Tool: Makita SP6000k

Recently, we got to use this new track saw from Makita. Journal of Light Construction magazine invited us to share in their review of all the major brands of track saws. Festool was the staple in the industry as far as these tools go. Now 2 other brands Makita and DeWalt have released their own version of track saws (also called Plunge cut saws).

Courtesy of JLC we got to use all 3 major brands in the field as part of their testing. You can read the JLC review of all three brands on their website http://www.jlconline.com/
Also there is a video on their site that I got to help with showcasing the features found on the Makita.

I do have to say, we really enjoyed the Makita. We used it on our current job to rip 45* miter cuts on some hand fluted pilasters. The Fluting on the Pilasters takes allot of time to make so we cant afford a mess up when we miter and biscuit the sides together. Although we could of made these cuts on the table saw...It just was too sketchy. The cuts get wavy and require more than the usual amount of filling.


One of the best features that I enjoyed was the little tab that fits into a slot on the track. This tab holds the saw onto the track so that it does not fall off or tip over during beveled miter cuts. Here is a picture of that engaged.

The other feature that really was nice was the power this little saw has. Now you cant compare it to your skillsaw...These saws are made for Precision cuts, not rough framing. Mostly what you would use a saw like this for is for taking down sheet goods. Or like in our case a really long 45* rips.

Dust collection is just AMAZING! Hook a little vac with an auto switch and you can collect Nearly 100% of the dust! There is a little poof of dust when you break out of your cut..but its so little, you will hardly notice it!

These tracks saws are really just one of those tools that all finish carpenters should have. They really can get you more accurate cuts than your table saw. But they are NOT a replacement of the table saw. With one of these... 1 man can take down entire full sheets of ply or MDF very fast. The cuts are so clean you can slice your hands on them..especially the Bevel cuts...so be careful. Definitely take a look at all the brands and decide what is best for you. I would love to own anyone of them..but my favorite is the Makita

Classic Home Styles

If you own a historical Home...then Im sure you already know what a treasure it really is. I have to say that I'm in love with historical architecture. I would say that my favorite style by far is the craftsman bungalow. I really can't decide what variant of craftsman I like the best...There are so many out of the "Arts and Crafts" era. Of course the most notable Greene & Greene style homes like the Gamble house in Pasadena CA is really a woodworkers paradise.


When it comes to designing interior details of these homes...Its really important that one consider the style of the home. Of course within reason. You cant get "historically accurate" in every part, especially when it comes to Modern conveniences. But when it comes to doors, windows and the mill work...Its best to follow the plan of the house. What I mean is... you have a craftsman style home? Do craftsman details. Have a Victorian? Do the house a favor and keep the Victorian woodwork flair. Get the Idea?

I have seen way to many homes that try to be something they are not! like a very colonial home trying to be Mediterranean, because the owners love that look...Well what your doing is destroying a beautiful home. Also making it an eye sore for potential buyers in the future.
Also when restoring or improving a certain part of the home...Use quality materials. For instance DO NOT replace original hardwood floors with Pergo, or for that matter ANY of the floors from Home Depot (HD). Come on, now...Your house was built with Old growth lumber that doesn't even exist anymore, and your putting pergo floors in there??? LOL If you cant refinish the original floor, you can find some engineered products that will work (talk to a good flooring guy) or save up and put Real wood floors back. It really makes all the difference in the world to these homes. Especially in value down the road.

When you go into these homes that are "Style Accurate" they just feel right! Nothing sticks out, looking like its out of place. Also the warm inviting details have a sense of completeness or rightness about them. There is plenty of variants within the main style category. So picking out details can be really fun and enjoyable. I would think that most who buy historical homes buy them for the style.

Moldings often times (along with Paint colors) dictate a particular style. Or compliment the bones of the house. From the front facade down to the little details in the fireplace mantels, you can design details that bring fluidity and harmony to the entire home.
For some Ideas on how to do this check out my links to some cool sites that showcase classic details. Perhaps you can find something that will work in your home.

My First Post

Welcome to my new blog. I wanted to start one up that focused on my Interior Molding and Trim Details. I'm a finish carpenter with 14 years experience. I am very passionate about Architectural Details and the craftsmanship it takes to bring to life those details. This blog with be a place where I can share ideas, concept designs, and current or past projects that I have done.
I will post pictures, and Video (eventually) and link to cool sites or recommend a cool book to check out. Also look for posts that share cool techniques and tools that I use. Everything I share in this blog is strictly my own opinion or way of doing things. I'm also very open to learning new and better ways to achieve the best results. Also for the record I'm not sponsored by ANY tool company. So any excitement expressed by me about any said tools is purely from my own professional opinion. I am new to blogging so I hope this works out well. We will see I guess.

Thank you!