DIY Circular Saw Track Saw Guide | Limited Tools

[@neuhaus59]

I have a small shop but a ton of tools. I don't have a lot of high dollar tools , like Festool, but some nice stuff. What a lot of people don't understand when they get into woodworking is that your big tools aren't where your money goes, it's in your drawers. For example I have a $99 Craftsman router table but I have about $600 worth of router bits. Sandpaper alone is about $200. I love your limited tool series, it gets people into it that couldn't afford everything else. It also shows that you don't always need all of the extras. Great Job Mike !!!

[@ModernBuilds]

Awesome!! That's really cool to hear, thanks Mike. and yeah,,,,, so true. Accessories is where the $$ goes

[@larneyhenry2923]

This is a valuable addition to my woodwork collection kzbin.infoUgkxbnOKZBE4evMO5V2vroHeCjq6d_MV6wJO I still will rate this woodwork plan as the best in my reference library. It always seem to stand out from the rest whenever you go through the library. This is a masterpiece.

[@willwyatt7023]

Great project. I think I'll build one. One pointer for you: When you tap holes, turn the tap 1/2 turn, then back a 1/4 turn, then forward 1/2 turn, etc. This will clear the teeth of the tap and will make the hole cleaner, with less chance of breaking the tap. This becomes REALLY important in thicker/stronger material. Also use some oil when tapping to make the cutting easier.

[@karinamachadoescobar20]

Appreciate Video clip! Excuse me for the intrusion, I am interested in your thoughts. Have you tried - Schallingora Dexterous Programme Scheme (Sure I saw it on Google)? It is a smashing one of a kind guide for taking a drawing and turning it into wood without the hard work. Ive heard some great things about it and my mate got great success with it.

[@MrMaacin05]

I hand tap as small as M2.5 regularly at work in 25.4mm or 1” thick stock. While not overturning is important... the pilot hole is very important that it is drilled straight. Starting threads with a tapered tap is best and if it isn’t a through hole switching to a bottoming tap once you have enough threads started. I use one hand to grip both ends of the t-handle and stand over the top of it. When anyone shears off a tap it’s probably 90% + chance they were overzealous and overturned it. Other things are not enough lubrication, wrong pilot hole drill bit size, uneven pressure when turning the handle. A coworker managed to shear a M12 (basically a 1/2”) tap by hand... I was amazed someone could be that bad.

[@lyteyearz5810]

Great tips!

[@JayquanDeMarcusWashington]

haha, came here to say the same thing

[@dominicdeluca6378]

You people are insufferable

[@Bbendfender]

Good job. When you don't have a shop full of big tools, it is nice to see guys who have the enginuity to do it another way. Almost as good. Nice track saw jig.

[@guyh.4553]

Way cool! My dad & I are combining our "arsenal" of power tools as we basically have 2 of each. I decided to make a track saw & was looking for way to do it. This is absolutely perfect for what I want. THANKS!

[@jessedaulton7212]

As an amateur with woodworker, i typically feel overpowered with the entire arrangement kzbin.infoUgkxrYREG3-7f1Aqk9ams3ZESRNzGnfdUtyQ . Be that as it may, this arrangements drove me through with much clarity and effortlessness woodplans. Works i now work like a genius. That is great!

[@diondouglas8318]

It's good to see that your dad is so supportive of you.

[@cartman5388]

you have strong positive energy it makes me get up and do all sorts of things. thank you very much!

[@kitoespiritu]

Great idea. I made mine from 1/2” ply. They took a bit of sanding and waxing to make the saw slide smoothly but now they work great. Thanks!

[@msoverstood]

I enjoy your show. Every thing is easy to understand and follow. It makes woodworking easier for folk like me who may be apprehensive.

[@soundboy89]

Love it man, thanks so much. I like how the ***runners*** will keep the saw in a tight straight line more accurately than a simple regular edge jig will do (something that most smartass commenters here seem to not get). Love shop and jig projects, keep making these!

[@Rob-ck2wm]

I made a simple non-track edge guide years ago, but the difference between that and the new track saw guides is downward pressure. The grooves in the track means you don't have to push the saw sideways against a straight edge - and that makes all the difference in the world.

