Kreg ACS3000 Adaptive Cutting System Plunge Saw & 62" Guide Track With Project Table

I got into woodworking a few years ago, and like many, I started to collect various tools, usually starting out cheap. My first purchase was a miter saw (Ryobi) that was fairly inaccurate and couldn't make broad cuts. I also had a circular saw, but my cuts were always a bit messy. I then decided to get a router to help with trim work and to trim things up. Finally, I bought myself a Dewalt job-site table saw (about $500). My setup was quite nice, but my biggest issue was in breaking down plywood and controlling larger sheets since my table saw was small. Jigs can only help you so much, and since I didn't have the space for a cabinet saw, I also didn't have space for lots of outfeed and feed tables.The Kreg system is a great solution to my problems. I bought it last week, and I have used it extensively today. I starting breaking down big sheets (I also have a Kreg track horse which I hooked up to the Kreg ACS.) I decided to do cabinet work using exclusively the Kreg system. I was able to make square sides, square face frames, and various repeatable cuts (repeatability is more important than accuracy making cabinets, I've found). End of the day, I was fully satisfied. I even played around a bit and tried to make draws using 1/4" inserts and using the kerf of the blade on 3 passes to make the cut; it worked just fine. I didn't have to pull out my table saw at all.The $64,000 question is, do you need a miter saw, table saw, circular saw, etc. and replace it with the Kreg system? Probably not since those tools give you various capabilities and flexibility beyond the Kreg ACS. But, you could certainly make an entire cabinet using the ACS alone (and a jigsaw for toe kicks). For anyone who is considering a small table saw, I would highly recommend the system.My only negative things to say is that the instructions are not very specific, so I had to attach and re-attach various components when putting the table together. It ended up taking about 4 hours all together. The calibration was also a bit challenging, though I cheated and cut the measuring tapes down a bit so I didn't have to fuss as much on getting it just in the right place. (BTW, I watched the setup videos that Kreg provides, but trust me when I say that they are just not sufficient because you have to make decisions on which way certain things go and the videos go way to fast for you to figure that out.)So far, I'm very happy. As I gain more experience, I will certainly update everyone. I just thought I'd post now since there are so few reviews.

Having used Kreg jigs for pocket hole joinery, I was familiar with Kreg quality and confident that this tableset would be up to par. I hope these early adoption notes are helpful for prospective buyers and for Kreg's R&D to improve a V2.SETUP1. I watched the YouTube instructional videos while the table system was on the way. This helped to follow the instruction manuals. I found the setup to be lengthy but straightforward, and well worth the effort to ensure accurate cuts.2. I hand-screwed and tightened the first bolt with the wrench that comes with the table, and then ran to the drill and socket to save time on assembly.3. The saw blade angle required minor calibration out of the box. Easy to do with the adjustment screws and a square.4. The legs on the outfeed-side of the table fell on top of my foot the first time I tilted the table from vertical to upright horizontal. It stung since I was wearing flip flops. From now on, I'll definitely remember to unfold the outfeed-side legs halfway before tilting the table. Either that, or retention clips like the ones on the cross bar of the infeed-side legs could be helpful for others.FIRST CUTS1. I sawed through 3/4" A-grade plywood to trim the anti-chip strip, and then to saw a kerf into the table. Both cuts came out clean.2. I then sawed through more plywood and hardboard with sharp results.MISC OBSERVATIONS1. This is a solid and stable table, considering that it's foldable.2. The underside of the guide rail provides a confident grip on the work piece thanks to the foam strips and the rubbery anti-chip strip. While ordering, I was considering also buying a clamp for the T-track, but now I don't think it'll be necessary. If I really need extra hold, I could always use my existing clamps from the edges of the table.3. For now, my only minor gripe is the locking pin for the folding leg supports. I find them difficult to simultaneously push down in order to fold the legs. I wish that those 4 support pins came with the same black pin tab/cover as the folding grip pins, which are much easier to unlock.For context, I've been able to get by with a jigsaw and makeshift working surfaces, but felt like I needed an upgrade for more accuracy on repetitive cutting, and cuts that need to be perfectly squared. My top priorities while shopping for a workbench system were:1. Precision cuts (as much as I love my jigsaw, consistent straight cuts are challenging and time-consuming)2. Ease of storage (needs to be foldable and easy to store when the car is parked in the garage)3. Safety (as a weekend DIYer, the safety feature were highly appealing to me)TL;DR: Solid folding table. All of my cuts came out clean.

All in all, this cutting system by Kreg is quite nice. I want to give this 5 stars, but it's not quite there yet. Setup isn't too terribly painful, provided you get a manual in the box (I didn't). Definitely watch some of Kreg's videos online for setup, tips and tricks - and their customer support is very helpful if you need to get them on the phone.Pros:Table, track and saw is very well made. Affordable price point as well, for a full mobile workspace.Cons:The accessories: miter gauge and repetitive stops are pretty much useless. Very flimsy, cheap plastic. Wish they would have spent a little more time and energy getting those right.The pads on the adjustable levels pop off. They seem to be stuck on the with a piece of double stick tape.Overall, if comparing this to one it's competitors, it can hold it's own. Accurate cuts within a couple thousands of an inch. There is a learning curve, but once you use it a few times, setting it up for different operations is a breeze. I just wish the accessories it came with were a bit more substantial