As a British lad, I left my heart in New Zealand 11 years ago. NZ was my home away from home. Rainy day in London today, brand new Makita tracksaw at home, waiting for its first cut. Thank you brother for your videos.
Thanks for the info about the rubber edge of the track needing trimming with your first cut 👍 ive recently bought this saw and a brand new track and thought the blade setting on the saw was faulty or missing some spacers as when I lowered the blade to the track it was hitting the rubber
If my memory serves me: Mafell invented the saw and then licensed it (or the tracks) to both Festool and later Makita - hence the near identical tracks. Of the 3 the Mafell is the slightly better made but Festool made theirs just right in terms of quality and its cheaper than Maffel who tend to over-engineer stuff so that most joiners cant or wont pay for them. Makita, as always find the perfect balance of quality and price and the only real difference between it and the Festool is the lack of the riving knife - since only finish joiners and cabinetmakers tend to rip full boards of solid hardwoods (and they often choose Mafell or Festool) that was a sensible trade off for the jobby carpenter and builder who mostly will be cutting ply and MDF etc. The riving knife is VERY much a plus if you are using this saw with natural hardwoods though because they will quite often release stresses as cut and pinch the blade and cause a kickback without it - even with the riving knife oak boards will bind so hard the saw wont move without clamping the board open halfway through.
downside of makita is that the slidingwheels on the side are flattened very fast and you get some sideways movement, that plastic is to soft or the bearings aren't right
Thank you for that insight. It’s great when builders in the know share for the new guys. I rely on insights like yours to help me navigate the massive world or tools and their uses. Having settled in the Makita platform several months ago, I have absolutely no regrets. They’ve been absolutely brilliant for the minimal amount of building I’m able to do. Festool, at this point in my journey, would be wasted on me, I think. Too many pros are so adamant about buy in the best from the beginning, but I sort of feel like that’s a bit like telling a beginning guitarist to buy a 1959 Les Paul Custom as their first guitar. Never mind the money, they just don’t know enough to appreciate everything it is - or even when it might not be living up to its potential. Learning on Festool, then, might be like learning to drive in a Ferrari.
I have both and found the makita motor seems better while festool depth and blade change are better. Was surprised that the festool was not much better for example noise is the same on both and dust collection
my days of throwing up whole sheets on the table saw are getting closer to the end. this is a pretty logical step. i have some straightedges to run my circular saw against, but i like that fancy track. a fine edge indeed.
Zero tearout as well. The blades for these saws are straight cut. They have changed how sheets are cut for sure. I just finished a ply and batten sleepout and this saw was a god send. Cut the job in half i reckon.
My dad cut off his fingers on a table saw. It's a lot safer to push the saw through the wood than the wood through the saw. And a tracksaw and bench takes less space in the shop. You don't have to allow for 8 ft of infeed and 8 ft of outfeed on the ends of the table saw. I bought a tracksaw and never looked back. Two marks on the wood, set the track in place and saw! So simple!
The big difference between the festool and the Mikita is on the larger festool (TS75) it has a 8 1/4” blade and cuts Significantly deeper than any other tracks on the market that I’m aware of. You should keep that track cut off you’ll be surprised how handy it will be when you just need to plunge cut a small hole in a floor, vent for example. As always love the videos Scott!
This has been the best bit of advice that I've ever had from your channel I am just wishing I had bought one years ago it would have paid is self off by now
I use a straight piece of 1x3 ripped down on a table saw and screwed to a piece of 3/8 plywood. Run the saw along the ripped board cuts the plywood the first cut and from there I line that edge up to make cuts. Haven't tested it for cabinet making though.
I've done a fair bit of kitchen and bathroom fitting over the years (personal and as a sideline), and only found out these existed a couple of years ago! Went out and bought one straight away, never looked back, it's a game changer... and I live in the UK, so no excuse for not having one much sooner! :-(
Note: I upgraded to 48T Oshlun blade before I made a cut th-cam.com/users/postUgkxvWxw4589nheZ_QlYwqaZpnQExQfvjV4_ This said, when combined with the Powertec 71153 track, the cut was glass-smooth and as straight as an arrow with no tear out! I was dubious about the kick-back preventer as it is a very simple, plastic device; but, it worked perfectly and is very easy to disengage when necessary. Simple and functional is often the best way of doing anything! Festool can keep its over-priced TS-55 and TS-75! Who needs such a pricey tool when an inexpensive, simple one does the job?! Very pleased! DFYNT Dtrain - TH-cam www.youtube.com
I've owned this saw for a long time and use it in pretty minimal applications. The clean straight cuts and dust collection are superb, but rarely required in builder or site work applications. Love mine and wouldn't be without one, but I know a lot of builders that don't need one of these and as such, don't own one.
I agree completely. A rail or track saw changes the way a carpenter works massively. I would go festool every day , mostly for the dust control. I would also recommend the ts75 over the ts55 . Months of hanging solid oak and walnut doors into existing openings and the ts55 struggles. Not so with the ts75. Its more money but well worth it. Oh and youre mans right. Always use one with an extractor. Good video again mate.
I ALWAYS clamp the the guide rail to make sure there’s no chance out of it getting misaligned during a cut. Makita do neat clamps that don’t get in the way. Or else use quick clamps. Don’t trust the non slip back!
