Thread: Detroit Plunge/Tracksaw

In the absence of a direct review of the Detroit - it is a clone sold under many different brand names. Peter Millard on Youtube has a number of track saw reviews with some that look like very much like the Detroit. I've had the Woodstar brand (clone of Scheppach) from Total Tools before and it handles all of the basic functions of a track saw just fine. The main thing to check is that the track you get is straight, I didn't have any issues with this with the Woodstar track.

I've since moved on to a Festool TS55. The ergonomics are better, there are more accessories if you need them, and the dust collection is much better. I wouldn't have dared to use the Woodstar inside the house but I have used the TS55.

If you're not concerned about the inferior dust collection, it should make for a perfectly serviceable track saw.

Sorry no experience with the Detroit other than considering it when I was looking at Tracksaws. I put off buying for years because I just couldn't decide - in the end I also went with the TS55. It puts a smile on my face every time I use and I often prefer it to my table saw. And yes the dust extraction is excellent.

Good luck with you quest!

Originally Posted by Alkahestic

In the absence of a direct review of the Detroit - it is a clone sold under many different brand names. Peter Millard on Youtube has a number of track saw reviews with some that look like very much like the Detroit. I've had the Woodstar brand (clone of Scheppach) from Total Tools before and it handles all of the basic functions of a track saw just fine. The main thing to check is that the track you get is straight, I didn't have any issues with this with the Woodstar track.

I've since moved on to a Festool TS55. The ergonomics are better, there are more accessories if you need them, and the dust collection is much better. I wouldn't have dared to use the Woodstar inside the house but I have used the TS55.

If you're not concerned about the inferior dust collection, it should make for a perfectly serviceable track saw.

Thanks for the reply and feedback

Originally Posted by Fluddman

Sorry no experience with the Detroit other than considering it when I was looking at Tracksaws. I put off buying for years because I just couldn't decide - in the end I also went with the TS55. It puts a smile on my face every time I use and I often prefer it to my table saw. And yes the dust extraction is excellent.

Good luck with you quest!

Thanks for that. I'd love the TS55 but right now it's out of my budget and I really only need it for breaking down large sheets of melamine so I can then run through my saw. I am going to make a square jig or buy it if it exists, but I n Ed something I can change the blade on with a better quality blade and just rip town big sheets and money wise and purpose wise I was looking at the Detroit. I did buy an Ozito brand one a month or 2 ago but it was rubbish so I took it back.

What was wrong with the Ozito ?

The blade had a touch of wobble in it so gave some pretty ordinary cuts, had to continually adjust the know to keep it from moving on the track also and a few other little grievances etc

Hi G. Just had a quick look online and while it seems to be more expensive than the Sheppach (which I have and have modified heavily), the Detroit comes with better clamps and a scribing feature. You will need 2 tracks for cutting down full sheets.

Originally Posted by Mountain Ash

Hi G. Just had a quick look online and while it seems to be more expensive than the Sheppach (which I have and have modified heavily), the Detroit comes with better clamps and a scribing feature. You will need 2 tracks for cutting down full sheets.

Hi Mountain, thanks for the reply.

What's your thoughts on it mate? I'm not sure what the scribing feature is or how it works so is that a good thing?

Thanks

I think the scribing feature allows you to make a very shallow cut before making the full cut to provide a very clean cut.

CHeers

Hi Guys, I ended up buying the saw so will use it and leave my thoughts after I've given it some use.

Thanks for thoughts etc

The type of saw blade and teeth being used will be a factor.
Whatever you purchase it will need rock solid guides with very little wiggle or the accuracy of the cuts will be garbage.
The factories computerized industrial panel saw I operated has an upside-down U shape channel.
The Cain pulled motor and 21 inch saw blade would pass underneath while that held and clamped the particle board in place during the cut.
It would accurately cut 6 inches of stacked particle boards.
The laminating machine for vinyl and melamine used 6 huge hot and cold rollers.
The person who separated boards near the automated stacking machine would use a utility knife on a long pole and sliced the lamination in the 1/8" gap between boards.
One user mistake and a jam could occur bending a sheet of wood like an archers bow.

Can anyone please advise if it is ok to spray silicone spray on the tracks to help the saw slide better?
Thanks

Hi G. Usually the saw base should only be touching the nylon/plastic/UHMW strips set into the track and they are normally pretty slippery. Do you have cam adjusters on the saw base (that keep the saw "locked" into track) ? These might be too tight

Originally Posted by garfield

Can anyone please advise if it is ok to spray silicone spray on the tracks to help the saw slide better?
Thanks

Be very careful with using a silicon spray,around anything you want to finish.
The silicon is Evil for ruining a good finish, I personally would not have anything like that near anything i want to finish.


Cheers Matt.

Originally Posted by garfield

Can anyone please advise if it is ok to spray silicone spray on the tracks to help the saw slide better?
Thanks

Camellia oil might help, it's "finish safe" - but I'd be concerned at it attracting sawdust and gunking up.

As others have said, a track saw shouldn't need lubrication to slide properly - if it does, IMO, not fit for purpose!