Should you buy a Track Saw?

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

GET THE PLANS!!! www.biscuittreewoodworks.com/products/p/diy-track-saw-plans

[@siriosstar4789]

i'm too old to care . i just want to watch videos of new tools and fantasize about the past . 😂

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

It’s a lot cheaper that way too unless you run out and buy all those new tools! Thanks for watching!

[@mendovato]

Brother, this is gold.

[@PrimateProductions]

@@biscuittreewoodworks lol

[@sajinkahnalt]

Dude… I’ve just watched some of your stuff and you’ve got a good thing goin. Don’t stop. I have a feeling you’ll get bigger in no time

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks I really appreciate that!

[@ettochetthalvore]

yeah i agree,focus on improving video quality, a bit better lighting and video framing. focus on the viewers experience and the percieved value you offer

[@ettochetthalvore]

maybe some interesting backgrounds and so on

[@kevinwaycaster]

Same here. Loved the delivery!

[@PrimateProductions]

​@@ettochetthalvorenaw...I don't think that most care about "interesting backgrounds".

[@kevinwaycaster]

Sir, this is the first video of yours that I’ve seen. Very nice job! I appreciate the sarcasm, but most importantly I appreciate the clear and useful information. I have decades of experience in carpentry and woodworking. I think your information is excellent for newer woodworkers and provides a good refresher for the more experienced.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thank you!

[@ИннаЗемцова-ц2х]

I was a little worried about installing the blade after reading a couple of reviews. But it was amazingly easy. Took about 1 minute. Works great kzbin.infoUgkxjpBI8OOeUXib_iT7UomCrQ-uauwZJ62c . Cuts easily and is perfect for pocket cuts I needed to make for replacing some old deck boards.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Huh?🧐

[@airweaverballoons626]

Thank you for this video! I was debating a track saw purchase because the only other option I was considering was just my circular saw with a clamp on straight edge from harbor freight - but your homemade circular saw “track” sold me on that route. I finally started doing larger panels now that I have a Jet 8 inch jointer and cam get those long boards done right - but another 500-800 for a tool that I can basically build at home, a bit much right now - solid honest review of the important factors

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching!

[@brock9872]

I have a the Dewalt track saw and I love it. It is definitely a luxury I could get by without but it makes working with plywood so much easier. I thought about it for a long time before I bought one but I wish I would've bought one sooner. I rarely use my table saw anymore. On a side note I use a 4x8 sheet of 2 inch pink foam board across 2 sawhorses for a quick lightweight work surface when I cut. Just set the saw so it is barely cutting through the wood and you will get a lot of use out of the foam board.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Great tip! Thanks for watching!

[@miguelangelsucrelares5009]

I've used expensive Festool and Bosch tracksaws at work, and I use a really cheap Parkside tracksaw from Lidl (70 EUR) in my hobby woodshop. After I replaced the cheap Parkside blade for a good one, the experience has been pretty much identical. The Parkside is even compatible with all the Bosch tracks and clamps. I'm sure the branded saws are much better in terms of durability, but I've had the Parkside for almost three years now and it's been awesome -and it comes with a 3-year warranty-, at a fifth of the cost, or even cheaper. I've heard similar comments about the Triton and the Scheppach, which are also way cheaper. For the occasional DIYer/hobbyist, it's a no brainer, IMO: just get a cheap tracksaw and a good blade.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

That's good to know, I'm not familiar with that brand. Thanks for watching!

[@alex43111]

@@biscuittreewoodworks The brand is very popular in Europe in the DIY comunity. You can find then at LIDL, it's a supermarket.

[@YESITSWILL]

Your movements and noise you made when you got up from the floor mimick mines exactly. Subscribing just because I feel your pain.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks! That makes it all worthwhile!

[@bobbyfunface4469]

I felt it too ! lol

[@eb4305]

I’ve made mdf tracks as well and they can shift/bow with moisture. Would make it out of baltic birch ply (any high ply with finish veneer) if possible. Also, remember to leave enough room for clamps for your saw’s motor to clear (your exposed clamping edge in the back is smart). You can buy that sticky rubber from McMaster Carr under Buna-N rubber mats (part # 5510T511)

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

I keep my shop climate controlled, so I’ve never experienced any issues there, but I did make my first tracks too narrow and had issues with running into the clamps. Thanks for the tips and thanks for watching!

