Shopsmith Forums

Just got todays email flier and they are marketing a tracksaw now. Actually it is just the track that you use with your portable circular saw. Just attach the base plate to your saw and trim the PVC edge and you are cutting sheet goods with the precision of a cabinet saw they say. What do you all think of this? It isn't a Shopsmith but it is made by/for Shopsmith so will/would you buy it? They also had an ad at the bottom for sanding supplies which are going to be available through your local Lowes Store so they seem to be spreading their wings so to speak.

I have to wonder about just how well the guide will actually stay in place without clamps. Especially when using the longer extension attachment.

Seams like a good system.Wonder what the complete system with all extensions costs?

Is this SS' answer to SawStop?:D

Dave

judaspre1982 wrote: Seams like a good system.Wonder what the complete system with all extensions costs?
Dave

Here is that info from the SS website.

True-Trac is NOT to be confused with bothersome guide-AGAINST track saws !

556226 57" True-Trac Starter Kit... $169.99
(Includes 57" Track With Non-Slip Anti-Chip Edges, Saw Adapter Plate With Anti-Chip System, Mounting Hardware, Instructions)

556227 48" True-Trac Extension Kit... $129.99
(Includes 48" Extension Track With Non-Slip Anti-Chip Edges, Two Self-Aligning Track Connectors and Instructions)

Special Introductory Combo Offer For Shopsmith Owners Only!
Save $49.98 -- Order Before the Sunday August 7th Deadline

556228 True-Trac Combo Kit... $249.99
Total Value: $299.98 - SAVE $49.98
(Includes all contents of 57" Starter Kit AND 48" Extension Kit)

While I applaud them for going into this arena, I really wish they had partnered with Eurekazone instead. Instead of going with a system that is expandable and such, they went with yet another proprietary system.

Its like the 1 1/4" arbor all over again - sure, it might have an advantage in some case, but being proprietary in general sucks.

To be fair - I (as well as some other shopsmith users on this forum) own some EZ stuff. I haven't used mine much yet, but will be doing so in the near future. If this is EZ stuff then thats great, but somehow I doubt it.

lv2wdwrk wrote:Here is that info from the SS website.

True-Trac is NOT to be confused with bothersome guide-AGAINST track saws !

556226 57" True-Trac Starter Kit... $169.99
(Includes 57" Track With Non-Slip Anti-Chip Edges, Saw Adapter Plate With Anti-Chip System, Mounting Hardware, Instructions)

556227 48" True-Trac Extension Kit... $129.99
(Includes 48" Extension Track With Non-Slip Anti-Chip Edges, Two Self-Aligning Track Connectors and Instructions)

Special Introductory Combo Offer For Shopsmith Owners Only!
Save $49.98 -- Order Before the Sunday August 7th Deadline

556228 True-Trac Combo Kit... $249.99
Total Value: $299.98 - SAVE $49.98
(Includes all contents of 57" Starter Kit AND 48" Extension Kit)

Thank you Bob

Dave

damagi wrote:While I applaud them for going into this arena, I really wish they had partnered with Eurekazone instead. Instead of going with a system that is expandable and such, they went with yet another proprietary system.

Its like the 1 1/4" arbor all over again - sure, it might have an advantage in some case, but being proprietary in general sucks.

To be fair - I (as well as some other shopsmith users on this forum) own some EZ stuff. I haven't used mine much yet, but will be doing so in the near future. If this is EZ stuff then thats great, but somehow I doubt it.

@damagi,

I too am an EZer and absolutely echo your sentiments. It would have been a win-win for both communities, more exposure via SS and more options via EZ.

I think the EZ extrusion is still going to be stronger than SS's, although this may be stronger than "other brands" such as Festool. I have doubts that this could be turned into a bridge system, certainly not one that can support a saw in the middle of a span while elevated off supporting material.

For others, track-based circular saw systems are fantastic. I get beautiful clean straight cuts, first from an inexpensive Ryobi saw and now a nicer Makita. The trick is to get a good blade, many EZers use Freud 40T blades. Additionally, tracksaws are so much safer compared to trying to cut materials on a table saw]http://www.tracksawforum.com/[/URL].

Roy

lv2wdwrk wrote:Here is that info from the SS website.

True-Trac is NOT to be confused with bothersome guide-AGAINST track saws !

556226 57" True-Trac Starter Kit... $169.99
(Includes 57" Track With Non-Slip Anti-Chip Edges, Saw Adapter Plate With Anti-Chip System, Mounting Hardware, Instructions)

556227 48" True-Trac Extension Kit... $129.99
(Includes 48" Extension Track With Non-Slip Anti-Chip Edges, Two Self-Aligning Track Connectors and Instructions)

Special Introductory Combo Offer For Shopsmith Owners Only!
Save $49.98 -- Order Before the Sunday August 7th Deadline

556228 True-Trac Combo Kit... $249.99
Total Value: $299.98 - SAVE $49.98
(Includes all contents of 57" Starter Kit AND 48" Extension Kit)

Not sure why shopsmith could not sell eurekazone track system in the first place its just a near copy of it. Like I said copy and not a better one at that being that I don't think shopsmith makes anything in house its all farmed out to tool makers.

roy_okc wrote:@damagi,

I too am an EZer and absolutely echo your sentiments. It would have been a win-win for both communities, more exposure via SS and more options via EZ.

I think the EZ extrusion is still going to be stronger than SS's, although this may be stronger than "other brands" such as Festool. I have doubts that this could be turned into a bridge system, certainly not one that can support a saw in the middle of a span while elevated off supporting material.

For others, track-based circular saw systems are fantastic. I get beautiful clean straight cuts, first from an inexpensive Ryobi saw and now a nicer Makita. The trick is to get a good blade, many EZers use Freud 40T blades. Additionally, tracksaws are so much safer compared to trying to cut materials on a table saw]http://www.tracksawforum.com/[/URL].

Roy

Well put I don't understand why they went this route I can only see problems, Yes they will sell some but the buyers will say dang why did I not go EZ instead. So Shopsmith bad choice you have just made good near copy but bad way of exacution of it. Shame on you just a money grab and get on the train kinda deal.

Since I cut down so few full sheets of plywood and for that price ($250), I will have to continue with what I have been doing. I have a rather old Craftsman 7 1/2" circular saw, a long aluminum straight edge and two clamps.

If that doesn't work for me for some reason I simply go to an outlet that will cut those hard to handle sheets down to a size I can handle. This particular supplier may not do business in your area but I'd bet someone there does the same. Even the box stores offer this customer service.

(I do not, repeat do not recommend buying sheet goods at the box stores)

This new offering is so close to the EurekaZone product it is unreal. A couple of weeks ago my son helped me cut a few 4 X 8 sheets of high grade plywood down to a workable size with the AZ system. Mine has clamps which I would never cut expensive sheet goods without. The other big bonus with the EZ system if the folding cutting table. Incidentally all cuts so far have proven totally square. Fjimp