How Does a Track Saw Work? The circular track saw moves in a straight path in the metal track. Simply attach the metal track to the workpiece, plunge the circular saw into the workpiece, and move it ahead along the guideways when you’re ready to cut.
How does a track saw track stay in place?
0:214:14Track Saw Track Traction Strips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThese are traction strips and what prevents the track from moving while making a cut you can alsoMoreThese are traction strips and what prevents the track from moving while making a cut you can also buy clamps that secure the track to the workpiece preventing it from moving.
Can any circular saw be used as a track saw?
A circular saw can be used for all the same functions as a track saw, but doesn't necessarily do them quite as well. If you're on a budget, you can turn your circular saw into a makeshift track saw with straight edge guide. You can make your own circular saw jig, or buy one instead.
What can I cut with a track saw?
With track saws, the control is between the base plate and the track. Since most track saw systems have some form of "line of cut" indicator showing where your blade will go, simply mark out your tapered line and place the track on it to make your cut!
How does a track saw not move?
While it cuts, a plunge-cut track saw rides along a stable track, which stays in place thanks to non-slip, non-marring pads on its underside. The Festool TS 55 REQ plunge-cut track saw delivers clean, precise cuts for almost any cutting application.
Why would I need a track saw?
The track saw is great for ripping boards, cutting trim, and providing splinter-free cuts across panels. The track saw is also excellent when used as a plunge saw because you can set it to a precise depth and it won't fail you. You have the ultimate in control when working on wood flooring or sub flooring, for example.
Can I use a track saw without the track?
All of the saws can be used without a track, just like a regular circ saw. But guiding them with a track guarantees dead-straight cuts. All the tracks work similarly: The saw straddles a raised rib that maintains a straight cutting line, and rubber grip strips on the bottom prevent the track from scooting during a cut.
Can you rip a 2x4 with a track saw?
There is no reason you can't use a track saw to cut 2x4s if it is able to cut that deep.
How deep can a track saw cut?
How deep can track saws cut? Most track saws can cut just over 2 inches deep; however, some of the larger track saws can cut up to 2½ inches deep.
Is a plunge saw the same as a track saw?
A plunge saw, sometimes referred to as a track saw, is a type of hand held circular saw which slides on a rail during application. You can perform long and accurate cuts with a plunge saw. Unlike other saws, a plunge saw can be fed at the start of the material or be plunged directly into where you need to cut.
Can you joint with a track saw?
Once you have two flat edges, then you can use your track saw to create 90-degree edges down each side. Ultimately, a track saw will clean up minimally damaged or uneven wood for a better joint.
Can a track saw cut angles?
The ease of placement and adjustment of the track saw guide makes setting and cutting a line at an angle across a piece of plywood or MDF a piece of cake. Use the track saw in this way and you'll save tons of time—and likely save on material in the process.
Can a track saw cut a bevel?
1:4815:48Long Bevel / Mitre Cuts using a Track Saw - Woodworking Tips! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you need one of your long edges to be beveled. Make it this one. This will be your reference edgeMoreIf you need one of your long edges to be beveled. Make it this one. This will be your reference edge for all the other cuts. Your second cut is going to be measured out exactly parallel to your first.
What is the difference between a track saw and a circular saw?
A track saw, also known as a plunge saw or plunge-cut saw, is a type of circular saw that cuts along a dedicated guide. As its name suggests, it does so by plunging into the working surface from above and moving on a precision guide track.
How do you make a circular saw track?
0:256:57DIY Circular Saw Track Saw Guide | Limited Tools - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen. I cut about two inches off of one end so that I would have plenty of room to clamp a straightMoreThen. I cut about two inches off of one end so that I would have plenty of room to clamp a straight edge to my half inch thick MDF.
Can you use DeWalt circular saw on track?
The DWS5022 is a reversible 1.5 metre track for use with the DWS520 plunge saws, as well as other DeWalt circular saws and routers. It features a support rail which runs up the middle and distributes weight effectively to deliver an accurate cut.
Are circular saw tracks universal?
Even though most guide rails can be used with a wide variety of circular saws, I still suggest double-checking that it's compatible with your circular saw. If you don't, there is a chance that the guide rail won't fit your saw, which means you cannot use its precision to make your life easier.
How does a track saw work?
