Thread: Need a Plunge Saw with Track - $500 budget

Buy an aluminium straight edge and two clamps, and use your normal circular saw. It will get the job done, and you’ll save $468.85.

I’ve got the Scheppach with two lengths of track. I made an extra joiner rod as the joining kit only has 1. Having two makes the tracks rock solid when joined.
I’ve used it to break down full ply sheets, trim doors etc
The price at the moment with 1 track and joining kit is $324.50 plus freight.

Originally Posted by Lappa

I’ve got the Scheppach with two lengths of track. I made an extra joiner rod as the joining kit only has 1. Having two makes the tracks rock solid when joined.
I’ve used it to break down full ply sheets, trim doors etc
The price at the moment with 1 track and joining kit is $324.50 plus freight.

W874 - cs-55 Circular Plunge & Mitre Cut Saw Package Deal | Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse

My mates got this as suggested by Lappa. Chuck on a diabolo fine finish /plywood 40-48 teeth new blade, your laughing. And you'll have enough for a slab later!

Originally Posted by riverbuilder

Buy an aluminium straight edge and two clamps, and use your normal circular saw. It will get the job done, and you’ll save $468.85.

I was doing exactly that until my 10 year old Ryobi circular saw was tracking right, even with my trusty home made track!. I threw the Ryobi in the bin in the end as it was getting way too hot for my liking. This is the reason I'm in the market for a new saw, must be a plunge track saw this time though.

Originally Posted by Lappa

I’ve got the Scheppach with two lengths of track. I made an extra joiner rod as the joining kit only has 1. Having two makes the tracks rock solid when joined.
I’ve used it to break down full ply sheets, trim doors etc
The price at the moment with 1 track and joining kit is $324.50 plus freight.

Hi Lappa, Thanks for the advice. Did you have any problem with play on the track?. Ive also discovered these aswell if anyone wants to chime in with their thoughts or advice:

RPS185 Renegade 185mm 1400 Watt Plunge Saw | Hand-Held Power Tools - TradeTools| Huge Range, Great Service

1200W Plunge Saw Kit

Originally Posted by slickmick77

W874 - cs-55 Circular Plunge & Mitre Cut Saw Package Deal | Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse

My mates got this as suggested by Lappa. Chuck on a diabolo fine finish /plywood 40-48 teeth new blade, your laughing. And you'll have enough for a slab later!

I like the idea of the slab...

No problems with play in the track. Tracks true.

Originally Posted by Lappa

No problems with play in the track. Tracks true.

How accurate are the cuts that you've had with this one?, have you ever had to replace the rubber/plastic strip under the track?

I never do this but in this case I will.. If it was me I would opt for the Makita track saw. It's $739, which is well above your stated budget, but I think it's worth it in this case. A lot of third party companies make attachments etc for the Makita/Festool tracks as well which is a bonus.

I was in your same situation a few weeks ago and in the end I decided to bite the bullet and I purchased the Festool TS55. I ended up just using Zip Pay and paying $600 off right away.

All the other minor brands just seemed to have too many compromises or they were hit and miss.

From one Sam to another I have to agree with the other Sam(o)....also better re-sale is another factor with the well known brands.

Its getting awfully crowded with Sam's in here!. What would the benefits be over getting something like the Makita SP6000JT over a cheaper lesser known brand?.

Originally Posted by SadSam71

How accurate are the cuts that you've had with this one?, have you ever had to replace the rubber/plastic strip under the track?

The cuts are very accurate. Below is a floor to ceiling laundry cupboard,
The sides, doors etc where all cut from 2420 x 1220 furniture grade ply sheets. They were all straight off the saw-no after trimming. The gaps between the doors are 3 mm vertical and 5 mm horizontal
I’d call that accurate.


7351344B-14B1-45EB-8524-4B5BDA0FBD76.jpg

I haven’t had to replace the strips yet.

I don’t mind spending money on tools and I have a lot of Makita gear but I had a trial with this saw and it did everything I could ask so I bought one. I couldn’t see the sense in spending more.

Hi Sam. I agree with Lappa to a point. I have the Sheppach cs-55 and have made 2 modifications that really helped. I replaced the rubber strip with the Festool replacement strip. It is much thicker and stops chips better than the one that came with the saw. I also bought a Festool blade as replacement for the one supplied. As to wobble on the track, the saw has little plastic cams on base of the saw to adjust for fit. The tool is not a Festool but now cuts a lot cleaner. Track clamps are painful but work (I have also replaced these). Mine has had a lot of use and works fine

What did you replace the track clamps with? Makita, Festool etc are the same design.