How to Make a DIY Track Saw - Can it Beat a 40v Makita?

[@Andy-xs3ld]

I'm on my way out to my garage to make this right now, wish I'd seen this sooner. this is without doubt my ultimate come to on KZbin for all DIY stuff I haven't already mastered. Yesterday I fixed and balanced my central heating, kind of feel I owe something to be honest.

[@stevenwells5268]

Sometimes the feeling of I made that, is the most satisfying thing and stuff the moaners with workshops full of expensive kit, keep it up I say 👍👍

[@TheDIYGuy1]

I have plenty of the expensive stuff but like you say, I enjoy making things too 😊

[@nigelcalvert536]

Just made one of these today. Thanks for the idea and demonstration. Clever solution.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Brilliant glad it was useful

[@Jackman8594]

Ive built a ton of saw jigs, finally bought a makita track saw. Just for the dust collection alone its worth it. Of course if your a weekend warrior these jigs are great!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Right on!

[@kenn1936]

I am definitely going to make this. Thank you so much for this tutorial and demo. Awesome video!!

[@joytekb]

Simple, sharp, straight to the point.

[@luckypope7154]

I’m learning tons off these videos - thanks!!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad to hear it!

[@mandiigraham1596]

So far this was the best explanation of this DIY project. I like that you suggest to try the DIY version before outlaying for a more expensive unit. But please don’t call it a “Track saw” it is a Track Saw Guide. Just about all carpenters on KZbin call it a track saw. Why is this? It is only a Track Saw when it comes with both saw and guide.

[@TheCod3r]

You'll never please everyone bud. Just post what you want to post and if people watch they watch, if not, that's OK too. Plus if you do post different stuff like this it can draw new people in who are searching specifically for that thing and it might get them into other things on the channel. I do occasionally post unrelated stuff in the hopes it can kind of draw otherwise uninterested people into my niche 😀

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Absolutely 👍, thanks for the comment and good luck on your channel.

[@ExtremeShez]

Great advice. 😊

[@briancaldwell-wh1ce]

Couldn’t agree more. Just remember mate in every single one of your great videos the positive comments massively outweigh the negative ones - keep up the good work! You make a lot of people happy and take pleasure from DIY!! 👍🏻

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Brilliant, thanks a lot 😊.

[@TheBalloonTwister]

This is golden!!! very clever and cost effective. Also i like the honest comparison at the end. Considering all the videos of yours ive seen i must say your more of a expert trades man than a diy guy ( i understand the diy guy might be better suited for youtube channel title) I dont normally bother with the long winded comments. But fair play to ya keep up the good work awesome stuff. Looking forward to your next projects 👍

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Awesome, thank you! I try appeal to as broad base of people of all different skill levels as possible. I’m far from an expert at most things but I do try and share my experiences 😊

[@charlotteroberts]

Bonkers timing. I've been trying to figure out if I get a DeWalt saw or one of the fancier expensive ones! Thanks for answering my question. Off I pop to B&Q.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Any time!

[@fredsmith6725]

Great video, I have a corded Makita track saw which I love for its precision. However, I keep meaning to make a track for my 18v Hitachi saw for doing rough straight cuts, but havent yet because I couldn't make up my mind on how to make it acurate enough. Seeing this one made with the tile edging has made up my mind. Thanks

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad to have helped your decision

[@tonyefc8423]

Careful of the tile edgings. They can bend, and bow your cut. Machined hardwood flat 21 x 12mm beads screwed down are more accurate and don't move.

[@jamesduffy5019]

Blimey, how your channels grown!! Ignore the negative comments from the ‘EXPERTS’. Your track saw is a great idea, and as long as common sense is used to plunge, crack on! Hope your renovations going well, and well done you for your excellent videos which inspire 1000’s! Now I’ve got to go back to fitting heavy oak veneer doors into old linings! 😩 Good vid on that also👍

[@TswalediFannie]

Love it man. I made mine yesterday and now i can make straight cutting.

