Good and reasonably priced track saw

[bradleyheathhays]

I'm tooling up to do my first resin table and I'd rather not spend the $600 for the Festool track saw I'm seeing in all the videos. Is there a comparable model that performs as well? I definitely won't be a high volume producer. Don't need it to do any specialized functions. Just need it to have settings for cut depths and use a vacuum system.

 

[marcros]

A standard circular saw and a homemade track would probably fit the bill.

 

[Inspector]

Your tag line made me verify that you are in the Americas so I can offer advice about a brand that I normally can't on this forum.
Grizzly sell a track saw that does the job although not as good as a Festool. It is a lot cheaper, saw and extra tracks for less than a Festool track alone. The dust collection works well enough and it does have a riving knife. You'll want to get a ripping blade if doing lots of solid wood rips. https://www.grizzly.com/products/Grizzl ... ack/T25552

Kreg have come out with their Adaptive Cutting System which is a track saw designed around their cutting/clamping table system that is worth a look. https://www.grizzly.com/products/Kreg-A ... Kit/T30683

As suggested for a one off job a regular circular saw will get the job done but without dust collection.

Pete

 

[bradleyheathhays]

Thanks for the advice. After researching the alternative track saws I've decided I'm just gonna have to cheap out here as I've already spent a lot of money on tools recently.

So I'll be going with a regular circular saw and straight edge guide...aka maple board and clamps.

Can anyone suggest a good deep cutting circular saw that'll do the trick?

 

[Inspector]

How thick do you need to cut? There are 8 1/4” and 10 1/4” but if you want your buddies to have blade envy, or maybe fear, Makita make a 16”. :shock: If it is a one shot job a pair of good handsaws, a crosscut and a rip, will work and be lots quieter.

 

[W666]

Just invest in the right tool in the first place imo. Only end of selling it and buying a nice tracksaw in the future, if you're anything like me. Learnt my lesson now.
You don't want to muck up your expensive table. Maybe find a second hand one.