Wen Track Saw with PowerTec Tracks
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ต.ค. 2024
- Unboxing and the first use of the Wen Track Saw. I upgraded to the PowerTec tracks and test those as well.
Wen Track Saw amzn.to/3sV9Ky2
PowerTec Tracks amzn.to/368zEF7
Wen Track Clamps amzn.to/3a3EWma
*Great saw **MyBest.Tools** and track for the price can't beat it although the blade could be better but easily switched out.*
Thank you Alaska Workshop for your very informative video. It is so rare to find a good instructor who does not babble through most of the video with senseless blabber. You are very direct and an excellent teacher. I would have spent hours trying to learn how to use this tool. You saved me both time and frustration by sharing your time and knowledge. These videos take time and I thank you for yours!
Thank you so much and thanks for taking the time to comment!
I just received my Wen saw and my Powertec tracks. Was glad to find this video going over set up and features. Well done. Thanks!
Thanks for letting me know. Appreciate it!
This video was my purchasing tipping point (thank you for the video). I bought the same Wen saw and the same PowerTec tracks. I also bought a 6.5" Makita 48 tooth blade. I love this saw/track/blade combo. I'm a garage hack so it will won't be used 24x7. For my level of use, this is a _great_ combo. And, for those concerned with the plastics--I haven't had any problem. If anything, after about four hours of use or so the saw gets smoother and easier to use. I spent more than half of what I woulda spent on a Makita and about 30 times (!) less than I woulda spent for a Fesstool. I originally thought this saw would be a project-based purpose and that later in the future I would get a Makita. So far, I don't think that will happen. I'll stick with the Wen to the end! (my kickback knobs went into the trash--for what I think is a very minimal safety tradeoff).
I found the same thing Roger. It has been working for me for months now and it does what I want it to. No need to upgrade and my kickback knob is in a drawer somewhere.
I’ve been impressed with mine. Did you get the Wen tracks or paper matin? I got Wen and have no issues but never used anything else.
@@ronhau1542 I got the PowerTec tracks. Here's an update on the Wen plastics. The cams that keep the saw in the track wear pretty easily. They are only $5 on Wen site but they've been out of them for several months. I repaired mine for now with hot glue. Keep an eye on 'em.
Thank you! I went out and bought this after seeing your vid. I don’t require a lot of track saw cutting so I’ll save my money for higher grade tools that I’ll use more often.… I’ll upgrade the blade as I mentioned before but I found your vid very helpful - again!
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I am like you and use it to mainly break down sheets of plywood but I still think it was a good buy after over a year of using it.
You are a great teacher, lot of attetion on the small great details that nobody else pay attention to ! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I appreciate you letting me know. Sometimes I feel my videos are too long.
I've been impressed with WEN products that I've dealt with. I had the variable speed benchtop drill press for a while. I only sold it because I sold everything I possibly could to avoid moving it from Arizona to Colorado.
I have the Tormek knockoff. It's not perfect, but for what I paid, it does exactly what I need it for. Which is fixing broken edges and quickly reprofiling new tools.
I am impressed as well. I am looking at the Wen planer!
Every time I watch one of your videos you cost me more money! So many cool tools!
Ha, glad I could help!
Me too!!! lol
WEN makes great products! I picked up their 10in band saw with stand and a dual sander recently after researching both! This track saw is next.
Good to know Tim, been looking at that band saw myself.
Ive had this saw with the Wen tracks for about a year now and have been pleased with it. Its cuts accurately and the dust collection is good. The only difference i can tell between this and the Makita is the Makita is mostly aluminum and the Wen is plastic.
I have heard the Wen tracks were decent. Still happy with the saw and use it often.
Man thank you for the recommendation i bout the rails from your link and the saw the 7 and 1/4 size with lamps and an extra blade, has it changed my attitude toward breaking dow plywood. I looked at the keg and hated it and I’m so happy i broke down 20 sheets of plywood in under and hour after 20 minute saw set up and getting used to it. I own a 4 thousand dollar saw stop and didn’t even use item the saw cuts so accurate i can build onsite without taking any big tools to the job.. love it love it love it, thank you so much. Life as a cabinet maker and custom woodworker just got so much better with this tool
I agree, no more wrestling sheets of plywood!
I like my Wen Track Saw too. I do not know if you would want a Square for your tracks, but Banggood sells one for $28 plus shipping. It’s nowhere near the TSO’s or Woodpeckers’s of the world, but it’s good enough. I like it when breaking down so you only have to make one mark at the saw end for cutting. I cut long and do the final cut on the TS so I do not worry if it is not perfectly square although most of the time it is.