[@Grow_A_Pair]

To get the same quality of cut as the £800 track saw, you could just run a length of frogtape along your marked cutting line prior to cutting and then cut over the cutting line you make on top of the tape with your DIY track saw to give you a laser clean edge...Good vid! It would be amazing if it could rip a 2.4m board though ... a small ammendment to bring the DIY track saw to about 2.8m would be perfect!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Good point 👍

[@xlfive]

I wish this video came out a few months ago ,don't have the need for an expensive track saw so I bought a cheap Evolution track saw for those odd times I might need one . Still I'm still going to make one and keep it in my van to go with my Erbauer circular saw that way it won't hurt as much if it gets robbed of damaged Thanks for another great video

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Brilliant. Who knows, it may come in useful 👍

[@nore8141]

I’ve been debating on whether I should build this. Thanks for the advice ❤❤

[@charliesmithers7663]

When setting out your guide rail, put a layer of masking tape on the side of the saws base plate. After you've finished fitting the guide rails remove the tape. This will be a defent tolerance for the saw to slide

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍

[@tonyefc8423]

Good idea

[@mikenco]

I have one of those Dewalt saws, I love it and used it for thousands of jobs. I normally clamp a fence if it needs to be perfectly straight, and I mean I have done kitchen worktop joints with it (good blade essential). I might have to make one of these track thingummies, it looks like it could save a few minutes here-and-there!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Give it a go 👍. Like you I love the dewalt saw

[@MargyLong]

Your videos are just mesmerising and informative.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad you like them!

[@ChelseaPensioner-DJW]

I use just one rail, measure from the blade teeth and line the board with the cut line. Basically half of what's just been built. Works fine for a DIYer, but I get big cuts done at the store. I use to clamp an angle iron onto the board to be cut with the measurement I mentioned earlier.

[@-djs]

Same here, not long since got a WORX plunge saw for DIY, the 120mm blade version, I think I'll be having a bash at making one of these, Hope your well 👍🏻

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Give it a go. Hope your well too!

[@craigbuckley4832]

Very good video, very interesting good job thankyou 👍👍

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@martinvho]

If you modify the baseplate of the circular saw somewhat to have an overhanging slot that runs over one rail, you can do away with the other rail, having the saw overhang the edge of your board like an actual tracksaw.

[@alanpotter7368]

Love that- going to make one!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Do it 🙌👍

[@normality3848]

This guy is the Kickback King. It hits your neck, you hit the deck.

[@MikePregler]

Great video! Thank you for the simple, but comprehensive instructions! I'm curious have you, or anyone in the comments, created one of these with a bevel? Say 30 or 45 degrees?

[@alexcurmi7412]

I made something similar about a year ago but unfortunately only lasted a few cuts! I was cutting 12mm plywood with it, when the circular saw blade began to walk/bend off to the side somehow and make a curved cut. Not sure how that happened as the track kept the saw in a straight line. It was also really difficult to line up the track with a pencil mark quickly. I bought a Titan track saw and it was worth the purchase, much more accurate and miles ahead in terms of ease of use.

[@jksisrael1]

it is great solution for DIY guys and many many more. sure it is not comfortable as the makita. but its sure worth it

[@Dalbayob69]

The chip out was probably because the DIY rail wasn’t touching the piece you were cutting because you put that tape on bottom of it. I’d also rub some candle wax on it to help saw slide along better. I love making things like this. Would take too long to explain but I made a router jig in similar style to level out 600x600 pieces of wood I needed.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Good point! Thanks for watching 😊

[@amazing451]

Usefull jig there I think even for a tradesman, as I often found that a circular saw is more useful on site work when cutting some materials that quickly blunt the blades of the saw. Using this jig would give you similar accuracy to a track saw for first fix work.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Great point there! Cheers

[@AlexKall]

Great video! I got a Makita circular saw, adapter and a rail. But if I hadn't have gotten the adapter and rail I would have given this a go!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks!