I have this saw and a few tracks to go with it. Its a great saw. I don't have the shop space to devote to a huge table saw. So between this track saw a rigid contractor table saw I can do pretty good. Great review.
You can do angle cuts that would not be possible on a table saw. You could take a square sheet and cut it into a hexagon if you want with the track saw which would not be so easy on a table saw.
My quote from Carbatec for a Festo was over 2K with a couple of their short tracks. The Makita was around 1K with both a 3M and 1.4M track bought locally. I have been impressed with it. I bought it so I could break down sheets more safely. For cutting tapers it is the berries. The Shepparch clamps and joiners are available from Hafco at an economical price.
Check always your alignment from base track to blade if you have burn issues. With the 4 Phillips screws you can adjust the base vs the blade with a combination square. I love my 7 months old Makita 6000 just as my 9 year old Festool.
Yep, once you have one it is a must have tool. That is a giant rail! Might have to save up for one.. I have a 16 ft box truck so it would definitely fit but I would have to build a spot to store it.
We use the Mafell, I think you get a couple of extra features such as 48 degree bevell, score cut setting and I think the guide rail connection system is better than most other versions. Actual cut quality which is the most important thing looks pretty much the same!
From what I saw the Bosch guide tracks adjust themselves to a straight line. So two short lengths are just as straight as one long one. That comes from the way you join tow tracks. And it is meant to be fast as well.
You got my favorite Milwaukee text in your vest there. One of the older tradies stole mine last week so I went and bought 20 of them and handed one to everyone. Hahaha :P
Best feature makita has over the festool is the scribe cut setting. So handy to have. Personally I find the makita the best value for money. Had mine now for five years, gets used most days. My only complaint is the cost of blades.
I have the Makita cordless track saw. I find the scoring cut setting/knob/thingy to be a bit too deep, which means slight tearout. I just drop the blade to where it kisses the work piece, tighten the depth knob and run it. Come back and do a full depth cut.
@@ThekiBoran one day I'll have the cordless one. With me it's more to do with the blade condition when the tear out on the scribe cut is bad. Fitting kitchens all the time its always MFC or MDF I'm cutting so blades will only take so much of that cutting. I've learned that most times I don't need to have both faces chip free so I make sure I cut face down. The main thing is a straight cut. The scribe cut gives you a less deep cut on the second pass which I do find makes a big difference on the saw and the cut itself if I were to cut a panel on one pass. Hope that makes sense. Cheers
As Peter Millard from 10 minute workshop put it, the 'tracksaw allowed me to punch well above my weight'. And with me being a total amateur learning from youtube and own mistakes, that is just 100% true. Im not a festool psycho, but their ts 55 is just amazing - clean, repeatable cuts every single time. The price difference over Makita wasnt so big, hence I decided to buy the ts 55. But sp6000 or gkt 55 actually do the same job. Oh, plus you can buy 3d-printed attachments to the festool rail and expand your router capability with it ;)
Good video. I want one but I'm not a pro builder so I'll just be making a nice little guide rail for my jigsaw. With the right blades it actually gives a really clean cut.
Especially when he tossed it in the bin, even more so when he next needed to make a 3m length cut and could have used a track connector bar to join the drop scrap.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience with the track saw Scott. I've been using a shop-made edge guide in my workshop with a regular circular saw and even with a vacuum, it makes such a mess. After watching your video, I'm thinking this might be a good addition to the tools in my small workshop to crosscut plywood. I subscribed from Brooklin, Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦
Bunnings have an ozito track saw for the casual diyer, $189, comes with 2 tracks. Ive used to build my kitchen cabinets and works fine if ya cant afford makita or the like
I bought one to cut up ply to clad the inside of my shed. It's not going to be neater or more accurate that a "real" brand, but I've been really happy with it. It's the only bit of ozito I've bought. I did upgrade the blade as soon as I bought it though. no tear outs, nice enough cut.
Would of made hanging brackets to have rail hanging from van roof. Then no need to cut rail down. Im a festool user.19 yrs same track saw.1 repair.carpenter for 33yrs. Good videos
I’ve had a festo track saw , wore it out over about 25 years , now have the festool track saw since . Any builder without one , like having a few sandwiches missing out of your picnic . I think the Mikita looks good , Thinking lately about a battery version
You can always pull the rubber off and put it one or two mm further. So don't have to buy a new strip. They are not expensive, but not always in stock. This tool is an absolute must. it's a very portable table saw. And being able to cut something out of the middle is a blast. When you need to rip piece after piece, you ofcourse still need a table saw.
Just purchased a cordless Makita track saw kit. Based on your videos, I made the decision. I got tired of clamping a magnesium straight edge on the panels. The clamps were always in the way.
I work at a small cabinet shop here in Ohio, US. We make alot of custom countertops and large workstations, large funky pieces. Having the festool track saw is amazing, works like a charm and never fails.
I’m weighing the need vs realistic amount of usage of this system; it’s pretty sweet, those crafty guys at Makita know just how to separate men from their dollar bills 😃. Speaking of track, what’s the track playing in the background? Super chill, would love to hear it complete.
