I needed 2 double crossovers and 20 turnouts for my layout. After researching mass produced turnouts to include price, quality and comments/feedback from model railroaders, I decided to buy a #5 double crossover jig from Fast Tracks. You can also use the double crossover jig to build turnouts.
Even though I had no previous experience, I only messed up one turnout but was able to salvage most of the material to be used again. It took me 4 hours to build my first turnout. Now I can build one in about an hour.
Here are my unscientific comments:
Pros:
-the tools and jigs are superbly designed and built with quality materials
-the results are excellent quality turnouts even though you have no previous experience at hand laying track (like me)
-the turnouts look more prototypical having no unsightly rivets on the point rails
-turnouts are sturdy
-excellent documentation and support
-allows you to learn about hand laying tracks and turnouts in particular
-cost per turnout based on volume is equal to or less than the best mass produced turnout
-with experience, you have the tools to build other turnouts using the paper templates from the Fast Tracks site
-Terry is very good to deal with and has your best interests at heart
Cons:
-high initial cash outlay
-time consuming but in my case, I'm retired and have lots of time to devote to hand building turnouts
If you decide to proceed with Fast Tracks is to use an NMRA track gauge to check your work (as suggested) along the way as you are building. I didn't and needed to tweak the turnouts afterwards. This is not due to faults with Fast Tracks but to my building skils.
Also, buy the tools suggested like the point form tool. You don't have to but it makes the end result better by having the tracks fit together perfectly and speeds up the process.