Table saw vs. Track saw

[Craig Richmond]

Hi,
I have been reading on the DeWalt Track saws along with the reviews. Currently I have a Jet table saw (XactaSaw) and a DeWalt DW718. I normally just stick to projects around the house and may try doing some cabinets for the closets. The DeWalt will do most any mitering that I might need. With that said, what will the table saw do for me that a track saw can't or vise versa? I guess I am looking for pros and cons.

[Dewey Torres]

Oh boy... what is the brand name on that can of worms?

I just put some popcorn in the microwave. This is going to be a good one

[Craig Richmond]

Thanks, LOL

[Howard Miller]

I look forward to this thread. I have been eyeing the Eurekazone EZ-Smart system.

My question is with track saw systems, how do you make sure your cut is at 90 degree?

[Craig Richmond]

I would think that you would have to have a true edge to begine with and the measure from there. But, that is one point twards the table saw.

[whit richardson]

Well... yea where are the novel writers on this one?

table saw can do dado, grooves, rabbet, cross cut and setups for repeatable cuts either rip or crosscut. Track saw not so...

you can cut tenons, raised panels, miters, splines, etc on table saw. Track saw not really..

You can swap all types of blades for different woods, products, cuts and better quality than what you can find for a dewalt circular saw.

a few things to consider....

[Peter Quadarella]

We could be here for a very long time going over what a tablesaw can do that a simple standalone track saw cannot. The Eurekazone suite of add-ons attempts to replicate (and exceed) what a tablesaw can do, and at it's heart it is a track for a circular saw. I would suggest checking out that sub forum under Manufacturer's forum here at sawmillcreek.

[Craig Richmond]

Since my table saw was used, it did not come with a miter. The one I was looking at was about $100 and rather than sinking the money then decide to sell the table, I thought I would ask. But, I think Whit Richardson answered my questions quite well. Even though I may not do some of the cuts from month to month, one day I have a need and then am stuck.
I think the track saw has a great purpose and if I was cutting 4x8s several days a week then I would get one. Thanks guys for the input.

[Paul Johnstone]

Since my table saw was used, it did not come with a miter. The one I was looking at was about $100 and rather than sinking the money then decide to sell the table, I thought I would ask. But, I think Whit Richardson answered my questions quite well. Even though I may not do some of the cuts from month to month, one day I have a need and then am stuck.
I think the track saw has a great purpose and if I was cutting 4x8s several days a week then I would get one. Thanks guys for the input.

I don't know if the deal is still in effect, but they had the MastRSlide for around $400 recently. Yes, that is expensive, but if you consider how much a track saw costs, and how much an upgraded miter gauge cost, it is not too bad.

I still use a regular circular saw and straight edge sometimes, but it's mainly those rare occasions when I have to make a 4' crosscut across a sheet of plywood (and obviously for rough "home improvement work").
The MasterRslide will crosscut to something like 32" or 34".. I don't remember exactly.

[Per Swenson]

Simple.

I can no longer do without both.

Per

[Rick Potter]

I am pretty sure I have a couple miter gages in the shed. How 'bout if I let you have one reeeeel cheep, like free? Do whatever you want about the track saw, but you will regret letting go of the table saw. I assume the Jet takes a standard miter gage.

E-mail me if this helps.

Rick Potter

[Neal Clayton]

hi eurekazone marketing department, welcome back to the general forum, thanks for randomly bumping old threads, people love that stuff.

[Bryan Parlor]

I look forward to this thread. I have been eyeing the Eurekazone EZ-Smart system.

My question is with track saw systems, how do you make sure your cut is at 90 degree?

Using the Ez smart bridge on a power bench you align the rail to a squaring fence fixed to the bench. You can then raise and lower the bridge and the cut is always 90 deg. Stops on the squaring fence allow repeat cuts to be made if you need a number of identical panels.

The Youtube video below shows how a square cut is made using the bridge.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOggc...next=1&index=3

When cutting large sheets of plywood its often an advantage to bring the saw to the wood rather than having to hike the heavy sheets around. The ezsmart rail can be used with a square to make finish cuts as shown in this Youtube video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFi80yzUHR0

I have had my Ezsmart system for just over 2 years now and sold my table saw and router table.

N.B. the Ezsmart system uses your existing circular saw and router and any saw can be easily modified to give excellent dust collection for a few $.


Bryan

[Justin Leiwig]

I'm not a proponent one way or the other. Everything walt specified can be done with a tracksaw and the addition of a router table to the shop. It would be easily stowable, portable and cheaper than a nice tablesaw.

[Burt Waddell]

In 2004, after having the second of 3 major surgeries, I finally decided to try the EZ rail. I was just looking for a way to handle plywood more easily in my cabinet shop. SInce then, I have sold both of my unisaws. a panel saw etc and now rely on the EZ Smart Power Benches and rail system.

Along the way I went thru a phase that is where Per is now - I had to have both. Now I am operating with just the "track saws" and find it faster, at least as accurate, and much safer. The really big thing to me is it takes a lot less effort to do the work. I have my plywood stored flat on shelves kind of like those at the borg. I can slide a sheet of 3/4 ply off the stack and on the cutting table without ever picking it up. I then set up the repeaters and the EZ rail and rip one or a dozen pieces to the same size - no ruler required. I can leave the rip laying where I cut it and then pickup a cabinet maker and cut as many pieces to a set length as I desire. Or if I prefer, I can take the ripped piece to a cross cut PBB and do the cross cuts. I've still got enough "Table saw" in me to want to rip first.

Others don't have the table saw background and prefer to cross cut first and then rip out the pieces. This can be done easily with the cabinetmaker or the power bench or a combo of the two.

My personal experience is using the EZ Smart equipment is much easier than using the traditional table saw. Also safety is much better. Some of my power benches are equipped with Uni fences.


Burt

Added. I noticed the comments about the miter gauge. I've modified a couple of the incra's by replacing the miter bar with an EZ connector. WIth that in a EZ rail, I cut any angle I want. I also use one on one of my power benches as a stop for gang cross cuts.