On Monday, June 14, 2021 at 12:29:48 PM UTC-4, G Ross wrote:
DerbyDad03 wrote:
The MLCS track saw is currently on sale for $160. I know
it's entry level, but it might be good enough for the limited
amount of sheet goods breakdown that I do.

With the soon-to-be-installed inverter in my van, I could
use it to break down sheet goods in the big box parking
lot instead of using my 18V circular saw.

Any thoughts from the track saw experts? Pros, but more
importantly, cons.

https://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shop...c/store/html/d sdsmarthtml/pages/track_saw.html

Thanks!

I never had a track saw, but I built my own for my "skil" saw. I cut
two pieces of thin plywood or door skin 8 inches wide, One is 4 ft
long, the other 8 ft long. From Lowes I bought two pieces of aluminum
U channel about 1/2 inches deep and wide in 4' and 8' length. These I
fastened 2 inches from the edge of each board using counter-sunk bolts
with the nuts inside the channel, about every foot. I then laid them
on saw horses and ran the skil saw down each one on the wide side and
holding the saw against the aluminum channel.
To cut a marked line I clamp the finished guide with the wide side
against the marked line and clamped the guide to the workpiece using
small C-clamps on the skinny side of the guide, put the saw on the
wide side and saw the cut. Just remember the guide side of the
workpiece is the "saved" side and the other side is the waste piece.
I have used these for years. When not used they hang over the shop
door on nails
through holes drilled in the board.
Total cost much less than for a bought guide.

--
G Ross

Yes, I have been using all wood versions of that type of guide for years.

Still curious about the advantages of that inexpensive track saw over
some other options. Place and cut - no clamps - is enticing. The short
pieces of track could make it more convenient than even the 4' guide
is some situations.