Don't Waste Money! Watch This Before You Buy a Track Saw

[@NewtonMakes]

This is the Milescraft track saw jig I used in the video: amzn.to/3Xi1V6U

[@oc6huki]

I drilled through the sled and saw, bolted a cheap saw directly onto the sled on the first day. Works great without the flimsy clamps. Now I have a dedicated track saw.

[@Toyotajunkie]

I know someone who did the same. Lol They only drilled two spots, is that what you did with success? Or more/less? Curious

[@silent_lucidity67]

My thought exactly. In fact, I'll go you one further (better?). Why not make the attachment with wing nuts so you don't need a dedicated saw. Just attach/detach as required. Not like you're typically going to be bouncing back and forth between track and non- track one cut after the other.

[@andrewpanagis4383]

@@silent_lucidity67 everytime you attach and detach you need to calibrate to achieve zero clearance on the sacrificial strip.

[@andrewpanagis4383]

I'm keen to see how you did this.

[@silent_lucidity67]

@@andrewpanagis4383 You're right, if you use the goofy stock attachment method because there is virtually no way of duplicating the saw position once you take it off the sled. But, if you get everything aligned and adjusted using the wonky attachment hardware and then thru-drill the circular saw base plate and the sled (4 corners), use counter sink bolts pushed through from the underside of the sled plate and sinch it down with wing nuts washers and lock washers you should be able to remove/replace the saw whenever you want and never change the setup. As long as you keep the hardware tolerances tight it's really no different than removing and replacing a tire on your car.

[@mykolashatkovskyi8817]

I don't know how you manage every time to explain serious things in a properly simple way without yelling on me and pushing some products into my throat still making me want to buy?! Anyway you nailed it. I mean you sawed (sewed?..) it. You tracked it. You know what I mean! Great video - thank you!

[@cwakamatsu]

I just ordered one. Thank you for your input, especially about how to set it down after a cut so the attachment base doesn't move around and mess up the next cut. I find the price point to be very reasonable for how often I will use it, and the set-up to be fairly quick and easy, and the accuracy outstanding.

[@robertkrueger3902]

get well.. I have the festal track saw . The track saw was my primary saw up until about 1 year ago then I picked up a 3hp saw stop saw. I went all in on the MFT style benches . if you are only going to use a track saw as your saw I would also recommend the Dash Board rail hinge system it is fantastic and you will get great reliable cuts. The only down side to using a track saw as your only saw is it takes more time to make some cuts. I used to really enjoy the problem solving that provided me but now I love my table saw . The track saw will always be in my shop as there is no safer way to break down sheet goods. Square up large table builds . they are so handy I would recommend a track saw to everyone . Thank you for the video always fun to watch your videos..

[@RonMarshallrone]

I ordered one a few months ago and used it for the first time yesterday on 40 sheets of MDF and it worked awesome. Great buy.

[@scottbyrd2157]

Hey Billy! Good video! If folks are like me and only use or need a track saw so often than I would highly suggest the Wen Ct1274. It uses standard 71/4 blades so no special blades needed. Also it’s awesome and price is budget friendly. It does plunge, accuracy is awesome, corded for equal power, paired with squeeze clamps and track for a budget friendly setup. Mostly great for ripping and cross cutting sheet goods. But if your on a budget and only use one occasionally it would be worth the buy. Awesome video as always!!

[@PrevName-h9v]

This is the answer - I got the whole setup with 2 tracks for $230 late last year, it's been absolutely fantastic, the only thing that's lacking is dust collection. Even hooked up to the nicest "tool" in my arsenal, a Festool dust extractor, it still manages to spew sawdust. But it cuts accurately and smoothly, which is what matters.

[@johnconklin9039]

I've had a Dewalt track saw for 10-15 years and have gotten good use from it. Don't use it all that often, but always glad Ive got it when I do.