Sad day today my saw jumped the tracked and cut thru the track but you have to love the nz price promise new track hundy bucks m10 cool vid scott still the best tool i have
Cut it shorter and buy another long one. Having a shorter track ie: not way longer than you need, comes in very handy. (unless you through it out 3 months ago)
Makita saw could do with a back stop. When your cutting into oak worktop for sink or hob cut out it can jump back at you unless you go slowly. Makita saw has no riving knife too. I only really use mine when doing built in furniture, or boxing in on site. And kitchen fitting. Bloody useful tool when you need it.
Starting as a hammerhand, I never understood track saws until I got into negative detail sheet fixing. You cannot get a satisfactory result without it. Then you find using it for other applications like fibercement sheets instead of a shear cutter. Or bevel cutting bottom of claddings. Pricey tool but it can deliver good results or save time.
Awesome ! Just bought the cordless version of the Makita track saw. Expecting delivery tomorrow. Had Festool corded version but didn’t want to spend that much on the cordless version this time around.😊 Maybe another time.
@chevyimp - I actually just recently used it for the first time and so far everything seems to fine. Don’t have any gripes or complaints yet, but that may or may not change after more usage.
Better faster height adjustment, slightly better dust extraction and quicker blade change on the festool.. Makita still probably better value and a decent track saw.
Loved the review. I bought one in the UK last year and I love it. My only gripe is the stupid clips that lock down the storage box lid. They are not the easiest to operate and often jam. Other than that a great piece of kit.
Yes! The reason all my Makita tools are in festool T-loc boxes (2nd gen systainers). Closing and even interlocking with one effortless twist. Blasphemy? Perhaps. But too many nails have suffered opening, and too many clips have snapped to the wrath of my frustration when trying to close those darn things! I believe Makita is the only brand still using 1st gen systainers. Get with the times Makita! Edit: Actually, please stick to your regimen of lagging behind a bit. Them boxes recently had a 3th generation introduced. And those suck for completely different reasons. I'm sure Tanos will cut you a great deal on 2nd gen systainers in blue now! :-)
Timothy I used to be a handyman big Van's are the way to go . you can keep them neat . pick up trucks are good for a contractor or project manager . use one of those ambulate Van's build shelves on both sides and the middle you can use for picking up materials .
Hi first time commenter and longtime viewer, I also understand this is an old video and you're a busy guy but was wondering what your thought would be as to a 3rd year apprentice in Aus buying a track saw? Also, would you recommend the corded version or the cordless version for the Makita track saw? appreciate any feedback if you have any. cheers Scott and keep up the cool work, looking forward to the next video on the house build!
I love my Festool tools but have zero regrets buying my Makita track saw over the too expensive Festool version..I have had it for 8 years and it still runs like new. Never join the rails. It sucks and is not accurate. Pony up for the 8 foot rail.
I actually had a bit of a laugh when you looked at the camera while trying to fit the track in the van. Get video man. I'm a kiwi builder too. Subscription here
Not sure why everyone says the Festool is over priced, the TS 55 is currently retailing for $1127NZD inc GST with a 1400 rail and a case, that's $150 more than a Makita kit. For that increase in price you get: The worlds most popular plunge saw, much better build quality, made In Germany, better accessories in the box and on the tool, better range of accessories to expand to use for different applications, no having to calculate offsets when doing bevel cuts, nylon cam runners (vs Makita makita metal on metal). I use my one for all sheets from shadow clad to hardies to magnum board. With a good hardies blade on it (not a 4 tooth one / has to be 8-12 teeth PCD) the saw rips through 9mm hardies board with ease and zero dust.
The Makita track has an additional lip to prevent the saw tipping over when doing a bevel cut. It looks almost identical to the Festool track but the anti-tip function on the Makita Saw will not work with the Festool Track
I've used the festool good saw but I brought the dewalt one, quarter of the price with 2 1500 tracks which join perfect really easy I'm not a big fan of dewalt but when I brought it there wasn't a lot of choice, but it still works as well as when I first got it, you should have a look at rr buildings he dose some good tool reviews ie battery nail guns
I received my 3m track in the same package as Scott’s and a few people I know also did the same maybe they did it without knowing did you email them complaining they using will swap it with a new one if damaged?
@scottbrowncarpentry I have the makita 240V saw with 1400/3000 tracks, clamps, joiners, even found a 165mm diamond blade for dust controlled straight cuts of cement boards etc. Love the saw, makes very accurate cuts in the plane, but I find the vertical accuracy leaves a lot to be desired. I had Makita replace the short rail and the base plate on the saw, but the saw still rocks on the rail so i cant guarantee the cut is vertical/ whatever angle i set it. The base plate seems to have a twist in it. Wondering if anyone else has had this issue...
I have the Bosch version and would never be without it, makes cutting any sheet material easy as with perfect splinter free results, It's the only saw I use now for trimming doors. Anyone that says the Festool is so much better is just a tool snob brainwashed into thinking the festool is so much better, the Makita, Bosch and Festool all produce excellent results, Bosch one is made in Switzerland and blades Italy. The fact that you have one puts you way ahead of most builders because your average builder does not have one, says a lot about the quality of work like to do.
Used both festool and makita tracksaws for the last few house builds Without a doubt I found the festool better for dust extraction and ease of use The makita is fine but everything seems a bit cheap and not thought out as well as the festool but still works ok
The only thing that the Festool has over makita is the depth adjustment mechanism. On the Festool it's very quick to squeeze, slide and release. Makita there's a thumb screw. But that's the only advantage Festool has. Makita also has the tab that locks in to the rail for miter cuts, Festool does not. For the money the Makita is a much better value. I have both the Festool TS75 and and the Makita cordless track saw I recommend the Makita. Plus, if it's stolen the Makita is cheaper to replace.
