Depends. Sometimes weight and friction are enough, others you need to clamp it.
Depends. Sometimes weight and friction are enough, others you need to clamp it.
This is how I used to work, and it did the job. I had to clamp my plywood/hardwood guide every time though, and the aluminum on a track saw is light and the rubber base prevents any slipping. (I have two unused clamps that came with the saw.) I've had the track saw for over a year now and I'm still kind of amazed how quick and accurate it breaks down a sheet of plywood.
However, if someone is starting up a wood shop, I would recommend a good table saw. That seems to me a basic tool for multiple reasons.
It is difficult/impossible to cut groves, dado's, and rabbets in a single pass with a track saw. Tenons would be difficult too.
And the TS would afford repeatable production type cuts more quick and more easily.
Parallel guides can make pretty short work of a sheet of plywood. Faster than jockeying a sheet around a table saw.
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Ask the community — no account required