[@fifthamendment1]

I bought this kit about six months ago. I ended up screwing the sled to the baseplate of my saw and removed the hold down hardware. I have used it quite a bit and it makes accurate cuts. Now for the downside… 1. The guard has to be pushed up and the saw blade has to be aligned with the zero clearance strip each time it is used. 2. Plunge cuts are very difficult but not impossible. 3. Lots of dust. In my case, dust collection is not possible. The takeaway…. For the DIYer, this is a great option that will not break the bank. For the professional who cuts sheets frequently, invest in a track saw. Having done some research, I would recommend the Milwaukee track saw. It can cut 45s without tipping off the track; the adjustment knobs are clearly marked. It is a little bit cheaper than the competitors.

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic review, Billy! Thanks a bunch! 😃 But yeah, it's something you need to think very well before buying! Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@markduggan3451]

Glad you're feeling better. Great video, as always.

[@5325jslenk]

I have one from Menards, it is their Masterforce and comes with 110" track and 2 blades and clamps for $200 and I love it.

[@RalphScaduto]

Now that you've had it for 4 months, do you still love it? Agreed that for $200 bucks, you get the plundge saw and all the track, seems "too good to be true" at that price, so I'm wondering, do you still love it.

[@FallLineJP]

Got the Milescraft system for my dewalt circ saw. Needed a bit of modification to fit but the cut quality is great. Awesome purchase

[@Gazman299]

I have that track and really like it. I rarely use a track, so it made sense to go with the less expensive version, and like you said, it's very smooth. I haven't had the calibration, or dust collect issues that you've had. I use a DeWalt saw with an aftermarket dust port that I made work with some tweaking that fits my Festal midi very well. Great review. I'll be checking my calibration from now on just in case. Thank you.

[@digismurf]

I have been thrilled how this cuts with my Bosch CS20. I had the Kreg version of this tool that never properly attached to the Kreg plastic base that was a genuine waste of money for me. The Milescraft base is night and day better for me. The only downside to this system I found is dust collection. I put a fine tooth plywood blade on my saw and it cuts beautifully perfect straight repeating cuts but makes a big mess.

[@LarryB-inFL]

Great video with great advice about the calibration issue. Thanks!

[@tribalconcrete]

$520 for a Makita track saw & track beats that thing any day. "Saving money" on gadgets always cost me double. Having to adjust and readjust the splinter strip makes no sense whatsoever. I've had my Makita well over 10 years, love it. Just my opinion. Great video, thank you.

[@bakerfx4968]

@@tribalconcrete yeah if you have the cash it’s better to cry once buy once. Most people don’t have that extra cash for a hobby though

[@JJM_PNW]

Your comment is spot on for professional or ppl with side hustles. For ppl who are just getting started as diy’ers it’s a good temporary solution.

[@petebusch9069]

I agree totally and have wasted too much money on products like this trying to save a buck only to regret it and then buy the real tool later on. This is a major reason people don't have a big budget for tools that really work.

[@petebusch9069]

@@bakerfx4968 Then they need to raise their level of dedication.

[@petebusch9069]

@@JJM_PNW It cuts into the budget of buying the tools you really want though.

[@dian3145]

Hi Billy, glad you are on the mend. Thanks for the review. My daughter wants to ditch her antique craftsman TS to save space. This would be a good solution for the few times she is cutting larger pieces.

[@jasonmoncrieff7449]

Great video! Over here in the UK that product is £119 on Amazon. I purchased a macallister plunge saw kit complete with two 700mm tracks and clamps for £135. Much better option for me and dust collection is fantastic 👌

[@felix4525]

Thanks for the review. The issue you found is consistent with some of the reviews on Amazon for this product.

[@Andy-nm9dw]

Key takeaways- the red piece gets cut on The first pass. 2nd a small washer in the screws to the plastic guides really helps to line them up. The guides don’t move when tightening if you do this. Also you need to remove the plastic end caps all of them to connect the tracks and also to insert the clamps. You may want to reinstall the one on the side you start cutting from to keep your power cord if used from getting caught on the sharp machined edge. Thank you on the tip to raise the saw all the way up after each cut.