[@calienterichmond]

I am smashing that subscribe button, just because your hair is fabulous.

[@Dominatoruke]

There are so many DIY track saws, guides etc out there but this one works great and I didn't need to run to the hardware store for a bunch of parts. I used 3/8 MDF and it is still heavier than heck. Thanks for sharing your design.

[@IlijaPavlic]

I would add some high-friction tape to underside to prevent slippage and low-friction tape to grooves and runners to improve glide.

[@ScotchAddict35]

Thank you for continuing to do awesome projects with everyday tools! Many you tubers tend to expand their shops like crazy and I just can’t identify with them anymore. I’ve been in the market for an inexpensive tracksaw option and I really like how you did this so I might just wind up giving it a go. Thanks!!

[@ModernBuilds]

That's really awesome!! Thanks Jonathan!

[@circuitlessons2409]

This is one of the most useful, practical and needed videos on KZbin.

[@markgershman1563]

Just when I thought I've seen every Utube on a Track Saw Guide. This design seems very simple. Thanks. Prettty good Jig!!

[@jchan3358]

Hot glue and wood glue idea is brilliant!

[@rk3carpentry]

Mike, you are the Neil Young of DIY minimalism. I hope you always keep your stuff so accessible. I don't need a $14,000 Husqvarna to make a napkin holder!

[@Tecqgamming]

that is legit one of the most useful things youve ever built on this channel! Great idea

[@ModernBuilds]

Sweet!!

[@nagendravc]

Wow you made it so simple and easy to work with a circular saw

[@mykolashatkovskyi8817]

Quite simple (in a good meaning) and fancy guide - saved for my own inspiration when I'll doit myself. Thanx

[@Liazon098]

This by far is one of the more simple builds!

[@ModernBuilds]

and most useful?

[@gillgetter3004]

Been a carpenter for 30 plus years . Great idea for track saw I’m going to make one using 1/4 for everything

[@jeremyanthis4054]

Finally, someone uses the everyday mans tools from Home Depot and Harbor Freight! Thank YOU!!!!

[@gregghernandez2714]

Yeah no kidding. I crack up when I see some of these woodworking shops that are nicer than my Living Room with their stacks of Festool tool boxes stacked very neatly, and not a sign of any sawdust to be found. They start to build a project on a worktable that costs more alone, than all my tools put together, and that is just the darn table! I love to see when people can take a simple tool and turn it into something far more accurate and useful.

[@rickmunn7356]

I built one but I had a big problem. The factory edge I started with wasn’t a factory edge or straight. Didn’t figure it out until I made the Final Cut. What now? I used my board straightener jig on my table saw to straighten out the “factory edge”. I used a tight string line with nails for spacers and measured from the string to the board all along the 8’. It was perfect to my surprise. Then I cut the other side parallel. I flipped the board over and trimmed all four sides of the tracks. Two from one side and two from the other side. Then I removed the circular saw track board and built a new one. When I made the Final Cut the cutoff piece was perfectly consistent at a thickness of less than a credit card. Success. I’m so happy was was able to save it. My suggestion is to trim the track boards after securing them to the main board because it was much easier to get the gaps perfect. Thanks for a great video.

[@cardsfanbj]

I enjoy Ben popping up in the background screwing around. And the shop projects, too.

[@daynamailach6987]

Love this! i cant even get through some of the other woodworking tutorials they are so boring and go into too much depth. This was awesome!

[@ModernBuilds]

That's such an amazing compliment!! thanks

[@MakeThings]

Mike this is pure gold! You've just made festool sweat...and it's about time.

[@ModernBuilds]

haha! we'll see about that

[@geraldfouts2994]

Please continue these. Always looking for good ideas.

[@alejandrogaray6684]

More shop projects!! yours are funnier and lighter than the usual woodworking shop project video

[@monkeysize]

Awesome...Great starting point for a track saw build. Short and sweet.

[@ccccen]

This is the best home made track , good shot guy.

[@Skullblood440]

That's it, man ... I made one like this here in Brazil .... perfect ...

