Table saw versus track saw

[plowhog]

I need to buy either a table saw or track saw. Not sure which to purchase?

My needs are typical for a table saw, which is what I am familiar with. Ripping fence pickets to become a little narrower, doing cutoffs on half size fence pickets, and occasionally cutting plywood. (Although I often use a skilsaw for that.) I do know table saws can be quite dangerous-- a friend recently lost part of a finger on one.

A friend is wanting me to purchase a track saw-- saying they are much safer and can do 95% of what a table saw can. A track saw is supposedly more expensive, but the difference is not a lot. I will be buying brand new so I can choose either.

Anyone here us a track saw? If so, how did you like it and how did it compare to a table saw?

 

[John0829]

This is just me but the track saw IMHO is only or best for cutting large sheets like plywood where a table saw is capable of many types of cuts. In other words they serve different purposes/needs. I would go with a table saw, besides I can duplicate what a track saw does with a long board and a couple of clamps.

 

[kozal01]

Yeah Id go with the table saw, more versatile.

 

[JeepHead]

Table saw without a doubt. Just pay attention to what you're doing and you'll be fine.

 

[Carl_NH]

Agree with John - a track saw is for cutting larger sheet stock - I use a skil saw (Makita) for this and bought a saw guide $26 from HD for cutting larger stuff (countertops, plywood etc) Empire 98 in. Cutting Guide E902 - The Home Depot

Then I got a used portable table saw 10" blade for $25 that I can easily move around and got rid of my old Craftsman 250LB table saw as it was not portable and took up a lot of space.

 

[zzvyb6]

My table saw, equipped with a metal cutting wheel, cuts more steel than wood. If your friend needs to use your track saw, have them buy one.

 

[big bubba]

agree w/above, table saw much more versatile. for cutting ply, i went with a longer table set up to cut up to 48"+
mine is similar to this one. having a mobile base is handy as well, regards

10" 3 HP 220V Heavy Duty Cabinet Table Saw

Shop Fox D2259A - Extension Kit For D2057A or D2058A - Grizzly Industrial, Inc.

This kit easily bolts to Models D2260A, D2057A, and D2058A to provide support for an extension table or similar device. Allows the whole machine and extension to move as one unit. Adjustable for length (up to 45-3/4") as well as front to back. Very versatile!<br><br><i>*Mobile base sold...

www.grizzly.com

 

[JeepHead]

Never used one but there is this...

America's #1 table saw. The leader in table saw safety | SawStop

SawStop is North America's #1 table saw. Our table saw is the safest on the market. Find out how SawStop can work for you. Visit www.sawstop.com today.

www.sawstop.com

 

[EddieWalker]

I have two table saws and a home made track saw guide that I put together for my cordless saw. The bearing my Bosch portable table saw went out, and my big cabinet table saw is buried in all the stuff I'm trying to deal with from my brothers place after he passed away.

I've become very fond of using the track saw method for ripping plywood. It weighs nothing and it's super fast and easy to haul to a job. But even at home when cutting shelves, or just about anything that I want a long straight cut, I use the track.

Then I use my 12 inch chop saw to cut to length. I should get the table saws going, but it's way down on my list of things to do.

In all reality, I probably would not buy a table saw if I didn't have one. I don't think I could get by without the track saw. If I get caught up on my bills, there is a chance that I will buy a proper track saw system one of these days.

 

[2manyrocks]

Ryobi makes an inexpensive track saw. I don't know much about it.

The blade guard and rack/pinion system on the DeWalt portable table saws makes them safer than the older table saws that made it too easy to have a misalignment between the blade and the fence causing kickback. Plus the blade guards on the older saws tended to be crap so people threw them away. The other thing you really need for a table saw is a good stand for it. If the saw is placed on something that can move around during use, that's asking for a bad accident. Not using push sticks and eye protection is also asking for a bad accident.

To me, the choice depends on what size material you plan to cut and how much accuracy you're looking for. Cutting sheet goods with a portable table saw is a pain. I use a ripsaw guide on my circular saw, but I could see where a track saw could be more accurate if that's what you really need.

I would think that a track saw would be much easier to transport than a portable table saw and stand.