[@itmagic4377]

Bought about a year ago. Thank you for posting, and have some cuts to do this weekend with it. Also do not need very often.

[@bluepeakwoodworks]

Good instructive video! I know you mention dust collection at the end but for me, dust collection is a huge advantage with track saws. Otherwise, be sure to use a good dust mask or respirator, especially with MDF.

[@davelink1318]

Huh, i will definitely keep that in mind, i bought the Bora one, supposed to fit most saws didn't fit my old DeWalt saw, bought it in 1993 its big, so i still use a guide and clamp it both ends and measure 3 times 😊

[@jimspence0]

All of the track saws you mentioned have one thing in common that your doesn't. A riving knife. Not really needed for most sheet goods but a must for solid wood. Waaaayyyy safer.

[@compupsych3897]

Excellent video, thanks!

[@rschelp1]

I own this Milescraft track and a Bosch Circular Saw. About dust collection .. the Bosch offers a dust port attachment that allows connecting a vacuum hose. It varies by maker but have seen others that off this too .. but you need to check your circle saw to see if an attachment is available.

[@randallthomas5207]

RE online shopping while recovering from Covid: When I was down with Covid I was dwon, high temperature, blood sugar out the roof severe symptoms lasted a few weeks. As I started feeling better, and watching videos on KZbin, I designed something in my head, and ordered over a thousand dollars of tracks, track stops, etc. from Incra. two weeks later, when it all showed up, I had absolutely no idea, what I was going to do with it. It is still in the shop, and I still have no idea what I was going to build.

[@bribbripnairbnab7301]

Good to see it isn't just me!

[@Toyotajunkie]

Exactly why I must at least jot notes or crappy sketches. I have actually worn my stylus down on my phone using it as scratch paper. 😢

[@jimrosson6702]

Great review Billy glad you are doing better. You should check out the Ridgid track saw I got one about a year ago and love it.

[@davidschreckengost7959]

It really depends on what your cutting!!! The wen track saw came in a bundle. 110 inches of track the clamps and saw less than 250 bones and for cutting sheet goods works great not any problems. Fyi for testing and precuts I used my old doors ( those sold 2 inch thick ones ) didn't even dog lol

[@Marcus_Caius]

I went that route 6 years ago with the Kreg system. Spent around $250 and used it maybe 20 times. Removing and putting back the saw on the skid was terrible, cut was terrible and sawdust terrible. I throw it in the garbage and spent $1,000 on a Festool TS 55 and a Vaccuum. Problem solved! A dream to use and basically NO sawdust. I use the clamps only on a 8' long cut. I have now 4 track guides and I'm happy to pay the price for a quality tool.

[@GrayRaceCat]

@@Marcus_Caius Yup! Buy once, cry once!

[@Toyotajunkie]

I wonder if some lock washers would help maintain the position of the hold downs? I was burned by Kreg's version years ago (complete crap), so I think I will eventually buy a cordless Makita or Milwaukee. Great video, though, and stay healthy!

[@andrewbrown8148]

I've been using the Kreg Accu-Cut with my B&D circular saw now for several years. It's been pretty good, but I'd really like to go with a plunge/track saw for more versatility & accuracy. My struggle is with the brand choices... Kreg, Makita, Festool, etc... I'm a hobbyist woodworker, so it's a total indulgence. My overall hope is that I would be motivated to use it more by having an actual plunge saw of either brand. I guess I'd also need to invest in a Kreg ACS, a Festool MFT, or create my own (TrackTubes option with my Centipede?). First-world problems, right?!?! 😉 Happy to hear that you've kicked COVID to the curb~!

[@msk3905]

I bought an accu cut years ago and regret it, waste of money the biggest gripe is the guide is so small i had issues starting and finishing cuts straight. They have since changed the design to offer a slightly larger one, i called them asking if i can buy but they wouldn’t sell me even after I said id modify to fit so made one with piece of maple. Still it just sits there collecting dust if it wasn’t stored put of the way it would most likely be in trash bin. Disappointed as my other Kreg stuff has been great.