[@frankg882]

Subbed not only because this is a good video, but because of the pose you did onthe floor. I literally laughed out loud. Keep up the great content!!

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@a.a.alexander6030]

Great video. As a beginner DIYer, this is exactly the comparison I was looking to understand.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thank you!

[@AngeEinstein]

I bought a Festool track saw. I'm not a professional woodworker, but since this saw replaces a table saw that wouldn't fit in my workshop, I wanted the best I could get. I just wanted to be able to cut very precisely and have a tool that's just fun to work with. Even though it was expensive, I definitely don't regret it.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Sounds like it was a good investment! Thanks for watching!

[@84bmw325e]

Same here, I use a track saw for larger sheet goods and a cordless circular saw for smaller boards. I do have a table saw that sits in the corner collecting "saw dust", I think the track saw is safer.

[@CrazyManwich]

Table saws and track saws can do similar cuts but are hardly interchangeable for every cut.

[@willd0g]

@@CrazyManwich what is a table saw exceptional for? I assume it the repeatability i.e Banging out multiples of the same rip or cross-cut?

[@CrazyManwich]

@@willd0g - exactly that as well as cutting tenons and dados. With different jigs you can make dowels, box joints, raised panels, bowls. You can resaw if you don’t have a band saw.

[@francoisbouvier7861]

Been using variations of your fence for over 40 years. Upgrade with aluminum channel and plexiglass. I allow material on both sides of the guide. Allows for using as a router guide or multiple saws.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

I considered making mine where I could use the other side as a router guide, but I very rarely have a project that I need a router guide.

[@codyreid952]

Just bought my dewalt track saw and man I love it. But I agree can get by either! Great video

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks!

[@JairMcBain]

Thanks very much for the clear rundown. This was a great help in giving me the confidence to make my own track for the circular saw I have, rather than drop the money on a track saw unecessarily until I can really justify it.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Awesome! Glad I could help! If you need plans for the jig, I have them on my website. biscuittreewoodworks.com

[@rinzler9775]

The idea of cutting the sheets on the ground using styfoam supports is awesome.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks! It’s much easier than trying to get full sheets up on a table or saw horses!

[@gingsSon]

First, this video was informative and hilarious. So thank you! But I do want to point out, most circular saws do have a dust collection adapter that goes into that outlet on the side of the blade guard. Looking at the video, dust primarily only spews from the intended outlet, and not under the blade, so I would say that dust collection might actually be a tie, if you use the adapter.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks for bringing that up, I hadn’t seen those before. May need to get one and give it a try!

[@samlee3784]

Having had the makita for a year now, it handsdown wins even with a shop vac and a dust port adapter on the dewalt. The enclosed blade and plunge function just do a fantastic job of catching all the dust.

[@jonathanbetenbender307]

@@samlee3784 Nobody is gonna go with a circ saw because they think it's equivalent, but you can get it close enough while saving hundreds. I would love to have a track saw or cordless worm drive circ saw, but for now it isn't financially justifiable. A plain old circ saw will get the job done. I'll eventually cave in and at least get a worm drive with a track accessory. I've got a whole slew of tools I'd like to have, but it'll first have to make sense (I'm just a DIYer).

[@mr.c6674]

That's the first thing that got my attention in this video. Even some low cost circular saws come with them.

[@attilah]

Good review, on the dust collector side, I've a Dewalt circular saw with their dust port attachment mounted, so getting the same benefit as the track saw in this matter and rocking a similar jig that you've made from MDF. I made it more usable by waxing the top part of the MDF where the circular saw slides and added self adhesive sanding paper strip to its bottom to prevent moving on the surface that I'm cutting, no need to use clamps it sticks to the same place pretty well. The only drawback is what you've mentioned as well, have to be careful to push it against the wall as well to make sure you are not messing up the cut by side moving the saw. There is a version of that MDF track that fixes it by adding a "real track" part and some screws to the mounting plate of the saw

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Sounds like a good setup! Thanks for watching!

[@ericrickert3045]

I got a track saw because I am a tool junkie and it was awesome. Got the Wen and it works great. I could to the board like in this video, but I love the clamp that goes under the track in that groove. I made the board one too at first (using MDF), but the track saw was easier.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Yeah, you can get by with the homemade option, but a track saw is definitely an improvement!