A track saw begins cutting when you thumb its releasing lever then pin the motor assembly down on to the material. Since the saw uses a guardrail, it is not difficult to learn how to make straight cuts with it.
Why use a track saw?
Track saws have replaced ordinary saws in woodworking because they make cutting wood incredibly easy, super-fast and accurate. However, the quality of work this power tool is able to deliver depends much on how you use it. Here are tips on how to use a track saw.
What is Track Saws?
Track saws are electric saws that look much like circular saws although they are not similar.
What is cutting depth?
The cutting depth is a measure of just how deep the blade can cut through the material in question. This depth is a significant contributor to the quality of the cut. Several brands do well by indicating the recommended depth in their manuals but some you might have to figure yourself.
Why do you need a riving knife on a track saw?
A riving knife is a vital part of any track saw. Without it, you can forget about your safety because it is what keeps you safe from kickbacks.
What is the best size track saw blade?
A good quality track saw blade should be able to cut through the material fast and with ease. Generally, the ideal blade should have a diameter of 160mm and a round arbor bore of 20mm. Ensure the blade is sharp and strong.
Can you use a track saw to cut metal?
Track saws are designed specifically for wood cutting. Never use it to cut metals, plastic, ceramic and other non-wooden materials. If you do so, you could end up putting your life at risk and damaging the saw.
How does a track saw work?
When you start operating, the saw blade will cut through, moving along the guiding rail. Its sharp edge makes the cut very precise and reduces chipping along the cut line. It saves you the time of sanding the wood. This is how a track saw work to deliver a professional result.
What is a Track Saw?
Simply put, a track saw is a table saw with mobility. It is safer than a circular saw and table saw. But it doesn’t lack inefficiency.
Why are track saws so effective?
Track saws are most effective for their portability. You can move it to where it suits you best. Along with the mobility comes accuracy and versatility.
Why do you need a guide rail for a wood cutting tool?
The guide rail is a significant advantage for a cutting tool. If you want your wooden piece to be in perfect shape and angle, you will have to work slowly to ensure precision.
What is the best saw for cutting?
If you want super-precise, precise cuts, a track saw may be your best bet. These are used by professionals, as they make clean cuts with no rough edges. However, if you want anyone a little cheaper, easier to use, and you’re not concerned about the possibility of reading something a little less accurate. Then a notice might be for you.
What is a straight line saw?
This saw allows you to cut a long straight line on a piece. Any size of the wood you can cut with this saw. You can attach guiding rails one after one and have any length of precise cut you need.
What is the function of a saw?
The function of this saw is to make a sharp and accurate cut on wooden sheets. But as it’s much easier to handle, it can make a precise cut in different shapes. It can decrease the length of a wood piece and create different angles. But it does not cut only wooden pieces.
What is a track saw guide rail?
Most track saw guide rail systems offer a line-of-cut indicator, such that you know exactly where the blade will cut, as well as anti-chip systems to protect your work piece. Simply put, if you can maintain control of your cut, you can attain your desired results safely and efficiently.
Do track saws chip out?
Don't provide chip-out protection to your work piece. Track saws offer a way to captivate the saw on some type of an extrusion or mold, be it metal or plastic, that allows for straight-line movement parallel to the track.
What is a track saw?
A track saw is a useful power tool that allows for ultra-accurate cuts along a straight line, to be made on all sizes of wooden boards. In simple terms, it is a circular saw that is attached on to a precision metal track. It is also known as plunge saw or plunge-cut saw. The above shows a Festool track saw cutting a wooden board.
Why do track saws have metal tracks?
The track stabilizes the saw, so you don’t have to worry about the saw slipping or moving away from the marked line by accident. Because it has the metal track, track saws have a wide variety of uses.
How to cut large pieces of wood?
Firstly, you cut the larger wood with your circular saw. Then, you cut the smaller pieces of wood with your table saw, which is a lot more accurate than your average circular saw. This process is cumbersome and unnecessarily long. Thankfully, you can shorten the process considerably by using a track saw (also often referred to as plunge saws).
How does a circular saw work?
How does it work? The circular saw moves in the metal track along a straight line. When you want to cut, simply attach the metal track on to the workpiece, then plunge the circular saw into the work-piece and move it forward along the guide-ways (or the track).
