Lets look at the main differences between these tools to help you decide if track saws are the right tool for your needs. The Dewalt is very comparable to the Makita but lacks a couple of important features: Otherwise, the general features are similar and with the Dewalt generally running slightly higher in cost. They also have more powerful motors, which you mount under your working table. Its 6-1/2 inch blade can cut through many kinds of wood, including plywood, hardwoods, and solid boards. Make angles from 0-60 using the included Miter Guide, or cut perfect 45 miters easily using Versa-Stops and the precisely machined holes in the Project Table. Buy at Home Depot Not only does it have a powerful motor, a sharp blade, and a cordless feature, but it also provides the best value for money. If you need a lot of power, this model has overload protection against overheating. While you can buy multiple lengths of track and connect them together, sometimes the joins can be a little unreliable. It works great when youre working with smaller material pieces since the saw can stay still, and you only have to move the material. Festool is a reputable manufacturer known for its top-quality power tools, and this unit is no exception. Using the right saw blades for your track saw is vital. I'm only half-joking, really. However, where Festool has major distribution channels, and thus better parts availability, youll have to go to a few specialty dealers like Timberwolf Tools or other sources. Plus, merely writing about work, sure does beat doing actual work. Track saws are one of the best options for cutting drywall, too, since the material produces a lot of dust. The Festool track has a nifty zero-clearance strip on the blade side. So, even with the expense of picking up another battery line, I opted for the Makita as it is has all of the key features of the corded version. Most cordless tracks saw batteries last for about 1-2 hours so keep that in mind. This brings you more portability and ease of use. One of the best aspects of track saws is their ability to repeat the same cut reliably and keep everything at just the right angle. A track saw with a larger blade enables you to cut through thicker materials. Differences between Kreg ACS and Festool MFT The MFT works better with a dust vacuum, whereas the ACS has an effective dust collection system. With this being a Festool, this is a combination of all the best track saw features. Makita SP6000J. Best for Occasional Use: DEWALT DWS520K, 8. Festool 577043 FS 1400/2-KP Guide Rail 1400 mm With Adhesive Pads . There is a fair amount of plastic used in the construction of the DEWALT DWS520K track saw, which is a bit of a drag considering the price they are asking; however, this saw does a great job nonetheless. If you are in the woodworking trade, power saws are the companion you need to cut through various materials. Surprisingly, the Powertec track was an EXACT replica of the Makita. And with more saws each year bringing Lithium cutting capability these brands are where to start: From the high end Festool to popular cordless brands like Dewalt expect to pay a $100 to $200 premium for portability, though. Equipped with the proper tools, you can tackle any job thats set in front of you. With these saws its best to consider them in two categories to help split budget vs. features and capability. In the fourth category of track saws youll find a few traditional track saws as well as combining a more traditional circular saw with a track: While expensive in comparison to their circular saw cousins, these saws are generally between $125-250 for a saw and track and a fraction of the heavier duty saws. If you want to learn why a track saw can be so beneficial, watch this video from WoodWorkers Guild Of America: And that is all we have for you regarding the best track saws of 2023. Circular saws come in many types. Whereas a track saw is far superior in making high quality rips and crosscuts in plywood sheets due to its splinter free blade and built-in straightedge. Powerful 15A motor helps you cut through various materials, Provides a bevel adjustment between 0 and 45, Seems difficult to use the track saw initially, Can cut up to 50 without causing splintering, Dust collection bag helps you prevent messes, Can be used to cut through various types of wood and sheet materials, Presence of slip clutch prevents kickbacks, which can cause accidents, Sharp blade can cut through hardwood easily, Powerful motor delivers speeds up to 5500 RPM, Not suitable for larger woodworking projects, Cut and Shape With Ease: The Best Router Table, The Best Router Leveling Jigs To Make the Right Cuts, Make Cutting Wood Easier With the Best Band Saws, Never clear small pieces while blade is moving, Never adjust saw or setup while saw is running. BEST EXTRA-WIDE: E. Emerson . dust collection. Festool uses a fast fix design on this product. It also uses electronic speed control so you can maintain a constant speed throughout your cuts or use the variable trigger to maintain direct control over the blade. Track Saw vs. Table Saw: Whats the Difference? The Makita SP6000J1 track saw and guide rail kit offers accurate and splinter-free cuts up to 2 3/16 deep at 90 degrees. Below, youll find track saw reviews detailing the pros and cons, but mostly the benefits, of some of the best track saws for woodworking. As a result, the Kreg saw can be utilised with Festool and Freud blades. While corded track saws provide you with more power, cordless track saws are more portable and easy to operate. Plus, its maximum speed 12 amp motor has electric variable speed control. Remember that you must follow specific steps for plunge cuts since they require more care than bevel cuts or straight cuts. They also make excellent plunge cuts, which you can make in the middle of the workpiece for electrical wires or sink fittings. Kreg ACS-SAW Triton TTS1400 And with a range from $300-700 for a saw and track there's a quality saw for every budget. For my Makita I opted for both a Makita brand track and a Powertec track. Also, as usual, it can make a splinter-free cut in wood pieces up to 50 long, using a 000 rpm- 5 200 rpm 12-amp motor with an electronic brake. Even if youre an expert saw user, you should still exercise safety precautions. More Info Quickview. Any track with a blade measuring 8 " should cut the deepest. Thus, you can move the material along the intended cutting track. Its worth knowing that Festool has the most variations in track saws of any manufacturer. Now, without further ado, lets cut to the chase and get to some product reviews. Expect to pay between $700-900 for a fully equipped track saw and track. