Sheet Goods

[Jayson England]

What tools do you use to break down sheet goods? I purchased the A2 panel saw kit and I am just not happy with it. Track saws are a bit pricey. I don't care to take the time to set up a guide, but I have seen mixed reviews on the Bora products and other clamps that are similar. Don't have a ton of $$ to spend so give me an idea of what you use. 

[Ken Kortch]

I use the EZ Smart track system. See Eurekazone.com    I finally bought a used EZ-ONE work center last Christmas, but I'd used their tracks for many years before that.

Made in the U.S. Very accurate - the cut is at the edge of the guide. Super clean cuts on all four kerf edges (both sides top & bottom - I don't think any other saw does that). Track's unique shape allows very accurate connection of 2nd track for long cuts.

You can provide your own circular saw and add the base to it or buy one of their "EZ Ready" saws (that is what I did). 

My recommendation:

If you use your own saw, get their 64" package with base, 64" track, and 2 clamps ($200)

If you choose to buy an EZ Ready saw, get the saw and then buy the 64" track, 2 Smart clamps so you don't pay for a base you don't need. The Makita 5007MGA saw is the most popular with users.

Also check out their Universal Edge Guide (UEG) that also works with the base. Pretty slick for repetitive cuts of exactly the same width. If you have the saw with base the UEG is just $50 more.

Check out their videos on youtube - search on Eurekazone.

[Gary roofner]

I just bought the EZ Smart track system. Comes with 54 inch  track and clamps  and mount for saw. Does give chip free cuts . Was going to get True track but did not come with clamps about same price.

[Tim Grace]

I use a Bora 52" clamp guide.  I also have an old 8' Hirsch saw guide that works when I need to rip a full 8' panel.  Most of the time I will just clamp a known straight board the appropriate distance from my cut line with a couple of quick-clamps because it is faster than either the Bora or Hirsch guides.

[michael evans]

I use a scrap piece of ply 8 ft long . 

[Ken Kortch]

While entering my post above I blanked out on the name of the "unique shape" that allows the tracks and accessories to align perfectly. If you see a cross section of the track (on their web site) you'll see it has a DOVETAIL shape - when clamping the track and connector auto-center because of the dovetail shape of each, thus everything is aligned. Nobody else has that (to my knowledge). 

[Jayson England]

Only issue I have is with my shop. I have to run a dehumidifier and sometimes if the wood sits in the shop it warps. I'll look at the systems you suggested. Thanks for the input.

[james wilhelm]

JAYSON, I use these as a straight edge, they are called low profile contractors clamps , they come in 4 sizes  ,also have accessory  plates for saw and router!!  They are sold  by Rockler and they clap right to the sheet you are cutting, also called all in one clamp guide!!  The bigger one is old  is made by Hirsh  cutter,s edge has a clamp on each end  that you can adjust up to 102 "  will cut an 48 "  x 96 " sheet  you can just tap in a few nails on the one side to keep it from moving , I use all of them and they work for me, hope this gives you some Ideas , JIM !!

[jock sloan]

i do the same as micheal a piece of scrap ply with factory edge.

jock  brisbane

[Ken Kortch]

Jayson,

The EZ Smart tracks are MUCH more sturdy than any others I've seen.  I'll try to post comparative pictures. The person who invented them (Dino - a former carpenter) once posted a picture of using a pair of tracks as ramps for his Fiat.

The two-layered track is the EZ Smart track. Note the dovetail like angles in the two bottom grooves. That's what I was talking about in the earlier post.

I'd built one of those two-layer plywood guides and in first use the saw veered away from the guide edge. So frustrating. Honestly, the track system has completely changed the way I cut wood. The saw (and router) will ONLY go where I set it up to go.

BTW, this is a youtube video that does a good job of showing the system: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4O9GYpMedI

I should add that I am NOT in any way financially associated with Eurekazone other than spending my money on their products. Just a very happy customer ... just like I am with Kreg Mfg!!!!!!!

Jayson England said:

Only issue I have is with my shop. I have to run a dehumidifier and sometimes if the wood sits in the shop it warps. I'll look at the systems you suggested. Thanks for the input.

[Gary roofner]

Ken Kortch said:

Jayson,

The EZ Smart tracks are MUCH more sturdy than any others I've seen.  I'll try to post comparative pictures. The person who invented them (Dino - a former carpenter) once posted a picture of using a pair of tracks as ramps for his Fiat.

The two-layered track is the EZ Smart track. Note the dovetail like angles in the two bottom grooves. That's what I was talking about in the earlier post.

I'd built one of those two-layer plywood guides and in first use the saw veered away from the guide edge. So frustrating. Honestly, the track system has completely changed the way I cut wood. The saw (and router) will ONLY go where I set it up to go.

BTW, this is a youtube video that does a good job of showing the system: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4O9GYpMedI

I should add that I am NOT in any way financially associated with Eurekazone other than spending my money on their products. Just a very happy customer ... just like I am with Kreg Mfg!!!!!!!

Jayson England said:

Only issue I have is with my shop. I have to run a dehumidifier and sometimes if the wood sits in the shop it warps. I'll look at the systems you suggested. Thanks for the input.

I have the system it does work its expensive but works well no chip out.

[Ronda McElroy]

Hey Jayson.

 My shop is really basic.  I just use a circular saw and a line.  Some times (if enough space) I will clamp a level to the ply and try to run the saw down that as an edge, only problem with this one is sometimes you miss the line by just a bit and then either have to try to re-cut closer to it or sand it off :(