Agree with the Festool having much better dust extraction. If the Makita was around the same price as the Festool then I'd probably think I'd have been better going for the Festool. But the Makita was, if my memory is right, about £100 cheaper than the Festool when I bought mine five years ago. IMO it's certainly doesn't feel £100 cheaper. A work colleague has three saws, mains and cordless Festool and a Mafell mt55. The Mafell is a serious quality machine.
Hey Scott you missed out the little button you can engage to just do a score cut for when cutting ply or veneered board to prevent tear out it’s a awesome little trick I only found it out the other month and Iv had the track saw for about 6 months haha I use it all the time cutting doors etc check it out!
I have a Scheppach CS-55 which is fine as a weekend warrior (what I am) tool. Was a lot more affordable then the others. Would like the longer track though, and it appears the Scheppach is no longer available
Hello Scott, Ive just bought a new 36V saw with 3M rail. The longest piece of flat board I have is a 1200x2400x12mm piece of MDF. So its not quite long enough to lay the new rail on and cut the splinter guard in one go. Will I be alright to stop near the end of the board and then slide the rail back and continue the cut to the end of the rail? Or should I try and lay another piece of mdf butted up against the other and try it in one continuous cut? I was going to do it on tresells as I don't really have a large enough piece of flat concrete to do it on in my yard which makes using two boards impossible.
Great review, thanks, especially for a bit about 1st rubber cut of the rail guide, as I though that I got incorrect / faulty guide. I got mine for £216 which is the best price I could find.
Is there any way to mount this saw to the FSK crosscut track Festool has? The HK circular saw looks great, but I already have the makita plunge cut saw, and its 36v, Id rather use that since im on the makita LXT system
Cool vid bro, nice to hear a kiwi when randomly selecting makita reviews, we are about to put some v groove board up in the bathroom so looking at getting one. 👍🔨🔨💯
For beginners, if you dont have the money to pay for these tools, become a expert with what you have, know that tool as good as anyone, be confident in it, save your money then pick up the next best and important tool will need, the tool wont turn out good work, it's you that turns out the good work. THATS 100 the truth, from experience
I purchased a plunge saw several years ago, because it was on sale, but I am not a carpenter. I do not understand what the benefit is of having the plunge saw over a conventional worm drive skill saw? Can you explain it to me?
As a British lad, I left my heart in New Zealand 11 years ago. NZ was my home away from home. Rainy day in London today, brand new Makita tracksaw at home, waiting for its first cut. Thank you brother for your videos.
A little tear fell out of my eye when you cut that track down :)
Mine too..😢
I remember when i finally bought the festool track saw, my whole world changed! now I have the makita and the dewalt as well. game changers!
which is your "go-to"?
@@abescott6323 my dewalt at the moment,
@@hammerandhome why do you grab the dewalt over the others? Just wondering.
Thanks for the info about the rubber edge of the track needing trimming with your first cut 👍 ive recently bought this saw and a brand new track and thought the blade setting on the saw was faulty or missing some spacers as when I lowered the blade to the track it was hitting the rubber
If my memory serves me: Mafell invented the saw and then licensed it (or the tracks) to both Festool and later Makita - hence the near identical tracks. Of the 3 the Mafell is the slightly better made but Festool made theirs just right in terms of quality and its cheaper than Maffel who tend to over-engineer stuff so that most joiners cant or wont pay for them. Makita, as always find the perfect balance of quality and price and the only real difference between it and the Festool is the lack of the riving knife - since only finish joiners and cabinetmakers tend to rip full boards of solid hardwoods (and they often choose Mafell or Festool) that was a sensible trade off for the jobby carpenter and builder who mostly will be cutting ply and MDF etc. The riving knife is VERY much a plus if you are using this saw with natural hardwoods though because they will quite often release stresses as cut and pinch the blade and cause a kickback without it - even with the riving knife oak boards will bind so hard the saw wont move without clamping the board open halfway through.
downside of makita is that the slidingwheels on the side are flattened very fast and you get some sideways movement, that plastic is to soft or the bearings aren't right
Makita is niet te vergelijken met festool, veel lagere kwaliteit
Thank you for that insight. It’s great when builders in the know share for the new guys. I rely on insights like yours to help me navigate the massive world or tools and their uses. Having settled in the Makita platform several months ago, I have absolutely no regrets. They’ve been absolutely brilliant for the minimal amount of building I’m able to do. Festool, at this point in my journey, would be wasted on me, I think. Too many pros are so adamant about buy in the best from the beginning, but I sort of feel like that’s a bit like telling a beginning guitarist to buy a 1959 Les Paul Custom as their first guitar. Never mind the money, they just don’t know enough to appreciate everything it is - or even when it might not be living up to its potential. Learning on Festool, then, might be like learning to drive in a Ferrari.
I have both and found the makita motor seems better while festool depth and blade change are better. Was surprised that the festool was not much better for example noise is the same on both and dust collection
that moment when you realize there are other who's fascinated by this piece of tool equally as you were since the first day you bought it. cheers!
Love the Scotland rugby top at the start mate!! Always thought you were a legend!
