If you’ve ever done any woodworking projects, you know that having the right saw is essential to creating high-quality, professional results.
But selecting the right track saw can be a bit of a challenge – do you go with corded or cordless? What kind of cutting depth and power are you looking for? And how accurate should your cuts be?
With these questions in mind, this blog post (how to choose the right track saw for woodworking projects) will help guide you through choosing the best track saw for your individual needs and get your next project off on the right foot. Ready to learn more about finding the perfect tool for your crafting ventures?
Let’s dive in!
What to Consider When Choosing the right track saw for woodworking projects
If you’re a home renovation enthusiast and looking for an easier way to cut wood, then track saws may be the perfect option.
But with so many choices on the market today, it can be tough to know which model is right for your project or budget. Don’t worry though – here are some helpful tips that will make choosing your ideal track saw simpler than ever!
- See Also: Circular saw vs track saw
Blade Size
With track saws of varying sizes, you can tackle any project with accuracy and precision! For thicker materials like 2¾ inches thick, opt for an 8¼-inch blade.
If something thinner such as 1 inch is what your job calls for – reach for the miniature version equipped with 4½-inch blades. And if tackling everyday projects be sure to grab one boasting a 6½-inch blade that will take on items up to two inches in thickness.
Speed Settings
A track saw with speed settings can help you get the job done right, regardless of what wood type or thickness you’re cutting.
This handy feature allows users to easily dial between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm depending on their project needs – perfect for softwoods like pine plywood at a higher setting and dense materials such as locust or walnut requiring fewer RPMs while avoiding burn marks.
Anti-kickback features in select models add an extra layer of safety from potentially unpredictable situations that could arise when reducing blade rotation speeds.
Bevel Capacity
Track saws with adjustable bevels are the ultimate versatile power tools, taking care of 90-degree square cuts as well as those tricky 45-degree angles.
A must-have for any DIYer or furniture maker – making and joining edges is a snap! Plus, no more worries about needing to edge band plywood pieces; create beautiful joints without extra effort!
Motor Power
Track saws are powerful tools that come in corded and cordless varieties. Corded track saws mimic sidewinder-style circular models, yet their power is difficult to measure since amperage only states the amount of electric current a motor can draw – not an accurate representation of its true chops.
When it comes to battery-operated options, however, you likely won’t go wrong selecting one with 20 volts versus 18: generally more powerful than the latter…though exceptions do exist!
Cord Length
They require a level of precision and maneuverability that can be determined by the length of their cord. To maximize usability, roofers, and framers often switch their circular saw’s standard 6-foot cord for an extended 25-footer to steer clear from any potential snags while they work.
This leaves plenty more room to move around when cutting long objects like 8-ft sheets of plywood without having to drag along extra extension cords with them – which could potentially get caught on the end track – leaving users free to take advantage of every inch in terms of range!
Track Length
Track saws are a handy tool for achieving precise, cleaner cuts quickly and efficiently. For workshops, it’s best to have 2-, 4- and 8-foot tracks as this provides greater versatility in cutting lengths and is also easy to set up.
If the user needs more than that length then modular tracks can be connected -perfectly suited for fitting composite decks with parting boards or other intricate workpieces!
However longer doesn’t always mean better: if you want an accurate cut without having to reset the track during ripping plywood sheets, sticking with smaller-sized ones may be your best bet.
Safety Features
Track saws are the perfect tool for making precise, accurate cuts. Rather than relying on typical circular saw blades that wander and need to be guided by a dedicated hand, track saws feature variable speed motors and superior blade designs customized for performing specific tasks without fail.
Moreover, safety features like CAM lock protect users from kickback or jumping off of their tracks while cutting long pieces of material – ensuring peace of mind with every cut!
Carpenters know that when accuracy is crucial, a shoot board or shooting board can be the answer. This self-crafted plywood track has long been used to ensure straight cuts – especially in demanding jobs like trimming doors! But now carpenters have an even better option:
Track saws with anti-chip rubber strips and gummy bottom layers for added stability plus clamping systems designed specifically to lock tracks into place securely; chip guards to prevent debris buildup and high-quality blades are also available for precise results every time.
FAQs
Q. Can I use a track saw without a track?
Yes, you can, but they’re not as easy to use without a track. The pressure it takes to hold the saw in the plunged position can affect accuracy.
Q. How deep can track saws cut?
Most track saws can cut just over 2 inches deep; however, some of the larger track saws can cut up to 2½ inches deep.
