Track saws, on the other hand, are better at making cuts at different angles aside from 90 degrees. Woodsmith is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. And the Makita saw keeps up their quality reputation with a saw that is highly rated, has all of the top features in this category of tool, and is a tool most professionals would start with if Festool wasnt around. You could stow it in a closet when youre not using it. Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2 Plunge Track Saw Kit. Cutting thick laminate or subfloor near cabinets requires a saw that goes right up to the toe kick edge. Unnecessary objects might damage the saw if you do not clear the blade path. SgtEddieWinslow 1 yr. ago I have the kreg accu cut track jig. Learn about toe kick saw alternatives in this guide. However, if you are debating a corded vs. cordless saw at this price point youre very close to the base Festool price. Although the Makita SP6000J1 can cut plenty of heavy materials, it works best for cutting large wood panels. While a circular saws accuracy in cutting wood is not the best, it can also cut metal. While other tools like the table saw and circular saw do a similar job, the benefit of a track saw is straight, repeatable cuts on the go. Well, youre partially right, and while a track saw is a useful saw there are two track saw alternatives you could consider (or probably own): A track saw is a great replacement for a table saw when it comes to cutting large sheets of plywood. Since the point of using a track saw is getting accurate and straight cuts, an uneven base is obviously a big problem as it can cause the blade to have play and be uneven. You can also take your materials to the saw instead of the other way around. Historically, the plunge-cut tool was first introduced by Festool in 1980. 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. However, a Makita is a top pick for home woodworkers and there are a few entry level saws that are good for small jobs and occasional use. 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. New to woodworking and not sure about Makita? Cut Precisely. Keep an eye out for the features that matter most to you but remember that more features almost always mean a higher price tag as well. Speed: 5,500 rpm. All in all, the Festool TS 55 REQ saw comes with some of the best features. (4) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases linked from this site. Bet it's finicky to use. The Kreg ACS2000 also has standard safety features like kickback and binding protection. The latter two will be the subject of today's article as we answer the question whether the tracks are interchangeable. The overall build quality of the Kreg ACS2000 track saw and guide track is solid, but the materials arent. Either one can cut at a 90-degree or 45-degree angle. And then fold everything back up and use the space for your other tools. Goodell David, Founder of WoodWorking Clarity, says, If you do a lot of quick jobs or work mainly from your shop, you dont need a cord.However, you will have to change the batteries from time to time, which can be cumbersome, especially if the track saw dies down in between a cutting job. Well, they are one of the top 3 brands that youll find on big box and specialty tool supplier shelves. In the last issue, Rob asked for opinions about track saws: if you owned one, if you wanted one - and why or why not. There are also hand-held and even table saws you can lock onto your work table. For cutting, then it comes with a 6 " blade, and it can also be tilted through to 45 degrees for those bevel cuts. It works great when youre working with smaller material pieces since the saw can stay still, and you only have to move the material. A circular saw is also suitable for hobbyist woodworkers or those who just use it infrequently. (3) Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. And track saws tend to be a fair bit safer thanks to their covered blades and the fact that your hands are kept on the saw instead of on the material as you feed it through. The Festool 55 Req-F-Plus is a powerful and precise track saw that offers great reliability and safety features. The track saw is equipped with a sharp 48-tooth blade that measures 8 and cuts deep through a variety of wood and sheet materials that are 2 thick. They both look so similar and seem to do basically the same thing, so why do circular saws tend to cost so much less than track saws and what benefits do they provide? Circular saws come in many types. Its 6-1/2 inch blade can cut through many kinds of wood, including plywood, hardwoods, and solid boards. At a 90-degree angle, it can cut 2-1/8 and 1-5/8 at 45 degrees. This saw cuts well with accuracy but can also cause a fair bit of vibration during use. Learn whats best for your shop in this hands-on guide. Even if youre an expert saw user, you should still exercise safety precautions. Never underestimate the usefulness of guide rails. If you need to make longer cuts than what one guide rail allows, you can always connect more. Compare $ 64 00 (63) Model# CT9502. If you are also looking for the best track saw in 2023 for your woodworking or DIY projects, then we have the best options for you to choose from. The Kreg KMA2685 is a universal circular saw guide that works with most circular saws on the market, including left and right bladed saws. They can be used in combination with dust collectors or with vacuums to pull in the dust as the blade cuts through the material. 