[@ModernBuilds]

Awesome!! Thanks David

[@russellborrego1689]

Very nice! I wish this video existed before I bought my tracksaw a few years ago. Always wanted to make my own, but I was in a time crunch and just bought one. I seriously may do THIS project and just sell my saw. Thanks!

[@ModernBuilds]

May be worth it! if it had the same cut depth as a track saw, that would be amazing!

[@DNHandcrafted]

Really great video Mike! What a great idea, and I love how you stuck to the limited tools for the whole build. Not that I mind more tools, but just admiring the commitment to keep it limited. Thanks for the video!

[@joedejesus6363]

A genius at work, awesome creation, thanks for sharing with us wood workers.

[@clairevoyance711]

I love this Limited Tools series(?) 🙌🏽 I want to start trying to make stuff using power tools, but all the accessories are starting to add up. This is super helpful for newbies like me/people who aren’t able to invest in a full set of shop tools!

[@ModernBuilds]

That's awesome!! thanks Claire

[@ronin6932]

You can add the accessories once at a time, project by project.

[@gustavorobledo5548]

Claire Tajonera q

[@password12340]

Right on. And don’t forget that used, inexpensive, high-quality hand tools are easy to find if you are willing to spend a little time refurbishing them. (Check out paul sellers for ideas) they can build anything that you can imagine.

[@cpeterson877]

Great comment. A new woodworker can add to his shop AND skill level with projects like this.

[@cathypope4073]

This is a really great video! I like this project. Hopefully someday, when I have a shop, I can build this, too.

[@LutherBuilds]

Wow! Why has no one else done this before? So much better than a door board made out of flimsy 1/8" hardboard.

[@ModernBuilds]

Thanks Joshua!

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

Glad you addressed the thickness issue at the end of the video. In addition to the other limitations cited with this design is weight. All that thick stock, while strong, is *heavy*. The design is way over built. ¼" material is plenty strong; especially considering the rigidity contributed by the rails/tracks. Some additional considerations: 1. Material - Use quality sheet goods. No A/C-grade sheathing. 2. Material - The use of either plastic (HDPE, UHMW) or aluminum would make wonderful runners for the saw plate. 3. Finishing - If using wood, regularly waxing the tracks and runners will definitely contribute to smoother operation. 4. Design - Symmetry provides bi-directional operation; an often overlooked consideration. 5. Design - Overhang/starting pad. Make the track long enough to allow for alignment *before* the blade contacts the material to be cut. 6. Design - A key capability of true track saws from Festool, Wen and others is...plunge. This is critical for interior cuts. To allow for this (somewhat) leave 2" to 3" of the runners cantilevered in front of the saw plate. Additionally, cut the at a shallow angle to allow the runners to engage and align with the track *before* the blade plunges into the material being cut. 7. Design - To counteract thewood track from slipping and sliding, a) make the track no wider than 2½" to 3", b) route two shallow parallel dadoes in the underside of the track and c) apply friction tape to the dadoes. This will keep the edge of the track in contact with the material being cut, thus minimizing tear-out while keeping the track in place without the need for clamps. 8. Design - To minimize sacrificing depth of cut, consider cutting down, rather than building up. Instead of fastening rails on top of a track, cut dadoes into the track. 9. Lastly, and in the same vein as #8 above, consider mounting runners directly to the factory saw plate. Many models have slots perpendicular to the blade for attaching accessories, such as edge guides, etc. Some models even have precision-drilled holes in the factory saw plate that would be perfect for fastening runners. While all this may seem like a lot of work, consider the cost of s true track saw (north of $800 or $900), or even lower cost alternatives from the likes of Kreg (Accu-Cut), Bora (Clamp Edge), Wen and others ($100 and up).

[@vmitchinson]

Some good advice. I have a question. What is the tolerance of the alignment of the blade to the track? I added two tracks to the base of my saw but am about 2 tho out of being parallel with the blade. Will this work or will the cut bind or go off line? I have not built the guide yet because I am worried my alignment is too far off.

[@Bryan-kh1tg]

I have sat and watched every video in one day sad? nah best DIY videos a have watched good job!!

