How to Use a Cordless Track Saw
Jeremy Kassel, a builder from Glenmont, N.Y., demonstrates how to use a cordless track saw.
Jeremy Kassel uses his track saw for breaking down sheet goods such as cabinet grade plywood. But you can also use it for trimming doors, making long tapered shims and trimming cabinet panels. Additionally, you can make miter folds for projects such as range hoods, columns, and modern furniture.
Learn How to Use a Cordless Track Saw
First, place my track and saw on your cutting stock and make sure you have the right blade depth so that you don’t cut through your support pieces. Measure and mark both ends of the cut. Next, place the track on the piece that you’re cutting, leaving the offcut showing. Then place your saw at the beginning of the cut, start the saw, and make your cut.
When you’re making a narrow rip, you may be tempted to place the track on the wider piece. If you put it on the offcut, your piece will be too narrow by the thickness of the blade. It’s also more likely to splinter because your splinter guard is not on the cut. It’s important that you place the track on the piece that you want rather than the off cut.
If you don’t yet have a track saw, I suggest you get one — it really helped me level-up my finished carpentry game. And if you’re looking for guidance on which track saw to get, check out my recent test for Fine Homebuilding on FineHomebuilding.com.
— Jeremy Kassel; builder in Glenmont, N.Y. Photos by Patrick McCombe.
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