For cutting, then it comes with a 6 " blade, and it can also be tilted through to 45 degrees for those bevel cuts. Learn about toe kick saw alternatives in this guide. However, it may require a fair bit of fiddling around with to get it to perform at the level you need. Youll need to define your needs to find the best track saw to suit your purpose. Most Powerful: Bosch GKT13-225L, 10. Buy at Home Depot And combining a dust hose, power cord and tracks makes for a tangle. Its worth knowing that Festool has the most variations in track saws of any manufacturer. The saw is embedded with electronic speed control and a current limiter that will maintain how fast it goes under any load and prevent the motor from burning out. Table saws and track saws are both good at quickly repeating the same cut over and over, but table saws require a lot more room to operate optimally. While track saws are fairly similar in design, they can vary drastically in terms of performance and safety or quality of life features. A track saw with a larger blade enables you to cut through thicker materials. Track saws are incredibly versatile and powerful tools that can help ease the burden of work for DIYers and professional woodworkers alike. The DEWALT DWS520K track saw comes with a 3-year limited warranty and a 90-day money-back guarantee for a worry-free purchase. A variable speed dial lets you match the cutting speed to your application and offers between 2,000 to 2,500 RPM. Adjusting it before each use ensures proper safety and quality work. The primary drawback of the DEWALT DWS520K track saw aside from its price are some issues with its design. It also tends to throw out a lot more dust compared to other track saws, even when attached to a vacuum. Moreover, it can even be used to cut through wood with nails, all thanks to its large and sharp 7 blade, with 40 teeth and an ability to cut 2 deep into the workpiece with precision. The blade lock can be a bit of a chore to figure out, and some users have reported that it doesnt seem to work at all. On the other hand, when you have a cordless track saw, having a 20V battery provides you with sufficient power to operate the blade efficiently. The low price point of the CT1065 doesnt reflect on its build quality or features in any way at all. Bevel capacity at -1to 48 with positive stops at 22.5 & 45, Variable speed control trigger precisely regulates blade speed, The guiding rail stays firmly in place delivering a finer finish cut, The soft-start feature helps increase the longevity of the saw, The scoring feature feels unnecessary and falls off easily, Has a hard time cutting plywoods thicker than one inch, Excellent for cutting all kinds of materials (especially plywood), DeWalts powerful 60v brushless motor plows through hardwood, Highly efficient 60v cordless battery delivers corded performance, Straight, splinter-free cuts with DeWalts zero clearance system, Might lock up sometimes after extended use (fix with lubrication), High demand for this track saw has caused some supply issues, Precise plunge mechanism for deeper and more accurate cuts, Extremely lightweight track saw with magnesium footplate, Superb dust extraction system is on par with vacuum cleaners, Three-step blade change system with fast action spindle lock, Saw has a little more friction, so it doesnt cut as smoothly, A little limiting in comparison to DCS520ST1 as its corded, No blade pinching with Festools spring-loaded riving knife system, Fast blade changes with FastFix system by locking arbor quickly, Engineered with a triple-bearing motor & includes a soft start mode, Produces quality splinter-free cutswith cutting depth 0 2-1/8, High-quality German engineering comes with a high price tag $$$, The option to upgrade from 75 guide rails to 118 is very costly, Great budget track saw that delivers A-1 splinter-free finish cuts, The blade-left design makes this the ideal saw for right-handers, 62 anodized aluminum guide rail with anti-chip strip technology, Robust 12-amp motor with load compensation anti-kickback control, The variable speed trigger is less responsive than Makitas, Less user-friendly features No place to store saw wrench, Allows you to move the material across the saw, You can add different parts for more efficient use, It might require more assistance if you cut bigger pieces, Features a powerful, fast-working circular blade, Cuts many pieces of wood without overheating or wearing down, The anti-slip track keeps the saw in place, Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2" Plunge Circular Saw Kit, 1. It makes straight cuts and I like the length of the rail (62 inches) but I've had some issues as well. 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. 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. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. However, a table saw is still preferred for ripping wood. Greetings, I'm in the market for a Track saw/Plunge saw, done a bit of research and arrived between the Bosch GKT 55 GCE and the Makita SP6000 both running for about 350 including Guide Rail which is about as much as I'm willing to spend. For jobs that require constant cutting for long periods of time, a corded track saw might be a better choice. Any track with a blade measuring 8 " should cut the deepest. As any good track saw should, the Dewalt DCS520ST1 saw kit makes a splinter-free, precise cut. At a 90-degree angle, it can cut 2-1/8 and 1-5/8 at 45 degrees. Nonetheless, the 6-1/2 inch saw blade should help do the trick. A built-in depth stop lets you make a shallow scoring pass that eliminates chip-out before making the full-depth parting cut. Variable speed with soft start and constant speed. 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. Copyright (c) 2023 LEAN Woodworking LLC. To keep costs down, Kreg used a fair amount of plastic in the housing of the track saw and the guide track itself. So with that in mind the 6-1/4 blade on the Festool 55 will cut just about all the plywood and hardwood you can throw at it. A table saw stays still while you move the material through the blade. Though many manufacturers have stuck to standards, not all tracks or saws are compatible with one another. Track saws also offer more precision and cleaner cuts thanks to their guide tracks that keep them on the straight and narrow during operation. So why cant I just convert my saw to a track saw, you might be asking? Track Saw vs. Circular Saw: Whats the Difference? Another important factor is whether the saw is corded or cordless. The Kreg KMA2700 is a great choice for anyone who wants to take their precision cutting to the next level. Kreg ACS2000 Adaptive Cutting Track Saw Kit, Use the Right Blades and Take Care of Them, Cutting Studs for Walls or Frame Structures, Super deep cutting capacity allows you to reach larger cutting depths of. 