[@ModernBuilds]

Awesome!! thanks bryan

[@Danman1972]

Great project and something I need to do! Don't have the home center cut your strip. The panel saw relys on the manufactured edge which might not be square and don't think those home center guys take the time to check the pannel. Good for breaking down to managemable sizes, but don't use the home center for final width. I learned that the hard way. If you have to you can by a premaid shelf, but check that the end is straight and flat.

[@KBBAKTHA]

I liked this simpler version of DIY track saw for any saw. Crisp videos as usual and a great looking dust mask as bonus. Thanks

[@ModernBuilds]

yes!! thanks a lot

[@andrewc4790]

I like this one. Many other tutorials need a expensive router. Thanks man

[@alexanderasi316]

Very accurate cut... amazing!

[@doriandecorbenic1409]

This was great! I don't think I've ever seen a video for a track saw build.

[@doriandecorbenic1409]

Also, your pacing and video editing in general is way better than most people doing shop videos.

[@robertmorris2573]

I like these shop updates. Keep doing them.

[@KILO993]

Great build. With some paste wax it'll glide real nice. :) Personally I opted for a version of what you have that snugs right up against the baseplate. That way I don't lose precious minutes removing the baseplate jig to switch over to cutting a 4x4 or something thicker.

[@ahikernamedgq]

That's a great call. I think you could also make a version from aluminum to make it more durable.

[@KILO993]

haha I was debating the exact same thing but had to pull myself out of the rabbit hole in order to just get the main project done, for which I needed the track saw in the first place. Version 2 will be a nice strip of aluminum for sure ;)

[@MrJKellerLewis]

I love this concept! So much nicer than the fence most people use. I’m sure the biggest problem is dust as the saw isn’t enclosed like an actual track saw but this is a great concept and I will be building one!

[@ModernBuilds]

Exactly, yeah. If you do, let me know how it goes!

[@snehakachave7662]

hi

[@katherinecarroll3706]

Nice Track saw build

[@jimmylgutierrez]

Great idea.... And please continue shop video ideas

[@sunburnedbadger]

Yeah definitely keep doing the shop project videos. There are super helpful

[@ModernBuilds]

Sweet!!!

[@philippeterson9512]

MDF is heavy. I used 1/4” plywood as a base, and aluminum U-track. Nice and light. Got

[@alainlemaire5574]

K

[@mrpogueman]

More shop projects please! I love them! I appreciate your inclusions like how to use the tap set and stuff like that. Also love watching you and Ben have fun together, so fun!

[@ModernBuilds]

Awesome!!! thanks Brandon

[@sadarbonarnababan1572]

thanks man, very efficient woodworking task

[@SimonSaysDIY]

Awesome Idea! I may make one of these for my shop as well.

[@tharcisseilunga6658]

Thank you for this mindblowing video

[@KnottenWood]

Thank you Mike! So timely! I was just looking at a bunch of different videos on DIY track saws and this is the one! Gonna make one for my new shop!

[@ModernBuilds]

Nice!!! let me know how it goes if you do make it!!

[@johnpiegzik298]

Very cool jig! Keep them coming! John 😎👍

[@datadev1]

Oh yes! Shop build is good. keep on doing them.

[@perfectdiversion]

I love you clever people of KZbin

[@nirizraeli]

Thanks for the video! Noob here: Is MDF strong/stable enough for a track? Isn't there a chance it'll break? Shouldn't I prefer plywood? al least for the base? Thanks again!

[@swimonster311]

Definitely a fan of the shop project videos! Keep em up!

[@ModernBuilds]

Awesome! Thanks Austin

[@paulrawlins5868]

Looks good. I have the same saw specifically for breaking down sheets goods. I’ve been using a drywall square but it’s not at all accurate. Not recommended. I’ll be making one of these very soon.

[@servant74]

Shop projects are always helpful...

[@ModernBuilds]

I think so!!

[@kevindorka6328]

SPOT ON, loved it. i will make mine tomorrow

[@ModernBuilds]

Awesome!! thanks Kevin.. if you do, I'd love to see it. .. give me a tag on instagram if you post it there!

[@kevindorka6328]

Modern Builds are you considering rubber strips to help counter movement? It would make clamping unneccessary and more versatile/faster. Or would your track become too thick for 3/4 ply?

