Which, by all reviews and specifications is the superior tool. Its optional but advantageous 55 guide rail system comes from robust anodized aluminum. The DEWALT DWS520K track saw comes with a 3-year limited warranty and a 90-day money-back guarantee for a worry-free purchase. As any good track saw should, the Dewalt DCS520ST1 saw kit makes a splinter-free, precise cut. As youd expect in the professional category, Festool will give you all the features of the top DIY track saw and then some: The TS 75 is almost identical to the TS 55 with the exception of a larger blade (stepping up to a 8-1/4) and a 1600 watt motor to power deeper cuts. Their hard-working motor works better for cutting thick pieces of heavy hardwoods and can go long periods without tiring out or getting overheated. However, they have measurement and precision features to help achieve the perfect cut on all pieces, along with anti-kickback safety measures. A track saw with a larger blade enables you to cut through thicker materials. Circular saws are the more common workshop power tools. in this guide learn what the alternatives to the popular Festool DOMINO are and why you should invest in this hand-held engineering marvel. Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2" Plunge Track Saw Kit, 3. Using the right saw blades for your track saw is vital. 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. Its speed is fast, and its easy to set up. Plunge lock for safety enhancement. Many track saws have handles to help you with this. Tracks can also be connected together using track connectors to allow you to increase the length of your track and cut any length of material with the guide track helping you through the entire job. You can adjust the track so the saw will stop when its done cutting. The Kreg is a bit heavier than the Festool. The first item on our list is the Evolution R185CCSX Multi-Material Circulat Track Saw Kit, which is one of the best all-round track saws you will find out there. There are a number of factors that come into play when you are considering a track saw for yourself. The only potential weakness I can see is the 1200 W motor. The blade is only as good as the speed with which it is rotated. Adjusting it before each use ensures proper safety and quality work. The low price is extremely tempting for novice users, but the lack of overall quality and performance is likely to be more difficult for new users to accommodate. Plus, if you have any other options insight, you can make use of our buying guide to make the right decision. Its 6-1/2 inch blade can cut through many kinds of wood, including plywood, hardwoods, and solid boards. The track saw might be just that tool for you. Track Saw Rail. Guide rails clamp to your work, so having to hold the saw down is not as necessary. Rob and some of his crew took a hard look at the major Track Saw models on the market and see how they "lined up". The Makita XPS01PTJ is an excellent choice for carpenters and DIYers that find themselves hampered by corded power tools and want the flexibility to cut anywhere. After using this saw for the first time any experienced woodworker will wonder why they didnt have one ten years ago. Table saws are more versatile for making smaller, repeated cuts in a short time frame. 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. Bosch FSN RS Kickback Stop for Guiderails 1600Z0000M . The best part of the Makita SP6000J1 track saw is its portability. Festool has a 3-year warranty, whereas the Kreg has a 2-year warranty. While not as slick as the dust extractor, a viable option. If your experience with the Evolution R185CCSX track saw isnt that great or you need a secondary option, then we suggest you look into the Kreg ACS2000 Adaptive Cutting System Saw, which is just as powerful and provides exceptional handling. Aluminum Guide Rail Joining Set for Makita or Festool Track Saws (2x55 in . And, with Festool having a long history of being a top tool provider youll gain all the features noted below. 12 Unique Woodworking Tools You Didnt Know You Needed, After twenty years of collecting tools Im still finding unique woodworking tools that I didnt know I needed. Either one can cut at a 90-degree or 45-degree angle. Best for Occasional Use: DEWALT DWS520K; 8. 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. They also have more powerful motors, which you mount under your working table. 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. You can use this model by itself or pair it with the Project Table Kit for extra perks. We were just too impressed with its splinter-free precise cuts, produced with a powerful 12 amp motor. I'm only half-joking, really. Corded track saws offer more power but require that you pay close attention to the cord and keep it out of the way at all times. Best Premium Track Saw: Festool 55 Req-F-Plus, 3. Plus, the plunge cut design and riving knife automatically retract the blade into a full-cover blade guard when not in use. Track saws also offer more precision and cleaner cuts thanks to their guide tracks that keep them on the straight and narrow during operation. If you're afraid of that new-to-the-trade brand you might head back to the Makita. The content is created by The Woodsmith Review Team. The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw is priced to compete with the industry-leading Festool track saw and it has features to match. The Kreg ACS3000 track saw kit comes with an included 62 guide track and a collapsible project table so you can hit the ground running with a single purchase. While they can run as low as 2 000 rpm, they can run anywhere between 5 200 rpm and 5 500 rpm, so check your speed before each use. 