Popular Post Beechwood Chip Posted June 2 Popular Post Report Posted June 2 I recently got a Kreg track saw. Can I expect to get an edge that's ready for a panel glue up from the track saw, or should I expect to clean it up on a table saw or jointer? I'm starting with the track saw because I don't have a reliable straight edge for the table saw, and I need to take off about 1/4" so jointing would require many passes. Also, the boards are pretty long so I'd rather move the tool over the stock rather than move the stock over the tool. 3 Quote
Popular Post fcschoenthal Posted June 2 Popular Post Report Posted June 2 I used to have the Kreg saw and got excellent cut off of it. Several things to ensure good cuts: if you're putting 2 tracks together, use a long straightedge to make sure that they are planer before tightening the connectors down. clamp the tracks down at both ends to make sure that the track doesn't move at all. take your time moving the saw down the track (let the saw cut). This will also help ensure that you aren't pushing the saw to one side or the other. If you're not getting a clean cut, consider cleaning the blade, or getting a new blade. I preferred CMT blades over the original. There are probably other things that I've forgotten, but yes, track saws are wonderful tools for things like this. 5 Quote
Popular Post gee-dub Posted June 2 Popular Post Report Posted June 2 Agree with everything fcschoenthal said. I have a Makita and bought a second connector to make the alignment more stable. It looks like the Kreg comes with multiple connectors already. I use a 6 foot level as my alignment tool prior to tightening but any reliable straight edge should work. Be watchful of the kerf of the blades you buy so that you will not have to replace your splinter guard prematurely. The Freud blades matched my stock Makita blades but whatever you standardize on should keep the reference edge correct. I do sometimes clamp a bit of scrap to reinforce the midpoint of the coupled track. Probably not necessary but it makes me feel better 4 Quote
Popular Post Von Posted June 2 Popular Post Report Posted June 2 I have the Festool track saw and I get edges good for glue up from it. I second @fcschoenthal's advice though I admit I often don't clamp my track down, it's pretty darn stable if the wood is. I will add one trick for putting two tracks together: use the saw itself, sitting on the joint, to help make sure the two tracks are aligned. Run the saw back and forth until the joint is close to unfeelable. 5 Quote
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