[@JimE6243]

Another informative and enjoyable vid. Thanks. JimE

[@Nectarman]

I bought my Wen tracksaw four years ago. I use it with a Makita track. 0 problems

[@barkermjb]

Good review

[@michaelwillson6847]

Nice video Billy. I have the cordless Bosch mouthful saw it's Great but better option for track right now. Evolution track 2 55 inch peices plus clamps plus joining bar plus bag £100($120 ish) just a thought 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@keithc1335]

I bought this and returned it a couple days later. The setup was miserable and highly prone to error. The only way I could recommend this would be if you had a dedicated circ saw and permanently affix it with silicone. The blade setup guide is good in concept, but there is so much flex in the thin blades. I bought a garbage WEN track saw a few years back, then I bought this pile of crap. After I returned it, I walked down the aisle and bought a Makita corded track saw. I could have saved a lot of money and hassle if I just did that in the first place.

[@ADogGuy]

The intro reminds me of my junior high 80's safety videos.

[@JASinIL2006]

Nice review! I’ve looked at a number of these low cost track saw systems, and in almost every case, the base that attaches to the saw seems to be the weak point. In the case of the Milescraft model, I think it would drive me crazy to have to raise the blade after every cut, especially when breaking down multiple sheets of the same material.

[@SCP75-6]

What a pain having to re-calibrate every time you need it. I have the Milwaukee track saw , doesn’t get used a ton , but when I need it , I am cutting in a matter of seconds.

[@Dennis-kj9qx]

Lol, I'm laid up for quite a spell due to foot surgery. Been a week now, and im going nuts. My Shop needs me! So.. Im online shopping now Lol! I'm really glad it's normal, I thought I might have a disorder.

[@truth2power463]

Great video. I have found that if you have a really good blade, and a decent saw, EVERYTHING else can be modified on the fly so that you get perfect results. Then, you don't have to hand over your firstborn to Festool for the privilege of owning their overpriced tools.

[@sessionstony]

I have not had much luck with this saw guide. I attached my saw according to the instructions but it kept moving on me. I didn't know about the deal of lifting the saw so that it does not get knocked out of calibration. I will try that before I toss it out.

[@allanhmelnitski978]

A Real track saw does precise stable right angle cuts on the finest proffessional carpentry level. But for somekinda wobbly cut up rip job any circsaw with any straightish plank fence will do the job.

[@msolace580]

20 dollar used corded saw in garage sale, bolt it to the guide. never have to re calibrate just leave it on the track, been cutting for years, there is 0 difference between expensive and cheap saw, spend money on the blade. repeat and make your panel saw with another 20 dollar used corded saw. and repeat again with a custom sled for plunge cuts. use the rest of the money and buy dinner.

[@mmarte1622]

How about you mark the location of the saw on the track base. Then take it off use some thin two way tape on the saw base. Place it back down on the track base to lock in place. Assuming you have more than one circular saw. Just an idea.

[@csimet]

I looked at several options, including the Milescraft and WEN, but bought the cordless Makita (XPS01PTJ, 2x 18V) and love that thing. Perfect cuts, no cord to get in the way and the batteries last forever. Worth every cent for me to break down sheet goods in my garage before I can get them into the shop and the table saw. Half the cost of the Festool.

[@hubes96]

His issue with setting the saw down when the saw is in a post its in for using the track. Well there is the difference in a wood-shop guy and a construction worker. Like a framer for example: a framer would not set the saw down like that, they will set the saw down at the edge of their bench or saw horse so the blade is hanging over the edge so the saw sits flat. Its a habit you learn when working or framing. Knowing setting it down with blade and blade guide at an angle is putting unwanted pressure in the blade.

