DeWalt DWS5023 102" Track for Tracksaw

Chose the dewalt track saw due to the 102" guide. Like the other review, I can't use this to cut full sheets due to the way the plunge is set up. I shouldn't have to set up an extra guide to use this guide.

I really wanted to love this saw, the way I do my other Dewalt tools. Unfortunately, this was a bomb from the onset. I can live with the fact that it took a month to get. But upon trying the setup, several things came into play.

For openers, the instructions are printed on 8.5x11 paper, but stapled and oriented so you have to rotate the booklet to read the next page. Now, this isn't a huge issue, but let's me know right from the start that someone just isn't paying attention or thinking clearly. The foam block that had been heated to form to the handle to secure the saw had been heated too much and stuck to the handle, tearing off and leaving debris that had to be scraped off. Again, not a deal breaker, but shows a lack of attention.

The hex wrench for removing the saw blade is missing. Just one more log on the fire that showed my purchase wasn't important enough to check.
I could probably live with all of that, but now we start getting into build issues. The side casing has two black strips that are used as surface protectors when the saw is on its side for undercutting door casing. One of them was off and laying in the bottom of the case. Seems to be just a lack of adhesive. Again, things I shouldn't have to address on a brand new saw.

The riving knife is pretty significantly out of line with the blade. While instructions are provided on adjusting it, I didn't expect it to be flopping around loose right out of the case.

All of this notwithstanding, the BIGGEST issue by far is trying to cut the anti splinter strips. In order to get a cut that is an accurate representation of where your blade edge is, the saw must be far enough onto the track that you can't accurately cut the first or last few inches of the strip, no matter how far down you plunge the blade. (Yes, I read the review that said it will cut a full 8 foot sheet if you plunge the blade to full depth. I beg to differ, because the 102 inch track cannot possibly support the saw on the guide track through the entire cut. Their solution is to plunge the blade full depth. There is no earthly reason I should have to take a 2 1/8" cut and waste my spoilboard to cut a 3/4" sheet!)

Even if that's true, that doesn't work getting the strip cut. Once the saw is far enough onto the center track to prevent racking, there's no way to use the blade to cut the full strip. The strip position is critical to line up with your cut marks on the workpiece. The track is short enough that both the entrance and exit of the cut are impacted by only having one end on the center guide. And I shouldn't need to set up a guide block and bracing to set up or use a saw that is designed to eliminate using a guide block and bracing. If I can't rip full sheets, this is pointless.

I've been waiting a month to get this so I can build a china cabinet and hutch, full new kitchen cabinets, closet remodel and built in entertainment center, all for just one client whom I hoped I would be able to get referrals from. I went based on reviews from others I was able to find online and the fact that, at the time, Rockler showed that it would ship within a few days. So much for both of those theories.

Worse still is that, after writing to support to point out the problem and ask if there was a work around, I instead got a "cut and paste" reply informing me that I can return it, and completely ignoring my request for help. Apparently, my definition of "Support" and Dewalt's differ greatly.

Even more disappointed that I can't leave a review unless I disable my ad blockers for your page. It's bad enough I'm not happy with the product, now I have to get spam ads and have my data passed around in order to let people know the problems I had? Ridiculous!