[@JoeLazzara]

Hey Eric, how are you liking the WEN?? I'm really interested in getting one. I've done a lot of research on these tracksaws and it seems that for the most part, the WEN is just as good as the others. I know some people have complained about some plastic parts on the WEN, but it still cuts and operates as good as the others. I really haven't seen anything saying that they were bad saws, EXCEPT some guys wouldn't use it for expensive cabinet making. 🤷‍♂️ Also which tracks did you get?? I see that the WEN saw paired with the PowerTech tracks are a great combination. What is your opinion? Thanks!! 👍😃

[@michael-f6i]

Thank you for making this honest video, Your explanation, pros and cons, and demos were awesome. Have a blessed day. - Michael

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks Michael! I’m glad it’s helpful!

[@grantfrith9589]

Great video! Early in my career economics plays a big part and the ability to innovate to get superior performance out of more basic tools. It is part of the apprenticeship all of the top professionals go through to expand their skills. Having said that decades into my trade my shop is filled with the overpriced Festool range of machines. They're not always the best brand or value but there's plenty of reasons they are an excellent choice. I won a "Kitchen of the year" award in my state when the major tool in my shop was a home made panel saw with a metabo circular saw mounted to it. You work with what you can afford.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Yes you shouldn’t feel like you can’t accomplish great things with budget tools, but later in you career when you can afford them, they are definitely a nice upgrade!

[@garyolsen3409]

50 yrs as a woodworker, never owned a tracksaw or needed one.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

I don’t think anyone “needs” one, it’s just a nice upgrade.

[@billnorman1704]

Thanks for the good info. Until a few minutes ago I never knew there was even such a thing as a track saw until I saw it being used on another KZbin video. It's one of those things that make you say, "Hey, that's really cool!" But I have to control my Tim Taylor instincts and just wing it with a homemade track and my cheapie Black and Decker circular saw. It's all good.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

The track saw is a really nice upgrade, but you can get by with the homemade version for a long time and save money. I did another video with more details on how to make the homemade version if you’re interested!

[@wanorman2007]

@@biscuittreewoodworks Thanks, I saw the link, but I haven't checked it out yet. I just retired so I am furiously looking for ideas to keep me busy.

[@mtheory3]

I can really picture this channel blowing up. Glad I discovered it early

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks! I really appreciate that!

[@kyle2kmaxima]

by the way.. great job on the video.. i was thinking about buying a track saw then i saw your video and your home made tracks.. now i can't justify the cost of a track saw when i have a really good dewalt circ saw.... i'll spend the cost savings on the materials to make some tracks and a nice fine tooth blade.. thank you!!

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Great! Happy you found it helpful!

[@BayAreaBrenner]

Nice review. The track saw really makes sense for folks who do a lot of long cuts like that, and for whom dust is an issue.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks for watching!

[@neilwharton720]

Wish I’d bought a track saw years ago game changer 👍

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Absolutely!

[@JohnDoe-kp3sw]

Yes. No matter the angle the pivot point is is the same at the cut line

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks for watching!

[@dabj9546]

We have a 36 V Makita circular saw that isn't a track saw but works with the tracks, you just don't have the plunge function. Also it does have dust collection.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks for watching!

[@gordonsmith6706]

Great, and very helpful video! Sorry about the lack of sponsors. Thanks for all the very useful info. I think you just convinced me to buy the track saw.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

It’s an amazing tool! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@theadventuresofzoomandbettie]

LOL - this was informative, but I also laughed the whole way though! From "this video is sponsored by...... no one" to "this is every bit as comfortable as it looks" (whilst looking terribly uncomfortable). Great work mate! Been considering getting a track saw for a while, but it's more of a want and not a need, so it keeps staying on the wish list

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stuartgreenshields5591]

For me the decision to get a (used) track saw was a couple of cases of the circular saw wandering off my home made track. Doesn't take many of those on kitchen worktops to justify the price. If you want to reduce tearout you can just make a scoring cut first (1-2mm). Also for your cutting 'table' I use an 8 by 4 piece of 50mm insulation board, which gives a perfect size to lay down full size ply boards safely.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

That’s right, if I saves you from making a few of those mistakes, it pays for itself pretty quickly.

