I'm tooling up to do my first resin table and I'd rather not spend the $600 for the Festool track saw I'm seeing in all the videos. Is there a comparable model that performs as well? I definitely won't be a high volume producer. Don't need it to do any specialized functions. Just need it to have settings for cut depths and use a vacuum system.

First favor you'll do yourself is to abandon your first goofy resin table.

Beyond that your only good budget option beyond the ultra low end may be CPo outlets and a recon makita. Seems to be the cheapest out there.

May the force he with you

Thanks for the advice MarkB. What's your advice on abandoning the table again? Are you just saying my first one will probably be a little janky?

After researching alternative track saw systems I've decided I've gotta cheap out on this one seeing how much I've spent on tools recently.

So now I'll be going for a decent regular circular saw using a rigged up straight edge guide. Can anyone recommend a decent deep cutting straight edge saw that'll work well for me?

I'd think any good 15 amp saw would handle anything you'd throw at it with a good blade. If your cash strapped something like a 8 1/4" or a 10" saw is probably out of the question for a bit more depth capacity.

You can get a CPO track saw relatively cheap but the tracks are what will kill you. 250 for a saw, and 60-300 depending on how long you need/want the track and whether or not you want a single piece or gangable track. But unless you go the big boy route with a large track saw (like a Mafell) your cut depth is going to be small.

My river table comment was with regards to it being a bit of a fad but if someone is paying you what it costs to put one together and you can make it clear there is no warranty, take the money and run. Just my $0.02 as the epoxy/wood thing has always seemed very sketchy and hard to stand behind long term.