Whether you’re cutting wood or a variety of other materials, track saws offer a flexible cutting path. Their cord gives you more range when manipulating long tracks, and they generally come with an extension cord. The cord can be hung off the end of the track or on the side of your workpiece. So, how do track saws work?
Plunge-cut track saws
Track saws are ideal for cutting solid lumber and sheet materials. They have excellent dust collection capabilities and state-of-the-art features. Most track saws can be set to a 45-degree angle. The cutting guides on track saws are made of aluminum, which makes them more stable and lighter.
Their replaceable cutting edges virtually eliminate clearance between the blade and wood, resulting in a finish that’s ultra-clean and splinter-free.
One of the biggest advantages of a plunge-cut track saw is its speed. A plunge saw can easily slide down a track if it has a 12-inch wide base. This means that it will cut through materials faster and more accurately than a standard track saw. Plunge cut track saws also have an adjustable cutting depth lever.
Plunge-cut track saws are ideal for cutting wood. They are versatile and can handle a variety of materials. They are a great option for woodworkers who want to do more than just cut plywood. Some models can even cut through the bottom of a door.
Plunge-cut track saws have a long working life. You can expect a high level of durability and performance. They are also very easy to maintain and have an impressive dust extraction system. You can also connect a vacuum cleaner to the dust port adaptor and enjoy a dust-free working environment.
A track saw with a six-inch blade can perform precisely, straight plunge cuts in a variety of materials, including hardwood. They can also perform bevel cuts and plunge cuts of varying depths. They also have micro-adjustable depth controls, so they can cut flush against walls.
Take a read at our best track saws guide.
Anti-kickback features
Track saws with anti-kickback features are designed to prevent the saw from reversing direction and rolling backward. These features are typically provided by a bar-like protrusion that extends from a retaining plate or footplate. These components are held in place by a spring and are designed to prevent kickback.
Kickback is a dangerous condition wherein a saw’s blade can suddenly stop rotating with respect to the workpiece and start jolting backward. In most cases, kickback occurs without the user being able to react quickly. The saw may even jerk out of the track, causing the blade to scrape the workpiece.
Anti-kickback features on track saws allow the user to work in confined spaces while maintaining safety. In addition to the continuous anti-kickback feature, some saws also have a riving knife to prevent kickback. These tools also feature a low-profile blade guard and Straight Plunge Mechanism for improved ergonomics.
Track saws also offer better safety than other types of saws. In addition to the kickback stop system, many also feature a riving knife or a splinter guard. Both types of kickback protection features prevent a dangerous kickback from occurring and minimize damage to your work.
One embodiment of an anti-kickback device is shown schematically in Figure 4. A rib disposed of in the footplate channel 24 is the guide rail for the saw blade. This block moves with respect to the footplate 27 and along an inclined surface 40.
This surface is inclined with respect to the opposite wall 42 of the channel. The distance between the guide rail rib and block surface 36 is adjustable according to the position in the device.
An anti-kickback mechanism on track saws has a sliding member with an overlapping surface. The contact surface of the slide member faces the opposite surface of the guide rail.
The slide member moves upward and downward along the sliding surface. As the user moves the slide member between the top and bottom positions, the distance between the slide member and the opposite surface decreases.
Smooth cuts
A track saw is a great tool for making precise cuts on a variety of materials. Its precision-milled metal track keeps the blade flat and allows for perfectly straight cuts every time. This feature is especially useful when cutting sheet goods, such as plywood and boards. Moreover, track saws are lightweight and portable.
The track is held in place by sticky rubber strips on the underside. This prevents the saw from slipping and leaves no residue behind. You can also use special clamps to hold the track while you make a cut. These clamps are called Bessey clamps, and they slide into a groove on the underside of the track and hold the track firmly in place with a few squeezes.
A track saw has a smaller, longer blade than a typical circular saw. Track saws are also usually equipped with a riving knife, which keeps the blade from kicking back. Some models also feature a depth stop, which helps you prevent kickbacks. You can set the depth stop to cut just below the surface of the wood.
Track saws can also make bevel cuts. This is more difficult to do than miter saws, but track saws are more efficient in this process. They use a bevel blade that spins at 6250 RPM. In this way, they can create bevel cuts from -1 to 47 degrees.
Track saws are ideal for DIY projects, as they allow you to control the depth and bevel angle of the cut. The depth control feature helps you make precise cuts. It also makes it safer to use. The depth control feature allows you to make precise cuts with fewer splinters. Some track saws come with extra safety features to help you work safely.
Unlike standard circular saws, track saws have different guide rails for various purposes. Some of these guides are longer than others, so make sure you select the right track for your needs. For example, if your project requires a long straight edge, you may want a 25-foot track. This will help minimize the risk of snagging the cord.
Safety considerations
Track saws are great for making big things small, but there are a few safety precautions you should follow when using them. As with any tool, it is important to wear eye and hearing protection. Also, make sure your workpiece does not come into contact with the blade or any parts of the track saw.
While track saws are different from other circular saws, they still share some common characteristics. They use variable speeds, plush motors, and improved blades. This makes them better suited for dialed-in work.
The blades are relatively thin, so it is important to handle these tools with care. If they are handled roughly, they can easily break or get damaged. Track saws also have cam locks to keep the saw from jumping off the track.
Another important precaution when using track saws is to use protective gloves. This will keep your hands safe from debris and dust. You should also follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a track saw.
These simple precautions can help you use track saws safely and avoid any unnecessary accidents. Once you have your tracks ready, you can begin cutting.
Track saws can be noisy. The resulting noise may be too high for some users. You may want to wear hearing protection when operating a track saw. Some of the models we tested were loud enough to require hearing protection.
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