Now I want a Makita track saw!
Did you have one now ? ahaha after 4 years comment
my days of throwing up whole sheets on the table saw are getting closer to the end. this is a pretty logical step. i have some straightedges to run my circular saw against, but i like that fancy track. a fine edge indeed.
Zero tearout as well. The blades for these saws are straight cut. They have changed how sheets are cut for sure. I just finished a ply and batten sleepout and this saw was a god send. Cut the job in half i reckon.
My dad cut off his fingers on a table saw. It's a lot safer to push the saw through the wood than the wood through the saw. And a tracksaw and bench takes less space in the shop. You don't have to allow for 8 ft of infeed and 8 ft of outfeed on the ends of the table saw. I bought a tracksaw and never looked back. Two marks on the wood, set the track in place and saw! So simple!
@@darrellfleury5394 SAFETY first, why i don't have a table saw - but do have 8 fingers and 2 thumbs
The big difference between the festool and the Mikita is on the larger festool (TS75) it has a 8 1/4” blade and cuts Significantly deeper than any other tracks on the market that I’m aware of.
You should keep that track cut off you’ll be surprised how handy it will be when you just need to plunge cut a small hole in a floor, vent for example.
As always love the videos Scott!
Haha I actually kept it in the end. Just did that for dramatic effect 🙂 damn that TS75 looks like a beast 😲
Makita has a 10 inch coming. Theyve had the 9.25 inch for a while now.
just got the makita 2x 18v cordless plunge saw. Best tool ive bought
Nice, that came out just after I bought my one
Yep the cordless is very nice. 36v and no stinking cord getting in the way.
Yup, I have the battery one too, the downside is it doesn’t turn the vacuum on like a corded.
@@survivechicago the 36v has bluetooth capability
Out of all the hundreds of Makita tools that I have my battery track saw is the best it's brilliant and a pleasure to use
I love the soundtracks to your vids..... real chill bud, two thumbs up
This has been the best bit of advice that I've ever had from your channel I am just wishing I had bought one years ago it would have paid is self off by now
I use a straight piece of 1x3 ripped down on a table saw and screwed to a piece of 3/8 plywood. Run the saw along the ripped board cuts the plywood the first cut and from there I line that edge up to make cuts. Haven't tested it for cabinet making though.
I've done a fair bit of kitchen and bathroom fitting over the years (personal and as a sideline), and only found out these existed a couple of years ago! Went out and bought one straight away, never looked back, it's a game changer... and I live in the UK, so no excuse for not having one much sooner! :-(
Note: I upgraded to 48T Oshlun blade before I made a cut th-cam.com/users/postUgkxvWxw4589nheZ_QlYwqaZpnQExQfvjV4_ This said, when combined with the Powertec 71153 track, the cut was glass-smooth and as straight as an arrow with no tear out! I was dubious about the kick-back preventer as it is a very simple, plastic device; but, it worked perfectly and is very easy to disengage when necessary. Simple and functional is often the best way of doing anything! Festool can keep its over-priced TS-55 and TS-75! Who needs such a pricey tool when an inexpensive, simple one does the job?! Very pleased! DFYNT Dtrain - TH-cam www.youtube.com
I've owned this saw for a long time and use it in pretty minimal applications. The clean straight cuts and dust collection are superb, but rarely required in builder or site work applications. Love mine and wouldn't be without one, but I know a lot of builders that don't need one of these and as such, don't own one.
Rafe Maxwell it's designed for more finer work
Festool one is superb. Dont know how ive lived without it
I agree completely. A rail or track saw changes the way a carpenter works massively. I would go festool every day , mostly for the dust control. I would also recommend the ts75 over the ts55 . Months of hanging solid oak and walnut doors into existing openings and the ts55 struggles. Not so with the ts75. Its more money but well worth it. Oh and youre mans right. Always use one with an extractor.
Good video again mate.
Maybe a future purchase then mate! Thanks
I ALWAYS clamp the the guide rail to make sure there’s no chance out of it getting misaligned during a cut. Makita do neat clamps that don’t get in the way. Or else use quick clamps. Don’t trust the non slip back!
Brilliant bit of kit
I have this saw and a few tracks to go with it. Its a great saw. I don't have the shop space to devote to a huge table saw. So between this track saw a rigid contractor table saw I can do pretty good.
Great review.
You can do angle cuts that would not be possible on a table saw. You could take a square sheet and cut it into a hexagon if you want with the track saw which would not be so easy on a table saw.
Nice - thanks for the vid,.
I use the same in Denmark.
I bought to cheap clamps, to hold the track better, it helps.
My quote from Carbatec for a Festo was over 2K with a couple of their short tracks. The Makita was around 1K with both a 3M and 1.4M track bought locally. I have been impressed with it. I bought it so I could break down sheets more safely.
For cutting tapers it is the berries.
The Shepparch clamps and joiners are available from Hafco at an economical price.
Where did you buy the makita kit from?
you can get clamps for the track which are great when using the saw on an angle. great tool, good vid.
Check always your alignment from base track to blade if you have burn issues. With the 4 Phillips screws you can adjust the base vs the blade with a combination square. I love my 7 months old Makita 6000 just as my 9 year old Festool.
