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

Before spending money on a Festool or Makita track saw, make sure you don’t waste money on a new tool you don’t need! I want to pick up a track saw, but they can be very expensive. Instead, I tried to upgrade my current circular saw so it acts like a track saw, which is a huge cost savings. A track saw jig is around $100 (at the time of this video) compared to a Festool track saw that costs between $700 - $900. I picked up the Milescraft track saw guide jig. This is NOT sponsored by Milescraft or anyone else. I used my own money to buy this tool and test it. I wanted to see if it is a good alternative to buying an actual track saw.
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Here’s a list of tools and materials that I used to make this project. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
•• Tools & Materials ••
My Amazon Store: www.amazon.com...
Milescraft track saw guide: amzn.to/3Xi1V6U
Festool track saw: amzn.to/4cFH6qo
Festool guide rail: amzn.to/3yUeqMG
Festool guide rail clamps: amzn.to/4dZCwod
Makita track saw: amzn.to/3MgZpYr
Makita guide rail: amzn.to/3YXI665
Makita guide rail clamps: amzn.to/4drPlaV
Bosch track saw: amzn.to/4cD9HwH
Bosch guide rails: amzn.to/4cMyZZu
Bosch guide rail clamps: amzn.to/4dWmxqG
Dewalt track saw: amzn.to/4dQz4N7
Kreg track saw: amzn.to/477iJRp

[@NewtonMakes]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!

[@joshhayes3433]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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~!

[@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..

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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 😊

[@ADogGuy]

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

[@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.

[@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 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@JimE6243]

Another informative and enjoyable vid. Thanks. JimE

[@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 !

[@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.

[@wambambrose]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@rondunlap4628]

Wen makes a desent 1