Cheapest Track Saw on Amazon | Tested
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2024
- Today i had fun testing the Wen track saw i bought from Amazon. Track saws are great for some woodworking projects and i have been wanting one for a while. It is not a tool that is used daily i didn't want to spend a lot of money on it so i tested the cheapest saw i could find. this new video serious i will be testing all kinds of tools for my new shop and sharing my thoughts and opinions on each tool.
My Links -
website - www.izzyswan.com/
Instagram - / izzyswan_woodworking
Affiliate Links -
Track Saw - amzn.to/2S7WhAB
Extra Track - amzn.to/2PLr1pH
table saw - amzn.to/2t2BjFM
jig saw - amzn.to/2uZKnfW
Expanding Measuring Gauge - amzn.to/2u7CN6H
Air Compressor - amzn.to/2tXNAQj
18ga air nailer - amzn.to/2txnBhK
23ga nailer - amzn.to/2u7suPR
hand saw - amzn.to/2u7l4vR
Danish Oil - amzn.to/2tXOAUz
About -
I produce 2-3 videos every week covering shop tips and tricks, money-saving hacks, inventions, and woodworking projects. Some projects are simple, some are complex, and some are really weird - or just fun. Experimentation and playfulness are important, and woodworking should never feel like a chore.
A lot of my projects are designed to make your workshop more efficient, so I have plans for a lot of woodworking jigs and shop-built tools. I’ve made a lot of drill-powered machines, from a bandsaw to a lathe to a fully automatic slingshot crossbow to a t-shirt folder. My creations run the gamut from practical must-have shop tools to ridiculously fun family projects and everything in between.
Prescription when joining two rails: leave a tiny gap between the rails when connecting them with connector rods. Use a long straight reference to get the rails straight, and then tighten the connecting rods.
Thanks Izzy.
All the Wen tools I have do a great job.
I have a Wen drill that's over 50 years old.
Thanks for doing this, Izzy. Not all of us can afford the top of the line toys/tools, although I recognize the value of spending a little more when it's something you're going to put to heavy use. But having someone like you putting things to the test and giving us your take on them will be invaluable.
I love WEN Tools. I actually have a review on one of their drill presses and their thickness planer coming out in a couple days. For the hobbiest/DIYer they can’t be beat. They do have some minor fit and finish issues but for they money, it’s kind of expected. Great to see a man with your reputation also backing some budget friendly tools for the common man.
I have some WEN shop tools."For the money" they are pretty good. They aren't the best out there, but a their price point they are great for diy general use.
This is good to hear. I've looked a WEN tools before, but don't own anything yet. I've heard the power planer is pretty solid for the money. I'm not opposed to cheap (I've gotten great value out of a few HF tools like my bench drill press and sander), so long as I feel like I'm getting decent value.
@@mkbcoolman I have they're variable speed drill press good tool for the money and they are powerful for cheap tools.
I have a WEN 18ga brad nailer/stapler and it's great. 500 or so brads and 200 staples and not a single jam or miss so far. Like you say, for the price they're good tools for weekend warriors/ hobbyists.
They have a very inexpensive mini lathe. Has anyone tried it ? For 140ish, seems like it would be a winner if it won’t do anything but turn pens.
I have a 35 years old WEN sawsall purchased when I was young with limited budget.
They have a lot of vibration, noise and not very powerful. But it works and still in my workshop idling as a just incase lame backup tool.
Peter Millard is a retired cabinet maker, he uses almost exclusively sheetgoods and use a plunge saw almost to the exclusion of his tablesaw. He does use a Festool MFT. He tests cheap saws, and has a selection of videos about making your own MFT. His table has a hinge to keep the guide square, and the other side has an adjustable support.
Thanks for doing these videos, Izzy. Seeing someone use and review these cheaper tools is very helpful for those of us on tighter budgets in the shop.
I am a huge fan of WEN tools. I have the 3 blade planer, 12" drill press, small dust collector, and the room air filter. Never had an issue as a hobby guy. Keep the reviews coming.
For shorter cuts, up to 48 inches Harbour freight has a clamp that works fairly well as a saw guide.
Joseph Lorentzen
Which clamp is that? I'm interested
@@salv434 It is called a clamp and cutting edge guide. They have several from 2 foot to 5 foot.
