I have the Makita and am very happy with it. I looked at different brands when I got ready to buy and went for the Makita based on the reviews and the price. The saw, container and 55" track are $406 on Amazon. and a second 55" track is $70. If you buy the second rail for long rips, you will need the connectors at $27. Obviously, Festool is the name brand, but the Makita has a couple of extra features - a slightly deeper cut (the blade is 5mm larger than the Festool) and the saw has a retainer in the base which engages with the track and prevents the saw from tipping while making a bevel cut. I've also read that the Makita anti-chip strip is preferred to the Festool as it is more durable (and cheaper doesn't hurt). So far, I'm happy with my choice.
Posts by tomp913
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The cutting grid I made and use is similar to the one Stick shows, except with one less cross member - the end ones are 12" in and the others are 24" centers. It works great, even for 1/4" plywood, although it's good to keep the cut line close to the longitudinal member.
I don't have it notched over the sawhorses, the assembly sits in a piece of plywood that has dadoes cut to accept the pieces - one day when I think about it, I should tack a couple of strips alongside the dadoes to retain the plywood strips a little better. It has been modified since this photo to include plywood flanges on each side so that it drops over the top of the sawhorse and can't slide off.
I don't have it notched over the sawhorses, the assembly sits in a piece of plywood that has dadoes cut to accept the pieces - one day when I think about it, I should tack a couple of strips alongside the dadoes to retain the plywood strips a little better. It has been modified since this photo to include plywood flanges on each side so that it drops over the top of the sawhorse and can't slide off.
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