I'd have traded the van in for a long wheelbase job... you had the perfect excuse ... 🙄😂
😎👍☘🍺
Yep, once you have one it is a must have tool. That is a giant rail! Might have to save up for one.. I have a 16 ft box truck so it would definitely fit but I would have to build a spot to store it.
We use the Mafell, I think you get a couple of extra features such as 48 degree bevell, score cut setting and I think the guide rail connection system is better than most other versions. Actual cut quality which is the most important thing looks pretty much the same!
Big Smith is mafell german?
@@MsElijah16 Yes.
From what I saw the Bosch guide tracks adjust themselves to a straight line. So two short lengths are just as straight as one long one. That comes from the way you join tow tracks. And it is meant to be fast as well.
I own this model and love it. has 2 tracks that join with a connector and 2 flush clamps
You got my favorite Milwaukee text in your vest there. One of the older tradies stole mine last week so I went and bought 20 of them and handed one to everyone. Hahaha :P
Best feature makita has over the festool is the scribe cut setting. So handy to have. Personally I find the makita the best value for money. Had mine now for five years, gets used most days. My only complaint is the cost of blades.
I have the Makita cordless track saw. I find the scoring cut setting/knob/thingy to be a bit too deep, which means slight tearout. I just drop the blade to where it kisses the work piece, tighten the depth knob and run it. Come back and do a full depth cut.
@@ThekiBoran one day I'll have the cordless one. With me it's more to do with the blade condition when the tear out on the scribe cut is bad. Fitting kitchens all the time its always MFC or MDF I'm cutting so blades will only take so much of that cutting. I've learned that most times I don't need to have both faces chip free so I make sure I cut face down. The main thing is a straight cut. The scribe cut gives you a less deep cut on the second pass which I do find makes a big difference on the saw and the cut itself if I were to cut a panel on one pass. Hope that makes sense.
Cheers
i love to hear factory edge cut 🥰 i’m getting the rimes to buy me one
As Peter Millard from 10 minute workshop put it, the 'tracksaw allowed me to punch well above my weight'. And with me being a total amateur learning from youtube and own mistakes, that is just 100% true. Im not a festool psycho, but their ts 55 is just amazing - clean, repeatable cuts every single time. The price difference over Makita wasnt so big, hence I decided to buy the ts 55. But sp6000 or gkt 55 actually do the same job. Oh, plus you can buy 3d-printed attachments to the festool rail and expand your router capability with it ;)
Good video.
I want one but I'm not a pro builder so I'll just be making a nice little guide rail for my jigsaw. With the right blades it actually gives a really clean cut.
I bet that hurt a bit when you had to cut the track down haha
Especially when he tossed it in the bin, even more so when he next needed to make a 3m length cut and could have used a track connector bar to join the drop scrap.
PG Contract was thinking the same thing . Would of been handy to just keep the little off cut in the van/ truck in case
Should have cut a slot in the back door of the van.
@@George-ie1si yes that would of hurt alot less. And I'm being serious haha
George 😁
These are awesome i used one yesterday
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience with the track saw Scott. I've been using a shop-made edge guide in my workshop with a regular circular saw and even with a vacuum, it makes such a mess. After watching your video, I'm thinking this might be a good addition to the tools in my small workshop to crosscut plywood. I subscribed from Brooklin, Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦
You won't regret it man! 😊
Bunnings have an ozito track saw for the casual diyer, $189, comes with 2 tracks. Ive used to build my kitchen cabinets and works fine if ya cant afford makita or the like
should add thats in australian $$$
I bought one to cut up ply to clad the inside of my shed. It's not going to be neater or more accurate that a "real" brand, but I've been really happy with it. It's the only bit of ozito I've bought. I did upgrade the blade as soon as I bought it though. no tear outs, nice enough cut.
Would of made hanging brackets to have rail hanging from van roof. Then no need to cut rail down. Im a festool user.19 yrs same track saw.1 repair.carpenter for 33yrs.
Good videos
I’ve had a festo track saw , wore it out over about 25 years , now have the festool track saw since .
Any builder without one , like having a few sandwiches missing out of your picnic .
I think the Mikita looks good ,
Thinking lately about a battery version
You can always pull the rubber off and put it one or two mm further. So don't have to buy a new strip. They are not expensive, but not always in stock. This tool is an absolute must. it's a very portable table saw. And being able to cut something out of the middle is a blast. When you need to rip piece after piece, you ofcourse still need a table saw.
Just purchased a cordless Makita track saw kit. Based on your videos, I made the decision. I got tired of clamping a magnesium straight edge on the panels. The clamps were always in the way.
Right? And you had to kinda guess where the cut was gonna be.
I work at a small cabinet shop here in Ohio, US. We make alot of custom countertops and large workstations, large funky pieces. Having the festool track saw is amazing, works like a charm and never fails.
Scott you should have cut it off the other end of the guide rail and saved the Makita logo :-)
Mate,we all cut the same side which scott chose,because it is the end side.
I thought exactly the same when I saw it lol
I’m weighing the need vs realistic amount of usage of this system; it’s pretty sweet, those crafty guys at Makita know just how to separate men from their dollar bills 😃.
Speaking of track, what’s the track playing in the background? Super chill, would love to hear it complete.
3m?! it's too long!! yeah you need it for your work. it's so good. I heard that it can easily do a plunge cut too! Thank you and I hope your happy
I use the Cordless version and love it.