A saw guide is not the same as a track saw. You can drift off of the saw guide, and the saw guide does not guarantee a 90 degree cut.
Same saw as the Grizzly, I like mine and have a diablo blade in it. Dust collection is ok with a shop vac and separator. If you get the grizzly accessory kit you get two clamps that are copies of the festool clamp an additional joining rail for $23, those clamps work well on the Paulk work bench or a home made MFT type top . Watch the lock screws they tend to work themselves out and get lost, easy enough to make replacements with a 1/4 20 bolt and hack saw.
Even if the saw dies in a year you still have the track. You could cobble the base from the Wen onto another saw or make your own adapter.
Totally agree with you on the table saw vs. track saw deal.
Combine a table saw with jigs, and you have a saw that can do things no track saw willl ever be able to do.
That being said, I just bought a circular saw that supported tracks (Bosch GKS 18 V-Li), as I don't really need the plunge feature, a couple of tracks (70+140cm) and a couple of festool speed clamps when they were on sale on Black Friday.
The festool guide edge is held on with double sided tape also
I have just purchased this saw and track I like it. However, the track can clog up with saw dust and stop the saw along the track. Keep your vacuum hand or hook it up to the vacuum slash just bag port. cuts are really nice with the optional 60 tooth blade.
I'm good with more videos like this. There are plenty of expensive tool reviews out there, for stuff most of us won't ever buy. Keep it up.
Why are track saws operated by the left hand primarly?
@@ralphfalkenburg5297 Good question. You can flip it around and use your right hand. The question is why do most circular saws have the motor on the left side so you can't see the blade? Track saws are just following that bad design. I like "left-handed" saws even though I'm right-handed.
With a normal saw its to keep the blade on the opposite side of your holding hand and your body.
@@alext9067 ..and you get awfully sprayed with sawdust on your clothes using a left handed saw with your right hand. (Two years old but better late than never) 😄
I am impressed with the Wen track saw. I also have purchased the Wen 3x21 belt sander and lime it also. Pricing is good. I am a retired woodworker.
I have quite a few Wen products and for the cost they are hard to beat! Most are good quality and come at Harbor Freight pricing!
HA
I'm in the UK, I used a Titan track saw every day for 2 weeks while I waited for brushes for my Festool. It was fine, even had a feature for scribe cuts, which the festool didn't. Cost me £109 came with two 800mm tracks ( that's just over 2 1/2 feet for you guys)
I liked your review you were not biased because it was cheap and gave it a fair appraisal. On cheap tools does it do what it says on the box and if yes then it is worth the money.They are not meant for 24 x 7 usage they are for the hobby market and that is why the bearings rattle as they are cheaper.
I have a Wen drill press. Even the Rikon rep admitted its the same drill! Had a minor problem and Wen was INCREDIBLE on service!
I like this guy, he started from scrap, he represents the real world, nothing fancy just a hard working man, keep it up you r doing a good job
my SkilSaw Circular saw had that sound for over 20 years and still runs great
Agreed. I have had a Festool track saw for several years. I use it constantly and love it but would definitely give it up before I gave up my table saw. The Festool tracks also use a slotted screw in the connectors and I have never had a problem with them however it does seem like a hex would be better. If you need a power plane the Wen is awesome for the price point.
I have a scheppach 9 inch track saw, it was half the price of the nearest competition and I love it. Was cutting 55mm thick walnut on saturday with no problems
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this track saw. I have seen them, but I always wondered if they worked well enough to spend the money on them. Thank you for doing this review. It definitely will save me a couple hundred dollars down the line. Again thank you for sharing here.
I have a few Wen products. Their band saw, table top jointer and their ceiling mounted air cleaner. All seem to work well in my shop. And I’m in my shop 10-15 hours a week.
I've had good results from Wen tools in the past. They're not in the same class as my Millers Falls saw which lasted 35 years before it was destroyed in a wreck, but for cheap power tools I definitely feel like I got my money's worth and more because they've tended to still be useful long after they looked like scrap. My premium goto brand for power tools is Makita because they've been very good for me.