[@Samurai9901]

I've got the same, the adapter makes life much easier allowing you to use the track

[@Choccytube]

Great video, really helps you decide whether you need a plunge saw or not. If it's straight cuts this will suffice and can spend the extra savings on some nicer blades.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad you liked it

[@DjGiluk]

Great idea! Thanks 👍🏻

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks as always!

[@cprog]

I can't wait to watch it.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

🙌

[@TheEchelon]

I just got the Makita corded track saw for 300 euros. As a DIYer that'll be plenty for me.

[@jeffreyhall6345]

I made a saw track from mdf and adjustable shelf rails. It has cross braces at each end so no plunging required. I used to try and find straight lengths of wood as guides for the saw but now I would not be without my diy track. DIY Guy has got it almost right but there are better videos that show how to do it without the plunge.

[@bdshepherd99]

Really good video but bear in mind that you don't need to spend anywhere near £800 for a Makita tracksaws. The SP6000J will do everything that your £800 one will but of course needs a 230v power supply. However it only costs around just over £400 including the tracks.

[@its_marc]

Thanks. Will make one of these.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Enjoy!

[@jeffreytull5767]

What an amazing build. I'm glad I found this channel, but I have to ask... why such thick plywood? It would seem a 10 - 12 mm board would be sufficiently strong for a track.

[@Jailbreaker236]

Great video

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks for the visit

[@mikeredhead2894]

Thanks for the video brother.

[@michaelhannard7342]

After being perhaps a little bit skeptical yesterday about this video I take my hat off to you, however it really is worth noting that the 40v one is only 40v and it will only run on a single 40v battery, however like I mentioned yesterday the 36v Makita plunge saw will run on 95% of the average DIYer 18v Makita battery platform as it is a 2x18v plunge saw and for those on the Makita 18v system they can without batteries for just under £530 with 2x 1.5m rails and rail bag and jointing pins, or with 2 5ah batteries and charger and 2x 1.5m rails and jointing pins and rail bag for just under £680 overall though a very good video and had we not have bought the 36v plunge saw we too would have been on the 40v Makita plunge saw 😂

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Fair comments. The 40v is a mega piece of kit , as is the 36v 👍

[@johnmac3387]

Hi . Thoroughly enjoying your videos . Very helpful indeed . Wee suggestion for you . I’m thinking of building a small brick garage . Would it be possible for you to do a video on this . 8 x 6 if possible . Cheers 😊

[@MrDead1975]

I've seen another video where they covered the base in a thin coat of silicone to act as a non slip base that seemed to work very well

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍

[@dgperforms1]

Thanks

[@Motocicleiros]

Having been in both sides trust me when I say that it works but doesn't compares. If you really cannot afford the Makita (or any of the other cheaper similar systems) then go for that. Otherwise do a favor to yourself and get the real thing. The difference in precision, reliability and practicity is like night and day.

[@tonyefc8423]

The real thing is better than any knock off version, but if it saves £500 and does the job 'adequately', all power to anyone who makes their own. Remember, safety first though.

[@djtremix1]

This a question from someone just getting into woodworking. So I'm a beginner for doing home projects. is there a reason why the hole for the blade can not be bigger? I was thinking of using a router tool to make it the hole. But I don't see why not make it larger in the direction the saw would cut at an angle. My circular saw also has a laser so I think it will also make it easy to position.

[@tonyefc8423]

I've made my own track using plywood and hardwood flat 21 x 12 beads, screwed down. Where the blade is, i ran a 12mm fluted cutter in my router, which straddles the blade line approximately 5mm either side. Mine works perfectly. Remember, safety first.

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍 Brilliant. Thank you

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thank you too!

[@WiresFanDrew]

Turn it round 180 degrees and then you could have an angled cut as well? (Albeit just one way)

[@TheDIYGuy1]

You may well be right!

[@dilligaf2386]

Can you cut melamine good side up with no chipping on face with a plunge saw. Good video

[@taylorrussell34]

If a Makita track saw costs 850 British pounds you guys are getting hosed. That saw is $500 Canadian (or about $300USD) on this side of the pond.