[@shellianne5767]

I am new to woodworking and wish I had the track saw but since it's completely out of my budget, I will try making a homemade track.

[@kalev60]

One can Fix the problem of the saw drifting away on the home-made track by using the "small length thing/guide" that usually comes with the saw in a creative manner. Also Festool comment was gold, here it´s either Hilti or Mafell or go home. Most newer circular saws usually have dust-ports also, either they come with the saw or some companies try to sell them like extras or options that you´ll need to pay more to get.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

I plan to hold onto a circular saw, so I'll have to look into that. I've had mine for a long time. Thanks for watching!

[@MoranGuyVideos]

6:30 you can buy with a dust port adapter to connect a circ. saw to it. I did it with one that I have from bosch and it works great. easy of use is the different.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

I’ll have to look into those since I’m hanging onto the circular saw. Thanks for watching!

[@larss337]

A good video. I will keep my circular saw and build your fence. 👍

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks for watching!

[@HepauDK]

I went for the golden middleground and bought a Bosch GKS 18 V-Li cirkular saw and matching tracks (FSN70/-140). And when they came on sale on Black Friday, I bought 2 Festool ratchet clamps for the tracks. I would like to have a real track saw, but can't justify the expense.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Nothing wrong with that approach! Thanks for watching!

[@ALJessica]

Good video - but it is important to mention that a track Saw Can cut very thin slices off of whatever you are cutting into. It Can also access places a circular Saw cannot like next to a wall.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Interesting, I’ve not used it for those applications so I can’t speak to that.

[@counseloridealist]

I spent a lot of time researching and watching videos about track saws. I decided to save a lot of money and keep using my locking 8 foot and 4 foot aluminum rail. It was made for a sliding support but it’s not necessary. Every single track saw I looked into had problems and the prices were too high.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

They certainly aren't cheap when compared to just a regular circular saw. I waited a long time before buying one, but I don't regret the purchase at all.

[@tonymckenzie3091]

track saw is well worth the extra money, once you have one your circular saw will become redundant....just a note on your demo, with a new track saw and track you are supposed to run the saw over the track to remove the rubber edge before making any cuts. Track saw saves time on setting up, is consistently more accurate, cuts with very little to no tear out depending upon material being cut and also because it plunges is more versatile in its uses...and also very good for bevelled and edge mitre cuts......my advice is to invest the money !

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Yeah, I wish I had bought one sooner!

[@estebanarossanchez3113]

Getting a cheap tracksaw here in chile, 200 dollars for 2 mts track and the saw, loved the video ty.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks!

[@krzysztof_wu]

Just fyi you can easily get a circular saw with a dust collector. for example MAKITA HS7611 with an adapter and a track. Its around 200$ in europe...

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Yes, you can cobble something together for cheaper, but it won’t have the same level of dust collection as the dedicated plunge saw that is built for the tracks. And since I have no experience with it, I don’t know if you sacrifice anything in accuracy or any other areas.

[@jeffwilder7117]

Like your video. Seems good and honest. I watched the video where you made the edge guide. I think you should point out that you should use the same blade when original blade gets dull. The size of the carbide could be different making the cut inaccurate. Ask me how I know! I’ve been using a home made edge guide before track saws were on the market. But still you have good info for us.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Yes, good point! Using a different blade or different saw can affect the accuracy due to variation in blade width and distance from the edge.

[@jakalestan5704]

There is also another option: Makita has special adapters for some of their standard circular saws that lets you use them with their tracks. So it's a bit cheaper on the saw and you get the ease of use and precision of the track saw. You don't get the plunge option and dust protection however. Also, track saw has very easy to adjust the depth of cut and angle in comparison to the circular saw (at least my cheaper circular saw). I don't know how good this adapters work, but I found out about them when buying the track saw. I ended up buying SP6000 and I am very happy I did. I find it very easy and comfortable to use.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Could be a good option for someone willing to sacrifice some of the upgrades for a lower price.