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. Festool 577043 FS 1400/2-KP Guide Rail 1400 mm With Adhesive Pads . Best for Occasional Use: DEWALT DWS520K; 8. A Dewalt fast charger can help make the motor move from 2,000 to 5,500 rpm fast. While Milwaukee and Dewalt spend marketing dollars freely, the Makita brand is built on decades of reliability. While the DEWALT DWS520K product is called a kit, it doesnt come with a guide track so youll need to shell out some extra clams if you want one. Bosch GKT13-225L 6-1/2" Plunge Track Saw Kit, 4. There's not much I haven't encountered over my 30-year career, hence the reason why I'm one of the core contributors at The Tool Scout. The track saw is also great if youre working in tight spaces and need a more mobile power tool. dust collection. Adjusting it before each use ensures proper safety and quality work. A circular saw is much better for cutting longer material pieces. The Festool 55 Req-F-Plus is one of the most expensive but also most capable track saws on the market. Its use of batteries allows you to be more mobile and gives you the ability to perform cuts without having to drag out an extension cable or power source to the job site. This is an especially troublesome issue if you are working indoors as fine particles of sawdust floating through the air cause a huge mess and can get into your airways. Woodworking tools have improved as more companies are competing for the hard-earned money of DIYers and professionals alike. The Grizzly saw does, however, fit on the Festool track, but the saw blade extends out well beyond the rubber splinter guard. Overall, the DEWALT DSC520ST1 track saw is a sturdy machine that performs admirably. Lets look at the main differences between these tools to help you decide if track saws are the right tool for your needs. Evolution is a pretty solid brand when it comes to power tools, so there is no doubt that the R185CCSX has an impressive build quality with some wonderful features that puts it into contention. Both saws work with many kinds of materials, but a track saw might be the best option if you need something smoother. Our Festool model was a good runner-up, but there can only be one winner here. Youll find corded track saws most often, but a cordless track saw may be a viable option. 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. One of the biggest drawbacks of the DEWALT DSC520ST1 is its price point. Best Warranty: DEWALT DSC520ST1 Track Saw Kit; 6. Advantages of the track saw I use, a DeWalt, include the 106 inch track, riving knife, anti kickback piece in saw base, easy adjustment of the saw to the track, good dust collection, the plunge action, and extras like the router attachment for the track. Check out this great YouTube video from the WoodWorkers Guild of America for more information on the various benefits provided by track saws. A standard 6 1/2-inch blade comes with the model, along with a bevel capacity of -1 to 48 degrees. What projects do you want to tackle, and which tools do you need for them? It is easy to see that the Festool track saw is lighter and thus more portable than the Mafell saw. A few models even have a hose that vacuums debris from the work surface as you go. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED AS IS AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. Some materials are thicker than others, so you need to place your blade to cut through them. The price to performance offered by the Makita SP6000J1 is excellent for DIYers and hobbyists, but the reliability and cutting performance isnt quite up to snuff for more serious users. The Makita SP6000J1 can be purchased with or without an included guide track so you can opt for the all-in-one package or save some money by buying the tool on its own. The Ryobi PTS01K kit adds a charger and 4Ah battery and retails for $399. While corded track saws provide you with more power, cordless track saws are more portable and easy to operate. In addition to that, the design of the blade guard on circular saws prevents you from being able to control dust very well as you operate. However, the blade cut so well (when new and sharp), we didn't need to do this, even with delicate veneers and melamine. Being able to buy everything at once and knowing that its all designed to work together is really convenient. Some of the reviews are less than stellar I know. The Kreg ACS2000 saw kit is one of the most adaptable track saws on this list, able to cut up to 2-1 8 deep at 90 degrees and 1 1 2 at 45 degrees. However, you will have to change the batteries from time to time, which can be cumbersome, especially if the track saw dies down in between a cutting job. The 60 volt battery provides great power for slicing through thick materials, but its runtime is a bit lacking. Best Cordless Track Saw: Makita XPS01PTJ Circular Saw Kit, 4. Another important factor is whether the saw is corded or