Shop Vac hacks for dust control kzfaq.info/get/bejne/h699a9yl2b6tkaM.html

You don't need to resort to bogus claims like "Festool wants to ban this" type titles for your videos - Festool couldn't care less if someone makes their own jig - You can just say "great idea for a DIY tracksaw" and people will still click on it because it legitimately is a great idea for a DIY tracksaw. Thanks for sharing the idea

That's probably better than a Festool. The one thing I would have done differently is to not worry about drilling holes to see the line. I would have just cut a slot in the opposite direction to create a slot. This would make the jig double-sided and give you the ability to line up the edge of your track with the line you want to cut, no matter how long the cut. This is one of the best features of a track saw. The edging you used was genius. Great video!

I've seen a few of these. One issue is that you have to drop into them all of the time. With a small modification it can be shorter, cut farther, be more stable, and allow you to cut from the end. What you do is, at the end instead of more of the aluminum, put a thick piece of wood on the underside, perhaps 2x2. That will act as a catch at the end of your piece to allow it to be even more stable and not slip. Then, as long as you don't cut down into it too far, you can start your cuts right at the end in a conventional manner.

I used to watch my grandfather use his "track saw", which was any circular saw with a bottom plate and a nice piece of 1x1.

I'm a Festool-representative and the Company has no intention in getting this video banned!

I made the other type of DIY track, instead of a channel where the saw glides, like this one, the guide just have a straight edge on the same side of the motor of the saw and the other side the saw disc cuts flush with the edge of the board, eliminating the need to plunge the saw to make the initial cut and drilling those big holes to see and align the track to the line you will be cutting. Another advantage is that you can easily make the track longer. In my case I tried to use sandpaper to make the track stay on the surface, eventually it failed. My solution was to add a strip of wood to the track with some pocket holes and made it wider. Now I can easily put some clamps and the saw doesnt hit them. For the ones criticizing and saying it doesnt do the same as a track saw, well, first you deserve some prize for being captain obvious... you nailed it. Of course isn't the same as real track saw but I can tell you it does almost the same work, cuts straight like a track saw and works just as easy as a track saw. If you're worried that the cut "won't look as good" as a cut made by a real tracksaw then there's a good solution for this. Get a disc for your circular saw with a high teeth count, that will give you a cleaner cut. After I made my jig I stopped thinking about getting a track saw, no need for a tool I will use occasionally, all are overpriced and doesnt have the many uses a circular saw has.

Thanks for the idea. I built one today and it works great. I was a little hesitant to trust the grip tape, but I made a few long cuts with no issues with the guide slipping. I made a few modifications: 1) I made mine 7ft long because I have a project needing 6ft cuts 2) I added a dab of construction glue every few inches to the "mesh" area of the tile edge, just to make sure it doesn't move in the future 3) I used small 3/8in plywood blocks at the ends rather than the metal - I wanted a hole on one end from which to hang the guide when I am not using it.

The best part is the find of the aluminum tile rails; I will be building this.

I had no idea where this was going but by the end, I'm convinced of it's geniusness. I super appreciate the "bootstrapping" here without much additional other things, e.g., table saw. This is a total win, and I'll be building this myself. Again, GENIUS.

I have used string for getting a straight line when tiling, but never thought of using it for wood. Thanks for that idea.

The tile edging is a good idea. You could fancy it up any way you want but the basic concept is solid to build on - or use as made. Good work!

This is sweet. The open structure of the tile edging seems easy to work with--you can place the screws at various inside corners and get a very accurate fit. Great tip, thank you 🙏🏻

Honestly I've been contemplating a track saw my whole house build so far but couldn't justify it. This tho sir is stellar and will be seeing use in Paradise. Thank you for sharing!

Glad i bought festool, all the issues are solved and the dust collection is flawless. Worth every penny

I've since then built a track for my circular saw, and am satisfied. Instead I repurposed old entry way trim ( that's inside the door way). I appreciate your help

This has got to be THE best cirular saw jig ive ever seen, thanks bud

You are full of a lot of great ideas!!! Thank you! Never bought one of those because they seem so expensive. I'm either clamping down my level or looking for a straight piece of wood when I need to cut something with my worm drive. Thanks for aonther great idea!

This reminds me of reading old Popular Mechanics magazines.

Great idea and wonderful step by step teaching on how to do the build. You’ve made it simple enough for this farm kid to do it with no problem. Thank you!