[@setdown2]

A couple of questions... 1. does the rubber on the track ever go bad....if so can you replace it easily??? 2. Some plywood and other things don't lay flat...how would that effect the track saw function.?? 3. Does saw dust on the wood to be cut effect the stick ability of the track saw ??? 🖖

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

1. The rubber might wear down after LOTS of use. You can buy a roll of thin rubber with and adhesive backing to replace it. 2. As long as the bow isn't excessive it should work fine. The track is a little bit flexible. 3. Just brush off the sawdust. A little isn't going to affect it, but if it's a big pile then brush it off.

[@ryan39584]

Track saws are game changers, I have a Makita because it's a Festool compatible track saw

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

👍👍

[@AnthonyStabler]

I bought a Wen track saw & clamps, Powertec track and rail square & parallel guide from Banggood all for well under $400. I work in a sign shop and it has been worth every penny. Much cleaner cuts, very repeatable. I don't think I could justify a Festool with all those dodads.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

I couldn’t justify the Festool either. I went with Makita because it had great reviews and is much cheaper.

[@cyclemoto8744]

Thanks for the content and love your sponsorship ;) ! Cheers from OZ

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks for watching!

[@jonathanbetenbender307]

You could just evenly apply silicone caulking to the bottom, or use neoprene/silicome/rubber tape. No more need for clamps.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Maybe, you just have to be careful not to use anything too thick that would ruin the accuracy of the track. Thanks for watching!

[@clausmadsen9777]

Love the video, but I must say that I have a few remarks. Just because your DeWalt saw doesn't have attachment for a vacuum doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. My rather old Makita circular saw has that. And that fine track you have made for the saw could be just as good as the other one if you added a few strips of rubber underneath. I am definitely making my own track like yours, with a few modifications.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

I'm glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching. A few others have pointed out that newer circular saws come with a dust port, and I concede that will improve dust collection, but not to the same level as a plunge cut saw with an inclosed blade. I also think you would have a tough time getting rubber thin enough and keep it stuck to the bottom of the MDF without it causing issues with it coming off or affecting the cut accuracy.

[@clausmadsen9777]

@@biscuittreewoodworks challenge accepted!

[@decksbye3269]

Supper helpful and informative. Its a pity you don't have a sponsor.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Maybe one of these days! Thanks for watching!

[@andre1987eph]

6:45 to solve the problem of "homemade track saw slipoing around a bit too much" get a long roll of that checkered pattern rubber shelf liner off amazon, cut it for the entire lengrh of your homemade track (I like to undersize it by 1/4" on all four sides( and then use some Weldwood solvent-based contact cement and carefully attach it to the underside of your homemade track to create a fabulous non slip underside. You will find this gripping piwer suoerior to the rubber underside of even your Makita track, and the weldwood glue- if you allow proper time to dry after coating articulating surfaces- makes a very durable bond the rubber to the wood. Nothing wrong with your homemade track btw. Im going to make one for myself when I wake up (with the added rubber bottom). Thanks for the idea! 😊

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

The issue I have with adding rubber to the bottom is it lifts the track up off the plywood and you no longer have as much accuracy or the zero clearance for a clean cut. If you decide to try it anyway let me know how it works out.

[@banto1]

I've had my Skil circular saw for over 30 years and have made several tracks to break down sheet goods. Works pretty good, but I recently upgraded to a relatively low-cost Evolution track saw. The advantage for me was this a regular circular saw that can ALSO use a standard track. I got 2 pieces of track that connect to each other so I can in theory work across the sheet (4') with one track or use both to cut the full length (8'). While the Evolution isn't a plunge saw (not a big deal breaker) and dust collection is so-so (I rarely connect it), it does come with an awesome blade that cuts anything, including nails, sheet metal, you throw at it.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Sounds good! Thanks for watching!

[@chrisohanlon69]

Also I would say that the tracksaw is a safer tool in that it wants to stay inside its housing unless it's in use.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Good point! Thanks for watching!

[@dr.jamesnager1373]

Track saw is better but I think anyone will need a circular saw as well. Very nice video, clear as a bell with a sprinkle of humor. Good job.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thank you!

[@James-dv1df]

Just a diyer and found track saw amazing and funny regret buying at all. It blows the circular saw away for sheet work. Big advantages I found were no tear out and much easier and quicker to cut accuracy. Dropping the track on the line and not having to work out the offset is amazing

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

I’m really liking mine so far! Thanks for watching!

