Thread: Newbie - Table Saw vs Track Saw vs ?? advice please

Thanks Handyjack- Space wise I've got a relatively small workshop area of around 2.5 x 4 that's currently full of a mixture of dodgy shelves and a combination of different makeshift workbenches. I'm using the Easter break to tidy it up and remove what isn't needed to start with a bit of a blank canvas, so to speak. Dust wise I was looking at one of these Carbatec options.

Originally Posted by Handyjack

What you have not mentioned is how much space you have, or how you plan to deal with saw dust.

For myself, a circular saw and guide rail and clamps is the cheap way to go - assuming you have a work bench or saw horses.
I bought a Festool TS55, some guide rails (2 x 1400 plus joiners), and clamps. Also bought a Midi dust extractor/vacuum cleaner.

Whilst all up this is probably twice your budget (half in the dust extractor) you can cut accurately and it takes up only a small footprint at the end of the day.

That is a sensation piece of kit. ���� and if I go down the track saw route looks like the way to go. It looks like it may test my skills and maybe even the bank balance to make, but....��

Lots of great info team thank you - and MFT top to a home made workbench looks like a solid option with plunge track saw as I don't know if I'll have the space for a sliding/table saw and it sound like the consensus is that contractor saws aren't accurate enough?

Repete that is one good looking workbench. Did you make the MFT grid yourself or purchase?
Thanks for the you tube links too

Originally Posted by Repete

I have a Minimax C26 sliding table saw, but in all honesty, if I was starting again it would be a track saw & an MFT table. I built this torsion box workbench incorporating an MFT grid & absolutely love its versatility. Have a look at New Brit Workshop, Marius Hornberger & everything else Youtube has to offer. DO NOT RUSH...Attachment 471399

That is a sensation piece of kit and if I go down the track saw route looks like a good option, it may test my skills and maybe even the bank balance though

Originally Posted by Bernmc

If space is a premium then this is the track saw solution:

YouTube

I don't think that your comment on contractor saws being accurate enough is quite true - not having owned one. I think like all tools, if you use them and spend some time getting to know them, you certainly can make them ultra accurate. The minusses typically on a contractor saw is they're built to be portable so potentially more prone to mis-adventure leading to mis-adjustment, and potentially shorter in height than a regular table saw.

Originally Posted by Walshy25

Dust wise I was looking at one of these Carbatec options.

If you're not going minimum 2HP you're just wasting your money. There always seems to be second hand ones around if you want to hit the same price point.

Thanks poundy - oh my comment was less on my experience, as I have none with contractor saws more others in this post and lots of online research eluding to the same. You raise very good points though my research continues.

Originally Posted by poundy

I don't think that your comment on contractor saws being accurate enough is quite true - not having owned one. I think like all tools, if you use them and spend some time getting to know them, you certainly can make them ultra accurate. The minusses typically on a contractor saw is they're built to be portable so potentially more prone to mis-adventure leading to mis-adjustment, and potentially shorter in height than a regular table saw.

i mean NOT HAVING OWNED ONE MYSELF

Found these interesting comparisons of Track vs Table Saws I thought I'd share:

Track Saw vs Table Saw
Another comparison
Video
Another one

Originally Posted by Walshy25

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Originally Posted by Bernmc

If space is a premium then this is the track saw solution:

YouTube

That is a sensation piece of kit and if I go down the track saw route looks like a good option, it may test my skills and maybe even the bank balance though

And if you don't need the portability, this is a sensational solution for the hub of a workshop that uses a tracksaw:

Hi Walshy, I built this around some very cheap plywood & MDF. I bought a secondhand Parf Guide System to layout the grid & I am very happy with the result.
I mainly work with solid wood, but love conjuring jigs from sheet goods. I spend a lot of time thinking about & designing stuff. It suits my mind, so that is why I am happy in my shed.
Now is a good time to decide how you want to approach woodworking. Hand skills come slowly but are very rewarding & sharp edges are paramount. Power tools can achieve precision & the MFT has revolutionised woodworking. I like a little of each, but joy is the motivation!!

That is impressive, thanks for sharing. I just found the Dave Stanton option too. So many choices

Originally Posted by RossM

And if you don't need the portability, this is a sensational solution for the hub of a workshop that uses a tracksaw:

I also boughtthe parf guide system to make my workbench top and will make more in the future, quick tip, use mdf not ply, ply splinters.

for a space 2.5m x 4m, watch Peter Millard on youtube, he works in a small space and is very practical and skilled. YouTube