Just finished this jig exactly as shown. Works great with no slippage. Thanks for the idea and great video

I’m a finish carpenter. This exact build wouldn’t work for me when dealing with a finished product but it has given me some good ideas for building something similar. Thank you!

Great idea to use the tile trim as guide. One thing I find inconvenient with this design is that I have to draw a line to line up with the jig. Using the shootboard design, I only need one little mark on each end.

Since all my shop saws have been stolen I've been looking for new ways to do stuff. Thanks!

Thank you for sharing. Everyone stay, warm, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia

I'll give you that you took a tool that most people have (or have an equivalent to that isn't some super expensive snap on or festool stuff) and showed us a nice work around. I'm not sure I will need this, but it is good knowledge to have.

I also thought of using the tile edging, (had some extra after doing the bathroom), but it never occurred to me to use 2, to make an actual track. Great vid.

LOVE THIS GENIUS IDEA! I use the small clamps that have a screw on one side, and a low profile "?finger" on the other. I have to have room to over hang.

For years I have just been clamping a piece of MDF to the work and running my saw along it. I think it's cool that Festool has all these neat gadgets but let's face it, they did not invent running a tool along a straightedge. Works great with routers too if you want to get a finished edge.

I love this idea! I’ve been a carpenter for over 40 yrs. I can pop a chalk line or use a pencil line and freehand the cut and it is difficult to tell which edge is factory!You must like the saw you use and use the proper speed consistently!

I’ve had one of these jigs for 30 years. Best thing I ever built. I wish I could remember who showed it to me. I’m sure it was from shop notes or something similar. No such thing as KZfaq. Mine was simpler but works basically the same.

Excellent DIY Track saw that you can use your own saw you already own rather than buying an expensive specialty saw with track!

Dude! This is beautiful, I was cheering as your build kept going and you explained your thinking. Awesome!

Great stuff! Will be making one very soon. My last attempt at one was no where near as good as this and I see where I went wrong. Thanks so much.

I made one pretty much the same a few years ago, what I did differently regarding the saw was, I dedicated an old yard sale saw to the track, removed the spring loaded guard, installed a spring in the height adjustment slide and now have an old saw that acts like an actual track saw, also depending on the make and age of the saw, you can utilize the fan air and direct that air down a small Polley tube to blow the dust away from in front of your saw, it looks janky, but it works.

Thank you for this video. I will build the track saw as per your instructions. Looking forward to more informative videos!

One trick for less saw dust while working, is to make a vacuum box table out of MDF peg board that is usually used while sanding projects. They’re usually a smaller design, but I don’t know why they wouldn’t work on a larger scale, as long as your dust collection system would be up to the challenge! Mark Dougherty Toronto, Ontario.

Excellent. It is a simple design with great instructions and is much cheaper than buying a proprietary system.

After building 3 different similar saw guides I appreciate your innovation using the tile edging. Ultimately I bought a Kreg track saw and guides for the dust collection capabilities. My shop is only 400 sq ft so keeping the sawdust under control is important. It’s a good video; no need for the clickbait title.

THANK YOU!! For this wonderful DIY! 🙏❤🇺🇸

You had me with that emotional acting at the start of the video and the tracksaw is very effective, I use it every cut with the skilsaw, thank you.

I built a couple of saw tracks similar to this a few years ago. I used them constantly while rebuilding a house in Arizona. There are many different methods, but this one looks really nice because it keeps the saw straight without having to force it up against the jig. I lost (or maybe just left) my tracks when I moved to Oregon, so now I have to build new ones (one for the full 8' length of a sheet of ply, and another shorter one for the width). I might even build a shorter one for smaller pieces of ply. These things are so cheap that you can build several of them for different uses and locations. I'm a real estate investor, so when I have properties that I'm working on, I can leave a set in the house I'm remodeling. I'd MUCH rather someone break into my shed or an empty house and steal a $8 home-made track than a $800 Festool!

Going thru all this rigamarole for years is EXACTLY why i love my Festool tracksaw!!

Lovely. I added this video to my dozens of 'To do wood stuff' videos which i have not done .. lol

Just what I needed for my home shop. Thank you.

Thanks man that's just saved me a fortune 🙏

Ray, I like the idea of using skateboard tape or similar footing to keep the device from sliding as it is being used. I think that trick can be used on the older idea of having a cutting jog made out of hardboard and I using a piece of 3/8- or 1/4-inch straight edge -- and the grip-tape minimizes need for clamps.

Probably the easiest and most robust track saw idea I've seen. Thank you!!!