Thanks I will add this end if the year good video
Awesome work lads! Keep up the good work!
Sad day today my saw jumped the tracked and cut thru the track but you have to love the nz price promise new track hundy bucks m10 cool vid scott still the best tool i have
I feel your pain! Thank you mate
Cut it shorter and buy another long one. Having a shorter track ie: not way longer than you need, comes in very handy. (unless you through it out 3 months ago)
Track saws finally got home.
Makita saw could do with a back stop. When your cutting into oak worktop for sink or hob cut out it can jump back at you unless you go slowly.
Makita saw has no riving knife too.
I only really use mine when doing built in furniture, or boxing in on site. And kitchen fitting.
Bloody useful tool when you need it.
Good on you Scotty
Starting as a hammerhand, I never understood track saws until I got into negative detail sheet fixing. You cannot get a satisfactory result without it.
Then you find using it for other applications like fibercement sheets instead of a shear cutter. Or bevel cutting bottom of claddings.
Pricey tool but it can deliver good results or save time.
Totally agree man
I love my Makita plunge saw and I cut my 3m rail down too.
Tony Clausen what did u cut it down to?
Awesome ! Just bought the cordless version of the Makita track saw. Expecting delivery tomorrow. Had Festool corded version but didn’t want to spend that much on the cordless version this time around.😊 Maybe another time.
How did you get on with the cordless Makita.. any serious gripes?
@chevyimp - I actually just recently used it for the first time and so far everything seems to fine. Don’t have any gripes or complaints yet, but that may or may not change after more usage.
@chevyimp - None so far, but that may or may not change after many more intense usage.
Thanks for the reply.. I'm just mulling the cordless options over at the moment..
I just bought that long Makita track yesterday and was also thinking about cutting it down to something a little more manageable like 100 inches or so
Better faster height adjustment, slightly better dust extraction and quicker blade change on the festool.. Makita still probably better value and a decent track saw.
I kept the box that the tracks shipped in as my holder in my trailer. Fortunately I have a 4 m trailer. 😎
Great video
Great saw! I love makita tools. Subbed🤟🏻
Loved the review. I bought one in the UK last year and I love it. My only gripe is the stupid clips that lock down the storage box lid. They are not the easiest to operate and often jam. Other than that a great piece of kit.
Yes! The reason all my Makita tools are in festool T-loc boxes (2nd gen systainers).
Closing and even interlocking with one effortless twist. Blasphemy? Perhaps. But too many nails have suffered opening, and too many clips have snapped to the wrath of my frustration when trying to close those darn things!
I believe Makita is the only brand still using 1st gen systainers. Get with the times Makita!
Edit: Actually, please stick to your regimen of lagging behind a bit. Them boxes recently had a 3th generation introduced. And those suck for completely different reasons. I'm sure Tanos will cut you a great deal on 2nd gen systainers in blue now! :-)
Shortening the track had me roaring with laughter...'now the 2650mil track' hahahaha
I like your van set up though! Here we use mostly pick up trucks.
Timothy I used to be a handyman big Van's are the way to go . you can keep them neat .
pick up trucks are good for a contractor or project manager .
use one of those ambulate Van's build shelves on both sides and the middle you can use for picking up materials .
Hi first time commenter and longtime viewer, I also understand this is an old video and you're a busy guy but was wondering what your thought would be as to a 3rd year apprentice in Aus buying a track saw? Also, would you recommend the corded version or the cordless version for the Makita track saw? appreciate any feedback if you have any. cheers Scott and keep up the cool work, looking forward to the next video on the house build!
I love my Festool tools but have zero regrets buying my Makita track saw over the too expensive Festool version..I have had it for 8 years and it still runs like new. Never join the rails. It sucks and is not accurate. Pony up for the 8 foot rail.
I actually had a bit of a laugh when you looked at the camera while trying to fit the track in the van. Get video man. I'm a kiwi builder too. Subscription here
Nz in the house!
Makita's track saw, I think with the kunlun tooth diamond saw blade, the cutting effect will be better
cool vid man - every home gamer needs one too! 😁 (I want one)
Not sure why everyone says the Festool is over priced, the TS 55 is currently retailing for $1127NZD inc GST with a 1400 rail and a case, that's $150 more than a Makita kit. For that increase in price you get: The worlds most popular plunge saw, much better build quality, made In Germany, better accessories in the box and on the tool, better range of accessories to expand to use for different applications, no having to calculate offsets when doing bevel cuts, nylon cam runners (vs Makita makita metal on metal).
I use my one for all sheets from shadow clad to hardies to magnum board. With a good hardies blade on it (not a 4 tooth one / has to be 8-12 teeth PCD) the saw rips through 9mm hardies board with ease and zero dust.
thanks for that review! How long have you been using it?
The Makita track has an additional lip to prevent the saw tipping over when doing a bevel cut. It looks almost identical to the Festool track but the anti-tip function on the Makita Saw will not work with the Festool Track
I've used the festool good saw but I brought the dewalt one, quarter of the price with 2 1500 tracks which join perfect really easy I'm not a big fan of dewalt but when I brought it there wasn't a lot of choice, but it still works as well as when I first got it, you should have a look at rr buildings he dose some good tool reviews ie battery nail guns
Wow Makita sent my track in a card board box that was bent in half. Glad your was packaged better.