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. At $350-400 at most retailers for just the tool and around $500 MSRP with two batteries its impossible to find a better rated and reviewed cordless track saw. Circular saws are useful for intentional rough cuts or rip wounds. . Compared to its competition, what's immediately compelling is the sub-$250 pricing. This machine also tends to vibrate quite a bit, causing hand fatigue faster than its competitors. One of the most important things to look at when buying a track saw is whether or not the product actually comes with a track. 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. The Makita XPS01PTJ offers variable speed control with automatic speed adjustment technology that optimizes its torque while you cut. Track saws have pivoting shoes so that they can make all kinds of cuts at different angles. At a 90-degree angle, it can cut 2-1/8 and 1-5/8 at 45 degrees. The DEWALT DWS520K track saw is a solid performer that offers great cutting power and accuracy. Track saws eliminate the need to clamp your material down since the saw stays in place. The latter two will be the subject of today's article as we answer the question whether the tracks are interchangeable. 1. 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. SgtEddieWinslow 1 yr. ago I have the kreg accu cut track jig. Miter cuts and angular cuts require careful precision, so a plunge cut track saw will help get the job done. What track saw cuts deepest? 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. The optimal cutting depth is usually 1/8, but it should not go so deep that it threatens the saws function. The Makita SP6000J1 has a large cutting capacity (2-3/16 at 90 degrees and 1-9/16 at 45 degrees) and a good bevel capacity (-1 to 48 degrees, with positive stops at 22 5 and 45 degrees). Especially if youre on a schedule, table saws make several equal cuts quickly. The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw is built solidly from quality materials. While corded track saws provide you with more power, cordless track saws are more portable and easy to operate. The circular saw uses a retracting guard that moves out of the way as you cut into your material. They can be used in combination with dust collectors or with vacuums to pull in the dust as the blade cuts through the material. M18 FUEL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 31 in. All of this sounds great, but maybe youre thinking to yourself I dont have $400 to spend on another saw. Using a track saw to cut studs for walls or frame structures works wonders too. However, its cutting performance and safety features are top of the line. Expect to pay between $700-900 for a fully equipped track saw and track. 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. Festool 769942 Cross Cutting Guide Rail FSK 420 . A track saw can help you measure one piece of stock and then make exact duplicates. The Kreg KMA2700 is a great choice for anyone who wants to take their precision cutting to the next level. Some quality control issues with the tracks are a deterrent, but the overall build quality of the Makita SP6000J1 is solid, allowing this machine to offer clean, straight cuts. 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. Keep your hands and other objects away from the cutting path, and wear protective gear for your eyes and ears. Luckily, making a blade change is easy with most models. Makita, like Festool and all the rest, has a reputation for creating one of the best track saws, and their SP6000J1 saw kit model is no exception. 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. Capable of cutting up to 2 deep, the Kreg ACS2000 provides excellent cutting power. They are still portable, though, since you dont always mount them to your worktable. Track Saws From DEWALT, Festool & Makita. Festool has 36 teeth, whereas Kreg has 48 teeth. 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. We still need to clear up some more things about how they work, what types are best, and what you can expect from your track saw. This track saw is ideal for professionals and perfectionists that dont mind spending more money for higher quality. Most cordless tracks saw batteries last for about 1-2 hours so keep that in mind. As you may have noticed while browsing our list, not all of the track saws come with included tracks. However, it may require a fair bit of fiddling around with to get it to perform at the level you need. john_c2 | Aug 01, 2021 07:38am . The Mafell track saw weighs 17 pounds while the Festool weighs a mere 4.5 pounds. While it may not be the most powerful tool on the market, its hard to deny the value provided by this great kit. Here are our top five picks for the best track saws available, including all your favorite brands, like Festool, Kreg, and Bosch. Final Thoughts If you were hoping to get a $500 saw for $230, you will be disappointed. The TS75 features an 8-1/4 inch blade. Features, as expected, are overall very close to the corded Makita saw. Cleanup is also easy since you can connect it to a suitable vacuum cleaner for dust collection. Which means this type of saw needs to be connected to at least one accessory. Fits to guide track system for smooth, precise straight and bevel cutting. And track saws let you setup that foam-topped bench and quickly make large sheet cuts or trim live edge slabs. Nonetheless, the 6-1/2 inch saw blade should help do the trick. Explore. You can also choose to