Are you tired of having to secure a straight edge or a 4-foot level every time you need to make precise long cuts with your circular saw? Well, here’s the good news: you don’t have to break the bank on an expensive dedicated track saw system! The Kreg Accu-Cut 48-Inch Circular Saw Track System allows you to transform almost any corded or cordless circular saw into a reliable track system that won’t drain your wallet.
I don’t often need to make long cuts with a circular saw, but when I do (like today for my new cornhole game), I like to ensure the job is done with precision. For this project, I was fortunate enough to have two Ridgid cordless circular saws at my disposal. I planned to use one saw with the rails and the other for cutting the 2×4. Everything I needed to retrofit my circular saw came included in the Kreg KMA2700 Accu-Cut 48-Inch Circular Saw Track System Kit. However, I did find it puzzling that the optional KMS7520 track clamp was not included in the kit.
What’s included and setup
Setting up the system is straightforward and mostly intuitive. The aluminum rail sections are connected using two steel T-bars and Phillips head set screws. Once tightened, there were no gaps, and the track parts fit together perfectly.
Attaching the starter block to the track required a quick look at the instructions. The starting block has a friction fit, ensuring a secure grip on the track. There doesn’t seem to be any reason to remove it in the future.
The track
The track is constructed from aluminum and features a blue sacrificial material on the edge to protect your saw blade from damage. Like all track saws, the first cut removes a small amount of material to create a perfect fit for your saw. After this initial cut, your saw blade should track accurately along the edge of the sacrificial material. This not only helps reduce surface chipping but also allows for precise alignment with the marks on the track’s edge. Beneath the track, there is a black strip that provides grip when laying the track on your material.
If you’re concerned about the track shifting on the material, you can use the optional track clamps. These clamps fit the bottom of the track and can be adjusted to any position along its length to secure the track firmly in place.
The sled
The saw frame is another essential component of the system. Surprisingly lightweight, it is primarily made of plastic, except for the clips and fasteners. In my case, I attached my Ridgid 18V Gen 5X brushless circular saw to the sled, and it fit perfectly. The clips that secure the sled to the saw are made of metal, but it’s crucial not to overtighten them. Snugly tightening the setscrew is sufficient to hold the sled in place.
I did need to adjust the blade alignment slightly, but the instructions provided clear guidance on how to do this.
Using the track system
Now, let’s get back to building my cornhole set! With the track set up and the sled attached to my saw, I was eager to test out the Kreg Accu-Cut 48-Inch Circular Saw Track System. In the past, I would use Irwin Quick-Grip clamps and a 4-foot level to create a makeshift fence for my saw. However, this method required careful setup and measuring to ensure proper alignment.
Practice makes perfect
Before making the final cuts for the game pieces, I decided to do some practice runs to familiarize myself with the track system. I marked the ends of the cutouts, aligned the blue edge of the track, and locked the clips onto the material beneath the track. I was pleasantly surprised to find that on flat material, the track stayed in place without the need for clamps.
Thanks to the minimal friction between the saw and the workpiece, pushing the saw along the rails in a straight line prevents any lateral movement. The combination of the metal track and the plastic saw blade results in minimal resistance as the saw glides along the track. I did notice a small lateral gap of maybe 32 inches between the track and the sled, but it didn’t seem to have any negative or visible impact on my cuts. I believe this slight play is intentional to ensure the sled moves smoothly along the track.
Game time
Now, onto the cornhole cuts. The boards are 48″ wide by 24″. This setup is perfect for handling these 48″ long cuts. I positioned my markers, lined up the tracks, and effortlessly made a perfectly straight cut. I understand that this is just a backyard picnic game, but if you’re going to do something, you might as well do it right!
Final Thoughts and Observations
Now, the burning question: is this system as good as a $500-$1000 track saw system? Well, the answer depends on your needs. If, like me, you enjoy tackling DIY projects from time to time, building things, and handling occasional repairs and handyman tasks, then the answer is a resounding YES! In fact, the Kreg Accu-Cut 48″ Circular Saw Track System is likely the best investment you can make for transforming your standard circular saw into a track saw that delivers straight and repeatable cuts without draining your budget.
However, if you are a high-end cabinetmaker working with top-notch plywood in a controlled environment, you may find that this system falls short in certain aspects. Keep in mind that you only have 53″ of track length, no dust collection, and the system’s plastic components may not meet production-level demands.
The best part is that you can get the Kreg Accu-Cut 48-Inch Circular Saw Track System for under $80 and attach it to your existing circular saw, providing you with a track saw for precise and consistent cuts.
Features:
- Makes rips, crosscuts, and miter cuts up to 48 inches wide
- Two-piece saw rail, each 26.5″ long, for a total rail length of 53″
- Transform your circular saw into a high-performance track-guided system
- Anti-slip and shatter-resistant strips securely hold the track in place
Specifications for the Kreg Accu-Cut 48″ Circular Saw Track System:
- Product number: KMA2700
- Aluminum Rails: 53″ long with dual anti-debris, non-slip rails
- Materials: High-quality aluminum and impact-resistant plastic polymer
- Saw Sled: Compatible with left and right blade saws, features built-in indexing stop and precision vernier
- Cutting width: up to 48″ (1220mm)
- Includes: Universal Saw Blade, (2) 26.5″ Aluminum Rails, (2) Rail Connectors, (1) Starter Block, (1) Track Indicator Clip, Detailed Setup and Instructions
- Price: $79.00
If you want additional stability and control, you can consider the optional Kraig Track Clamp.
Specifications for the Kraig Track Clamp (Optional):
- Product number: KMS7520
- Compatible with: Kreg Clamp Trak, Universal Clamp Trak Kit, and Mini Trak
- Materials: Durable molded construction and steel screws
- Includes: Two Clamps and Mounting Hardware
- Price: $14.99