@@richardlug6139 Thanks for the suggestion, I bought some Banggood products this past December and like them. I just had to wait a long time for them to arrive. I am definitely in the market for a track square.
@@AlaskaWorkshop On something’s they are slow. I am still waiting for my second square I ordered in Jan the first one came in two weeks last fall. I want to use one on each end when ripping an 8ft sheet since they are cheap.
@@richardlug6139 How much are they? Can't you just square it up and then clamp the other end?
Great review! Im definitely considering this.
Thanks for commenting. The saw is still working well for me.
Thanks for the vid. How’s the blade? Should we upgrade that?
I quess it depends on what you use it for. I use mine for ripping down plywood and have used the original blade since it was new. If you are ripping hardwood slabs, you might consider and upgrade.
I notice almost every review says go with the powertec tracks that they are better. I bought the Wen ones and see absolutely no difference in them and have had zero issues with them. As far as the saw, I did away with the antikickback and that was a vast improvement, other than that it works great and I'm happy with the purchase.
Thanks for that. Good to hear the WEN tracks are good too. I am still happy with it.
The Powertec tracks are 5" longer, which makes it easier to get an accurate start to a cut on 48" material, since it allows the saw to be fully seated on the track when you start.
@@phcorrigan Good to know, thanks for commenting!
Those tracks I didn’t even need the clamps it sat nice, the clamps come tomorrow I couldn’t wait lol
Right, I hardly use the clamps anymore
Great video. Great angles. I just bought the Wen and this video helps me set it up. how do you measure where the blade will cut? Will it cut right on your pencil mark?
Yes, when you run the saw for the first time it cuts that rubber edge and you place that right on your pencil mark. The next step is just making sure it is square!
@@AlaskaWorkshop Thanks so much. How many cuts do you make with both tracks connected vs one track alone? I'm sure it gets tedious taking it apart all the time. Maybe a third track for shorter cuts?
@@timsharr5436 I typically only use both tracks when ripping full sheets of plywood. Once I get a sheet in half, I usually will finish it on the table saw since it is much easier to handle. I use the single track a lot for cross cuts where the wood is too wide for my cross-cut sled.
@@MikeCriss very helpful feedback Mike ! I don't have a large table saw, so I'll be using the track saw for more big cuts.
*NICE TO KNOW ABOUT ADJUSTMENTS. BUT HOW DID THE THING WORK? WAS THE CUT SMOOTH OR SPLINTERED? DID IT TRACK ACCURATELY? MOST IMPORTANT IS THERE ENOUGH POWER, AND ALL PLASTIC SAW?*
I have been using it for several months now. It has been working great. It cuts as accurate as I can measure, it cuts smoothly and there is enough power. It does get a build-up of sawdust that will stop it if not cleared. I used it everyday for my greenhouse build and have really liked it!
Nothing wrong with the Wen tracks.
That is what I have heard. Thanks for commenting.
Just ordered mine, nice video keep the good work up ! 👊🔥
Thanks, I am sure you will get some good use out of it.
Appreciate your videos I also bought the Powertec tracks it doesn't seem to be a lot of information on the first cut with that rubber Splinter guard did you make that cut on an actual work piece or just the rubber itself
Make the cut on a piece of lumber. A little harder to see on the first cut, but then you are good.
@@AlaskaWorkshop i hung mine over a quarter inch on plywood and it cut like butter. Just get your knobs right first so the saw sits right when you plunge. Best saw i ever used I’m so happy
What’s your preferred method for squaring the track to your workpiece?
I have a clamp on square. It connects to the track
@@AlaskaWorkshop
If you get a minute I would love to see it. Thanks!
I get a little confused by some of these videos demonstrating tracksaw's.
Some guys use clamps to hold the track in place while others don't.
I thought the whole purpose of the strips underneath the tracks were to keep the track in place and not move?
What am I missing? 🤔
After using the saw for a year I usually don’t bother with the clamps anymore. I trust that the track will not move now.
@@AlaskaWorkshop Ok cool. That's perfect!! I won't bother with the clamps then.
Thanks so much.
I just got this same set up today, saw, tracks, clamps. For use on hardwood did anyone upgrade their blade and if so to what manuf / teeth count?
I’ve gotten the same saw and tracks. My issue is that the saw will lock on to the tracks, but will pop off very easily. Any suggestions on how to fix this?
