For some time now I have been trying to get people to see that the current track saw design, and the other brands that simply mimic Festool, is wrong for righties.
A single brand makes a single saw for righties, and it's a $400 (with track) waste. I won't mention the name, but they're notorious for using cheap metals and even cheaper blue plastic in their items. I purchased several of their items, then after having issues with a few items, I went to their Left Blade saw thinking "For this price, it has to be decent. Or at the very least … effective." I was wrong. 3 exchanges later (Thank to the folks at my local Woodcraft.) I gave up.
Now, some people out there realize the right blade track saw is for lefties. Most do not. And almost ALL tool manufacturers definitely do not realize this. Lefties realize it. It's the one tool they can look at righties and say "Welcome to my world."
Think I'm wrong? Try using just your right arm when using a track saw. Try using the saw to your right side.
I'm a full time righty (and former lefty). I list use of my left arm/leg, and the transition has been tough Especially when it comes to cutting straight lines. A table saw is too risky, and a nightmare to setup (change blades) with one arm. A bandsaw has similar issues. I can use a 12" sliding miter (wish I didn't go with a yellow one though). But ripping, or any sort of long, perfectly aligned workpiece is a nightmare.
I've reached out to every tool brand I know. I hoped Festool would understand, and lead the way, since it seems everyone just copies them. However, these are responses I've received…
Festool: "Die Pig!" (LOL kidding. They said "Never.")
Makita: "What did Festool say?" (Kidding again. Makita replied "No.")
(The now Defunct) Dewalt: "Powerstacks!!! MoAr ToRqUe!!!" (Last time I joke. They didn't reply.)
Bosch: (in early 2021) "Well… we are making a track capable, 7‐¼", Left Blade Strong Arm saw next year! So you're in luck!!!"
It was Bosch's response that led me to sell of most of my other brand power tools, and go Bosch heavy. And much of their products were better than the high end yellow brand I was using. I bought large batteries, tracks, etc.
I hyped up that saw-to-come all over the internet. Especially to the thousands of people wanting left blade track saws.
Then World of Concrete 2022 came around …
I caught a glimpse of the new left blade Strong Arm…
And they made the biggest blunder I'd never considered.
There were 2 versions of the Strong Arm saw from Bosch. One had a track feature, and a plunge feature where the lever would allow you to plunge into your cut. This saw had good reviews overall for a hybrid circ/track saw.
The other version was a HUGE bust for Bosch. It was just a 7-¼" circular saw. It had no plunge or track feature.
So… guess which one Bosch made in a left blade…. just frickin guess.
So now, I'm using the Makita XSH03Z With track adapter and the makita track. It's the best left blade with track adapter out there… but it's still not cutting straight, as the adapter, and saw design are not very good.
So…. now as I approach the end of my TedToolTalk I ask you all this. Look at a lefty using a right blade track saw. Look at the ease they have as the saw is on their left side in their left hand. No crossing their arms over their body. No climbing into their workpieces.
So, if you are a righty, try to use just your right hand with your right blade track saw. Continue trying through different styles of cuts. Then imagine having a left bladed version. Where the saw is on your right side as you walk a rip cut down a sheet of $120000 plywood. Or do a Long bevel cut in a 2×4 for French cleats. Imagine walking alongside a glue up to trim the edges in preparation fir a breadboard end.
Finally, imagine typing this with one arm, on a tiny phone as your Shrek-esque hands make typo after typo.
Thanks for reading this, if you did. I've put mire work into the left blade concept of track saws than the entire tool industry has as a whole. And imagine the frustration of not being able to cut a perfectly straight line. (I'm actually ripping lumber with a massive router table I built, because it's the only safe/effective way I can. And I'm burning through $30-$60 bits like crazy… and I may be losing my mind soon.)
Thanks for taking the time. And just out of the goodness of your heart, feel free to email Festool, and Makita, and just ask if there is a Blade Left track saw in the works, as you are right handed (unless you are a lefty. If that's the case, you know how lucky you are on this matter. Lol).