I've had the same results with my three Wen tools. The Wen rotary tool is better than the Dremel it replaced. The Dremel lasted 20 years, and the Wen probably won't, but it's great for now.
I used a very cheap Skil saw (no wormdrive) for many years, did beds, cupboards and many other projects with it. If you know the cheap tools flaws and where to compensate, you can do a lot with them.
No tool snobbery! Nice one. I enjoy learning about tools that do the job but that are not heirloom quality.
When you join 2 tracks together, keep a gap (1/8 to 3/16) between them and use a straight edge to align them.
Izzy I bought the WEN 13” planer back in May or June and it has worked great for me. I was looking at getting a Dewalt planer but didn’t want to spend 500-600 on a planer that I don’t use on a regular basis anyway. When I first see the WEN planer I was a little hesitant but checked out many reviews and pretty much everything I read was good and for about half the price of the dewalt 13” planer I couldn’t beat that plus I had read some negative reviews on the dewalt planer.
That's my next purchase I hear they are powerful for a cheap planer.
Travis Evans yeah it has worked great for me. I did have an older delta 12” planer that would leave like waves in a board and would always have snipe where as this wen planer doesn’t leave much if any snipe and gives a very nice smooth finish right from the planer.
The thing about joining any track brand is not to jamb them together but leave slight gap; then use two adapters and do not overtighten as that can leave dents.. Better blade; cut 1/4 inch off plunger spring ; plexiglass shield tapped and screwed to blade removal window and it greatly improves the cut and dust collection. Glide tape on bottom and glides smoothly This is same as Grizzly and many others. Bearings are quite on mine. 154 dollars ;great buy .Also the track clamps are cheap at less 13 dollars pair and track doesn't need much tightening to stay. Good review on stock saw.
Thanks for sharing with us and a huge congratulations. Half a million subscribers!!!!Wow!!!
Love your channel!
thank you, It is something to consider, for the average hobbyist, this is probably fine, especially if your using it for rough cut, it would drive me crazy since the blade is on the right side, all of my circular style saws are on the left side. it probably would not make any difference since it is not meant to be used for free hand work. I was told that saws with the blade on the right was for weekender because the blade needs to be as far away for the operator as possible to mitigate possible injuries. i
In the start of this video, you mentioned you were not going out and buying expensive tools. I took the opposite. I started buying Festool products. I bought the track saw and their vacuum system. Those two items cost over $1,300 bucks. I stopped to review what I was doing and decided that their are alternatives to buying "the best". Don't get me wrong...If money is no object and you want the best, Festool is definately a good brand. I have since purchased Grizzly, Jet and other brands that don't cost as much as Festool. And I'm glad to say...they all work well. Great video.
Festool is massively overpriced for what it is. Literally every other major brand (not store brands) are just as good or better than festool. It's nothing more than a fad these days. It's just like the kids who used to wear the polo shirts and dress like preppy little d bags back in high school...folks think they are cool because they own one of the status symbol items but those of us who know better laugh at them.
@@mikekey686 you must've been picked on or left out huh? Haha I would've used iPhone vs cheap android argument or something that didn't indicate your tds.
I bought the same saw ( it sells under many different brands - mine was Aldi) only came with one joining bar - so I made a second one myself. The two short fences joined perfectly straight one way but were off if you flipped them around. So check both configurations. I'm perfectly happy with mine..paid AU$129...two weeks later it was reduced to $99.
yeah they make the same saw under a bunch of brands i went with the cheapest i could fine
Good to see the old Izzy from years ago is back.
Mech Uno 1⃣1⃣
I enjoyed this video. Very honest comments. I have been looking at getting a track saw but cannot come to spend a lot of money on a Makita or Dewalt. Another thing to note about this track saw is that it comes with (2) blades.
Thanks as usual very informative really nice to see a video on cheaper stuff I'm sure we would all love to buy the branded stuff but our budgets don't always allow it . Thanks again from way down in South Africa
I have several WEN Tools and the all perform great. The old saying is you pay for what you get but all in all the WEN tools are very good. And I also have some very expensive tools for the really fine work.
I noticed the 2nd connecting rod still sitting on your bench.....you"re supposed to use both of them when connecting two tracks....allowing you to true up your extended track without having to resquare the end, and making the whole setup stronger and less likely to shift when moving it about the shop....
