5 Time-Saving Track Saw Upgrades To Consider

Track saws are an important tool for today’s modern woodworker. Typically deployed to conveniently cut down full sheet goods into more manageable panels, with a little creativity, track saws can optimize other workflows in your shop. In this article, we’ve highlighted the top 5 track saw upgrades you should start thinking about.

Parf Guide System 

An MFT-style worktop makes a great complement to any track saw. With its 20x96-millimeter hole pattern and a huge number of compatible accessories such as bench dogs, clamps, and material stops, these tables can be rapidly deployed as an effective cross-cutting station. They can, in some cases, replace the need for a standalone radial arm or table saw. The downside? Quality off-the-shelf work tables that conform to this hole pattern standard can be expensive.

The Festool MFT/3 now sells for $799 USD, and that doesn’t include many of the accessories you need to start taking full advantage of the worktop. Because of this, many woodworkers take a DIY approach to making their own 20x96 millimeter hole patterned worktop, and one very popular way of doing this is by using the Parf Guide System.

This ingenious tool uses a little geometry and works alongside two Parf Sticks to create perfectly aligned 20-millimeter hole patterns. It also includes a drill guide fixture and a 20-millimeter Forstner bit, ensuring you get perfect diameter holes and perfect spacing. The Parf Guide System can be used to make any size worktop, and you can even skip hole positions depending on the needs of your DIY table design.

Additional Guide Rails and Self-Aligning Connectors

The ability to daisy chain guide rails is great, but there’s a reason many covet the super-long (over 100-inch) single guide rails. Connecting them is a pain, and connecting them accurately can also be a bit of a challenge, often requiring a quality straightedge to ensure perfect alignment.

When it comes to connecting smaller guide rails, consider connectors with self-aligning capabilities like the TSO GRC-12 Guide Rail Connectors. With an innovative integral keystone profile, GRC-12 connectors self-center as they clamp inside the guide rail T-track, ensuring each guide rail is perfectly aligned without additional measurement tools. Simply slide the GRC-12 into your guide rail T-slots and firmly tighten the set screws - that’s it.

Dust Extractor

With a dust extractor, you’ll keep your workspace free of sawdust particles, which is key to workplace safety. Otherwise, dust can float around your breathing space and get into your lungs, posing a risk to your health. Industry experts, such as Bill Pentz, explain some of the medical risks of woodworking. For instance, if wood particles get trapped in your lungs, you’re at risk for cancer or pneumonia.

We recommend a HEPA filter dust extractor to best ensure your airspace remains clean. This filter removes nearly 99 percent of all airborne particles. Additionally, aim to collect wood dust at its point of generation as it forms.

Parallel Guide System

A parallel guide system is another track saw upgrade you should start thinking about. A parallel guide system is good to have if you make a lot of the same product, such as same-size cabinet casework. Although this add-on isn’t required, it’s great to have and helps you save time while working.

With this add-on, you can now achieve absolutely dead-on repeatable cuts with your track saw. Parallel guides consist of two precision extruded T-tracks attached perpendicular to your guide rail with two precisely machined FlipStops. These engage the edge of your workpiece parallel to your guide rail’s cutting line, resulting in accurate and perfectly repeatable rip cuts. TSO’s Parallel Guide System features best-in-class ripping capacity and is compatible with any length of Festool, Kreg, Makita, and Powertec brand guide rails.

Blade Cleaner

Although technically a consumable, we’ll put this in the upgrade category for its ability to extend the cutting life of your track saw blades, as well as provide much better cut quality over the long term. Blade cleaners keep your cutting edges free of debris and pitch, which can lead to unnecessary heat build-up. In turn, this heat build-up can prematurely dull your carbide cutting edges.

Many woodworkers use systems like MicroJig BLADECLEAN because it’s easy to load and reuse. And let’s face it: with a routine like cleaning, the easier it is to do, the more often you’re likely to do it. Plus, this cleaner minimizes blade handling with an innovative magnetic clamping handle, which provides easy transport of the blade to and from the system.

Buy From TSO

Shop at TSO for top-quality woodworking and track saw accessories. We carry parallel guide systems, the world’s bestselling guide rail squares, and other essentials. Upgrade your shop with quality tools and accessories today.