I added a few links in the description. The Amazon link is an affiliate - no cost to you, but will help support the channel for tool reviews. No affiliate with Farm and Fleet - but they have always treated me well for service. As far as I'm aware, they ship anywhere in the U.S. (except California). Thanks for checking out the review.
I haven't heard anything official from Milwaukee (if someone has a link, post it here). However, from how well machined they are, I don't see a reason why you couldn't trim the edges separately as long as the saw-to-track adjustment is set properly (so there is no play/wiggle in the saw when running it down the track). The edge trim is replaceable, so if you see any variance, you can always put on a new edge and cut both tracks together. I've run the saw on both tracks joined, as well as separately, and haven't seen any offset on the two edges when tracks are joined.
I bought the 1/4&3/8 in the comfort grip and i have Snap-on mac and matco and i would put this up there with them just because it feels good in the hand i bought these for home so they won't get used as much as the others i have used them for a few months now and love them
The clear plastic it comes with is not a splinter guard. It’s just to improve dust collection. They call it a viewing window. Only the foam piece you actually have to cut through functions as a splinter guard. Also the splinter guard only improves the chip out on the off cut piece which isn’t always necessary.
Thanks for clarifying. The saw is working great - it's definitely a time-saver. I've found that if I cut on foam and keep a sharp blade in it, then I'm not getting a lot of chipping. Just a little on the very end of the cut, where the saw exits the material.
Nice video, a few comments, Makita also has the anti tipping lip on the track. The allen key for the sawblade is stored on the tool :) and ur not supposed to butt the rails together, usually there is no guarantee the ends are actually cut square. usually a 0.5 or 1 mm gap is better when you join them.
I'd skip the Bora guide and go straight to the track saw if I had a do-over. I have a 2 piece Bora guide for the length I wanted, but the 2 pieces were never straight when together and required endless fiddling and re-clamping to set up for each and every cut. Honestly, if you go with a guide instead of a track system, just buy a straight length of angle iron. Angle iron can be easily checked with a string, then flexed and clamped. Appreciate the thorough, well organized video! Pro quality production, not to mention this track and saw is going on my wish list.
I would do the same. I thought I'd go cheap and get the Bora guides (both short and long lengths), but don't really use it now that I have the track saw. I'm hanging onto the Boras mostly to use with my palm router.
Also for the people looking at this video, look at the Kreg acu cut system. I used the system for awhile and was very happy with it, not perfect and does have a bit of play but it worked very well.
I looked at that as well, but went with this. I've been happy with it as a Festool alternative that works well. It's been a workhorse in breaking down 4x8 sheet goods in my shop and giving a straight edge to rough-cut or live edge lumber.
@jtsworkshop new subscriber. I'm on the Ridgid platform but really thinking about going with Milwaukee for track saw. Before I go ahead and purchase, I have 2 questions.. does it work with diablo 6 1/2" saw blades and any regrets after 4 months or you still think it's the best addition to your tool lineup?
Hey - thanks for the sub! I am only aware that it works with the Milwaukee and Makita blades (because of the arbor hole size vs. diameter of the blade). I have used this saw a lot more than I thought I would. It's a daily driver in my woodshop and at our cabin, where we're building an 18' x 30' bunkhouse. Absolutely no regrets. I'd buy it again.
I usually just take the dust bag off the saw and put both in the bottom of the Packout. I keep a battery on the saw so it doesn't rattle around. The Packout usually doesn't have anything else in it (maybe a spare blade). I don't worry about getting a bunch of sawdust in it as it is easy to dump out/clean. If I am concerned with the saw banging around (like when transporting), I'll throw an old towel in for padding. I keep the tray on the top for any other loose items that go with my circ saw workflow. It's a pretty simple setup.
Nice video. I do want to point out you have the wrong TSO guide rail square. I was told by TSO that is NOT the right one for the Milwaukee. You need version 2. You're likely going to run into an accuracy issue at some point using the Milwaukee guide rails.
So just a tip I couldn’t see much of a gap between your guid rails. The consensus is you should leave a 1/8 inch gap between the two guides because they are not machined perfectly 90 on the ends.. that’s what I have heard.. I bought the saw with a 8.0 amp battery like you. I’m just waiting to get my guide now boy are those expensive
Good tip! I use a long straight-edge (Bora edge guide or a 4' level) when joining the tracks to confirm a straight edge. I found the two track sides that consistently work well together and leave the rail connectors in one track so I know which edges to join each time. Results (for my two tracks) have been consistent.
I think I found that somewhere after I purchased this. I'll definitely be picking up a couple 6.0's and a few more tools. I can't believe that I held off on this brand for so long.
@@rustyrockwoodcraft just a heads up right now Home Depot has a deal on 6.0 batteries. two 6.0 high output, batteries, a charger and your choice of free tool ranging up to $229 for $299.
I've been using this saw a bunch in the shop and on a building project. It's become my go-to for breaking down large sheet goods like OSB, plywood, and 2" foam insulation for a building project we're working on.
I added a few links in the description. The Amazon link is an affiliate - no cost to you, but will help support the channel for tool reviews. No affiliate with Farm and Fleet - but they have always treated me well for service. As far as I'm aware, they ship anywhere in the U.S. (except California). Thanks for checking out the review.
Great review, do you need to join the tracks to trim the edge guide or can you cut them separately? Thanks!
I haven't heard anything official from Milwaukee (if someone has a link, post it here). However, from how well machined they are, I don't see a reason why you couldn't trim the edges separately as long as the saw-to-track adjustment is set properly (so there is no play/wiggle in the saw when running it down the track). The edge trim is replaceable, so if you see any variance, you can always put on a new edge and cut both tracks together. I've run the saw on both tracks joined, as well as separately, and haven't seen any offset on the two edges when tracks are joined.