[@khiaraslaw]

Lowes just had the Bosh on sale for 399. And yep they sold out

[@awax2585]

Wtf, these prices are crazy 😱 Over here, the SP6000J can be had for 290€ and a 1500mm rail is like 50€ ...

[@davidburris120]

You should add Wen to that list. My opinion it’s pretty good.

[@Meg-hl2vk]

@@davidburris120 I bought the corded Wen and love it! I don’t have anything to compare it to, so take it for what it’s worth… but I love it.

[@asbrand]

Same here with the Wen. Works just fine, and WAY cheaper.

[@phydeux543]

I'm going to build one kitchen, about 8 cabinets. Should I get this off the Wen track saw?

[@ajnabee03]

Does it do bevel cut?

[@johnedwards6939]

Buy the Festool. It’s not that much more. Versatile with many options. Non Skid track that rarely needs clamps. Many folks find the need for a tablesaw is highly diminished. Got rid of my TS and don’t miss it. At around minute 7, your Makita is belching saw dust all over. Dust collection alone makes the Festool a better product.

[@DYates-txag]

The typical track saw buyer has more $ than sense. I just use my Makita and a straight edge as a guide. There’s no difference in clamping down my straight edge vs clamping down a track and I can get the same nice cuts. I can also put my saw back in its case afterward.

[@bryangourlie9226]

@@DYates-txag my guide requires a 1.5" offset to allow for the saw's base offset from the blade. This is way more difficult and les accurate that lining the track's cut line on your mared cut line.

[@Brian-tb1zs]

Hmmm, I think I like it, will probably give it try and marry a saw to it. Maybe some counter sunk hardware from the bottom ? Is that feasible ? Thanks !

[@ChrisWhitley-tx1oz]

Well I have two saws sitting around already. I don’t know how much I would use a track saw in the first place. After watching this, I figure what’s a hundred bucks to find out whether I even need a track saw.

[@amwartwork]

that non slip rubber is about as grippy as ky jelly LOL

[@jonathanpettit8846]

You really should have some dust extraction when cutting MDF 😣

[@Fudgieguys]

Gee, let me see if I understand this. You get a circular saw track system and complain it did not come with a saw. Most people already have a saw but want a track system. This is the best one on the market for price and durability. I have tried the Kregg track system. It really sucks for the price they want for it. I have three circular saws. A 6-inch that I will be using on the Milescraft. I have a full-size circular saw for thick woodcuts and a cordless one for convenience.

[@wambambrose]

try the extension on the miles craft, can't get a straight edge.

[@AdventureswithJack453]

I bought the WEN track saw. A little over $200. Works greta. BTW, it uses the same track as the Festool and Makita. Hint Hint if you own those saws.

[@mohammedrahman308]

Still $100 bucks I rather spend that 100 bucks towards new dewalt dcf578b and build my own track guide. 1/2 inch plywood is fine for the track guide

[@SaintFredrocks]

The problem I have with any kind of comparison with a track saw is that the comparison always ends with dust collection. If there were a viable way to harness the dust a circular saw puts out vs a track saw I would be interested.

[@halsonger1317]

Thanks for the review. Overall I've found Milescraft products to do what they are advertised for; I have some of their router jigs and they work really well. I've been looking at this as an option to use with a cordless saw to break down sheet goods so they will fit in my SUV since I no longer have a vehicle that will take a 4x8 sheet intact so super accuracy isn't critical but I'm concerned about the registration getting out of whack and damaging the track. I wonder if replacing the arm with something sturdier would prevent that from happening.

[@ST-0311]

If you dedicate a saw exclusively for this track you can mount it permanently. Clamp and calibrate it. With the saw clamped in place drill and countersink holes up from the bottom thru the guide plate and saw base plate. Fasten with Nylock nuts. I have a worm drive saw attached to a different brand of guide plate, and it has never moved.

[@igivethanks]

wouldn't taking the riving knife off the saw enable the saw to plunge ?

