Make a simplified track saw

A plunge or track saw is a wonderful tool that solves the difficult problem that cutting a piece of plywood with a table saw can be. But if you don't do a lot of plywood or sheet good cutting, a good straight edge works...and works well. I've made a more complicated conduit track saw build that works, but it's unnecessary as you only need a good straight edge to get a perfect cut.
In this video, we're going to make that straight edge. It requires very few tools and very few materials (unistrut, thin plywood) to make and I promise, you'll never look at the table saw again when you need to cut sheets down.
Step by step instructions → makethingswithrob.com/make-a-...
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Thank you to my patrons!
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Jerry Adams
Zach Finch
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Mike Lornitis
Les N.
Gary G.
00:00 Intro
00:35 1. Materials and tools
01:18 2. Cutting to size
01:55 3. Drilling and attaching the strut
04:35 4. Creating zero for alignment
05:04 5. Example
06:01 6. Credits

[@MrJohnnyboyrebel]

Actually, with the strut centered on the base board, you can make your initial cuts along BOTH sides of the strut, giving you the option of having the saw motor over the strut or not over the strut. Great idea!

[@standorasbox]

Wow so glad I found this! What the heck are all the other KZbinrs doing? Advertising expensive crap! 😂

[@johnford7847]

Very clever. I've used the "factory edge plywood on plywood" track for many years, but I run into clamping issues at least once a year. Looks like you've solved that problem. thanks for sharing.

[@clemmcguinness1087]

A thought: a spur shelving upright is probably cheaper for this metal guide part and it has screw holes already drilled. What do you reckon?

[@Paul.Douglas]

Perfect! Gonna make this one. Lost my old one in a move and need a new one.

[@SUNnFUNRadio]

The unistrut is a great idea. I've always made these door boards by having the factory edge ripped off the sheet at the big box store and then gluing it down factory edge facing saw side. Takes a little bit longer because you have to allow the glue to dry before trimming your straight edge, but no screws or drilling involved.

[@SSIGreenHeron]

Thank you for this, it came at the perfect time. I am redoing my mantle with a live edge piece of wood and was wondering how I would get a clean edge along one side. With this jig, my problem is solved. Great work!

[@MCsCreations]

Really interesting idea, Rob! Fantastic work! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@ashokmoghe8035]

Rob another very nice video explaining in details construction of a very simple, affordable and at the same time a very effective tool. I have a version of this type of jig build using 1/2" plywood for both - the bottom piece as well as the guide. It is very heavy and unwieldy. I am going to build one using your design. Hoping it to be much more manageable. BTW, I was also confused about the need to add a piece of material on the narrower side until you explained it using the inset video. Very well done. Thanks and keep inspiring us.

[@maxximumb]

Cool idea.

[@rraeellis]

Thanks for the share.

[@RayCollins-dv4ts]

I have a similar set up for my cordless saw that is also 48+ inches.

[@jprz3837]

Been watching your videos for about a couple years now and you’ve easily remained my favorite woodworker / tool maker on KZbin. Thanks for all the content and inspiration you’ve given all of us that watch your videos. Looking forward to many more years of great quality builds.

[@edrobinson1613]

Good video. I have always just used 2 pieces of plywood glued and nailed together. Just looked at Home Depot and they want $35 for a 10 foot piece of strut!.

[@tjacksonwoodworker3726]

I use stair tread on the bottom as opposed to clamps. Works well...give it a shot...

[@user-io9ln1or7c]

Yhank you Sir.🎉

[@jimaspinii7579]

Where do you get the unistrut? I can’t find any like you use?

[@ecko1882]

Is that 1/4 inch panelling? Does it matter?

[@robinleebraun7739]

I made something similar to this 40 years ago. Then I got a table saw.

[@2logj]

Hello ,Thanks for making simple useful jigs.If we are Right handed can we use from Right side.You could have demonstrated more cuts to know its usefulness. Are you Left handed?

[@NavinBetamax]

Name and link to this track, please. Is it the one used for making adjustable shelves ?

[@TopCat2021]

It's call called Unistrut or Superstrut both sizes can be found in most big box stores and at electrical supply houses.

[@NavinBetamax]

@@TopCat2021 ...Thank you !

[@carlmurdock9188]

Please next time focus video closer hard to see everything completely

[@b3arwithm3]

It's a guide not a track. Can be explained in 60 seconds

[@jsh3234]

I thought you were going to actually make a " Track Saw". In other words the saw would slide on a track not alongside a guide/fence which is what you created.