I have one and I like it too. I have a large table saw so couldn't justify a Mikita or Festool, but I found this on Amazon much less expensive than those. It does the job for my occasional use.
Thank you for the review.
Can you comment on how it compares to a circular saw with a door-board? The Wen circular saw is $50, and you can make several door boards out of $20 worth of hardboard, so for less than $70 you would have a sort of ghetto track saw. If I understood you correctly, your track saw and extra track cost $250. What advantages does that extra $180 buy you over a circular saw with several door boards?
You have a chance of cutting offline with a doorboard the fact that the tracksaw is captured lessens the chance of ruining a cut on a $50 sheet of ply.
I've never had good luck with a circular saw and straight edge.
I have recently purchased a battery operated circular saw then made a track for it. I screwed a thin piece of plywood to the bottom of the saw and a section of T-track alinged with the blade while also making a dado in a straight edge for the T-track to ride in. It works like the expensive track saws except for the bump in the track is on the base of the saw and the bump rides inside the track. Works very good. I used a battery saw because I already had the batteries, only had to buy a tool-only saw and I'm not limited by a cord or have to worry about it interfering with my cutting flow.
A little wax on the inside edges and you are off to the races.
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@@Otto-W 0
I love the concept of "cheap tool reviews". Some (if not most) of us don't do enough work to invest thousands of dollars into expensive tools. Keep up the good work!
So Izzy... What is the story on the saw now after over a year and half. On Amazon they are now just over $100 . Do you know if the WEN saw works in the BOSCH tracks?
If you are referring to the anti-chip strips on the bottom extending past the joints on all the sections... they are supposed to. The Kreg Accu-Cut/XL tell you to put them on that way in the instructions as well.
One big advantage of a track saw over a circular saw and a guide is the dust collection. That might have been a good thing to test on this saw.
RickMakes with mods
No need to test dust collection on a saw he may not keep. Check the saw out first and if you find it worthy so far then test the dust collection.
I've got one of these and it works great. I've cut about 30 sheets of 3/4" plywood for cabinets, using this saw. I did have to superglue the rubber edge onto the track when I first got it, and have also repaired it once since then. But the superglue worked fine. The self adhesive on the rubber is worthless...So, just plan on gluing it....no biggie...just use a few spring clamps to hold the rubber in place. Also, I wish that it came with a second connector for the track. Mine's been fine without it. But, it would feel more positively locked together with a second connector. Also, I wish that it came with hold down clamps. For any kind of finished wood, the track can easily creep off your line. A couple of hold downs can fix this. I made some out of scrap plywood and a couple of bolts and wingnuts. They work, but I still plan on getting some better hold downs. All in all, for the price, this track saw is well worth what I paid. Nothing else was close to as nice for the money. Considering that it comes with the saw, this was not much more expensive than just building my own track.
Hey Izzy, great review. Was wondering what your thoughts on this track and saw are a year on from this video? Would be great to know how it has held up and anything you have noticed after consistent use!
Agreed!
@@davidtolentino4755 I ended up purchasing the saw a couple months ago, along with some powertec tracks - and I'm really happy. For the price it's really quite impressive, but I can't speak to its durability etc as I haven't had it long. Been perfect for a custom wardrobe fit-out I just completed at my home
Mat Bagnall awesome. Well I think I’m going to get it as well! I’m sure it will only get a couple of cuts a month maximum for my purposes. Thanks for your reply!
I was thinking the same
Thanks for a great review. I just ordered a high end sidewinder (6391-21) to build my own track saw....but considering fiddling around making the alum track, a base plate, bits and pieces, tapping aluminum, etc. I am cancelling my order and will give Wen a try...I like that it has a dust collection system - the $200 Milwa LH doesn't have dust collection...
Yup, like more vids like this.... looking to do a woodshop on a budget in the future.
Thanks Izzy for your review of this saw. I would like to see more reviews like this. I see many tool reviews online where they don't even use the tool, just compare the specs. Those reviews are worthless. Seeing someone actually use the tool and showing it cutting through thick white oak, plywood, etc... that's the type of review that helps! Awesome! I think the tool manufacturers could benefit from these as well. They need to see what adjustments their end users need to make to be productive with their products, and how we use the tools. The only thing I might add is to lay out what's included in the box after discarding packing materials. Some brands actually include extra brushes, blades, wrenches, cases or a method to store things. Convenience storage of small items may not sound like much, but I constantly loose those pieces!
