Table saw versus track saw

[EddieWalker]

I've never had to rip that many boards for a fence, and if I did, I think the table saw would be the best choice. The biggest negative to the table saw for me is that I'm working on other peoples homes, and hauling it around and setting it up takes time and a bunch of space in the back of my truck.

I've ripped fence boards when doing repairs to get them to match the existing boards. Rarely is it more then ten boards. For those jobs, I use the ripping fence that attaches to my Makita cordless circular saw. It's just a piece of metal that sticks out from the side that slides along the edge of the board.

It's always in my truck, and I use it for different jobs all the time. Things like trim around a door that needs to be ripped, or shaving off an inch or two from a 2x4 or something bigger to get it to fit where I need it.

https://www.amazon.com/Makita-164095-8-Fence-Circular-Saws/dp/B0007SXH64

 

[4570Man]

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.

I have a cordless saw and a corded saw riding right behind each other in my work van. If I’m cutting construction lumber I always grab the cordless. If it’s finished work I use the corded version. The faster blade speed on the corded saw makes cleaner cuts. As to the track saw vs table saw I don’t really see that they’re comparable tools. I don’t have a track saw. I’d kinda like to have one but for no more than I actually need it a circular saw with a guide works. I don’t see that I would ever use a track saw for 99 percent of the cuts I make with a table saw.

 

[stuckmotor]

I once saw a video of a track saw cutting some shapes that might not be as easily, or possible at all, to cut on a table saw. When I couldn't figure a practical use for those shapes, I clicked away.

 

[bigtiller]

I have a cordless saw and a corded saw riding right behind each other in my work van. If I’m cutting construction lumber I always grab the cordless. If it’s finished work I use the corded version. The faster blade speed on the corded saw makes cleaner cuts. As to the track saw vs table saw I don’t really see that they’re comparable tools. I don’t have a track saw. I’d kinda like to have one but for no more than I actually need it a circular saw with a guide works. I don’t see that I would ever use a track saw for 99 percent of the cuts I make with a table saw.

I couldn't get by with just one saw.
They all excel in their own special way.
e.g.

table saw
circle saw with or without a guide or track
jig saw
power miter saw
reciprocating saw
various hand saws
And that's just the ones I have for wood.
Metal saws are another ball game.

 

[4570Man]

I couldn't get by with just one saw.
They all excel in their own special way.
e.g.

table saw
circle saw with or without a guide or track
jig saw
power miter saw
reciprocating saw
various hand saws
And that's just the ones I have for wood.
Metal saws are another ball game.

I keep a jigsaw, a sawzall, and oscillating saw in the van as well. I have several table saws and miter saws but those are too big to haul around. I have to bring those to the job on an as needed basis. I have a cordless miter saw as well. It’s okay for framing but I don’t love it either. The 7-1/4 blade diameter has a lot of limitations as well as the slow blade speed. I’ve also grown to really enjoy the laser that my corded miter saw has. I used a customers cordless Makita miter saw with a 12” blade and I don’t see myself ever buying one. The biggest downside is the size and weight defeated the reason I wanted the cordless Dewalt to start with. The other downside is the battery life sucked even with duel batteries.

 

[SpringHollow]

I have a Makita track saw and a Powermatic table saw. It is definitely nice to have both (and a miter saw) but if I could only have one, I would go with a track saw. There are tables you can buy or build that let you use it as a table saw, mitre saw, etc. I have not done this since I have the old Powermatic. If I rarely did sheet goods, then I might feel differently.

There is no comparison between using a shooting board and a real track. Track stays in place with no clamping, you line the edge with your marks so no offset measurements, it is very quiet, slow start, etc. It is extremely easy to make cabinet grade cuts by yourself. I smile every time I use it.

 

[Panik]

There is no comparison between using a shooting board and a real track. Track stays in place with no clamping, you line the edge with your marks so no offset measurements, it is very quiet, slow start, etc. It is extremely easy to make cabinet grade cuts by yourself. I smile every time I use it.

I'm tasked with basically making cabinets at work for a renovation we are undergoing and ended up ordering a budget Triton track saw with two sections of 55" track due to the exact reasons you mentioned. I will say I specifically ordered tracks that have clamping capability though to make my life easier. There've been occasions where that capability would shine - specifically having to make cuts a 1/2 or 1 degree off square.

 

[SpringHollow]

I have never had my tracks move just laying them down even on angled cuts but I do have the clamps for them. Just never use them.

 

[bigtiller]

I have a Makita track saw and a Powermatic table saw. It is definitely nice to have both (and a miter saw) but if I could only have one, I would go with a track saw. There are tables you can buy or build that let you use it as a table saw, mitre saw, etc. I have not done this since I have the old Powermatic. If I rarely did sheet goods, then I might feel differently.

There is no comparison between using a shooting board and a real track. Track stays in place with no clamping, you line the edge with your marks so no offset measurements, it is very quiet, slow start, etc. It is extremely easy to make cabinet grade cuts by yourself. I smile every time I use it.

I like quiet slow starts.

Which Makita saw do you have? I see they have a few to choose from.

They offer three cordless models and a corded model. Two of them are 36 volt models, a 40 volt model and a 120 volt corded model.

One of the 36V models has a transmitter to wirelessly turn on/off your dust extractor with Bluetooth.

 

[SpringHollow]

They did not have battery ones when I got mine so mine is corded.

I am a hearing protection nut but I do not wear any with this saw. It is that quiet.