Get Better Results From Your Track Saw
Jeremy Kassel, a builder from Glenmont, N.Y., explains how to get the best results from your cordless track saw.
Jeremy Kassel knows a few ways to get better results from your track saw. To start, he recommends you use scrap to support the track when cutting narrow stock like shims or rails and styles for cabinets.
Remember: splinter guards are trimmed with the saws first cut so that they almost touch the blade’s teeth. This provides splinter free cutting and a track you can put on your layout marks. Be sure to replace and recut the splinter guard when it’s damaged or when you’re swapping the saws blade for a thinner one. Thicker blades will recut the existing splinter guard.
It’s important to have both the stock and the guide rail supported across their entire width. Without proper support, the saw and track can tip, which is dangerous and can ruin your cut.
When joining two short guide rails together for a longer cut, use a level to ensure that they are straight while you are tightening the screws. Finally, clean the work surface and the guide rail after every cut. A dust-free work surface ensures good grip for the guide rail.
If you’re looking for guidance on which track saw to get, check out my recent test for Fine Homebuilding on FineHomebuilding.com.
— Jeremy Kassel; builder in Glenmont, N.Y. Photos by Patrick McCombe.
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