Cowdog80

I'm looking pretty hard at this Dewalt Track Saw ...any opinions? To be used for primarily small projects (i.e. replacing a table leg) and the table saw just seems a bit excessive at the moment (blasphemy, I know).

__________________
Henry Jones II
frightened of the table saws
member of the behlen woodworkers store
glue sniffer no more
what the heck is a waterlox?

ACP

In my opinion, for the price, you could pick up a good jobsite table saw or used contractor saw that would give you more flexiblity than a track saw would. That's just my opinion. As for the saw itself I have read good things about it. The cordless version apparently had some issues with power, but the corded version is supposed to be comparable to Festool's tracksaw. Hard to beat a well set up table saw though.

woodnthings

Primarily large "projects" breaking down panels and sheet goods, where it easier to move the saw, than manhandle a large panel. The table saw is still the best tool in the shop for all around wood working. While it is primarily best at ripping, cross cutting with a sled or an accurate miter gauge is as close as you need. Small precise cuts on the track saw would be, in my opinion difficult, and possibly dangerous. Stick with the table saw. Good deals at $500 to $800 and up. Best bang for the buck is Grizzly G1023. bill
Incredible deal here but you need 220V:http://www.grizzly.com/products/10-T...t-Tilt/G1023SL

__________________
Never stand directly in front of a horse or tablesaw that's running!
If you're not making dust, you're gathering it. After I reread my own posts, I agree with myself even more.

Cowdog80

Thanks!

__________________
Henry Jones II
frightened of the table saws
member of the behlen woodworkers store
glue sniffer no more
what the heck is a waterlox?

WarnerConstInc.

Actually one can eliminate the need for a table saw, with a little bit of practice and a few accessories coupled with a rail saw.

Much better for straight ling ripping and for long bevels. Accuracy is as good with a rail saw.

jraksdhs

Eliminate a table saw? Come on now! Serious woodworkers demand the precision of a tablesaw. I own a festool track saw and would NEVER think about trading my tablesaw for one. The only reason I have a track saw is because i dont have a panel saw. When that day comes the track saw goes in the construction trailer for jobsite work.

jraks

Cowdog80

While a bit of a newbie to the game, I admit that I would struggle to feel like a woodworker without the presence of the table saw.

It just seems like overkill for a few simple projects. Although my dad would use a tablesaw to whittle a figurine if he could.

__________________
Henry Jones II
frightened of the table saws
member of the behlen woodworkers store
glue sniffer no more
what the heck is a waterlox?

WarnerConstInc.

And you can do the same thing with a rail saw.

I prefer ripping material with my rail saw.

I just came about a way to do really small rips as well.

Using a rail saw instead of a table saw just requires a bit of thinking differently.

woodnthings

Opinions are like belly buttons, every one has one, some go in some go out! Before you consider a track saw at $600 to $900 watch this video first.
http://www.woodmagazine.com/woodvisi...tid=1442789968
For $25.00 in materials this will accomplish a everything a track saw will as far as breaking down large panels. It will requie using the same saw and blade on the jig, but that's it. Consider the great deal on the Grizzly table saw for $800.00, a G1023 posted here. My one belly buttons worth. bill

__________________
Never stand directly in front of a horse or tablesaw that's running!
If you're not making dust, you're gathering it. After I reread my own posts, I agree with myself even more.

Cowdog80

Thanks for the responses.

__________________
Henry Jones II
frightened of the table saws
member of the behlen woodworkers store
glue sniffer no more
what the heck is a waterlox?

tccoggs

Railsaws are excellent tools, however, they are not as flexable as a table saw. They excel at cutting panels and simple cuts. The table saw can be outfitted with 100's of accessories. You can't put a dado blade on a rail saw, you can't cut tenons on a rail saw, etc. Railsaws also stink for use on small parts.

I look at the railsaw as a jobsite tool instead of lugging around a tablesaw. It will never replace my powermatic 66 in the shop.

daxinarian

The only people who are opinionated are those that disagree with you... If they agree with you, then they aren't opinionated, they are right

rustbucket

I have a Festool track saw, and for me it's been a great. It really is a fantastic tool for breaking down sheet goods. It is very accurate, and leaves a nice, clean edge. I wouldn't use it to replace a table saw, though. They both have their places. I wouldn't use a track saw to rip anything narrower than the track.

An advantage of the track saw is that you can cut at an angle across a sheet of plywood, if you wish. Try that with the average table saw! Yes, you can make your own track, but I like the quality and versatility of my Festool. You don't even need to clamp the track to the workpiece.