And it also has the tracks, brand reputation and performance that make it a solid pick for both professionals and serious hobbyists. Doing so reduces tear-out and splintering in the material and increases operator safety. 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. The big issue is that the saw has a bit of vertical play when on the track on 2 corners of the base plate. While there is no replica or copycat of the Festool DOMINO there are a few tools that make a loose tenon joint. A standard 6 1/2-inch blade comes with the model, along with a bevel capacity of -1 to 48 degrees. While it wont have the features or performance of a true track saw, combining your circular saw with the Kreg KMA2685 circular saw guide provides you with an inexpensive way to get clean, even cuts. The Festool 55 Req-F-Plus is the Cadillac of track saws. Final Thoughts If you were hoping to get a $500 saw for $230, you will be disappointed. 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. We think the Kreg Adaptive Cutting System 2000 is the perfect track saw setup for hobbyists and DIYers that are looking to expand their collection of tools without breaking their bank. Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2 Plunge Track Saw Kit. However, a table saw is still preferred for ripping wood. Cut Precisely. Ensure they are sharp and the right size for your saw (the best size is a 160mm diameter and 20mm round arbore bore). Toe Kick Saw Alternatives For Removing Subloors. The swiveling hose port is particularly nice for allowing for easy dust management without letting the vacuum hose get in the way of operation. While initially more expensive if you are not invested in Festool or Makita batteries, these saws are fully feature and power capable. The DEWALT DSC520ST1 track saw is a sturdy machine that offers solid performance, but the price is rather high all things considered. 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. 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. You can adjust the guiding track (sold separately) to make bevel cuts. Circular saws are useful for intentional rough cuts or rip wounds. For me it has made breaking down plywood much easier. Chad Stanton explains what he likes and doesn't like in this . Lets look at the main differences between these tools to help you decide if track saws are the right tool for your needs. Pros Has a premium build quality Can be used to cut through various types of wood and sheet materials Presence of slip clutch prevents kickbacks, which can cause accidents Cons High price point The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw uses overload protection to prevent the motor from overheating during operation. The Kreg ACS2000 track saw offers straight, smooth cuts without tear outs. Mafell is another German made saw, and is arguably better than the Festool based on reviews and user reports. Even at a lower price point, the Kreg has a number of the key features found in the Makita: When youre investing in tools you will use every day a few extra dollars upfront is almost always worth it. Here are our top five picks for the best track saws available, including all your favorite brands, like Festool, Kreg, and Bosch. Track saws have quickly become a staple in most woodworking shops. Cleanup is also easy since you can connect it to a suitable vacuum cleaner for dust collection. It deliberately comes oversize so that you can cut it right to the edge of the saw blade. (3) Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. (5) Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Explore. Festool 577043 FS 1400/2-KP Guide Rail 1400 mm With Adhesive Pads . This track saw comes with a 60V battery. If you correctly align it with the blade, itll minimize the chance of accidents or injury. Everything I have bought from Kreg has been money well spent. You can't really judge that without putting the saw to use in the field. 1,350 RPMs will rarely be used on projects, so I am not sure why it was added to the design; 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. Disclaimer: DIY projects can be dangerous,hire a professional (link to Home Advisor) if unsure. Their circular blade allows you to make solid cuts in all kinds of materials. You can use this model by itself or pair it with the Project Table Kit for extra perks. While a track saw is one of the most versatile and portable saws, there are a few things to remember before using one, especially if youre new to woodworking. By reading the product reviews we have gathered, you will be able to take the right pick easily. 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 Grizzly saw does, however, fit on the Festool track, but the saw blade extends out well beyond the rubber splinter guard. When I went looking for the best track saw for my workshop I figured it would be a Festool or possibly Milwaukee. 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. Bosch GKT13-225L 6-1/2" Plunge Track Saw Kit, 4. (Not a Festool fanboy, and too much $$$). Festool has a 3-year warranty, whereas the Kreg has a 2-year warranty. A circular saw, miter saw, or some other saw just cant compete with a track saw for this purpose. Circular saws are the more common workshop power tools. The Kreg ACS3000 track saw is a solid machine that provides accurate and smooth cuts. The DEWALT DWS520K track saw comes with a 3-year limited warranty and a 90-day money-back guarantee for a worry-free purchase. Best Warranty: DEWALT DSC520ST1 Track Saw Kit; 6. You might even find a plunge circular saw somewhere. Although the Makita SP6000J1 can cut plenty of heavy materials, it works best for cutting large wood panels. The Kreg KMA2685 is a universal circular saw guide that works with most circular saws on the market, including left and right bladed saws. Having a track saw that can make bevel cuts is quite useful, as they can enhance your woodworking experience and allow you to work on numerous projects. The Festool 55 Req-F-Plus is a powerful and precise track saw that offers great reliability and safety features. 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. Some of the reviews are less than stellar I know. Plus, with the saw going so fast, cutting material takes less time and will put less stress on the motor. Cutting through steel, metal, or ceramics might damage even the best track saw, and it can be dangerous to the operator. The Best Drawer Slides With Soft Close and Full Extension. $ 79 00. Both saws work with many kinds of materials, but a track saw might be the best option if you need something smoother. Festool 769942 Cross Cutting Guide Rail FSK 420 . Using the right saw blades for your track saw is vital. This may seem odd, but many track saws are sold without an included track. According to Festool, each track saw should come with a saw blade, a flag window (vision panel), a T-Loc systainer, a splinter guard, and a chip collection bag. 