[@dupeaccount1647]

Finally broke my accu cut XL, so I think I'll have to make one as well. I have a radial arm saw that I can use to make it as that has a fence like a table saw.

[@jeremys.8607]

Nice job, simple and easily reproducible ! thx

[@bruhnstv]

Love it! Thanks, man. Maybe worth dedicating a saw to it. Two decent circular saws and a sheet or two of MDF way cheaper than a high-end track saw system, and the way you did it, it may well be more accurate.

[@jamespolucha6911]

I bought the kregg accu kit and I think I’m going to make your track saw design seems to be much better, thanks for the video

[@davidurdahl6656]

I'm just here cuz I'm actually ready to build this thing.. you've come a long way Mikey.

[@kasparsm7964]

Actually - one runner is completely enough. I used aluminum U-profile runner and screw it directly to saw's base plate. Such way you are not loosing cutting depth.

[@johnvodopija]

Good idea. Thanks

[@ddsbabes7140]

so true haha

[@theburris]

Shop style projects are great! Nice work 👍

[@ModernBuilds]

Right on! thanks!~

[@00tact]

Genius idea

[@tjj1792]

Loving the shop projects!

[@ModernBuilds]

Awesome!!

[@sulungwoner6262]

Wauuuuu good very simple project, super

[@docfuzzpersonalcollection5927]

Great demo and plan!

[@chrisgraham2904]

Nice straight forward design and instruction. Although you can swap the saw base on and off, that probably isn't practical and you'd need to dedicate one circular saw to this jig for panel cutting.

[@lifeanywhere]

I’ve seen a lot of shop build tracks before but I gotta say Mike, this is probably the easiest one yet. I dig it man!

[@ModernBuilds]

Awesome!! thanks brother

[@hongfayianprayong7166]

Great watch, really enjoyed it. Any rethinks 2 years on? Planning a work bench but can decide if this will work for me.

[@BruceAUlrich]

I think you're going to get some really great results from that jig, with it having the two runners that lock in. That is bound to give some accurate cuts. Good video, Mike!

[@ModernBuilds]

I hope so!! thanks bruce

[@aaronmoiche330]

Whatever you make I will watch for sure 👌👌awesome video

[@bereketmol4227]

Awesome jig! 👌

[@deckerprairiewoodworks9826]

Good idea, I'm going to make one. Keep up the series.

[@ModernBuilds]

Right on!! if you do, let me know how it goes!

[@danovila]

Of all the DIY track saws, I've seen on KZbin, this seems the best.

[@modernstring3911]

love this idea. I will be trying this on my old saw

[@ModernBuilds]

Awesome!!

[@willyanjulio3969]

Good Idea! I'm from Brazil! congratulation!

[@curtisp2989]

These shop builds are helpful! Keep it up, please

[@ModernBuilds]

will do! thanks a lot

[@ahikernamedgq]

Great build, Mike. Love the concept. More shop projects!!!

[@ModernBuilds]

Right on, Thanks Jesse

[@jdkerk]

Yes! More shop projects!!

[@mehranfreeman6192]

Good job buddy.This one is a proper saw track , I made one but not as good as this one , I attached anti slip tape(cheap tape looks like 60 grit sand paper,1 roll 5$ in Australia) underneath to be able to use it without clamps.

[@ModernBuilds]

nice!! I'll have to check that out!

[@stephenestes7430]

That's a great alternative set-up to a track saw. Thoroughly enjoyed this video.

[@TheJpassler]

This.Is.Genius!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheTallAbacus]

Shop projects are great, maybe better than non-shop.

[@suepfister4593]

Definitely more shop projects!

[@reforzar]

Two inches... two feet. Same. I like the project. I might make one for my 16 5/16” saw.

[@matthewbuschur6466]

I'm liking the shop videos so keep it up!

[@ModernBuilds]

Sweet! Will do

[@kiranbhandare4421]

Very nice and infinite work.

[@Illumynatii]

This is going to make my coffee table build so much easier, thank you!

[@ModernBuilds]

Awesome! if you do build it, let me know how it goes