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.
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.
The track saw is a great tool, don’t get me wrong. When you can buy a used pro-series table saw on C/L for 250 – 350 bucks, it’s hard to justify buying the track saw. If you don’t have the space, buy the track saw.
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.
how to convert circular saw to 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.
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 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.
What is 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.
Are circular saw tracks universal?
The YouTool Guide Rail is universally suitable for almost all brands of saw, and is available up to 5 meters long.
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.
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.
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.