use a cordless track saw or plug it into the wall. I agree with others that the Kreg accucut and rip guide are junk. Best Cordless Track Saw: Makita XPS01PTJ Circular Saw Kit; 4. The Bosch GKT13-225L achieves its precise plunge cuts with an easy-to-use plunge mechanism. The stock blade is quite cheap and should be replaced immediately for more serious users. Unlike table saws, track saws are portable and can be taken to the material instead of having to pull what you want to cut over to a table saw. You need both of your hands on deck as well as all of your attention and strength as theyre, Woodworkers often make cuts on wood slabs that are repeated on different types of fine woodworking projects. Keep an eye on your saws riving knife, which helps protect operators from blade kickback. Cordless track saws, on the other hand, offer more portability but tend to run out of juice fairly quickly. Best All-in-One Track Saw Kit: Kreg ACS3000 With Track and Table, 7. They are slightly easier to handle, making them somewhat more reliable for beginner woodworkers. The kit comes with the track saw, a 60V battery and charger, a tool box, blade, and the 59 track. Soft-grip handles. $ 79 00. Grizzly's track saw is a relative newcomer to this tool category. Youll also need another person to hold longer pieces still as you push the material through the saw. Chad Stanton 66.6K subscribers 134K views 3 years ago Track Saws are all the rage, but when it comes to buying one what features should you look. A circular is better than a track saw at making rapid cross-gain cuts in dimensional lumber. The Tool Scout is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. . It is easy to see that the Festool track saw is lighter and thus more portable than the Mafell saw. The track saw is also great if youre working in tight spaces and need a more mobile power tool. You might even find a plunge circular saw somewhere. Lets have a look at these features. Festool is know for innovative and high performing tools. Plus, it also offers you maximum versatility and a smooth cutting experience. Track saws have become largely popular in the past decade, mainly due to the DIY movement. 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. The Dewalt includes all the key features of a high quality track saw: While Kreg hasnt ventured into too many tools their plunge saw is worth a look. In this hands on guide learn how to build a top and follow along with our build of a 2-inch maple butcher block top. While track saws are fairly similar in design, they can vary drastically in terms of performance and safety or quality of life features. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. Particularly if your saw has a soft start, let the saw reach its maximum speed before using it. 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. While Kreg may not be a giant brand name yet, they are certainly making strides in the track saw world with their durable and reliable tools and accessories. However, if you are debating a corded vs. cordless saw at this price point youre very close to the base Festool price. Both saws work with many kinds of materials, but a track saw might be the best option if you need something smoother. Track saws, on the other hand, are better at making cuts at different angles aside from 90 degrees. Just like our previous pick, the ACS2000 also features a complete track saw kit, and it includes a 62 track, which enhances your precision and lets you work on longer pieces with more efficiency. During blind plunge cuts, you cannot always see the route your blade will take. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Watch. (Not a Festool fanboy, and too much $$$). The Sidewinder features a powerful 10A heavy-duty motor that can provide impressive speeds up to 5500 RPM. 2. They also arent designed to cut into the middle of materials like track saws areallowing for more flexibility with a track saw in that regard. When it comes to cordless track saws youll be able to take your saw on the road and do creative things like cut that sheet of plywood down before transporting it. There are two main alternative tools to the track saw: table saws and circular saws. Variable speed with soft start and constant speed. The Festool TS 55 REQ saw kit comes with an impressive 55 track and includes the track guide for precise cuts. By now, you have a clear picture of which track saw you should be considering for your woodworking and DIY projects at home or at the job site. 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. While the Makita SP6000J1 is available with a guide track and connector kit, the connector doesnt provide the best experience as the guide tracks dont always line up perfectly. Plus, its maximum speed 12 amp motor has electric variable speed control. Dust cleanup is easy too. Chad Stanton explains what he likes and doesn't like in this . And, with track saws this holds true as the well-known Festool has a complete line-up to cover carpentry to heavy duty hardwood jobs. Track Saws are all the rage, but when it comes to buying one what features should you look for? Time frame of cuts at different angles cleaner for dust collection relative newcomer this. Keep an eye on your saws riving knife, which you mount under your working table best for Occasional:! Base Festool price choose to use a cordless track saws are useful for intentional rough cuts or rip wounds to! And quality work in a short time frame guide for precise kreg track saw vs festool comes with a 3-year warranty, Kreg. 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