Use the track lock on the saw. That's exactly what it's for.
1) is the base plate plastic, and if so...has it made a difference or does it slide perfectly fine?
2) does the base plate have an adjustment screw to fine tune the 90deg angle between blade and base plate?
Is the saw still kicking for you in 22
Yes, one of my most used tools in the shop.
@@AlaskaWorkshop ok thanks I ordered one just waiting on it to show up
It would be great if you make a 45° cut quality video demo, THANKS
Noted, but I never use it for 45's. I use it to break down panels. It works well for that!
Why then buy a festool ? What's the difference
Good point, it is filling my needs. Never used a Festool so I can't compare.
@@AlaskaWorkshop I do understand comparing tools and so forth but if there was so e dissatisfaction on the current one it would be helpful to know.
Did you ever end up getting the festool one?
No, don't see a need. This one has been working well for me.
@@AlaskaWorkshop NICE. That gives me hope its gonna be a good tool then. I just ordered one.
My 2p's worth. Take off the kick back thing. It's useless. Don't engage the track lock. It's for bevel cuts to prevent tip over. This saw is near as dammit a makita clone except for not storing the hex key in the handle. You have decent tracks. Get your self a decent blade and skip the festool. You can spend that money on other things. The festool isn't worth the 600 price tag.
Kick back thing came off a week after I started using it, you are right.
can you connect 3 of these tracks together?? or only 2?
If you have the connecter pieces you could hook up as many as you want.
What's wrong with the Wen tracks?
I read some negative reviews but never used them. I got some feedback from a viewer that said they were great. Wish I would have bought them.
I have the wen track. Only issue is that the saw sticks at the joint. I bought the powertec to use with a square. That track doesnt cause the saw to stick.
I saw a review that said the Wen tracks are too short, which complicated the beginning and end of the cut, because the saw guides are not all the way on the track.
I suggest obtaining a can of Amsoil silicone spray. Clean the entire track and saw where those surfaces make contact. Then spray those areas, generously. After spraying, give it a minutes or so to completely dry. Then replace the saw on the track. You will definitely notice that the saw will slide a bunch better.
Thanks for the tip Keith
Hey Keith, would using Johnson's paste wax do the same thing?
I used it on my Dewalt table saw top and miter slots and it really made a huge difference!! I was really happy with the results. 👍
I would not use silicone near wood that will be finished. As Joe Lazzara suggested, you might want to use paste wax instead.
Still so funny to me that ALL tracksaws are left-handed. Only exception is Kreg.
Thanks
Amigo me das los modelos de la sierra circular y las gias rieles porfavor gracias y cuídate mucho saludos
Let us know if, and how, you are able to talk your wife into the Festool. LOL
Warren, I have not had to yet...lol. My Wen is doing a pretty good job saved my favors for a new planer and a jointer!
Not sure why people are buying these Powertec rails instead of the WEN rails that are half the price and work fine since they were made for the WEN saw. They are not better than the WEN tracks. Powertec has disappointed me more than once and I no longer consider any of their products.
Thanks for the info. I have not tried the WEN tracks but I am certainly happy with the saw.
If you need talk your wife into getting your festool, especially when you don't even have it yet, then it's actually HER festool...
Funny!
What’s up with everyone recommending Powertech guides? I haven’t found one video comparing Wen vrs Powertech guides so why is everyone on the same bandwagon with no explanation? Wen track reviews are very high. Powertech track reviews are very low. So what gives? Does anyone know why everyone is touting Powertech with zero information to back up their claims?
I do not have experience with the WEN guides, but given all the comments I have received I would not hesitate to buy them.
Appears to me to be a pack mentality. Nothing wrong with the Wen tracks. Maybe an "In the know" BS I dunno know.
I have the same exact setup. The saw keeps popping off the track easily even after locked down onto it like you described. Any suggestions to fix this?
Robert, I did not leave the lockdown device on very long. Runs a lot smoother without it on, a suggestion from one of my subscribers.
@@AlaskaWorkshop I thought about doing that but there’s seems to be wiggle room on the track if it’s not locked down
@@TaylaFam That's odd, been using mine for months and have not noticed that. I got a new blade for it and will be testing it this weekend. I will let you know.
Robert, I just went and looked at mine. I took the anti-backup mechanism off but left the lockdown knob on. I just don't use it. Try taking off the anti-backup(whatever its called) and see if that helps.
@@AlaskaWorkshop thanks, I will let you know