I'm taking on my first big projects using sheet goods, like bathroom vanities and cabinets. I often hear that instead of stressing over precise cuts, it's better to set everything up consistently on the same table saw. The thing is, I don't have a shop set up yet, and I don't want to invest in a jobsite saw I'll just replace later. I'm planning to get a good track saw, but I'm worried about human error and whether a track saw can deliver the repeatability I need for these projects, compared to a consistent table saw setup. What do you think?
3 Answers
A track saw is definitely a solid investment for sheet goods. If you support the material well, you'll get really clean cuts. It might not be as repeatable as a table saw in some respects, but it's a fantastic alternative without needing a full workshop setup.
I've used both jobsite and track saws and honestly, they all have a bit of error potential. It comes down to how careful you are. Remember, mistakes happen, but that's part of the learning process. Just focus on making the best cuts you can. And about building cabinets, it sounds like you may lean more toward carpentry for now, so a table saw might not be essential, just a nice luxury!
If you can’t get a table saw yet but are getting a track saw, definitely grab a good parallel guide to use with it. That way, you can keep your cuts consistent. I handle large sheets with my track saw and parallel guides, and it makes things a lot more manageable. You'll be surprised at how well it works!