IZZY That sound could also be the reduction gears those also can sound like that and last for years cheers
Totally agree! :o)
The bearings are the first thing to fail on these saws. I own 3. However you get a lot of use before they die. Still a good deal for the price.
Thanks for the honest review!! Not all cheap products are crap!!
right on
I have and or have used several wen tools. 7/10 is pretty accurate for them across the board. Very good real world review Izzy. Most of us are going to live with things like that bearing chatter and not blink an eye. Yea, it’s annoying. But you didn’t pay 400+ for a tool you use maybe once a month
Bearings... If they are ISO standard, you can find brand name like SKF, INA, and others that will fill the bill.
Do more of these please
Aleksamaker lol if u want to see cheap tool reviews, swing by my channel, it’s all I can afford 😝
Just found this review (I think). WEN stuff fills a real niche. I’ve owned a bunch of it - if you’re going to use them once or twice a month they’re a great value. They cut all kinds of corners so in a production environment they’re not going to stay accurate under rigorous daily use but if you’re a DIYer you’ll get a decently accurate tool at 1/4 the price of a “pro” tool. I own a WEN oscillating sander, a small drill press, a hand-held electric plane and a breadbox planer - they’ve all been solid, but I only use them a few X per year. I also own name brand versions of everything but the sander. Are they better? Maybe long haul sure- but I can torture my WEN stuff on work I don’t want expensive tools to touch - and throw it out if it gets damaged. But so far have not been able to kill any of the WEN stuff so I’d buy their tracksaw without hesitation for DIY use.
Question: You didn't say anything about dust collection/control. How'd it do in that category??
Didn't look like it had that feature
It has a connector for a vacuum... performance of dust collection will depend on what you connect it to, vacuum wise.
I paid extra for a Triton track-saw under the assumption that the brand name meant it wasn't just another Chinese generic saw. Wrong. It's 99% the same as other half the price. A few extra features and a better warranty make it worth it I suppose..
Thanks for the review.. Interesting stuff!
Wen delivers some surprisingly good quality for the money. I just got their 10" bandsaw, and I'm actually pretty happy with it.
It took some calibration courtesy of the Snodgrass method, but it works like a champ.
I agree with the 2 things I have. Considering the 10" band saw mainly for re-sawing. Not sure if the 9" can do re-sawing of relatively small stock like the 10 claims to do.
@@lobitome to be fair, I haven't used it for any real resawing yet. I did test it out on a short length of 2x6 though, and it did a fairly decent job. My only real complaint is that changing the speed is more work than it should be, but other than that, really good.
I just bought the Wen 3962 bandsaw. I've tried a couple of 4" oak resaws and had no trouble. I'm fast becoming a Wen fan, they're about 50 to 100 bucks higher than the cheapest option usually, but so far they are far better than the cost would suggest.
I have a Wen 3-speed air cleaner and from what I can tell it is identical to the air cleaners sold by Jet, Grizzly and others.
I also have a Wen model 100 soldering gun from the 70s that is a beast, but that was a totally different era for the company.
Agreed. Also, with a 1/2” blade mine resaws fine.
As an occasional hobbiest woodworker I’ve bought several Wen products and have been happy with them.
10:45 Can the cheap bearings be replaced by high quality ones? [does that even make sense?]
Yes they are standard sizes and about $10 for the best
I have the Wen oscillating spindle sander and the Wen 4214 variable speed 12" drill press. I love them both and would highly recommend them.
Also, I use their remote controlled ceiling mounted filtration unit. It works great so if you're looking to keep the air clean it's a good product to add to a filtration system.
Thanks brother Izzy..... Please keep sharing videos like this !!
I have the 6 1/2 inch Wen, and the little device to allow plunge broke. It is a little fragile, but it seems smooth enough. I got to fix that part
I have watched a ton of your video's on here and have found them really helpful. Woodworking is a hobby of mine but I cannot afford Dewalt's and the like so this slot is fantastic! I hope you do more tools because I found myself really trusting your opinion! Keep up the great work. Oh I'm from the UK btw.
awesome thank you for the feed back
If you want to buy the same saw in the UK, the brand is Scheppach. They are about £150 with a track.