Love this video & the jig. I like it that I don't need expensive table saws etc. to make it. Not all of us can afford those expensive tools. This is perfect for simple DIYers like me. Thanks very much. More simple videos please.

This is genius. Was deciding between a circular saw (mine is crap) and a track saw for furniture or things I don't want to mess up. Thanks!

Simple yet GENIUS. On my way to find some of that aluminum straight edge. Thank You for sharing.

I cannot believe the sheer brilliance of using Tile rails for twin guides. I'm doing door panels and have a 12' schluter sitting in my garage, while I'm wondering how the eFF I'm going to get a minimum 8' straight-edge... awesome!

Probably the best track saw guide I've seen yet, thanks for sharing.

I work with small pieces of wood most of the time and rarely need to make a long cut but your jig is the best home made jig I have seen.

Man, that's kind of genius. That's a nice simple, elegant way to make a dead straight cut! And it's cheap enough that you (i.e. me) could make them in a variety of lengths, and even with different saws for different purposes. Thanks!

I like the original idea..& simplicity, well done.

0:13 Dear God that is hysterical! I thought of doing this to show my wife why my cheaper tools need to be upgraded. Ahahaaa! Bravo Ray!

Love this jig! I just started my own shop for custom furniture and this is such an indispensable tool to have on hand. Thank you!

Great video. I've been looking around for a long time on DIY track saw guides and this is the best one yet. Very generous in providing a detailed build without having to purchase plans. I've already purchased the tile edging and lath screws and am ready to go. Will probably make it wider to allow the use of clamps. Thank you very much!!!

The 's' cut in the middle of the board when reviewing this vid brought me in , very clever. 👍👍

I like the editing where you walk up and continue working while you're still talking.. excellent way to condense time without cutting anything out

I have a tracksaw, but I'm making this as well for my circ saw. But I'll bump out the tile edging so I can place it against the benchdogs (perfectly squared using UJK parf guide). This way, I don't have to fight the long tracks anymore. Very practical and simple - the best DIY solution for tracksaw I've seen to date. Thanks. I would caution anyone though, @8:17 support your pieces so it doesn't collapse and pinch the blade.

Yo! That's awesome... 1st DIY tracksaw I've seen that is not overly complicated or too hard to build! That's great! Thank you!

One of the simplest and effective solutions out there. Great job

Love this idea. I never seem to have a straight, flat, and long enough piece of wood to hide my cut so I end up clamping my long level. Of course clamping a level only works when you can keep the blade side of the saw nearest to the guide, otherwise you end up dealing with clamp interference. Your solution seems like a no-brained. Muchas gracias señor!

Hi Ray - I was contemplating buying a tracksaw and guides for an upcoming kitchen cabinet project where I need to cut a lot of melamine coated MDF but as I own a decent Makita circular saw I'm going to build a similar guide to yours and give it a whirl. Thanks for sharing this neat jig.

Some decades ago, I made something like this. Attached a straight strip of 1/2" Baltic Birch about 2" wide to 1/8" tempered Masonite. Cut off excess Masonite using the Baltic Birch as a rip guide. Budda bing - budda boom, I had a VERY accurate rip guide which is placed right on the cut line with no setback needed, and that allows for a maximum depth of cut. Over the years, it has proven to be very durable and stable. Although, I will add the anti-skid.

Enjoyed your video! Excellent idea with the tile edge. I built exactly the same way, although i went one step further and made my plywood 12" wide..this allowed me to actually place 4" tile and grout up to edge. With the added weight it has i avoided having to use the underside tape. And...my wife loves it too...she picked the tile!

Great job, thank you for allowing me to think outside of the box and not have to go purchase everything! And realize I have the skill set to make my own products! Thanks again

This is genius especially when one just starting woodwork and cant afford to buy a track saw thank you very much for sharing your idea .

I made this today - very easy and it works great. Thank you for your time and trouble. I shouldn't lose any sleep over the self-righteous A-holes hating on you - they need to get over themselves. All the best.

I was totally impressed with that first cut you made wow.

I have no doubt that a major manufacturer would not like this video 😮 some ppl can think imagine and create easy fun to build tools that work very very well 😮 thank you ! For the ideas,all you diy ppl are great imho ! ❤ helps ppl save money in all the corrupt banking times we are in at this moment in time 😊

I'm a fan of Festool. I think that many of my tools are going to be multigenerational if anyone works in the future. I really like the replacement parts stock too. The tools are not cheap, but replacement parts are not overpriced either. The dealer is good about throwing in some extra expendables of value too.

