Fairly recently, I picked up a Festool tracksaw which I consider to be something of a bargain. Others here might think of it as a novelty.
Those familiar with my work would recognise me as primarily having a preference for hand tools, although I have a very well kitted workshop with higher end machines. There really has not been the necessity for a tracksaw, and indeed my small double garage/workshop does not spare the space for a tracksaw-friendly bench. Part of the reason for the tracksaw is that I can see occasions when it would be the preferred tool over a Hammer K3 slider, such as trimming ends of house doors, cutting large panels, and bevelling panels. Part of the reason, also, is that I am a tool junkie, and was curious to see what the fuss is about.
I decided to build a small bench, which could also house the systainers which have been slowly appearing. This is 1200mm long x 600mm wide. Also, while one of the systainers contains a Domino DF500, all joints here were full-on mortice and tenon. I believe they will resist movement better than a domino.
Peel off the 1/2” black rubber pad (great for glue ups), and there is a 1” thick foam for cutting ..
Underneath this is a wooden bench top …
It’s not going to replace my workbench …
On to the tracksaw. It is a AT 65 E, and likely dates back about 18 years ..
Now I don’t mind old power tools, if they are quality tools. I have a few Festo sanders (which became Festool) and 4 Elu routers. But the thing about this tracksaw was that it was essentially new. And very cheap.
Open up the
steel body and it is spotless …
These teeth have hardly cut anything …
48 teeth should be good for crosscutting ..
I made a dust cover …
In a separate thread I asked about the best length track for my purpose - noting that I only work with solid wood, and do not cut up sheetgoods. I was thinking the 1080mm but it appears that this may be too short for 800mm wide doors. I have a 1400 Makita, which is cut into 800 + 600. A test with the 800 quickly revealed that this may only do a 550mm length. A little more testing to do.
Regards from Perth
Derek
