Woodstock Track for Board Buddies Review

How the **Woodstock Track for Board Buddies** Changed My Routine

For years, I’ve wrestled with unstable board support on my various saws, often finding myself improvising or making extra passes to ensure accuracy. The need for a reliable method to keep workpieces pressed firmly against the fence, especially for long or wide stock, became a constant frustration. While I’d seen various jigs and fixtures over my decade of working in workshops and labs, none quite addressed the simple yet critical need for consistent, two-point support directly against the fence line. This is where the Woodstock Track for Board Buddies enters the picture, promising a streamlined solution.

My initial impression upon unboxing was one of practical simplicity. The kit, comprised of a top and a lower guide rail, felt robust enough for workshop duty without being overly heavy. The Woodstock brand, known for its straightforward approach to woodworking accessories, seemed to have delivered on a tool designed for efficiency. I’d considered a few other jig systems, some involving more complex track saw mechanisms, but my priority was immediate, no-fuss integration with my existing table saw and router table fences. The immediate thought was, “This looks like it could genuinely solve a persistent problem.”

First Use Experience

My first real test of the Woodstock Track for Board Buddies was on my trusty contractor-grade table saw, ripping a wide poplar panel. The installation was surprisingly quick; the rails simply clamped onto the existing fence, allowing the Board Buddies themselves to slide into position. This initial setup felt intuitive, requiring no special tools or extensive reading of a manual, which is always a good sign for a workshop jig.

The performance during that first rip cut was noticeable. With the Board Buddies locked in place against the fence, the panel stayed remarkably stable, minimizing any tendency to wander or lift away from the blade. I experienced no issues with the rails slipping or the Board Buddies losing their grip. It truly felt like an extension of the fence itself, providing that much-needed lateral support.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Woodstock Track for Board Buddies has become an indispensable part of my workflow, especially when dealing with repetitive cuts or when I need absolute certainty that my workpiece won’t shift. I’ve used it for crosscuts, rip cuts, and even on my router table for creating dados. The polypropylene construction of the guide rails has held up remarkably well, showing no significant wear or deformation even after numerous adjustments and removals.

Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth usually suffices, and the plastic guide rail material resists dust and debris buildup better than some of the metal components I’ve encountered. Compared to the makeshift solutions I used previously, like clamping blocks or specialized featherboards that often required recalibration, this track system offers a level of consistent performance and ease of use that’s hard to beat for its price point. I haven’t experienced any performance drop, and the mechanism remains as smooth as it was on day one.

Breaking Down the Features of **Woodstock Track for Board Buddies**

Specifications

The Woodstock Track for Board Buddies system consists of two main components: the top plastic guide rail and the lower guide rail. These are designed to be mounted onto the fences of various woodworking machinery, including tablesaws, router tables, shapers, and radial arm saws. The polypropylene material used for the guide rails is lightweight yet durable, designed to withstand the rigors of a workshop environment without adding excessive bulk or weight to your setup.

The simplicity of the plastic guide rail design is a key feature; it allows for quick attachment and adjustment. This means users can easily slide the track and attach their Board Buddies where needed, eliminating the need for complex clamping or calibration. For those seeking the most straightforward setup, the inclusion of these plastic rails is a significant advantage, reducing potential points of failure and simplifying the overall user experience.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Woodstock Track for Board Buddies is to provide stable, two-point support for workpieces against a fence. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. It effectively keeps boards pressed firmly into the fence, preventing any lateral movement that could lead to inaccurate cuts or dangerous kickbacks.

Its main strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. By using the Board Buddies mounted on these tracks, you can support a board at both ends against the fence, a significant improvement over jigs that require moving the workpiece to the side. This design is particularly useful when working with narrow stock or when needing precise alignment. A minor weakness might be that the system relies on the existing fence being sufficiently robust to clamp onto; a flimsy or damaged fence might pose a challenge.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Woodstock Track for Board Buddies is all about practical functionality. The top plastic guide rail and lower rail are shaped to offer a stable mounting surface for the Board Buddies. Their polypropylene construction gives them a slight flex that can actually be beneficial, allowing them to conform slightly to minor imperfections in fence surfaces.

Ergonomically, the system is designed for quick, tool-less adjustment. Once the rails are clamped to the fence, positioning the Board Buddies is as simple as sliding them along the track. There’s no real learning curve involved; if you can clamp something to a fence, you can use this system. The smooth surfaces also mean they won’t mar your machinery’s fence.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is a strong suit for this type of accessory. The plastic guide rail components are made from a tough polypropylene that resists impacts and abrasions common in a workshop setting. I haven’t noticed any signs of significant wear or tear after extensive use, which speaks to the material’s resilience.

Maintenance is virtually non-existent. The smooth plastic surfaces are easy to wipe down to remove sawdust and debris. There are no intricate mechanisms or parts that require lubrication or special care. This low-maintenance aspect makes it an ideal addition for busy woodworkers who don’t want to spend extra time on tool upkeep. Potential concerns would be long-term exposure to extreme UV light or harsh solvents, but under normal workshop conditions, it should last for many years.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Woodstock Track for Board Buddies system, as described, includes the essential top plastic guide rail and the lower guide rail. The primary “accessory” it’s designed to work with is the Woodstock Board Buddies jig itself. This means that if you don’t already own Board Buddies, you’ll need to purchase them separately to utilize the track system.

There isn’t extensive customization offered within the track system itself beyond its placement on the fence. However, the versatility comes from its compatibility with a wide range of woodworking fences. The polypropylene construction ensures it won’t scratch or damage your existing machinery fences, making it a safe addition for almost any setup.

Pros and Cons of **Woodstock Track for Board Buddies**

Who Should Buy **Woodstock Track for Board Buddies**?

This track system is an excellent choice for hobbyist and professional woodworkers who frequently use tablesaws, router tables, shapers, or radial arm saws and struggle with maintaining consistent board support. If you often rip narrow stock or need to ensure precise, repeatable cuts against the fence, this system will dramatically improve your accuracy and safety. It’s particularly beneficial for those who value simple, effective solutions over complex, expensive jigs.

Anyone who needs precise, two-point support directly against their machine’s fence will find this accessory invaluable. However, if you primarily work with very thin veneers or delicate materials that require specialized featherboards, or if your machine fences are significantly damaged or flimsy, this system might not be the ideal fit. For those who do buy it, ensuring you have compatible Woodstock Board Buddies is key; they are the essential counterpart to make this track system truly shine.

Conclusion on **Woodstock Track for Board Buddies**

The Woodstock Track for Board Buddies system delivers on its promise of enhanced stability and ease of use for a wide range of woodworking machinery. Its straightforward design, robust polypropylene construction, and tool-less adjustment make it a highly practical addition to any workshop. The significant improvement in board control, especially for those who’ve dealt with the frustrations of shifting workpieces, makes it a worthwhile investment.

Considering its price point of $46.79, the value proposition is strong, offering a noticeable upgrade in accuracy and safety. I would readily recommend this system to any woodworker looking to refine their cutting processes and achieve more professional results with minimal fuss. It’s a smart, no-nonsense accessory that solves a common problem effectively.