[@paulelverstone8677]

Useful, as I've cut contiboard a stack of times and it never seems to be particularly clean or straight...

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Hope this helps you 😊

[@joedefloat7802]

To do a 30mm cut you need to account for the thickness of the blade kerf.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Yes you do

[@dusteye1616]

I bet that an Makita rail and adapter is cheaper than that piece of ply you brought up fist seconds in this build.

[@larsmortensen]

About the chipping. If you look at where the chippings occur I’m sure that you will find them to be where you have visability holes. 😉

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Absolutely right

[@ranat5526]

Lidl were doing plunge saw with track for £69

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Be interesting to test one of those out

[@coolmonkey619]

What shampoo do you use mate. Your hair is luscious

[@TheDIYGuy1]

😂😂 whatever the other half buys

[@davidallton8074]

Or just buy a Makita circular saw that already fits the Makita track. Works perfectly.

[@AlexKall]

But if you already have a circular saw of different brand this is a great way to do one on the cheap.

[@adamuk73]

Agreed. The track is 50 quid or something so doesn't break the bank

[@darren990]

nice video

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks for the visit

[@reznek3099]

Buy a candle, rub the end on the rails, and maybe even the base, and your saw will run like a dream.

[@SiAnon]

Am i allowed to build it with my Makita plunge saw or is that cheating ?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

😂 I also considered that

[@joseruiz-cc1mt]

Regálame una sierra por favor quiero hacer trabajo ls pequeños y vender

[@theshark2931]

Is that a Stanley hacksaw

[@TheDIYGuy1]

I think it is!

[@theshark2931]

@@TheDIYGuy1 great video. Have you done a video on how to hang a door ? Or install loft ladders 🪜

[@TheDIYGuy1]

@@theshark2931thanks. Hanging a door yes, loft ladder not yet.

[@coolmonkey619]

Can i use a jigsaw instead?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Afraid not. There is too much flex in the blade

[@paski5113]

We will put the saw back in the blade... no We will put the blade back in the saw and then we will cut ourselves A nice straight line

[@UnfittedNoise]

Grrat video, now stopped me buying a track saw.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks. Give one of these a try but a track saw is still an awesome bit of kit

[@UnfittedNoise]

@@TheDIYGuy1 just invested in a table saw and first fix DeWalt nail gun, a track saw would have been pushing it 😂

[@TheDIYGuy1]

😆 true that

[@Bobtheslob-bi9ng]

Complete noob here, does this mean you lose 18mm cutting depth from the blade?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

You will lose the depth of the plywood yes. Thanks

[@chickenfist1554]

If I was using that Makita and track I still wouldn't be able to cut a straight line lol

[@theoisaac9948]

👍 👍

[@TheDIYGuy1]

🙌

[@theoisaac9948]

@@TheDIYGuy1 Yup

[@SubrosaRose]

You all ready lost me when you said plywood. Plywood in Denmark are pretty expensive.

[@giovannibecali4306]

0:10 that rubbish cost £800?!

[@AlexKall]

Rubbish?

[@robbinbanks1311]

Way not make it so that you could cut angles with it? Its not like it would be hard to do ? Genuine question not being funny or out

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Your right, you could do if you wanted to

[@michealtran3636]

Thank you for your guide video very helpful

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

There is no way for this to be a plausible experiment. Nothing compares to a track saw. I own the makita in this video, it’s just non sense

[@TheDIYGuy1]

What’s non sense about it? It’s a solution for those who don’t or can’t buy a track saw.