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. Track saws and circular saws can be difficult to tell apart. Double-check everything before you turn the saw on, especially the current cutting path. The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw is priced to compete with the industry-leading Festool track saw and it has features to match. In addition to variable speed control (2,000 to 6,000 RPM), the 12-amp 120-volt motor features load compensation. 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, 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. Bevel range of 0-48. Even if youre an expert saw user, you should still exercise safety precautions. And for professionals, who already know Festool is the pinnacle of tool quality, their models hit all the key features you need: Coming down a price tier, the Makita has all the features you need. Couple differences to know: 1) Kreg uses 3/4" dog holes and Festool uses 20mm. Triton TTSCS3000 22 x 3000mm Plunge Track Saw Track Cut Strips . Using the right saw blades for your track saw is vital. keeping your fingers attached to your hand. Among the best track saws that we have mentioned above, our topmost pick would be the DEWALT FLEXVOLT Cordless TrackSaw Kit. 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. On the downside, there have been some reports of quality control issues with many customers receiving the track saw with an uneven bottom plate. The swiveling hose port is particularly nice for allowing for easy dust management without letting the vacuum hose get in the way of operation. 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. I use it all the time and love it. 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. However, you do not have as much control over the speed as you do with other models. The most portable of all workshop saws, and among the most powerful, track saws work great for larger projects with larger material pieces. The performance of the DEWALT DSC520ST1 track saw is solid, but its lack of features combined with its rather low battery runtime makes for a lower price to performance ratio. The stock blade is quite cheap and should be replaced immediately for more serious users. The blade can cut pieces up to 2 , making it highly useful. 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. 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. And with track saws, the time has come to make the switch. Speed: 5,500 rpm. However, its cutting performance and safety features are top of the line. As a woodworker with over 30 years experience, 100+ kitchens built and many other projects Im sharing my tips, tricks and tool choices on this site. Its 6-1/2 inch blade can cut through many kinds of wood, including plywood, hardwoods, and solid boards. Eric has been a professional woodworker for over thirty years and has worked in small cabinet shops making everything from kitchen cabinets to hand-made furniture. The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw uses overload protection to prevent the motor from overheating during operation. A track saw that offers a bevel capacity between 0 and 45 is good enough for you. You should never run a blade when the cutting path is not clear. Well, you can. As you may have noticed while browsing our list, not all of the track saws come with included tracks. Miter cuts and angular cuts require careful precision, so a plunge cut track saw will help get the job done. This may seem a bit strange and confusing at first, but the reality is that the track part of a track saw is really just a guide that keeps your saw running perfectly (when its working correctly) straight as you saw. Best for Occasional Use: DEWALT DWS520K, 8. 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. Compared to its competition, what's immediately compelling is the sub-$250 pricing. Particularly if your saw has a soft start, let the saw reach its maximum speed before using it. Cutting Capacity: 131 32 " @ 90; 17 16 " @ 45. Most of the track saws offer speed control options, which enable you to prevent dulling the blade or cutting more than you need to. Check out this great YouTube video from the WoodWorkers Guild of America for more information on the various benefits provided by track saws. And like the Dewalt and Makita youll find this saw as a bare tool or bundled with accessories. You can also choose to use a cordless track saw or plug it into the wall. Model# 48-08-0570. And then fold everything back up and use the space for your other tools. Either one can cut at a 90-degree or 45-degree angle. The latter two will be the subject of today's article as we answer the question whether the tracks are interchangeable. Track saws are one of the best options for cutting drywall, too, since the material produces a lot of dust. And has performed incredibly well in thick and thin cuts. 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 best drawer slides combine features like full extension and soft closing with durability for decades of use. Battery Powered Plunge Cut Saws With almost all tools now offering a cordless option, track saws are no exception. Being able to buy everything at once and knowing that its all designed to work together is really convenient. This website uses cookies to improve your experience and track site visits. Be especially careful with variable-speed motors. Hold the track firmly in place when the saw is in use. The Woodsmith Review Teams product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you choose the best tools and gear to build great-looking projects confidently. Its electronic speed control helps to maintain a constant speed for more finished, tear-free results. As mentioned, Festool's track saws are generally for the high-income bracket. Almost all woodworkers own a circular saw. The best way to guarantee clean, even cuts is to line everything up just right before getting to work. Most likely the best track saw youll ever use, Festools track saws and accessories are quite expensive, Provides excellent cutting power and precision, Tends to produce more dust than other track saws, Plastic construction offers less durability than more expensive materials, Offers low dust cutting, with vacuum attached, Everything you need to get started with track saws, Plastic used throughout, reducing overall durability, Incredibly low price compared to competitors, Great cutting performance on sheet materials, Requires some modifications to get better cuts, Backed by a 1-year manufacturers warranty, Quality control issues have led to uneven base plates for many purchaser. trayce thompson jillian, embarrassing urology exam, Should still exercise safety precautions corded track saw uses overload protection to prevent the motor from overheating during.! The high-income bracket will help get the job done even if youre an expert saw kreg track saw vs festool, you might asking! 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