Justify buying the festool tracksaw for decks

dvatt said:

I am looking into buying a tracksaw to use for decks. I see a couple of uses right away. Trimming boards that are laid, cutting out boards for inlays, cutting stringers? And of course ripping any boards or riser fascia.

Does anyone use a track saw in their arsenal?

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Oh my Gosh!!

Get a track saw. You will find so many uses for it.

For the last 6 years.

There will be some that say they don't see the need for a track saw but then there are many who will tell you they love having one. I have not purchased one YET....but I don't need to own one to see the many advantages a track saw has.

I say .....get it!!

There simply is no substitute for cost efficiency.

Get one. You won't be sorry (as long as you buy a decent one). I have the Makita. It works great for me.

They don't sell them here in my area. I've never seen another contractor here with one either. I don't think any contractor around me would even know what it is! :laughing:

But thanks to CT, I've been exposed to lots of things not available to me locally. Thank goodness for the internet.

I love it for decks.

For decks the TS 75 may not be the best choice. Once the TS 55 is rereleased buy it, that simple, just buy it. You will need additional tracks, I recommend at least 1-118" plus the connectors. At least 2 11" screw or Quick (these only come in 6") clamps plus 1 Rapid Clamp.

I neglected to take a photo of trimming a porch-32' of rail supported on lookouts.

Tom

I really like using my track saw on decks:blink:

It's faster, easier, and makes a much better cut then freehand. There is absolutely no reason not to get one for decks. It's great for cutting in a seam board or picture frame.

svronthmve said:

Get one. You won't be sorry (as long as you buy a decent one). I have the Makita. It works great for me.

They don't sell them here in my area. I've never seen another contractor here with one either. I don't think any contractor around me would even know what it is! :laughing:

But thanks to CT, I've been exposed to lots of things not available to me locally. Thank goodness for the internet.

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That's my story to a T.:thumbup: CT has exposed me to a lot of cool tools & methods I never had a clue about.

Makita track saw being one of them. I don't use it once a month most of the time, because my shop has most of the big stationary tools that are more efficient on most things, but on those projects where it's needed, there's no better tool for the job. No regrets about buying one. I bought 3 55" rails to make it more efficient & versatile.

I have used the ts 75 on decks, roof metal, cabinets, doors, wood flooring, and some times I just throw it in the truck when I don't have room for a table saw.
I think the track saw and the new plunge cut oscillating tools like the one fein is giving away have really made my life easier, and now I am spoiled. I now believe I need a domino.

Friend said:

and now I am spoiled. I now know I need a domino.

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That looks a little more right.

When installing a seam board do you still have to cut the board closest to the house or will the track saw take you right up against the house? Same goes for trimming wild ends of boards that overhang, do you have to cut that last board or two up against the house?

Yes, unfortunately, you do need to cut that first and/or last board, if something interferes with the saw travel.

Californiadecks said:

It's faster, easier, and makes a much better cut then freehand. There is absolutely no reason not to get one for decks. It's great for cutting in a seam board or picture frame.

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Do you clamp the track to the deck when you cut the ends off your deck boards? I'm not sure how you would attach the clamp. Also, do these saws have to be used with the track or can you cut with them free hand? I actually like the idea of the dust extractor more than the guide, it would be nice to make free hand cuts with it.

Has anyone ever used the 8" track saw to cut a bunk of plywood at full depth? I'm wondering if it's powerful enough, it would make a nice framing tool for cutting sheets of soffit plywood if it could.

We have never clamped our tracks on. They have a rubber strip on the back that stays put very well. The weight of the saw helps also.

Which is a good Festool online supplier? I forget which one I used before, but all the ones I'm looking at keep saying out of stock or in store pick up only.

KennMacMoragh said:

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Has anyone ever used the 8" track saw to cut a bunk of plywood at full depth? I'm wondering if it's powerful enough, it would make a nice framing tool for cutting sheets of soffit plywood if it could.

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Yes, you can use a track saw for that, and depending on the neatness and accuracy required, it could be a good choice. However, the electronic motor control won't let you shove it through the stock the way you can with a bigfoot or other large circular - you have to slow down with a track saw and let it keep the RPMs up. When I'm cutting sheathing for walls, floors, or roofs, and there's a guy standing there waiting for the next sheet, I'd rather use a SkilSaw.