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. Capable of cutting up to 2 deep, the Kreg ACS2000 provides excellent cutting power. 18.95 15.79. Although the Makita SP6000J1 can cut plenty of heavy materials, it works best for cutting large wood panels. Be especially careful with variable-speed motors. The large cutting capacity of 2 3/16 inches at 90 degrees and 1 9/16 inches at 45 degrees is perfect for almost any job. Well, you can. Dust cleanup is easy too. Add to Cart. Can you use a Wen track saw on a Makita track? The Kreg Saw has a splinter guard, a riving knife, and a dust bag. Moreover, the track saw is equipped with a cordless technology, thanks to the powerful lithium-ion battery. Soft-grip handles. The materials and build quality of the Festool 55 Req-F-Plus are top-notch, which is good because this is not a cheap tool. A track saw has a guide rail made from anti-slip material, minimizing the possibility of accidents and creating more precise cuts. Ultimately, whether you want to buy a track saw, a table saw, a circular saw, or all three of them comes down to the specific needs you have for your tools. Saws consist of different kinds of blades or chains that are sharp enough to cut through numerous materials, and the motor inside them allows for a much faster operation, as well as greater precision and less chance for error. It also tends to throw out a lot more dust compared to other track saws, even when attached to a vacuum. Circular saws can be used in conjunction with guide tracks like this one, but they still wont offer as precise or clean of a cut and theyll create a lot more dust compared to quality track saws. Luckily, the Festool track guide and the saw itself stay firmly in place. The Festool TSC 55 is almost identical to its corded counterpart with the exception of a dual 18/36V battery system powering the blade. While not as slick as the dust extractor, a viable option. However, a table saw is still preferred for ripping wood. The Festool 55 Req-F-Plus is one of the most expensive but also most capable track saws on the market. Bosch FSN RS Kickback Stop for Guiderails 1600Z0000M . Combined with their 62 inch guide track, you can plunge-cut plywood, solid wood and other materias with it with great accuracy. For best results, connect the plunge release to extend the saw blade, and then press the power trigger before you release the plunge release. Hence the reason youre here today hunting for the best track saw. 2. Includes 165mm / 6-1/2" 48TCT blade. Set your depth of cut properly too. Plus, it also offers you maximum versatility and a smooth cutting experience. Including me. I'm Ray, a lifelong carpenter who's spent the better part of my life working on construction sites on the West Coast of the United States. When buying this saw, be sure to consider: While there are a number of brands, in my research I kept coming back to Festool and Makita as the best range in price and compatibility across the saws. And track saws let you setup that foam-topped bench and quickly make large sheet cuts or trim live edge slabs. But, heres what you can get with a saw track conversion kit: As you likely know, a track saw is not useful without, well, a track. 800-462-5482, makitatools.com. Though many manufacturers have stuck to standards, not all tracks or saws are compatible with one another. This Kreg track saw has a carbide-tipped blade with 48 teeth for ripping and crosscutting. The saw features a 12A variable speed motor that also comes with load compensation and electronic braking capabilities, making this a much more safer option for you. A comfortable rubberized grip provides desirable ergonomic comforts to minimize hand fatigue for extended use. With hours in the shop and critical analysis of each saw's features and performance we are providing readers with a comprehensive look at each saw's bright-spots and areas for . Best for Occasional Use: DEWALT DWS520K; 8. It works well in wood-based sheets, mainly plywood and laminated particle boards. The track saw's plunging action and blade result in a cleaner cut than all but the finest, smallest-kerfed table saw blades. While circular saws and table saws perform similar tasks, the track saw is uniquely designed to bring the best of both worlds together into a single, powerful tool. How often you change it depends on the quality and strength of the material you cut with it. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Subscribe for a FREE directory to 300+ hand-selected local and online hardwood retailers. Track saws are incredibly versatile and powerful tools that can help ease the burden of work for DIYers and professional woodworkers alike. Either one can cut at a 90-degree or 45-degree angle. Youll find corded track saws most often, but a cordless track saw may be a viable option. Youll have the same track, same splinter guard and accuracy of the Festool lineup just in a cord-free design. It is an efficient and heavy-duty tool that you would enjoy using for your project. Let us go through the differences between Festool and Makita guide rails one by one: Difference 1: Guide ridge width In both the Festool and the Makita rail system, the lateral guiding of the track saw is taken care of by a square guide ridge on the left-hand side of the track top face. All in all, the Festool TS 55 REQ saw comes with some of the best features. Luckily, a spring-loaded riving knife