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Can You Use a Track Saw Without a Guide Rail? Quick Answer: Yes, but it’s not recommended. A track saw is designed to deliver straight, precise cuts with minimal effort, but only when used with a guide rail. While you can technically run a track saw freehand, doing so sacrifices accuracy, increases safety risks, and can lead to wasted materials. You’re simply not getting the full benefit of the tool without a guide rail. In this blog, we’ll break down why guide rails are e …

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a woodworker, it’s that your workshop organization is never truly "done." No matter how dialed-in your setup seems today, a new tool, a new project, or just a better way of doing things will inevitably send you back to the drawing board. And honestly, that’s part of the fun. A well-organized shop isn’t just about keeping things tidy—it’s about making sure your storage solutions works with you, not against you. In …

Winter's approach means more than just a change in temperature for those of us with serious shops. Beyond the annual ritual of winterizing our homes, those of us who take our woodworking seriously face another critical task: protecting our workshops and the precision tools within them. The stakes are especially high for those of us working with cast iron tools, which are particularly vulnerable to the season's challenges. Whether you're in the humid Southeast where temperature swings can cr …

Finding the best woodworking gift for that family member or friend can be a bit of a beast, especially if you have no knowledge of the topic and don’t know where to start. Taking the time to shop for quality woodworking tools is an essential first step for the safety of your loved one and the longevity of their hobby or career. Take it from someone who has experienced a couple of close calls in the shop myself.  For birthday presents, Father’s Day gifts, Christmas gifts, or …

For on-the-go projects, the portability of a jobsite table saw is essential. Whether you're moving between jobsites or working within a space-constrained shop, you need a saw that can keep up without sacrificing performance. However, despite their convenience, contractor saws often come with compromises. Compared to large, stationary cabinet saws, they tend to lack the precision, power, and stability needed for more intricate or demanding cuts. The smaller table surface can limit support fo …

Jointing boards is a crucial step in woodworking and generally involves flattening one face and one edge of your stock. From there, a planer and table saw can be used to square and parallel the opposite edges, resulting in parallel and square stock ready for fine woodworking. While the jointer and planer have traditionally been the tools of choice for milling, many woodworkers wonder if a track saw can play a part in the process. We’ll explore the possibility of using a track saw to joint b …

Track and circular saws serve distinct purposes in the world of woodworking and construction. While both tools can make straight cuts, they have significant differences that typically prevent a straightforward conversion from one tool to the other. Here are some key reasons why a circular saw can't convert into a track saw. Base DesignOne of the primary differences between a circular saw and a track saw is their base design. A track saw features a specialized base with a groove that fi …

Achieving dead-straight dados and rabbets isn’t something you can free-hand. With the right tools and techniques, your woodworking projects can become nothing short of straight-line perfection. Explore three ways to achieve perfectly straight dados and rabbets with a router.Utilize Rigid Aluminum Guides and a Grooving AccessoryConsider using rigid aluminum guides, like the UJK ProGrip Clamp, in combination with a grooving accessory, such as the UJK Universal Grooving Jig. These accessories provi …

Many woodworking projects start with sheet good processing—that is, taking full-size sheets of plywood, MDF, or particleboard and cutting them into smaller panels for your specific project. While working with these large sheet goods may seem challenging, having the right tools—namely a track saw, parallel guide system, and guide rail square—can make this process easier and more accurate. Let’s explore the fastest way to break down sheet goods with a track saw. Step 1: Start With a Known Straight …

Woodworking is an art of precision, and the right tools can make all the difference in achieving flawless results. The MTR-18 Precision System Triangle by TSO Products is one tool that not only meets but exceeds expectations with its versatility. Let’s explore six creative applications of the MTR-18 precision triangle to understand its capabilities. Marking Any Angle on a Large WorkpieceThe MTR-18 triangle’s long and supremely accurate edges allow you to mark any angle, even on large workpieces. …