If you’ve ever wondered what track saws are used for, you’re not alone. Track saws are versatile tools that are useful for many tasks. Among them are trimming, ripping boards, and cutting plywood. They’re also popular for home improvement projects, such as installing cabinets or cutting trim.
So, what are track saws used for?
Cutting trim
Track saws can be used for many different purposes. For example, they can be used to cut trim around windows and doors. These saws can be purchased in many different styles. Festool makes some of the best track saws on the market and has a great distribution channel. Several different models come with varying cutting depths.
One popular track saw is the plunge cut track saw, which comes with guides that can vary in length. Popular brands like Makita and Dewalt make guides up to 55″ long, while Festool sells tracks from 32″ to 197″. When selecting a track saw, you should take into account the length of the guide rails, which must be perfectly connected. A poorly connected guide rail will affect the accuracy of your cut. Also, make sure that the track saw is powerful enough to do the job.
Track saws are available in both corded and cordless versions. The cordless track saw is more portable and requires less space than its corded counterpart. Track saws with dust collection ports can be plugged into a vacuum system to capture all the dust generated while cutting.
This helps the motor run cooler and helps keep the blade safe from harm. Many models also come with a blade guard that keeps your hands away from the blade.
Ripping boards
A track saw is a saw that is used for ripping boards. These saws are commonly used in lumber mills and in furniture manufacturing. The ripping process can be time-consuming and the kerf material can quickly lose its value. The economics of a rip operation depends on the number and width of rip cuts.
The rip capacity of a track saw is similar to that of a cabinet saw. However, these saws are more stable and have a longer table, making them a better choice for large projects.
However, the added weight will make them noisier and vibration-prone than their smaller cousins. These saws also have less durable fences and less accurate miter gauges. Also, they are not very portable because their motor is located in the back of the saw.
If you’re cutting a board with a track saw, it’s important to mark the board before using it. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a kerf instead of a clean cut. This is because the blade will cut the wrong way and the kerf will cause your cut to be uneven.
To avoid this, adjust the blade setting to clear the material. Additionally, some track saws include a score cut button to cut the wood with a shallow first pass. This ensures that the cut is as clean as possible.
Splinter-free cuts
Track saws are a great tool for making larger projects small. They cut materials as thick as two and a half inches without leaving splinters. You should wear proper safety equipment and avoid wearing loose clothing when using a track saw. You should also take care of where the cord is placed so it does not snag on your workpiece or catch on any loose clothing.
The track saws come with guide rails that provide accurate reference points to cut. This helps ensure that the cut is made with zero clearance. The track saw also features a splinter guard for the blade. Using a track saw is easy. The splinter guard protects the blade from splinters, which can be harmful.
Track saws can also be used to make bevel cuts. Some tracks can make bevel cuts from a -1 to a 48-degree angle. If you want to cut hardwoods and other materials, a track saw can be an excellent choice. You can even use track saws to trim doors and full sheets of wood.
Cutting Plywood
Track saws are a popular choice for cutting plywood and other types of wood. They work by letting you see exactly where the blade is when cutting. They are designed to be fast and accurate. This means that you don’t need to take time to measure the length of the wood before you start cutting.
These tools are incredibly versatile, and they work well for cutting a variety of materials. They are ideal for professionals and amateurs alike. Because they can be used anywhere, they are popular for anyone with limited shop space, or for those who work outside of their home.
They can also be used for cutting plywood when you don’t have a dedicated workspace. You can set up a cutting station using sawhorses and a cutting-support grid. If you’re working with plywood or boards, a knock-down support grid works well for these.
Another great benefit of a track saw is its adjustable bevel. Some models allow you to cut 45-degree bevels. This can save an extra step in your production process and increase the surface area for better glue contact.
Cutting Drywall Boards
The Track Saw is a great tool for cutting drywall boards because of its ability to cut through multiple layers of drywall at once. It comes in a variety of styles, including those that feature a retractable blade and those that have a fixed blade.
These tools are also made with a strong grip for comfort and ease of use. Many of these tools also feature ergonomic handles for the user, which makes them more comfortable to use for long periods of time. They also come with a dust collector, which will protect the worker from health problems and keep the work area clean.
Electric drywall saws are also available, but they are bulkier and more difficult to store. These saws are suited for cutting drywall boards only. While they can cut drywall boards, they cannot cut through wood or metal.
Cutting Studs
When cutting Studs, track saws are a great option. These tools can clamp to the wall, ensuring a straight cut. They also have an overhead hose that vacuums the cut surface as you work, providing clean air and a clear line of sight to the cutline.