[@CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

@@TheDIYGuy1the non sense is comparing a high end saw to literal garbage. A track saw has a anti splinter strip that’s replaceable, anti slip foam, 90% dust collection, more precise blades, accessories like rail squares and parallel guides, can go on an mft/ dashboard set up, doesn’t really need clamps not to move, and they seldomly need warranty work because they are sealed off better

[@dominikfratczak8710]

or just buy yourself kreg accucut, slap it on your cordless circular saw, realize you quite good with building cabinets (woodworking in general, plus handyman stuff) also looks less embarassing, earn money, buy a festool tracksaw, quit your terrible job. make 60 plus grand a year. kreg accucut is a decent track for a very little money especially after adding low friction strips at a bottom of a base for a zero play

[@TheDIYGuy1]

I’ll have to check those out 👍

[@TheOffroader7458]

Just buy a lumber jack plunge saw for £119 ,done

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍

[@edwin2413]

P r o m o s m

[@Room1sixtyfive]

Don't do this, just buy a Wen track saw and 110" tracks for like $140 USD.

[@garethwatson7999]

First test….depth? Oh shit, failed!

[@Dickie2702]

Keep it real mate, you're thumbnail says plunge saw. I'd like to see you make a plunge cut on a say a sink cut out with a circular saw. Make videos by all means but don't tell porkies. Somebody that doesn't know better might try and plunge cut with a circular saw and that's dangerous isn't it?

[@NotAllTheTime]

I couldn't agree more and lining the line up through a thick piece of board? Keeps Ng the board from bowing over time? Keeping the "rails" straight when there's always a chance of them getting knocked and bent? A diyer is better off getting a parkside tracksaw + rails for the same price and the DeWalt + the time it takes to make what I would consider to be a "get you out of the shit jig" 😂😂

[@station-7]

The internet experts are out in full force. Why you lot watch novice DIY videos I’ll never know.

[@Dickie2702]

@station-7 Because when we see a circ saw with plunge saw written next to it we know something is wrong. And there is, OK? You can't make plunge cuts safely with a circular saw and it needs calling out, OK?

[@Sly_Wolf_1]

​@@station-7And the criticism criticism police have come on duty too😂😂

[@paulstevenson8979]

Agreed, plunging a circular saw is dangerous especially if the user doesn’t remove the riving knife! Stay away and use a circular saw as it is intended

[@vindicari]

dewalt is an expensive tool also. hardly a diy project. if you can afford dewalt you can afford makita.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts . The dewalt is around £120 whilst the makita is around £800.

[@bratvasea230]

Didn’t watch the video, but I can tell for sure, a dewalt will beat a makita any day and anytime. Working with both daily, makita in my job workshop and dewalt in mine home one. Makita is slow and lack of power. Absolute rubbish.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Interesting 🤔

[@jamesfarrer5087]

Sorry, this feels like a video to satisfy making some KZbin content and a catchy title rather than anything practical. Given you can get a perfectly acceptable plunge saw from B&Q for just over £100, there just isn't any point wasting time and money building this or putting up with its limitations

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Some like it some don’t. I can’t please everyone every time I’m afraid

[@TheCod3r]

There is always a point to making your own. If you have scrap wood around, it's a free track saw. Free is much better than £100 and some people want something for one off jobs. Obviously if you're doing a big project with a lot of materials £100 don't matter, but £100 saved is £100 you could spend on other things. Times are tough for a lot of people

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Good points made 😊. I do try to please everyone but as with anything in life, that will never be the case.

[@cedarstuff]

Not only is this a great instructional video for a mini project, it leaves the viewer to decide what is best for them, which seems like the perfect fit for a DIY channel. A plunge saw is a great tool, but not one the typical DIY-er will use frequently enough to justify an additional purchase, when this gets you 70% there.

[@ottofumbler7267]

I kind of agree. I've seen hours of this channel on a whole load of subject matter, and most of it is excellent. And I mean that. I'd hire him in a heartbeat over the clowns I've had this misfortune of using in recent years working with the trades. This one however... it's a bit sus. In reality, the same guy (or non-guy human) watching this channel and considering buying a tracksaw isn't looking at the £800 version. It's okay to take a wee holiday. Unlike your mortgage lender, we don't need staccato output. Stick to the best practice have a go yourself crowd stuff. That's the good shit!

[@strummer6642]

Really helpful comparison, thanks!