saw as a track saw?
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.
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 the difference between track saw and circular 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is there an alternative to Sawstop?
The most well-known Sawstop alternative was the Bosch REAXX table saw. This table saw was released in 2015 and featured a similar flesh-sensing technology to the Sawstop.
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 a circular saw replace a table saw?
But can a circular saw replace a table saw? When wielded with enough skill and experience, a circular saw can replace a table saw. However, the time needed to accumulate the skills and knowledge makes a table saws’ price seen negligible in comparison.
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 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.