 

[bigtiller]

As convenient as circular saw guide is to use, I have to say, track saw all the way. And don't skimp on the track saw table.

The only question left is corded or cordless. If it is used mostly in the shop, I think corded. But if it is carried from job to job, cordless.

 

[Snobdds]

Track saws are more for finish carpentry only. A worm drive circular saw is much better for cutting sheets of plywood.

Table saws suck for cutting large sheets of plywood, they are great for ripping trim and dimensional lumber.

I use my battery worm drive and trim saws for 95% of cutting needs.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I have two Unisaws and a Huss (table saws) and I use a straightedge with a cordless saw for my track saw.

You will have to "pry my cold dead hands off" MY Unisaw, before you will get it from me!!

The problem I see is, most folks cheapo out on their table saw purchase!!

SR

 

[plastikosmd]

Yea, cutting or ripping dimensional lumber with a track saw (95% of what most do)= no way

Maybe if you have a fab shop, work a lot in sheets.


Skillsaw and guide is all you need for those occasional one-offs

 

[spitter]

45 years of carpentry I have never saw a more useless waste of money than a track saw. All you need is a good straight edge and a couple of clamps. A track saw can do maybe 1% of what a table saw can do. Try to cut tenons, rabbits, box joints, raised panels, tapers, and the list goes on and on with a track saw, a table saw can do all that.

You said you only cut plywood occasionally, that's all a track saw is good for. so that is a complete waste of money for you.

Buy a table saw and enjoy learning the art of woodwork. If your worried about cutting a finger off buy a Saw stop table saw, read some books, watch video's embrace the world of wood working.

 

[dieselscout80]

I’m gonna say get both.

I have a long saw guide for my circular saw and it works. However, a track saw has an anti splinter strip that runs right next to the blade for smooth cuts.

With a circular saw guide you measure for the cut and then measure again for where the guide has to go.

However, if you have to do other things like ripping small pieces or cutting joints then you need a table saw.

I had an older (80s) Delta 10” and liked its power, but it was a big waste of space and a huge hassle to move. Now I have a smaller portable table saw and love it.

A track saw is on my to buy list!

 

[Omega Woods]

Personally, I would get a cheap(ish) track saw for breaking down sheets and a Saw Stop table saw for everything else if at all possible.

If not, keep the guards on your table saw!

 

[Panik]

I need to buy either a table saw or track saw. Not sure which to purchase?

My needs are typical for a table saw, which is what I am familiar with. Ripping fence pickets to become a little narrower, doing cutoffs on half size fence pickets, and occasionally cutting plywood. (Although I often use a skilsaw for that.) I do know table saws can be quite dangerous-- a friend recently lost part of a finger on one.

A friend is wanting me to purchase a track saw-- saying they are much safer and can do 95% of what a table saw can. A track saw is supposedly more expensive, but the difference is not a lot. I will be buying brand new so I can choose either.

Anyone here us a track saw? If so, how did you like it and how did it compare to a table saw?

I'm actually getting ready to probably pull the trigger on a budget track saw for work next week and have had much of this conversation with my boss, although my use case sounds different than yours. In my situation I am breaking down large sheet goods to final dimension for stands for animal enclosures (natural resource center).... so think cabinet making.

My thoughts on table saw vs track saw for my purposes were: Is it easier/safer to maneuver the tool around the goods needing to be cut or is it easier to move the lumber around/through the tool?

In my case it's a lot easier and safer to move a powered hand tool & track across a 4X8X3/4" sheet of plywood vs trying to align said sheet on a table saw. Plus, a track-saw system more easily allows me to set up for off angle cuts than a table saw.

That said, if your primary use is going to be ripping and doing cutoff's on things generally the size/shape of fence pickets I'd think a portable contractors table saw would be safer, easier and less time consuming to use.

Put another way, I get a lot more mileage out of the skil-saw and Kreg fence system I have work (upgrading to dedicated track saw), while at home I get more usage out of the contractor's table saw I have in my shop ripping dimensional lumber.

I have two table saws and a home made track saw guide that I put together for my cordless saw. The bearing my Bosch portable table saw went out, and my big cabinet table saw is buried in all the stuff I'm trying to deal with from my brothers place after he passed away.

