[Everend]

I've had the Dewalt track saw on my wish list for a while. Several times I've looked to buy one but nobody local stocks them. So each time I've faced the choice of waiting 1-2 weeks or making due with a circular saw and home made track that sort of works. Since I've always had a deadline, I've chosen to make do.
Yesterday and today I'm struggling with the 18v circular saw. I'm also struggling with the decision to order the track saw now so I'll have it next time I need it.

I can get it on Amazon in about a week for about $600 or in 2 days for $660. This is for the saw and two tracks.

 

[Everend]

One trick I've been using is rough cutting with the 18v then running a router against a straight edge to get a clean edge.

 

[Everend]

I'll revisit dewalt vs makita, I don't remember why I choose dewalt when I did the research last year. Makita may be available locally, I spoke with a supplier last week who was sold out but expected more this week.

I want a track saw vs saving money because I've used all the other techniques mentioned and found them lacking. This may have more to do with my circular saws than the technique. My 18v is so beat up that it only gets close to cutting straight. I really dislike my makita 120v. It spits sawdust in my face and is not really designed for fine cuts.
I the plunge feature of a track saw will be helpful and safer than plunge cutting with the circular saw.
Dust collection will be very nice.
As well as the track alignment features.

 

[Everend]

Save you $$$. Make one. Embed T track in ply. Attach the T track insert to the sole plate. Make all the lengths you need.

This is tempting. My fear is that I've already tried making similar things and have been disappointed with the results. I would need to start with a new saw, my 18v is beyond a tune-up being enough to cut straight. For reasons mentioned above I'm NOT happy with my Makita.

So if I need to buy a new saw and t-track and then spend the time to build the jigs... tempting.

 

[Everend]

. This may have more to do with my circular saws than the technique.

but you have made up yor mind you want a track saw... get what want...

Well I haven't ordered one yet so my mind isn't totally made yet.

 

[Everend]

I use a Milwaukee saw... no issues...
get you a Bosch instead

Which do you recommend?

 

[Everend]

I use a Milwaukee with adjustable handle and, of course, sharp blades appropriate for the material.

For straightedge i use whatever is long enough and straight enough...hell, even a chalk line and hand-eye coordination works...

Save your money...get a good corded circ saw, good blades and a nice long level...multitask is "good eats"

I like uncle Brown too, but sometimes you need the right tool for the job. Does your Milwaukee collect dust?

 

[Everend]

Here's what I'm going to use today, right side for rough cut with the 18v and left side for straightening with the router.

 

[Everend]

Which do you recommend?

corded or cordless???
remember it's the guide plate that is the crux of the whole thing...

corded. I'll look into that Milwaukee

 

[Everend]

According to this review, http://www.finehomebuilding.com/2012/01/27/cs10-circular-saw

There is a lot of play between the blade and the shoe. This is the same problem I have with the 18v.

 

[Everend]

one thing I should clarify. I don't have a proper table saw. I have a DeWalt contractor TS which works great but only has 16" wide capacity (18" if I fudge it). Without a proper table saw, I'm not just doing plywood breakdown using a circular saw, I'm doing finish cuts with those saws.

My setup today worked pretty well with the little Colt cleaning up the edge after the 18v, but it would have been easier and quicker with a proper circular saw or a track saw.

 

[Everend]

http://www.toolup.com/DeWalt-DWS520CK-Corded-TrackSaw-Kit-with-59-102-Track

The site posted above is having a sale this weekend.

As for the price, I'm looking at this as time saved at work by using the best tool for the job, at least the best I can afford. So to answer an earlier question, who has extra time I break down using a less efficient method? Not I.

I believe I would have saved about 6 hours on this job if I already had the saw. About 2hrs in actual time saved by working faster and 4 hours looking around for one to buy, talking with people about options, making a new shooter board for this job, since the one I had before was warped.