Hey everyone! I'm planning to replace the carpet on my stairs with hardwood treads and I want to know which tool would be best for making precise cross cuts to fit the treads perfectly between the skirt boards. I've already had some experiences with different tools:
- **Track Saw**: I've got a Wen track saw and while it's okay, I find it tough to work with smaller pieces like 12" shelves since the rails are pretty long and unwieldy. It's a bit cumbersome with the cord and vac hose too.
- **Miter Saw**: This is quicker to set up, but I struggle with accuracy. I often have to inch up on cuts to ensure they're right, and even a small mistake can lead to misfitting cuts.
From what I've seen online, it seems like I might need a 'cross cut track saw' like the Festool HKC with FSK rail, which looks great since the saw locks into the track but they're super expensive! As a DIY newbie, I'm wondering if anyone else has faced a similar struggle and what tools or tips you can offer? Maybe it's me and not the tools after all!
5 Answers
Have you considered using a circular saw with a straightedge? You can grab a piece of plywood or a scrap board to use as a guide. It sounds like your tread gauge might be showing the angle isn’t quite right, so you could clamp something straight alongside for more precise cuts. It doesn’t have to be an expensive solution!
A miter saw with a stop block can really simplify this for you. Just make sure your saw is cutting at a perfect 90 degrees; if it's off, fix it first. You'll get much better results with a well-tuned tool!
If your miter saw isn’t giving you accurate cuts, it might be worth checking if it’s calibrated properly. Remember, those built-in lasers aren’t reliable. Try bringing the blade down to align directly on the workpiece instead. Also, when making multiple cuts of the same length, using a stop block will save you time and boost your accuracy.
I typically use a speed square to help line up my Makita track for cross cuts. It speeds things up quite a bit. If I had to do a lot more cuts, I’d calibrate my miter saw and set up a stop block for easier repeat cuts. I did try a workaround with a 3D printed holder for my speed square on the track, which was okay but not exactly perfect—might eventually invest in a better one.
First thing you want is a good engineer's square because most of those you find can be a bit off. After that, make sure to clean and calibrate your miter saw for better accuracy.