I've become very fond of using the track saw method for ripping plywood. It weighs nothing and it's super fast and easy to haul to a job. But even at home when cutting shelves, or just about anything that I want a long straight cut, I use the track.

Then I use my 12 inch chop saw to cut to length. I should get the table saws going, but it's way down on my list of things to do.

In all reality, I probably would not buy a table saw if I didn't have one. I don't think I could get by without the track saw. If I get caught up on my bills, there is a chance that I will buy a proper track saw system one of these days.

Eddie, can I ask what you're using for a track saw? Been using my personal Kreg Accu-cut at work with my Makita circular saw. (We're a small natural resource education center, with correspondingly small budget)

It works and I can get very good precision with it as long as I am willing to be a bit finicky with setting up for cuts. With the renovation of our facility I am finally getting a dedicated shop space and have a small budget for better tools. We can't afford Festool and the like, but I have been eyeing a Triton plunge-cut track saw and buying a dedicated 4' and 8' track.

From Youtube Triton seems to have the best reviews as a budget-friendly tool (dust-collection & plastic adjustment knobs being the chief concerns). Thoughts?

 

[EddieWalker]

I'm actually getting ready to probably pull the trigger on a budget track saw for work next week and have had much of this conversation with my boss, although my use case sounds different than yours. In my situation I am breaking down large sheet goods to final dimension for stands for animal enclosures (natural resource center).... so think cabinet making.

My thoughts on table saw vs track saw for my purposes were: Is it easier/safer to maneuver the tool around the goods needing to be cut or is it easier to move the lumber around/through the tool?

In my case it's a lot easier and safer to move a powered hand tool & track across a 4X8X3/4" sheet of plywood vs trying to align said sheet on a table saw. Plus, a track-saw system more easily allows me to set up for off angle cuts than a table saw.

That said, if your primary use is going to be ripping and doing cutoff's on things generally the size/shape of fence pickets I'd think a portable contractors table saw would be safer, easier and less time consuming to use.

Put another way, I get a lot more mileage out of the skil-saw and Kreg fence system I have work (upgrading to dedicated track saw), while at home I get more usage out of the contractor's table saw I have in my shop ripping dimensional lumber.


Eddie, can I ask what you're using for a track saw? Been using my personal Kreg Accu-cut at work with my Makita circular saw. (We're a small natural resource education center, with correspondingly small budget)

It works and I can get very good precision with it as long as I am willing to be a bit finicky with setting up for cuts. With the renovation of our facility I am finally getting a dedicated shop space and have a small budget for better tools. We can't afford Festool and the like, but I have been eyeing a Triton plunge-cut track saw and buying a dedicated 4' and 8' track.

From Youtube Triton seems to have the best reviews as a budget-friendly tool (dust-collection & plastic adjustment knobs being the chief concerns). Thoughts?

It's a home made version of a track saw that I made from the edge of some 3/8 sanded bead board. The edges overlap and the way it's cut, it makes a perfect fit for my cordless Makita circular saw. Then I attached a length of 1x4 to it for the straight edge. I use two C clamps to hold it in place, and I get a perfect cut every time.

As a Contractor, I can put a sheet of plywood on my saw horses, set up my home made track and cut four perfect shelves, 8 feet long in just a few minutes. For me, this is a lot faster and easier then loading up my Bosch portable table saw, then setting up the outfeed tables and getting everything adjusted. It also takes up a lot less room in the bed of my truck compared to the portable table saw. I have a big cast iron Grizzly table saw in my garage, but most of the time, it's used more as a table to work on, then cutting anything.

 

[plowhog]

I have a big cast iron Grizzly table saw in my garage, but most of the time, it's used more as a table to work on, then cutting anything.

Eddie,

For my new fence project, I have 100-150 cedar fence pickets I need to cut down. 1" thick, widths vary from 6 inch wider than 6 inch. 8 feet long.

I need to rip them to variable widths-- some 6 inch, some 5, some 4. Then cross cut them to 6 foot length, some 5, some 4.

Would you use your table saw or track saw for this?