This type of saw cuts through tough materials like metal studs, pipes, and some types of stone. They can be adjusted to any depth and can also make plunge cuts. Track saws are versatile tools and can be used for a variety of different jobs.
However, be sure to use safety measures before using track saws. Always wear protective eyewear and remove loose clothing when working with track saws. Also, be careful where you place the cord. You don’t want it to catch on something or snag on the workpiece.
Another disadvantage of track saws is that they can’t break up full sheets. Workers who work with plywood will often have to lug large sheets to the track saw for cutting. Then, they push them past the spinning blade. Additionally, the track saw’s reference fence is short, so it’s difficult to square up the pieces.
Laying Wood Flooring
If you are considering installing a new wood floor in your home, track saws can be a great option. These tools are cordless and have the benefit of 80% dust collection. They are also powerful enough to cut up to two inches of wood. You can use track saws to cut a variety of materials, including solid hardwood. When choosing a track saw, make sure that it has the right blade for the job.
When using track saws to install a new floor, follow the instructions carefully. You may need to cut a second course of flooring to match the first. For instance, the first course should be a full-width plank. After cutting the second course, you should use a flush-cut dovetail saw to cut the casing at the doorways. Use a piece of foam underlayment to gauge the height of the cut.
The blade on a track saw is usually made of high-speed steel with a fine tooth pattern. This gives you a cleaner cut than one made with a jigsaw blade. The blade is also sharper and stays sharper for a longer period of time.
Nice for tight spaces
Track saws are a great choice for a tight space because they allow for a straight, uninterrupted cut. The guide is held in place by clamping mechanisms and anti-slip surfaces. However, the cord can get caught in the track, causing work to stop or even move while in progress. As such, it is important to consider the length and location of the cord to avoid snagging and damaging the workpiece.
The downside to track saws is that they’re expensive. Even with the price reduction, the suggested tools can add up and make it an expensive piece of equipment. Here are a few tools to consider before you buy one. If you don’t need any of these, you can choose to buy the track separately.
The track saw comes with an anti-kickback safety feature and dual alignment cams to fine-tune the fit of the saw to the track. A track saw is also nice for cutting wood in tight spaces because of its slim profile.
Cuts
Track saws are an excellent tool for cuts inside the home. A track saw is flat on the cutting surface and is equipped with a track base that holds the saw blade firmly in place. It works in a similar way to a bandsaw, but instead of a bandsaw blade, the track acts as a guide.
This means that when the blade comes to rest, the material is cut on its correct side. It is important to mark the cutline on the board correctly before using a track saw.
One of the benefits of a track saw is the ability to cut large sheets of material. For instance, you can easily cut a 4ft x 8ft sheet of plywood into smaller pieces for cabinet doors or drawers.
Another great use for a track saw is for cutting large pieces of lumber. You can easily rip a 2×12 sheet of lumber into two 2×6 pieces, and you can place the saw at an angle for cutting corners.
Track saws are ideal for cutting large and small wood, which is why they are a popular tool for homeowners and professionals alike. Compared to other types of saws, track saws are much more precise and can cut any material with a perfect curve.
They are also an efficient way to make precise, safe plunge cuts, without risking an injury. It is important to wear protective gear while using a track saw to prevent injuries. There are many types of track saws available, so finding the right one for your needs can be an overwhelming task.
You can also take a look at our best track saws guide.
Amperage
Before purchasing a track saw, you should know how much power it needs. Track saws can range from 2,000 rpm to 5,000 rpm. While high speeds are good for cutting soft materials, lower speeds are better for cutting dense wood.
Lower speeds also help prevent burn marks and keep the blade in good condition. You should be aware that slowing down the blade rotation can result in kickback, but many track saws come with anti-kickback features.
The best track saws have variable speeds and rpm controls. They usually range from two to five thousand rpm. While higher speeds are better for cutting hardwoods, they can cause increased tool wear.
Additionally, lower speeds are more controllable and will produce more precise cuts. The Festool 75 is expensive, and most people can’t afford it.
Track saws have variable speed capabilities and a 12-amp power rating. The track saw’s saw guide system and blade guard allow it to make clean, plunge cuts. The amperage of track saws is not always an accurate indicator of power, but the manufacturer should provide the range and the wattage in order to match the power level with the job at hand.