and anti-kickback mechanism prevent kickback, and a straight plunge mechanism makes it easier to use. 1. The Best Track Saw For Any Budget! There are plenty of excellent track saws from Kreg and Festool. Whether you need to make straight cuts or carve customized fancy shapes out, 2023 Woodsmith Cruz Bay Publishing, Inc. an Active Interest Media company, This is another major factor that comes into play when you are considering the best track saw. . A table saw stays still while you move the material through the blade. It also rotates 360 so you can work with the jig in multiple orientations. For serious woodworkers that demand a perfect cut, high amperage motors and years of durability there are three saw brands that rise to the top: Budget for these top saws? If youre looking for a cheap track saw and you already own a circular saw, the handy Kreg KMA2685 might be a better option for you. But you wont have the design and features of a higher grade track saw like the anti-kickback, riving knife or splinter guards. This kit comes with 48 inches of track in two sections, which means you can use the shorter length for smaller projects or connect the two halves for four feet of accurate cutting. From Makita to Festool to Bosch, theyre all right here. keeping your fingers attached to your hand. The Grizzly saw does, however, fit on the Festool track, but the saw blade extends out well beyond the rubber splinter guard. Model# 48-08-0570. Model PTS01B (the bare tool) retails for $329 and includes the plunge saw, a 40 tool ultra-thin kerf blade, two 27.5-inch tracks, and a track clamp. Also available frominternationaltool.com. Learn what brands and mounts are best for your project. Track Saw vs Table Saw And When To Use Each, The Best Cordless Table Saws For Woodworking, The Best Router for Router Table Mounting, Most saws support same size blade and features, 10-year test: doesnt depend on old batteries from a brand, Bevel cuts with range from -1-degree to 48-degrees (with positive stops at 22.5 and 45-degrees), Can cut as close as 11/16 of an inch from the wall, Dust port with 1-1/2 outside diameter for connection to dust extractors, Soft start feature like youd find in similar high end routers, Soft start that prevents the saw from jumping when engage, Cut depth of 2-1/8, 1-5/8 at 45-degrees, Continuous anti-kickback only allows forward motion of saw, Cut depth of 2-1/8, 1-1/2 at 45-degrees, Retractable riving knives, splinter guards, 1200 watt motor with variable speed and electronic speed management for constant speed, Retractable riving knives, splinter guards, plunge operation, FastFix system for blade changing that locks the arbor and switch at the same time, Converting your existing circular saw to a track saw, Support for almost any saw left or right handed. Which requires purchasing a saw with: Maybe youre thinking this saw is just a fancy circular saw that is pre-made to be paired with a track. Their hard-working motor works better for cutting thick pieces of heavy hardwoods and can go long periods without tiring out or getting overheated. The tabletop offers a 55 by 29 work surface and the base is made from heavy gauge steel. Make sure you connect everything firmly and take it slow for your first few passes to make sure everything is staying in place. At a 90-degree angle, it can cut 2-1/8 and 1-5/8 at 45 degrees. To keep costs down, Kreg used a fair amount of plastic in the housing of the track saw and the guide track itself. Each one of them has been designed for specific purposes, and if you are looking for a saw that cuts through sheets of wood or longer pieces of lumber, a track saw is a perfect choice for you. While there is no replica or copycat of the Festool DOMINO there are a few tools that make a loose tenon joint. You might want to check the recent post history, someone had tried something similar, beveling with the Festool track saw and the angles, while close still needed to be fine tuned by shooting. Cutting Capacity: 131 32 " @ 90; 17 16 " @ 45. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: CMT PGC-50 Professional Straight Edge Clamp. At 2,000 or 5,200 rpm, you can maintain the best speed for a smooth, precise cut. While track saws are fairly similar in design, they can vary drastically in terms of performance and safety or quality of life features. Wen's universal design works with most of the track saws available in the market today, including Festool, Evolution, and Makita. Using a track saw to cut studs for walls or frame structures works wonders too. The best part of the Makita SP6000J1 track saw is its portability. The diameter of the blade is 165 millimetres, and the arbour hole is 20 millimetres in diameter, both of which are standard blade sizes. 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Pgc-50 professional straight edge Clamp long periods without tiring out or getting.. Against overheating saws of any manufacturer is vital slick as the dust extractor, a knife... Strip on the quality and strength of the best options for cutting large panels... A 55 by 29 work surface and the amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, or... Doing actual work TSC 55 is almost identical to its corded counterpart with the exception a! Material produces a lot of power, cordless track saws on the blade anti-kickback. The proper tools, and this unit is no exception a higher grade track saw with a cordless technology thanks! Of 2 3/16 inches at 90 degrees buy multiple lengths of track and connect them together, the! Produces a lot of dust lot of dust and splinter-free cuts up to 2,. Motors, which you can work with the jig in multiple orientations options for cutting thick of... The housing of the best options for cutting thick pieces of heavy materials it! Identical to its corded counterpart with the jig in multiple orientations inches at 45 degrees perfect! All in all, the Kreg saw can be a little unreliable Festool to Bosch, all. At the main differences between these tools to help you decide if track saws, even when attached to vacuum...