Thanks very much, going to adapt for a Jigsaw, for my very basic beginner workshop build...

Thanks for this brill. idea! At present, I use a fence made from plywood, using an original sheet edge. I clamp the fence from behind the guiding edge, so that the clamps (except for the setting up time!) aren't a problem. Cute tip: set up your jig or fence, and place a piece of plywood scrap (just wide and long enough for you to cut well) tight against the fence, or in exact alignement with the far side of the saw track. Now make a cut along the scrap piece. Write 'marking jig' on the resulting strip. Now, after making your next project cutting marks, place one edge of the marking jig against each mark and then a second mark on the other side of the jig. Just set up the fence or track with the jig marks and avoid the need to draw a complete cutting line, or watch the line like a hawk when cutting! The marking jig instantly allows for the offset between cut and fence or jig edge. Every cut within +/- 0.5 mm of where you want it! Don't forget to allow for the blade width, when necessary....as usual!

Awesome Idea, I just rebuilt it for myself. The only difference I made - on both ends and at one side my plate is about 3 Inches longer/wider so I can clamp it down if needed. Works really nice, thank you. Greetings from Germany

It looks almost identical to the one I built years ago. Only I used thin mdf for the bottom and made thinner in that respect but the operation is the same I just had more depth of cut to my version. Looks great!!

I talked to Festool about this and they said they never heard of it. LoL 😂 Thanks for the great video. 👍

I thought I was listening to Ray Liotta there for a second. Great Track Jig!

That's a great looking track saw, very functional as well.

Great tool. I liked the video editing a very clever way to put the screws in and explain at the same time.

Dude You have helped me out emminslly. I've been a Carpenter for year's. What we use to do was clamp thick enough wood on the opposite side of saw so it don't slide around or vibrate to much. Sometimes that works good. But your method is easier. My eyes ain't what they use to be at age 50. So I need precision cuts that's easier to use than a miter saw. Thank you

Lifetime carpenter with Festool tracksaw, good guide design and video protection, 👍🏻

The tile edging is a great idea! Thanks for sharing the build video.

Track saws can be expensive for the average home shop woodworker. I've got a track saw, definitely not green will never own green anything, use it often and it's safe. Your version is the best I've seen. Thanks for sharing your version. I'm sure a lot of them have been built.

Lol love the smooth curves on your 1st cut

I love it. Very useful video to cut a straight line without costing a lot of money.

Beautiful and simple build yet effective. Good job!

If Festools weren't sooo damn expensive, they wood sell a hell if a lot more products.

Fantastic from UK thank you.

After reading some of these comments I believe that some are getting the wrong idea. This is not to compete against Festool or any other track saw. It's for people who can't afford $1k for a saw. And its really a good idea 💡 👍

I just completed mine today using 3/4 MDF” and Schluter 1/2” edges. Tip: if you’re gonna be cutting typical 1/4”, 1/2” or 3/4” sheets; make it 62-64” long.

That's the best circ saw guide I've seen. It's just made me realise that saws come with either motor on the left or right. Think I'd prefer a left hand side motor, but not sure I can say why.

Such an excellent idea. Thanks for sharing.

Good on you for being so resourceful and creative.

I tried many different DIY tracks in the past they all work fine but when I got a Makita cordless track saw I just regret why I didn’t got it years before, better precision, quality of the cuts, dust control and if you also get a GRS16 guide rail square you can do perfect square cuts for cabinets or furniture.

Thank you for the video. You inadvertently solved one of the hardest problems in track saw deigns (DIY and professional), and did not even mention it. If you were to place one of the bottom anti-slip tape segments (sand paper of neoprene) right over the cut line, you would virtually eliminate tear out from the circular saw blade as it would be supported, as in a zero clearance sacrifice piece. even good track saws only support the work on one side (ex Festool), which is fine if the discard piece is observed nd not needed. This design (with the small tweak) protects both the keep and discard side of the cut from tear out. One can still add an additional piece of tape on the board to be cut for double/added tear out protection.

Great job!! Simple and accurate. Tip: i used my festool track as a straight edge when screwing in the tile edge.

I like your idea. One thing to consider if you want the saw base to glide well. Consider covering the plywood with a piece of plastic laminate (formica). No need to wax. I have a 4 inch lighter weight mini saw that I might try for making the cuts. If the guide fit is good enough it might do okay despite a shorter base line. Most sheet goods are thin enough you don't need a large diameter blade to make them.