I received my 3m track in the same package as Scott’s and a few people I know also did the same maybe they did it without knowing did you email them complaining they using will swap it with a new one if damaged?
@scottbrowncarpentry I have the makita 240V saw with 1400/3000 tracks, clamps, joiners, even found a 165mm diamond blade for dust controlled straight cuts of cement boards etc. Love the saw, makes very accurate cuts in the plane, but I find the vertical accuracy leaves a lot to be desired. I had Makita replace the short rail and the base plate on the saw, but the saw still rocks on the rail so i cant guarantee the cut is vertical/ whatever angle i set it. The base plate seems to have a twist in it. Wondering if anyone else has had this issue...
I have a maffell with a flexi track it’s fucking ace my mate has the festool but the makita is just as good and a third the price .
i would cut opening in the van divider wall to let it slide in the cabin a bit
I have the Bosch version and would never be without it, makes cutting any sheet material easy as with perfect splinter free results, It's the only saw I use now for trimming doors.
Anyone that says the Festool is so much better is just a tool snob brainwashed into thinking the festool is so much better, the Makita, Bosch and Festool all produce excellent results, Bosch one is made in Switzerland and blades Italy.
The fact that you have one puts you way ahead of most builders because your average builder does not have one, says a lot about the quality of work like to do.
Used both festool and makita tracksaws for the last few house builds
Without a doubt I found the festool better for dust extraction and ease of use
The makita is fine but everything seems a bit cheap and not thought out as well as the festool but still works ok
Tear a festool down and see what substandard materials are inside... Overpriced designer tools
The only thing that the Festool has over makita is the depth adjustment mechanism. On the Festool it's very quick to squeeze, slide and release. Makita there's a thumb screw. But that's the only advantage Festool has. Makita also has the tab that locks in to the rail for miter cuts, Festool does not. For the money the Makita is a much better value. I have both the Festool TS75 and and the Makita cordless track saw I recommend the Makita. Plus, if it's stolen the Makita is cheaper to replace.
Agree with the Festool having much better dust extraction. If the Makita was around the same price as the Festool then I'd probably think I'd have been better going for the Festool. But the Makita was, if my memory is right, about £100 cheaper than the Festool when I bought mine five years ago. IMO it's certainly doesn't feel £100 cheaper. A work colleague has three saws, mains and cordless Festool and a Mafell mt55. The Mafell is a serious quality machine.
Or stop playing with toys and get a Mafell ;)
@@kyzenlanx absolutely 🤣👍
Would love to see Makita make a cordless version of the track saw
They do
Did you used a metal cutting blade on miter saw to cut the track down?
Thin pencil line easy to follow free handling it
Hey Scott you missed out the little button you can engage to just do a score cut for when cutting ply or veneered board to prevent tear out it’s a awesome little trick I only found it out the other month and Iv had the track saw for about 6 months haha I use it all the time cutting doors etc check it out!
Haha yeah I love that feature, forgot to mention it!
Battery or cord version better?
nice channel, watched a bunch of videos and subscribed.
What model saw did you use? I have a Makita, but it does not have the depth adjuster like yours!
I own the brushless version great saw
I have a Scheppach CS-55 which is fine as a weekend warrior (what I am) tool. Was a lot more affordable then the others. Would like the longer track though, and it appears the Scheppach is no longer available
I use the Bosch track saw, brilliant bit of kit
which one is that?
I got something similar, but I made it from offcuts of marine plywood. Cost me £0. Works great. @2:37 show us the other side of that cut.
You're worried about the bottom of the cut? It would be clean because the saw is cutting "up" into the material.
@@MrBaconis who dis? New phone
@@sasa1982uk I'm sure what you said is very funny.
@@MrBaconis who dis?
I bet there will be a time you want that 350mm track!
He commented that he actually keeped it aha
Hello Scott, Ive just bought a new 36V saw with 3M rail. The longest piece of flat board I have is a 1200x2400x12mm piece of MDF. So its not quite long enough to lay the new rail on and cut the splinter guard in one go. Will I be alright to stop near the end of the board and then slide the rail back and continue the cut to the end of the rail? Or should I try and lay another piece of mdf butted up against the other and try it in one continuous cut? I was going to do it on tresells as I don't really have a large enough piece of flat concrete to do it on in my yard which makes using two boards impossible.
Great review, thanks, especially for a bit about 1st rubber cut of the rail guide, as I though that I got incorrect / faulty guide.
I got mine for £216 which is the best price I could find.
Where did you find it for that price mate?
Is there any way to mount this saw to the FSK crosscut track Festool has? The HK circular saw looks great, but I already have the makita plunge cut saw, and its 36v, Id rather use that since im on the makita LXT system
great vid, must get one!
Cool vid bro, nice to hear a kiwi when randomly selecting makita reviews, we are about to put some v groove board up in the bathroom so looking at getting one. 👍🔨🔨💯
For beginners, if you dont have the money to pay for these tools, become a expert with what you have, know that tool as good as anyone, be confident in it, save your money then pick up the next best and important tool will need, the tool wont turn out good work, it's you that turns out the good work. THATS 100 the truth, from experience
I purchased a plunge saw several years ago, because it was on sale, but I am not a carpenter. I do not understand what the benefit is of having the plunge saw over a conventional worm drive skill saw? Can you explain it to me?
the track