[@ashonrandall4102]

Idk how I never thought to make a dedicated track for my circular saw. I'm tired of using a straightedge and having to account for the one inch offset every time. I'm just going to make a few tracks and be good to go. Thanks for the idea!

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Awesome! Glad I could help!

[@wilhelmtaylor9863]

Any reason you couldn't attach 2 strips of that "sticky rubber" to your home-build straight edge? Amazon carries them. Also, I have a Makita 6½" cordless saw and purchased the dust extracting nozzle which works but not as well as your track saw. I think a smaller saw works better for making straight-edge cuts as it's easier to handle.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

The rubber would have to be very thin to not affect the accuracy of the track. I think it would also become an issue with keeping it attached and not pealing off.

[@tommcdonald1746]

I added a dewalt dust port to my dewalt 7 1/4 saw and you will be amazed to see how little dust is left. It's one of the best 15.00 add-ons I've made.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks, I may have to try that out.

[@giovannyarguello2645]

Great video. right to the point, without taken it too seriously. Got yourself a new subscriber.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@ZaynahZihoa]

Big benefit of the track saw is that you can put it into the material at any point, circular saw has to start at the beginning of the material. Track saw is easier if you say, need to make an opening for a sink in a kitchen worktop.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

A track saw makes this easier, but you can plunge cut with a circular saw. Just do so carefully.

[@Kasum89]

very nice comparison :) only one thing i want to point out. There are also circular saws which have the dust collection socket. I am using cheap Bosh PKS-40 (~80euros). The dust collection is not as effective as on your Makita, but miles better than not using the dust collection at all. On the other hand, it is a bit more difficult to keep the circular saw on the tracks with the dust collection hose on, but nothing that cannot be managed.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

I think I bought my circular saw before that was a common feature. Thanks for watching!

[@devinbraun1852]

I think how much sawing you do is the deciding factor. If you just do some occasional DIY projects, you will do perfectly fine with circular saw and guide. If you are doing frequent rip cuts, track saw will save you some time and reduce possibility of errors such as drift-off.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Correct, that’s what I hope I got through with this video. I made it work with a circular saw and homemade guide for many years. It’s not necessary, but if you are doing a lot of this type work a track saw can pay for it self very quickly.

[@ralphgizzip4408]

I have two home-made saw guides. One is 4' long and the other is 8' long. I made them so one side of the guide fits the wide section of my saw base and the other fits the short side of my saw base. A couple of pistol grip clamps and I'm good to go.

[@frederickwood9116]

Nice comparison. I recommend linking over to the uk guy Peter Millard and his track saw craziness. My personal preference is based on cost so I lean towards the diy version myself. Dust is the one thing I can’t see how to significantly improve on but everything else has a diy tweak or fix that improves the DIY track in the right direction. They all take a little effort to implement. Thanks for the material.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

That's right, you can do a lot with homemade jigs and a little ingenuity. Thanks for watching!

[@Motocicleiros]

I used the "poor man rail saw" alternative for several years until giving up of it and buying me a SP6000. I never looked back. Let's be honest: the backyard version definitely doesn't compare to a tool that was designed for this purpose. Does it work? Yes, kind of... but you'll need to be very patient until getting the hang of it and don't mind to lose a lot of time and pieces of wood in the process while make your mistakes. Being myself a weekend carpenter who may takes months without entering my shop I want a ready-to-go-idiot-proof tool that ensures me to make precise cuts anytime and right at the first attempt.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Good point, it's definitely a time saver!

[@davidlamphier6319]

For an occasional project, the kreg rip-cut is amazing. I have a table saw, and prefer using my rip-cut for cutting ply or mdf.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Same here, anything too heavy or awkward to wrestle onto the table saw gets cut down with the track saw.

[@briansgolfworks4991]

If you're a professional woodworker track saws are a necessary tool. If you're an amateur like myself the KREG track saw kit fits all of my tracksaw needs. It's relatively inexpensive, easy to use and store.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Haven't tried the Kreg track saw kit, but I've heard some good things about it. Thanks for watching!

[@SM-fe7md]

This video was incredibly helpful!!

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Awesome! Glad to hear it!