I bought the 1/4&3/8 in the comfort grip and i have Snap-on mac and matco and i would put this up there with them just because it feels good in the hand i bought these for home so they won't get used as much as the others i have used them for a few months now and love them
The clear plastic it comes with is not a splinter guard. It’s just to improve dust collection. They call it a viewing window.
Only the foam piece you actually have to cut through functions as a splinter guard. Also the splinter guard only improves the chip out on the off cut piece which isn’t always necessary.
Thanks for clarifying. The saw is working great - it's definitely a time-saver. I've found that if I cut on foam and keep a sharp blade in it, then I'm not getting a lot of chipping. Just a little on the very end of the cut, where the saw exits the material.
Milwaukee is an awesome company with great tools for most folks
Couldn't agree more - I've picked up a few more of their products and am liking them so far.
Came across your channel. I really like your straight forward approach. Thank you from a new subscriber.
Thank you very much!
Nice video, a few comments, Makita also has the anti tipping lip on the track. The allen key for the sawblade is stored on the tool :) and ur not supposed to butt the rails together, usually there is no guarantee the ends are actually cut square. usually a 0.5 or 1 mm gap is better when you join them.
Thanks for adding in the Makita details as well as the tip about joining tracks.
I'd skip the Bora guide and go straight to the track saw if I had a do-over. I have a 2 piece Bora guide for the length I wanted, but the 2 pieces were never straight when together and required endless fiddling and re-clamping to set up for each and every cut. Honestly, if you go with a guide instead of a track system, just buy a straight length of angle iron. Angle iron can be easily checked with a string, then flexed and clamped.
Appreciate the thorough, well organized video! Pro quality production, not to mention this track and saw is going on my wish list.
I would do the same. I thought I'd go cheap and get the Bora guides (both short and long lengths), but don't really use it now that I have the track saw. I'm hanging onto the Boras mostly to use with my palm router.
Thanks for the detailed track saw video.
Any time!
Can you remove the two tracks to make shorter cuts once you’ve done the initial cut with the tracks connected?
Also for the people looking at this video, look at the Kreg acu cut system. I used the system for awhile and was very happy with it, not perfect and does have a bit of play but it worked very well.
I looked at that as well, but went with this. I've been happy with it as a Festool alternative that works well. It's been a workhorse in breaking down 4x8 sheet goods in my shop and giving a straight edge to rough-cut or live edge lumber.
Hey John. I'm from Ukraine. Thanks for very interesting and full review of this m18 plunge saw. I'll push subscribe button. Good luck 👍
Wow - Ukraine! Thank you very much!
Good enough for DIY use.
Great review!
Thanks!
You did not mention how much it weighs, or costs?
@jtsworkshop new subscriber. I'm on the Ridgid platform but really thinking about going with Milwaukee for track saw. Before I go ahead and purchase, I have 2 questions.. does it work with diablo 6 1/2" saw blades and any regrets after 4 months or you still think it's the best addition to your tool lineup?
Hey - thanks for the sub! I am only aware that it works with the Milwaukee and Makita blades (because of the arbor hole size vs. diameter of the blade). I have used this saw a lot more than I thought I would. It's a daily driver in my woodshop and at our cabin, where we're building an 18' x 30' bunkhouse. Absolutely no regrets. I'd buy it again.
how did you setup your packout for the saw?
I usually just take the dust bag off the saw and put both in the bottom of the Packout. I keep a battery on the saw so it doesn't rattle around. The Packout usually doesn't have anything else in it (maybe a spare blade). I don't worry about getting a bunch of sawdust in it as it is easy to dump out/clean. If I am concerned with the saw banging around (like when transporting), I'll throw an old towel in for padding. I keep the tray on the top for any other loose items that go with my circ saw workflow. It's a pretty simple setup.
Nice video. I do want to point out you have the wrong TSO guide rail square. I was told by TSO that is NOT the right one for the Milwaukee. You need version 2. You're likely going to run into an accuracy issue at some point using the Milwaukee guide rails.
Thanks for the info!
So just a tip I couldn’t see much of a gap between your guid rails. The consensus is you should leave a 1/8 inch gap between the two guides because they are not machined perfectly 90 on the ends.. that’s what I have heard.. I bought the saw with a 8.0 amp battery like you. I’m just waiting to get my guide now boy are those expensive
Good tip! I use a long straight-edge (Bora edge guide or a 4' level) when joining the tracks to confirm a straight edge. I found the two track sides that consistently work well together and leave the rail connectors in one track so I know which edges to join each time. Results (for my two tracks) have been consistent.
@@rustyrockwoodcraft good to hear. I also was thinking that you could always use a combination square and check to see if it is or not..
Great tips
Glad it was helpful!
It actually runs better with a 6.0 and produces more power.
I think I found that somewhere after I purchased this. I'll definitely be picking up a couple 6.0's and a few more tools. I can't believe that I held off on this brand for so long.
@@rustyrockwoodcraft just a heads up right now Home Depot has a deal on 6.0 batteries. two 6.0 high output, batteries, a charger and your choice of free tool ranging up to $229 for $299.
I saw that - great tip! The one-handed Hackzall is now in my toolbox ;)
Good enough for DIY use. But Makita XGT track saw is more superior imo
This review sucked....because it's going to force me to spend about 700.00😂
I've been using this saw a bunch in the shop and on a building project. It's become my go-to for breaking down large sheet goods like OSB, plywood, and 2" foam insulation for a building project we're working on.
😂😂