I picked up their drywall sander and absolutely love it. I used the port a cable and b4 festool came banging on everyone's door that was the Cadillac of drywall sanders. Now I did drop the cash on the festool track saw and it is amazing but to be honest..I wish I waited a few more months bc I would have probably just went with the cordless Makita track saw. I have both festool and makita tracks..basically same thing with a different name on them but they join together just like the tracks in your video. And I would say 100% you should have received 2 guide bars for each joint. That's what really helps sq your tracks up. I would still check them but 2 bars at least cut your problem in half. As always..AWESOME video sir and you can bet your ass when a man with as much knowledge and experience as you speak..I'm all ears!!!!
First... congratulation you are becoming my idol ... I always follow you with interest ... you realize ingenious works with extreme simplicity ... thanks izzy I admire you ... your italian fan
Just bought this combo and very very happy with it- WEN Customer service and sales are very knowledgable and helpful - Two Thumbs Up. :-) Thanks Izzy for doing your video. very helpful
Update? How’s it holding up 2 years later?
No longer available on Amazon.
I just bought one on Amazon. They come and go on there.
@@kevinhockman6713 Me to, except it is WEN CT1065, I also got Powertech guide rails. I have only used mine a couple times. Bearings on my saw sound fine. Powertech rails are straight with 2 hex bolt attachment pieces for the 55" tracks. I also got the bag to carry and store them in and am very glad I did(recommend if you take this to jobsite). This will make my life much easier.
@@carlmccoy662 9
@@carlmccoy662 I just received the saw (CT1065 @$105) and the WEN Tracks (100 inch @$74). It came with 2 joining bars, with hex screws and looks quite good.
Years ago I purchased the Web company rotary tool AKA dremel tool. It had amazing reviews on Amazon It was definitely worth the pittance I paid for it. It was less than half of a standard power or grade Dremel tool.
THIS is the kind of review I want. Trial and terror and putting it into use in a non-perfect environment
Thank you for the review, subscribed!
First off great review. Showing the tracks and assembly was great. That sound is Not cheap bearings. Its the slop in the gear drive. Also called backlash. Lower quality gears may have much more clearance between teeth and its the noise you hear as its winding down. It seems like its not a bad deal for the money . Thanks!
Thanks for reviewing this saw. I suspect that the noise might be coming from the gear. I've quieted several saws with a dab of lithium grease.
Molly grease for the gears.
I have had my Wen tracksaw for about a year after watching this video and I still love it. I am going to have to fix the rubber guide as it recently separated, but not a big deal.
Hey brother, can we get a follow up on this tool? Im looking into getting one.
I am very curious how the cheap barring turned out since the original posting of this video.
Don't get one.
I bought one and lasted less than 50 cuts.
Very disappointed.
@@DarrylBenson , good to know. Thanks!
@@DarrylBenson yeah good to know, I was going to buy one but I cant find the WEN track for sale anywhere, HD has them out of stock and unavailable and so does Amazon...what good is a track saw without a track? There are other companies but I wanted the 100in track and the price of WEN...oh well I guess maybe you get what you pay for? Still disappointing.
@@thisguy349 I use mine every day for 3/4 plywood and find it performs perfectly. Totally happy!
Izzy. I highly recommend you the Porter Cable floor model. And if you don't like this type, you can always cut the tube to your desired length. But precision and price are much higher than most expensive drills. Find out who sells it. Lowe's isn't selling it and I don't know who is handling it now.
I've had several power tools with that same sound,I believe it is the sloppy gears making it
You can mount that base on a better saw with just little mod and works grate an old 2 hrsp skill saw works fine for that and the greg jig is only 80 dollars and works very well with most saws
Anyone else notice the wen products for track saw are no longer on Amazon.
They seem to be sold out everywhere. Walmart, Home Depot, Ebay, Amazon, even the WEN website lists them as sold out.
I bet the tariffs are impacting them.
Festool also uses a straight blade screw and the reason is to limit the amount of torque you can put on the fastener to avoid bending the rails.