[@jerryhuber3653]

The newer Dewalt circular saws actually come with a removable dust collection port now. I keep mine attached just so I don’t lose it. That makes the dust collection comparison closer. However, the track saw will still win due to the fact that it doesn’t have an open face for dust to fly out of. But you’ll still have much less dust with the Dewalt as long as you actually use the dust collection.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Anything that would help with the dust is a step in the right direction! Thanks for watching!

[@prowokator]

Good stuff! Cheers from Finland!

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks for watching!

[@ProfesorLviv]

You forgot about that in tracksaw you can easily cut in angle, and you can do dadoes. With circular saw it's very tricky, you need to do multiple jigs. So tracksaw is more universal and multipurpose.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Good point! Thanks for watching!

[@gerald_at]

There are much more jigs for circular saw. Which I think makes the circular saw more universal. Crosscuts are also easier with circular saw

[@stem6700]

As a professional carpenter who does a lot of timber cladding including picture framing around windows, track saws are invaluable for this type of work. They make the job much easier and so much more aesthetically pleasing.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Sounds like a good application, thanks for sharing!

[@stem6700]

@@biscuittreewoodworks 🤙🤙

[@Bshwag]

After owning a Ts75 festool for 9 years or so and doing every type of construction with it. From 12 ft long shims to level a roof to expensive hardwood table tops. The things that make a track saw stand out are long straight cuts, compound miter cuts on sheet goods that would be impossible on any table saw, cuts that are free from tare out on both the castoff and main piece front and back and portable size. A creative person could use my track saw to do everything a much more expensive table saw could accomplish, just not as fast.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks for watching!

[@chrisrattlidge5096]

The only other consideration I would’ve mentioned would be, how often will you realistically be using either set up for long straight cuts? If it’s just a few periodically, 100% my money would be circular saw and home made guides. If you’re using it often, and you’re concerned about creating a lot of dust, I’d look more to a track saw. Nice video though.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks for watching!

[@donhummel6630]

you can do an awful lot with a skilsaw and a home made straight edge. I bought a track saw and find its often more trouble than its worth.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

How so? Wondering because I haven't had the track saw long and haven't run into any issues. So far it seems faster and easier than the circular saw.

[@waytospergtherebro]

Go straight line rip a rough piece of 8/4 sapele with your circular saw and let us know how many other machines you have to use before it's ready for glue.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

That's not something I really intended to cover in this video, but since you asked I'll try to help. If you are wanting just a single glue ready joint, you'd need to at least run it over the jointer to flatten the face and remove any saw marks before glue up. Not sure why you'd want one glued surface and 3 rough faces, but there you go. The answer is 1.

[@ReconstructingEmily]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@gholmes182]

Yes, I would definitely buy a makita track saw again. I have one now and wish I had bought one years ago.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Same here! So many projects would have gone a lot easier!

[@mikesnyder465]

Good and fair comparison. I have a 20+ year old Skil saw that I probably spent $40 for that refuses to die. Your circular saw track idea just saved me hundreds….

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

That’s great! Happy I could help!

[@stede9304]

Great video & Nice outfeed table!

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks!

[@majl1000]

Track saw is not just about cutting a straight line, it's mainly about the fact there is almost no dust when using plunge saw with extractor which in health and clean up times is well worth the money.... that my friend is the reason for a plunge saw, once you learn to use one properly you will never go back..

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

You did watch the video, right? Because I listed the improved dust collection as one of the main reasons I was switching to the track saw.

[@jonbryant5665]

I recommend using stiff spring clamps instead of C-clamps, much faster to set up a cut.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

That could work too. Thanks for watching!

[@HermannKerr]

The Makita does address tear-out in plywood, though it is a bit weird and number of reviews (mostly comparing it against Festool track saw and some included the Dewalt track saw which has some interesting features) I looked at before buying mine, but they didn't know how to do it. Your jig works well as I built one but for a man who owns a Saw-stop, a track saw should be reasonably cheap. I got mine at a super good price as it was a demo model that had been used in a few sales shows and came with the case short track and clamps and I picked up a second track. I use to use my guide to reduce the sheet stock and finish with my small table saw but with the Makita I can make the cut once though a nice big cabinet saw would still be best. I have had mine for a long time

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

While I paid full price for the track saw, I got the Sawstop on Craigslist. I traded my old Ridgid saw and $1000 for basically a brand new Sawstop.

[@benrinzler19]

Just what I needed thanks!

