@Bird - check out the series of YouTube videos posted by The Poplar Shop



Well recognized series on building cabinets with FESTOOL TS-55.

Let's see if Tom Bader chimes in here. I doubt there's anybody on the FOG who cuts more lineal feet of sheet goods with Festool track saws than Tom.

You'll find that a sheet of rigid insulation on top of a sheet of 4x8 plywood on sawhorses will work well and be easy on your back for starters. But everything, even using a Track Saw requires some practice to get expected results - a step many of us are inclined to skip.

Have you downloaded the TS-55 FESTOOL Supplementary Manual and read it from cover to cover? - takes less time than replacing a wrecked sheet of plywood:



Hans

To start with, I hate crawling around on the floor, that said, I avoid cutting crawling around on the floor.

As Hans stated, we cut a lot of sheet goods, 2 bunks of 3/4, 30 sheets of half and 6 sheets of 3/4x10’ in the last 10 days. All of the sheet goods are cabinet grade.

A thread showing my cutting table, we now use two.

https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/cuttingwork-table/msg342316/#msg342316

As you can see, I cut on foam.

There is a thread on here somewhere with the cut list/sheet attached. I can’t find it right now.

If you do not want to make a table consider a Centipede;

https://boratool.com/work-stands/centipede-work-supports

Festool is doing a limited release for their cutting table, I need to order one before the deadline. Another option to consider.

Cutting on foam allows you to cut/rip solid wood also. Cutting on foam increases dust collection.

Take the time to learn the saw, practice on scrapes when you get a chance. Imagine a cut, you’ll figure out how to do it with the track saw. I have yet to run across a cut I could make with a little thought and planning.

I also have 8 MFT 3’s. Look for used one, hopefully one will come your way.

FULL DISCLOSURE———I test TSO products!!!!

Get the TSO rail square at a minimum, the GRS 16PE. You can add to the system as needs arise.

A simple cut just to show a few of the things you have to consider;



The diamond on the end of this island the joints are mitered. The obtuse angles were ripped using the TS 55, the angle is ~117° If I recall correctly.

Tom

Here is my setup for quick and accurate cuts.

I am showing a setup with a small worktop but it works with larger sheets also.

I am fortunate to have a TSO Guide Rail Square for quick and accurate cuts.

I made some spacers to lay on the worktop so you can cut through without cutting into the worktop. Got this idea from Ramblin Russ on You Tube. They are 2 inch styrofoam with 1/4 inch plywood glued on and then cut into strips. These spacers can be offset so the cutoff will not fall to the ground.

Worktop with spacers.



Guide Rail on piece ready for cut

Tom, I am in SW Wisconsin. I have gotten some good ideas from you all. I have been cutting some styrofoam today and paying attention to myself. I realize that I'm so used to my regular sidewinder saw that it becomes easy to treat the track saw that way. I'm getting better about being sure to allow the saw to come back up from the plunge which is how I managed to put a gouge in the track.

Thanks all. I have a good idea now and I hope I'll be a good sport and post what I make.

Great set-up/idea....like the 1x4 v grooved into the mft profile and that you can still work at each end