If you want to make clean, accurate cuts on plywood and sheet goods but don't have a track saw, you're in luck. I’m going to walk you through four affordable, genius alternatives using just a circular saw and a few budget-friendly accessories that’ll help you cut dead-on straight—without spending a fortune.

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Watch the Youtube Video here 👉 No Track Saw

1. Milescraft TrackSaw Guide: A Game-Changing Track Saw Alternative

One of the best alternatives to a traditional track saw is the Milescraft TrackSaw Guide. I first showed this tool a couple years ago and y'all went wild for it. It sold out fast—and for good reason. It works with nearly any circular saw and costs under $100!

What You Get:

Two aluminum track sections (good for up to 50 inches of cut)
A saw trolley that fits most 6-1/2" and 7-1/4" circular saws
Two track clamps
Anti-skid strips on the bottom

This thing cuts clean and accurate—whether it’s plywood or even 2" walnut.

Tip: If you regularly break down full sheets of plywood, grab the Milescraft Extra Tracks to extend your cut capacity.

✅ Pros:

Fits most circular saws (left or right blade)
No slop in the cut thanks to the adjustable trolley
Anti-skid strips help hold the track in place
Very accurate for 90° cuts

❌ Cons:

No bevel or plunge cuts
Dust collection depends on your saw

Upgrade It: Milescraft Track Square

I highly recommend pairing this with the Milescraft Track Square. It acts like a giant speed square for your track, making it super fast and easy to get square cuts—every time.

It even includes notches so you can still use clamps, and the anti-tip tab keeps your track square flat and level.

2. Swanson Straight Edge: Budget-Friendly Straight Cuts

When I first started woodworking, I didn’t have a track saw or the budget for one. So I grabbed a Swanson Straight Edge.

Why It Works:

Two 4-ft sections join to give you a full 8-ft cutting guide
Simple to clamp and go

✅ Pros:

Inexpensive and expandable
Gets you full-sheet cuts on plywood

❌ Cons:

Needs clamping
Slight flex in the middle (add double-stick tape to avoid bowing)

If you're on a tight budget, this is a solid way to start breaking down sheet goods accurately.

3. Kreg Rip Cut: Consistent Rip Widths

Next up is the Kreg Rip Cut, one of the first tools I ever used to cut plywood for cabinets and shelves.

It attaches directly to your circular saw and lets you make repeatable rips up to 24 inches wide.

✅ Pros:

Affordable
Great for shelves and small cabinets
Easy setup

❌ Cons:

Relies on a straight plywood edge for accuracy
Can walk at the end of a cut if you don’t hold steady pressure

Just be sure to hold the saw firmly against the guide through the entire cut to avoid any curve or bow at the end.

4. SkatePlate: Gliding Edge Guide on Steroids

This might be my favorite option if you're making long, thin rips on plywood. The SkatePlate is a roller-based edge guide system that glides like butter.

Why It Rocks:

Fits most circular saws
Rollers under the base and on the edge guide keep it moving smoothly
Optional extensions can increase rip capacity up to 24 inches

✅ Pros:

Smoothest feel of all the options
Easy to mount
Versions for right blade, left blade, and worm drive saws

❌ Cons:

Not as widely known (yet)
May need optional accessories for wider cuts

This setup makes rip cuts easier, smoother, and a lot more accurate than eyeballing.

Bonus Tip: Swanson Speed Square

If you’re cutting 2x4s, 2x6s, or any narrow boards, grab a good old Swanson Speed Square. Set the square on your board and run the saw along the edge for quick, square crosscuts.

Cheap, effective, and every woodworker should own at least one.

And for cutting plywood, I always use a good set of sawhorses like the Bora Speedhorse XT. They're lightweight, fast to deploy, and rock solid.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need a Track Saw to Get Pro Results

If you're building furniture, cabinets, or shop projects on a budget, these tools will help you get the job done accurately and safely without shelling out hundreds for a track saw. I've used every one of these options myself and can say with confidence—they work.

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