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Awesome! You’re welcome!

[@cricque]

Great video super helpful and thorough -- thanks!

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching!

[@azza1793]

1. Track saw also has the plunge facility 2. Track has a splinter guard on the cutting edge 3. Track has anti slip strips to the underside 4. Track saw has very good dust extraction if connected to a shop vac But you are paying a premium for these

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Yes, and worth it in my opinion.

[@frankthecapitalist]

Perfect video, thank you for answering my question 👌🏻

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks for the kind words and for watching!

[@MrKanga1231]

Lets face it, we all have both anyway. I fit a lot of kitchens, doors and building cupboards, the Makita track saw is vital and so accurate. If you want a professional finish, get a track saw. I also would not be without my circular, just grab it and cut, easy and quick when needed.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

I think there is a place for both depending on what kind of work you are doing. I’m not getting rid of my circular saw anytime soon, but I’m reaching for the track saw more often than not.

[@jrl4611]

Great comparison video. Thanks

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks for watching!

[@fishyjoe6470]

Thanks for the idea... Imma glue some rubber pad on the bottom of my home made guide

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Let me know if it works!

[@CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

I love my tracksaw. Ill buy a festool when I want another, I would get the new ts60 because I only buy brushless motors

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

They are pretty nice!

[@lancomedic]

Great video. Probably anyone watching your videos already has a circular saw so you're really not choosing between the two. You're deciding if you should spend big bucks for another saw. Also the circ saw is useful for other types of cutting but the track saw isn't so you would have to buy both if you didn't have either.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

There are actually a lot of people watching these videos who haven't purchased either yet and are truly just getting started. Since I've bought my track saw, I've not had a single instance where I've needed the circular saw in my shop. If someone is doing more construction type work they may have a case where the circular saw is needed, but I've not encountered that in my work.

[@lancomedic]

@@biscuittreewoodworks anyway I’m glad you did the video because it showed me I didn’t need a tracksaw. Thanks

[@88Frank]

Thank you, very informative. I've going to make some tracks!

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Glad to hear! I have another video detailing how to make the tracks if you want more information!

[@scottwyckoff5483]

Thanks, i agree about making the tracks 🤙

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

It’s a good solution and worked well for me for a long time. Thanks for watching!

[@samlee3784]

I watched a lot of these types of videos and read loads of comments before i bit the bullet and bought this track saw... One of the big deciding factors was the ability to rip 8x4 sheets in a very small space on my own. Trying to manhandle a full sheet through a tablesaw in a tiny workshop is a nightmare and this was the answer. Having had mine for a year now, id love for you to do a follow up video after you have used it for a while as i keep finding more uses for it. I find a lot of these videos are just purchased and not many have been using it for long enough to show its versatility. Great video though, keep up the good work youve got another sub 🙂

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Sure, I’ll consider an update after I’ve used it a while. Thanks for watching!

[@mitsuracer87]

Tracksaw ftw. I made a guide for my circular saw but it still doesn't cut straight enough, and getting the angle of the blade to be 90* seems to be impossible no matter how many times I try to square it.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

I have a video on how I make my guides perfectly straight if you are interested. If you’re circular saw will not cut at 90 degrees, you may need a new saw.

[@lincolndickerson1293]

Thinking that putting carpet tape ( sticky one side, rubber on the other) on your circular saw guide would remove the need for clamps

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Good idea!

[@am2dan]

Or non-slip tape made for use on stairs on stairs.

[@nagranoth_]

Never seen a circular saw without dust collection... The rubber strips for the track saws are sold separately. You could stick them under your mdf guides.

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

I’ve never seen a circular saw WITH dust collection, but I haven’t bought any in a few years. Thanks for watching!

[@toughgamer2960]

I bought a cheap ozito track saw ($229 AUD) last week and today I tried to cut a sheet of plywood. Mind = blown. You definitely should buy a track saw if you 1. don't have / don't want to buy a table saw 2. need to cut sheet goods it's clean (cut-wise) and clean (dust-collection).

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeffp7958]

Yea. But how do you make the track straight without the track. What came first? The track saw or the diy track

[@biscuittreewoodworks]

I have a video on that! I did a follow up that showed exactly how to make the track with nothing but a circular saw and still have it perfectly straight!