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

Extension Kit For D2057A or D2058A - Grizzly Industrial

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!<p><i>*Mobile base sold separately</i><p>

www.grizzly.com

 

[JeepHead]

Never used one but there is this...

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

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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.