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. Almost all woodworkers own a circular saw. In this guide learn the tips and tricks to making this classic game. Track Saws From DEWALT, Festool & Makita. However, issues with quality control have left a bad taste in many customers mouths when they received this track saw with a warped base plate. I agree with others that the Kreg accucut and rip guide are junk. But how did we handpick these options? The Shop Fox W1835 track saw is a solid performer that gets the job done without too much fuss, and its offered at an incredibly low price. Well, they are one of the top 3 brands that youll find on big box and specialty tool supplier shelves. The content is created by The Woodsmith Review Team. 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. Hence the reason youre here today hunting for the best track saw. However, it may require a fair bit of fiddling around with to get it to perform at the level you need. The saw has a large cutting capacity with variable speeds ranging from 2000 to 5,200 RPM. And they also feature a top notch reputation and distribution channel (read: warranty and repairs). Weight: 11 lbs. Learn about toe kick saw alternatives in this guide. The circular saw uses a retracting guard that moves out of the way as you cut into your material. Since features are the name of the game, heres what the Makita SP6000J offers up: Be sure to check around for a bundle, but if you want to start with just the saw and a guide rail you can always buy up other accessories later. While a circular saws accuracy in cutting wood is not the best, it can also cut metal. The power rating is another important aspect that you need to consider. As mentioned, Festool's track saws are generally for the high-income bracket. Festool 575389 Plunge Cut Track Saw Ts 75 EQ-F-Plus USA. Most of the track saws feature 6 blades that can cut through materials that are up to 2 thick. They are fast, easy to operate, and are suitable for a wide range of materials, such as plywood, fiberboard, and lumber. It only reaches out to a couple of feet however so it may not be appropriate for all uses. Festool has 36 teeth, whereas Kreg has 48 teeth. Compared to its competition, what's immediately compelling is the sub-$250 pricing. Thus, you can move the material along the intended cutting track. (2) CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. Being able to buy everything at once and knowing that its all designed to work together is really convenient. A Dewalt fast charger can help make the motor move from 2,000 to 5,500 rpm fast. If you need a lot of power, this model has overload protection against overheating. Be especially careful with variable-speed motors. Surprisingly, the Powertec track was an EXACT replica of the Makita. 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. Luckily, making a blade change is easy with most models. For about 25% of the cost of other track saws WEN offers up an entry-level saw that is, for many, an alternative to a table saw and circular saw all in one. A track saw is a powerful tool, and you need to hold it down to prevent injury and ensure proper and precise cuts. But after a lot of research I ended up with a cordless Makita. This brings you more portability and ease of use. Circular saws and track saws may look very similar, but they are designed for different tasks. A few users agree that this latest Festool is light but are doubtful if this will hold the cut. You can also choose to use a cordless track saw or plug it into the wall. 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. Best Track Saws. 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. 1. You can use this model by itself or pair it with the Project Table Kit for extra perks. Evolution Multi-Material Circular Track Saw, Routers are great tools but they can be tricky to operate. I've used the Festool and while that's clearly superior, I've gotten by just fine with Kreg. Best Cordless Track Saw: Makita XPS01PTJ Circular Saw Kit; 4. Soft-grip handles. The best track saw is based on your use. Our Festool model was a good runner-up, but there can only be one winner here. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. In general, track saws tend to be a fair bit more expensive than circular saws despite looking and functioning similarly. A: If you're in the market to buy a track saw, you can expect to pay $400 to $600 to buy a high-quality track saw. The Kreg is a bit heavier than the Festool. Yes you can use a track saw without a track but you will lose the precision cuts and it will function similar to a circular saw. While not as slick as the dust extractor, a viable option. For beginning woodworkers, starting with a circular saw, a guide rail, and some saw horses might be best. There are plenty of excellent track saws from Kreg and Festool. The Mafell track saw weighs 17 pounds while the Festool weighs a mere 4.5 pounds. For woodworkers that live from their garage you know that space is a premium. Track saws, for one, are great at making cuts in longer pieces. As you may have noticed while browsing our list, not all of the track saws come with included tracks. The Kreg Saw has a splinter guard, a riving knife, and a dust bag. The kit comes with the track saw, a 60V battery and charger, a tool box, blade, and the 59 track. After deciding on a saw, youll need to pick out at least three accessories to make the saw truly useful: For almost all woodworkers the biggest question in hand tools is should I opt for cordless. 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. 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. While this doesnt impact the performance of the saw, it is likely to cause the tool and track to wear out faster than more expensive track saws made from sturdier materials. I recently picked up the Kreg ACS track saw and after using it for about a week I feel like it's just okay. The R185CCSX is a highly reliable and easy-to-use track saw, and it features a powerful 15A motor that helps you saw through numerous materials, including wood, composite decking, ferrous and non-metals, plastics, etc. Most Powerful: Bosch GKT13-225L, 10. The track saw is also a lot easier to use on your own than a table saw is. And combining a dust hose, power cord and tracks makes for a tangle. With features similar to the Festool (minus the riving knife) this saw is built to last. This website uses cookies to improve your experience and track site visits. 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. They also make excellent plunge cuts, which you can make in the middle of the workpiece for electrical wires or sink fittings. Couple differences to know: 1) Kreg uses 3/4" dog holes and Festool uses 20mm. This saw cuts well with accuracy but can also cause a fair bit of vibration during use. With this being a Festool, this is a combination of all the best track saw features. dust collection. Kreg is a bit slower than the Festool. The overall build quality of the Kreg ACS2000 track saw and guide track is solid, but the materials arent. How to Make a Solid Wood Top For Counters, Desks and More. On the downside, there have been some reports of quality control issues with many customers receiving the track saw with an uneven bottom plate. And has performed incredibly well in thick and thin cuts. Historically, the plunge-cut tool was first introduced by Festool in 1980. 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