[@Kosh42EFG]

I'd love one, but would barely use it. My DeWalt circular with a Kreg version of this product works fine for me, even in hardwood.

[@Kosh42EFG]

This version looks much better than Kreg!

[@mr.c6674]

@@Kosh42EFG , why? I have the Kreg version, but can't say one is better than the other

[@Kosh42EFG]

The ali Vs plastic base for one. And the adjustments or the cart on the rails.

[@brenperkins3117]

@@Kosh42EFG I have the Kreg and agree with you 100% on all counts. I’d buy the Milescraft if I were to do it again (and still kind of want to get the Milescraft and ditch the Kreg. The aluminum base alone makes the Milescraft more appealing and the anti-slop adjustments seal the deal.

[@eagleithrustx777]

Still better than having to measure 4 9/16 out from your line and then watching the track go off by 1/8 when you clamp it down.

[@Mindventmofficial]

Just buy the wen tracksaw

[@billmorash3322]

I have a Ryobi corded saw that the blade isn't completely square with the shoe. (some idiot dropped it. we won't get into who the idiot was. it wasn't m... their fault) it looks like I could use it with the Milescraft track saw guide. Am I right?

[@johnwarwick4105]

This looks ideal for most non pro users but it a shame one of the track pieces isn’t a little longer. Will one section allow you to cut 24”.

[@joes3266]

Great video. One thing I took from this video is the Milescraft track system which comes with the tracks, base plate and clamps is cheaper than the larger companies are selling just their tracks. It appears the base plate and its components should be the most expensive portion of the kit.

[@Taylexwow]

Anyone know if this would hold a Makita Hypoid style saw?

[@marksmith4627]

Yep, being under the weather with a fever always makes one delusional, and make rash purchases online! LOL

[@williamellis8993]

I have the Kreg ACS system. I bought an extra track section so I wouldn't have to disassemble it in order to use it as a track saw. I absolutely love it. The Kreg saw also has an anti-chip feature on the outboard side of the blade as well as an anti-kickback control on the saw for when you're using the track. Bill

[@Factory400]

I tried the Kreg version: FAIL I tried this version: FAR better Still, much worse than a track saw. I have saved nothing, lost time, and gained frustration. Mid level tracksaw is next for me.....I'm done wasting time.

[@bpshyk]

WOW, you share knew how to set it up right out of the box! Nice ad for this company!!

[@rondunlap4628]

Wen makes a desent 1

[@amwartwork]

those rails are not realistic. they should be half of the standard length of sheet material. X2 should be the full length of sheet material. design flaw there by the compnay. u didn't need to draw your line down the whole length of the sheet. just a mark on one end and a mark on the other end

[@farnorth7314]

Under $100 in the US...over $225 in Canada...sorry, looks like a good product, but I don't care to be gouged.

[@VM-oi3dk]

@@farnorth7314 beats spending 6 times as much for something that isn’t that much better

[@robbiterry38]

so why was we supposed to watch before we buy.

[@fb510m]

ur hawking junk w this one but its a perfect example of why dust collection is needed 👎🏻

[@yakkytory8236]

Demos with MDF? What about regular types of woods. Useless!

[@MissionaryForMexico]

Good grief! All you need is a straight piece of flat bar aluminum, two c clamps from harbor freight.

[@bigredracingdog466]

How much are your lungs worth? A circular saw has essentially no dust collection. My Makita isn't perfect, but with a dust extractor I get 2% of the dust I got with my circular saw. MDF is nasty stuff.

[@francisbuil1433]

👎🥕

[@patrickbastiaenssens7322]

I'm having the same problem to find a proper sawguidesystem for my Makita? I suppose i have the only model from Makita that doesn't work on a guide. But when I saw that you probably have the same tracksaw as me. Can ik ask you what model you have? I have a Makita 5008 MG. I can't go to a store to ask them because there aren't any dealers in Belgium as far as I know. I already send an E-mail to Milescraft but the don't aswer. Could you please let me know what type of track-saw you have. Many Thanks