How long is a Makita track?
Depending on the manufacturer the tracks come in different lengths. For example, Makita offers 55” and 118” tracks, while Dewalt sells 49”, 56” and 102-inch tracks. Festool who is a leader in the plunge cut track saw market offers guide rails from 32-inches (800mm) to 197-inches (5000mm) in length.
What are the advantages of a track saw?
Advantages of Track Saw. The primary benefit of a track saw is that you do not need a large machine like a table saw to make accurate straight cuts. Moreover, compared to other portable saws like circular saw or jigsaw, the track saws have a couple of distinct advantages.
Why use a straight edge on a circular saw?
However, the track system eliminates any chance of errors that can arise from the sideways movement. Another advantage of track saw is the dust collection system that helps you to keep your work area clean.
Benefits of a Track Saw
A track saw guide rail makes it possible to get more accurate cuts. Apart from that, the guard rail’s friction helps keep the saw stable during cutting. The guard rail is also adjustable, making it easier to change it according to your needs.
How Does a Track Saw Work?
The circular track saw moves in a straight path in the metal track. Simply attach the metal track to the workpiece, plunge the circular saw into the workpiece, and move it ahead along the guideways when you’re ready to cut. The track stabilizes the saw, so you don’t have to worry about slipping or straying from the marked line.
Track Saw Vs. Table Saw Vs. Circular Saw
One of the main features that distinguish a track saw from a circular saw would be the ease of moving it around. Most circular saws are quite clunky in nature and cannot be easily carried out. On the other hand, a track saw makes for extremely easy portability.
How to Use a Track Saw?
The first step would be gauging the material you are working on and what type of blade would suit it the most.
What to Look for When Buying a Track Saw?
Motor Power: Like any other power tool, the more the motor’s power is, the better would be the performance. The cuts might not be better if you opt for lower motor power. They will come out looking quite rough and choppy around the edges.
Conclusion
If you have been hesitating to make that investment into a track saw, then wait no more. Track saws are excellent for a wide variety of uses. They are extremely convenient whether you want to make a tiny nick on the surface or cut through the material. Track saws also come in various sizes and features to adjust the requirement as per the budget.
What Is A Track Saw?
A track saw, which is often referred to a plunge saw, is a power wood-cutting tool that can offer precise and accurate cut along with a metal track. The track here guides the circular saw attached to the tool to get the straight and accurate cut.
How does a circular saw work?
Once you set a piece of wood to cut, all you need to do is simply put and align the metal track with the wooden piece.
When to use a saw?
It is used when you need precise straight cut with mobility. Apart from wood, the saw is also used in cutting plywood, hardboard, particle, etc.
Can you use two different types of saws?
Why combine two different types of saws when you can get the work done with one? Yes, a track saw aids you get rid of both the table saw and the circular saw with its versatile application. Usually, when we cut a long piece of wood, it's primary the circular saw that cuts the long piece into one, and then the table saw that shapes it up.
Why use a track saw?
I use my track saw almost exclusively for sizing down expensive and cumbersome sheet goods, because it’s easier to feed over 4x8s instead of wrestling the sheets across my table saw. And in truth, the cutting results are every bit on par with my cabinet saw.
What size dust port does a track saw use?
All of these track saws have dust ports on their guard assemblies that accept 35mm dust extractor nozzles.
What are the triangle indicators on a grizzly blade guard?
Three triangle indicators on Grizzly’s blade guard show you its blade limits when making full-depth plunge cuts.
What are the two rubber edges on a Dewalt saw?
A centered channel and two rubber edges on DeWALT’s track allow the saw to cut on either side for added convenience.
How much does a saw and carry case cost?
You can buy the saw and carry case alone for $469 or with a 59″ rail for $548. It’s a fair buy but not the cheapest.
How many steps does a blade change system take?
The only feature that isn’t as user-friendly is the blade-changing system: it involves an eight-step process of locking and unlocking levers that makes the job fussy.
Does a DWS520K blade work on birch plywood?
When put to work, the DWS520K’s motor never flagged on either melamine or birch ply, although the blade did leave tiny chips and splinters on the rail side of the cut. But, if I set the machine for a 1/8″-deep scoring cut first, then followed with a through cut, the trail of tiny defects improved.