Did you not have a bigger shop at the start of the summer...have you moved again ?
i have a 30 dollar ryobi with cheap bearings that has been a workhorse for me since 2003. The last couple of years ive used it to cut concrete...about 2 and a half inches deep....i think so far ive cut a length of about a 100 feet with it.
Cleaning the concrete out of it has been a big pain in the ass but it never failed to do its job
Try running some water on the concrete while cutting it. Make sure your power supply is safe first.
That same saw is sold with many names on it, I bought the same saw and used it ,,,,once. I was gang cutting 2x2 pickets for a deck hand rail. Well I burnt up the POS saw!!
On the tracks,, I do space them a Fat RCH and use a straight edge to make them good.
I have a Wen 9” bandsaw and a benchtop drill press. I bought them off of Amazon because they were cheap with good reviews. They usually need a little adjustment out of the box, but for a hobbyist like me, they work well. I would love to have the whole Festool collection, but I didn’t win Powerball this week. After this video, I think the Wen track saw will be my next pick up.
In Russia, a saw like it, cost about 200$. (Elitech 1255)
On thick cuts, or hard woods, I have heard it's best to score a line with one pass of your track saw, then do a second or even a third pass. This way you do burn up your wood, its easier on the saw as well too.
Cheap bearings on the saw, and there isn't an electric brake either.....
I've probably just missed it but why a new shop? Didn't you get a new shop just a year ago or something like that?
WEN make steel cut blades too. I think you got it in a nutshell saying for the money it's worth the gamble. In this track saw case. If I buy a high quality Skil saw it's going to be $600 + . Definitely excellent!
I’ve been eyeing this saw but hesitant to pull the trigger. I really appreciate this video!
Daniel Dunlap Woodworks is the
For the price, WEN is pretty good stuff. I bought the 4X36 sander as well as the 1X30 sander and they work very well.
Thank you for the honest review. Keep up the great work
Yes, do more of these reviews. Of course everyone wants “the best” but most people can’t afford the high end tools and are on a budget. They have to choose models that require some compromises in quality simply based on cost. So it’s nice to know the pros and cons of lower end tools to determine if the compromises are worth it.
often it's a case of not "can't afford" but rather "don't want to afford". A lot of people are DIY'ers who use a tool every once in a while. We don't need something we can pass along to great grandchildren, just something that does the job well and at a reasonable price for the foreseable future.
Your video got me curious, so I went and did the Amazon price comparison. Holy smoke!! I knew that the others (most of them) were expensive, but the difference is ridiculous! If, with a little simple tweaking, you were able to make this piece work to the point where you're keeping it, then maybe I can actually afford a track saw!! Thanks, Izzy! :-)
Norm Jacques I know! For just a circular saw and a straight edge too!
I bought a Kreg sled-and-track system, and use my own circular saw.
I have quite a few tools by Wen and have been impressed by all of them. Sometimes "cheap" is more likely "inexpensive".
Bearing noise could be cheap blade out of balance does it make the noise without a blade?
Sounds like the gears to me, will be interesting to see how long it lasts
It sounds like it had a bevel gear in it (the same gearing as an angle grinder)
Erik Jorgensen yea I know I was half asleep😂
I think it’s how the cooling fan on the commutator spindle is moving air and that it makes it loud because I had a similar problem
I have one of these, it is definitely the gears. Most circular saws have gears to slow the motor from router speeds (24k-36k rpm) to circular saw speeds.(3600-5800 rpm). You can really feel the slop when you wiggle the blade's rotation back and forth without turning the motor, indicating a large amount of lash in the gears. I really don't think it'll be a problem, but my complaint is that the plunge pivot on mine is very sloppy allowing the blade to trail somewhat sideways if you don't hold it perfectly consistently.
I have a belt sander from WEN, same noise. I also bought the WEN drill press, it actually stalls when I turn it on sometimes. The belt sander still works, it's just louder than the day I bought it lol
nice content💪 does not always have to be expensive
And expensive does not always guarantee quality! :o)
Thanks Izzy. I tried the Wen plunge router with the same thought process and it works well for the price only issue was the plunge seemed to be better pushing on one side and not both. I can live with that.