cordless. Best Premium Track Saw: Festool 55 Req-F-Plus; 3. There is some plastic used throughout to keep the price down, but the overall build quality is pretty great. When I went looking for the best track saw for my workshop I figured it would be a Festool or possibly Milwaukee. If you know what youre doing and are willing to make some adjustments yourself, the Shop Fox W1835 track saw is a low-budget machine that performs solidly on easier to cut materials. The right size blade also saves you time and stress, cutting through materials easily. Set your depth of cut properly too. More expensive than equally capable machines, the DEWALT DWS520K track saw relies pretty heavily on its brand name. Below, youll find track saw reviews detailing the pros and cons, but mostly the benefits, of some of the best track saws for woodworking. 800-462-5482, makitatools.com. Youll have the same track, same splinter guard and accuracy of the Festool lineup just in a cord-free design. A track saw's point of collection is closer to the dust creation - and a bit more contained - than a table saw. The main difference is that with this plunge saw, you have a safety interlock that prevents plunging or turning on the saw before depressing the switch interlock button. Its electronic speed control helps to maintain a constant speed for more finished, tear-free results. Keep an eye on your saws riving knife, which helps protect operators from blade kickback. If you just want to scan over each review, we have a brief pros and cons list at the end of each one that recaps the key aspects of that product. If you're afraid of that new-to-the-trade brand you might head back to the Makita. Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2" Plunge Track Saw Kit, 3. 1. While Ive trimmed countless full size oak doors with a smaller circular saw, every now and then Ive ran into a full size exterior door that tops the 2-1/8 of the standard TS 55. They are fast, easy to operate, and are suitable for a wide range of materials, such as plywood, fiberboard, and lumber. While corded track saws provide you with more power, cordless track saws are more portable and easy to operate. Best Basic Track Saw: Shop Fox W1835, 9. 5 Best Track Saws of 2021: 1. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. Plunge lock for safety enhancement. And track saws let you setup that foam-topped bench and quickly make large sheet cuts or trim live edge slabs. Festool is a reputable manufacturer known for its top-quality power tools, and this unit is no exception. Using a track saw to cut studs for walls or frame structures works wonders too. Any experiences and opinions from people that own or have used either or both would be much appreciated or are there any other makes worth a look? The Best Drawer Slides With Soft Close and Full Extension. This may seem odd, but many track saws are sold without an included track. Most cordless tracks saw batteries last for about 1-2 hours so keep that in mind. Track saws eliminate the need to clamp your material down since the saw stays in place. And, since Kreg is a #1 supplier of jigs for woodworkers, its not surprising this saw is both a great value and well priced. However, the 3-year limited warranty may be the deciding factor for buyers that want to make sure their money is well spent. The primary drawback of the DEWALT DWS520K track saw aside from its price are some issues with its design. You can use track saws without them, but guide rails help keep the saw on the set path and protect you from splinters. Doing so lessens the chance of kickbacks and creates more precise cuts. . The motor is also quite loud and doesnt deliver as much power as its competitors. It performs excellently while its got the juice, but dont expect to get much more than an hour to two of cutting performance per charge. We were just too impressed with its splinter-free precise cuts, produced with a powerful 12 amp motor. Many track saws have handles to help you with this. 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. With an integrated spring-loaded riving knife to help prevent jamming and forceful ejections, the Festool 55 Req-F-Plus is relatively safe and easy to use. While I am a dozen tools into the Milwaukee brand they just dont have all of the tracks and reputation in track saws to make a brand-only decision. 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. All of this sounds great, but maybe youre thinking to yourself I dont have $400 to spend on another saw. Best All-in-One Track Saw Kit: Kreg ACS3000 With Track and Table; 7. A: Yes, you will need to change the blade on your track saw eventually. Plus, merely writing about work, sure does beat doing actual work. Festool makes quality machines and components, but you can expect to pay more for the privilege of owning them compared to their competitors. And with track saws, the time has come to make the switch. Features, as expected, are overall very close to the corded Makita saw. Whether you choose a Festool, a Kreg, or a Makita, theres a track saw for you. 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. 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. 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