Materials
Track saws have a metal track that fits into an aluminum channel, and the track follows the rail as you cut. The guide rail also features a sacrificial strip that supports the workpiece when the blade teeth exit the saw, reducing chipping and lifted fibers.
Most track saws also have variable-speed motors and electronic feedback circuitry to reduce friction. Other features include a dust port that sweeps debris away from the cut surface before it has a chance to collect.
Another advantage of a track saw is its ability to cut large sheets of material. For example, a 4ft x 8ft sheet of plywood can be cut into smaller cabinet parts. You can also use a track saw to rip down large boards, such as 2×12 lumber, into two-by-six pieces. Using a track saw can also prevent drift, which is a common problem when using a circular saw.
When using a track saw, be sure to mark the cut line on the board before you start chopping. If you start cutting from the wrong side, the blade will cut the kerf instead of the material, so make sure the track is wide enough to clear the board.
Also, some track saws have a score cut button, which cuts a shallow first pass of the material. This ensures a clean cut.
Safety
Track saws are not circular saws with specially designed bases. While they share some DNA with their cousins, track saws have added features that make them safer for long cuts.
They feature plush motors and variable speeds, as well as better blades. They are also designed for dialed-in work, making them safer than circular saws for long cuts. These saws also have built-in safety features, such as cam locks, which prevent the blade from jumping off the track and into the workpiece.
Safety is the number one concern when using a track saw. When using one, be sure to use hearing protection and avoid wearing loose clothing. Also, keep your hands away from the blade during its movement. Be aware of the kickback of the blade and don’t hold on to anything, including your workpiece.
Before using your track saw, make sure that your workspace is cleared and ready. The track saw blade should spin for a few seconds before it comes into contact with the material. This ensures a straight and clean cut. Using too much pressure while cutting can result in cracks and chips in the material.
Accuracy
One of the most important factors in determining the quality of your cuts is the accuracy of your track saw. Track saws are known for their accuracy and smooth cutting. They feature an anti-kickback safety mechanism and dual alignment cams to fine-tune the fit between the saw and track. This allows for repeatable cuts and precision.
In a test of accuracy, the Makita saw topped the competition with an accuracy score of 0.98, while the Festool saw came in fourth with 0.94. In the run-time test, the Makita saw won by a slight margin. However, the results of the other four saws were fairly close. The Makita saw is compatible with Mafell’s Track Saw Dust Bag.
Track saws are very popular in Europe. They are used by woodworkers and mobile cabinetmakers to cut sheet material and plywood without tearing it apart. Their design has made woodworking easier and more efficient.
Recently, Ryobi introduced a less expensive, simplified version of the track saw. It is ideal for those who are on a tight budget and need a fast, accurate cut.
Track saws vary in speed and blade depth. High-speed settings are best for soft materials and low-speed settings are better for dense wood. Lower-speed settings help avoid burn marks and keep the blade in good condition. Some track saws also come with anti-kickback features.
Bevel angle
Track saws can be purchased with different bevel angles. It is important to use the right one for the job at hand. The bevel angle is the angle at which the blade makes a bevel cut.
Track saws that are designed with bevel capacity have guides and a bevel locking tab at the rear of the base. This locking tab keeps the blade firmly on the track when it is tilted toward 45 degrees.
To use a track saw to make miter cuts, first set the track’s bevel angle to a minimum and adjust it to your desired angle. When the track’s angle is set properly, you won’t have trouble making accurate cuts. During the cutting process, you can use the track’s bevel adjustment function to ensure that your cuts are perfectly square.
A track saw that features an adjustable bevel angle is more versatile than other models. This feature can save you a step in the production process by making it easier to create the right angles. For example, you can cut plywood at a 45-degree angle, thus increasing the surface area for better glue contact and removing the need for edge-banding.
Scoring
A track saw’s scoring capabilities can be easily adjusted with the help of a scoring aggregate. Generally, this tool is 0.1-0.2 mm wide, and works in a clockwise circle, scoring the edges of the workpiece before the main blade cuts them.
The scoring aggregate can be used to score straight coated panels, sheets, and packs of wood panels. It is available from many manufacturers.
Several track saws are available in the market, and their features are different. Some are continuous electronics, while others are manual. Depending on your preferences, you can pick the right one for your budget and needs.
Many of them also come with one-mm depth adjustments. Some even have a scoring function, which is offset from the cut line.
Most track saws are equipped with a riving knife or a rib-riding antikickback/backslide mechanism. This helps minimize the risk of kickback from the workpiece touching the blade edge. A good track saw will also feature a riving knife to keep the kerf open.
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