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. It also maintains a constant speed while cutting to provide clean, straight cuts. The optimal cutting depth is usually 1/8, but it should not go so deep that it threatens the saws function. 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. "I got my Festool track saw about 15 years ago. 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. The Makita SP6000J1 track saw provides variable cutting speeds between 2,000 and 5,200 RPM. It only reaches out to a couple of feet however so it may not be appropriate for all uses. Woodsmith is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Kreg is a bit slower than the Festool. However, it may require a fair bit of fiddling around with to get it to perform at the level you need. What track saw cuts deepest? The SP6000J1 optional but advantageous 55 guide rail system comes from robust anodized aluminum. More expensive than equally capable machines, the DEWALT DWS520K track saw relies pretty heavily on its brand name. The diameter of the blade is 165 millimetres, and the arbour hole is 20 millimetres in diameter, both of which are standard blade sizes. Woodworking tools have improved as more companies are competing for the hard-earned money of DIYers and professionals alike. The included guide track and project table are also quality pieces of equipment. Built with excellent materials and with a solid build quality, the Makita XPS01PTJ is an excellent track saw capable of cutting depths up to 2 3/16. The plunge release level is also in an easy-to-reach place for better operator comfort. A track saw with a larger blade enables you to cut through thicker materials. With features similar to the Festool (minus the riving knife) this saw is built to last. 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. The Bosch GKT13-225L saw kit, comparable to a Festool, combines the best plunge action track saw features. Since these cordless saws will use batteries you already own the $150-200 savings there can override any overall tool performance. While not as slick as the dust extractor, a viable option. While initially more expensive if you are not invested in Festool or Makita batteries, these saws are fully feature and power capable. The latter two will be the subject of today's article as we answer the question whether the tracks are interchangeable. Take note that this may vary, depending on where you are buying your Festool track saw. $ 79 00. The best way to guarantee clean, even cuts is to line everything up just right before getting to work. If you need to make several rip cuts or lots of identical pieces, table saws work best. We hope you have fun on your next woodworking project with one of the best. Also available frominternationaltool.com. The Kreg Adaptive Cutting System is a track-guided circular saw you can use for cutting materials with accuracy and precision. After using this saw for the first time any experienced woodworker will wonder why they didnt have one ten years ago. The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw is on the more expensive side of the track saws on our list, especially considering it doesnt come with an included track like many of its competitors do. While track saws are fairly similar in design, they can vary drastically in terms of performance and safety or quality of life features. If you're afraid of that new-to-the-trade brand you might head back to the Makita. However, the 3-year limited warranty may be the deciding factor for buyers that want to make sure their money is well spent. I've used the Festool and while that's clearly superior, I've gotten by just fine with Kreg. It uses a combination of aluminum and plastic to keep the weight and price down without sacrificing much in the way of effectiveness. 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. Kreg is also known for manufacturing high-quality power tools, so it would do you good if you have the ACS2000 in your tool shed. While circular saws and table saws perform similar duties, the track saw is a unique piece of equipment that provides the benefits of a portable circular saw with the reliability and precision of a table saw. Doing so lessens the chance of kickbacks and creates more precise cuts. You need little to no measurement and guesswork for a perfect cut. That way, you wont have to measure and mark out each piece individually. Festool is know for innovative and high performing tools. Most importantly, it also features one of my favorite features of a circular saw: a blade-left design that allows us right-handed users the ability to see the blade and action without leaning over sideways during the cut. The tabletop offers a 55 by 29 work surface and the base is made from heavy gauge steel. Track saws can get closer to walls thanks to their flat blade guard design and they offer much better dust collection. It works well in wood-based sheets, mainly plywood and laminated particle boards. Learn what brands and mounts are best for your project. Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2" Plunge Track Saw Kit, 3. 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. Currently using a Dewalt 20V circ saw and Bora edge guide, but looking to upgrade to either Kreg or Makita track saw and track. There are a number of factors that come into play when you are considering a track saw for yourself. Ensure they are sharp and the right size for your saw (the best size is a 160mm diameter and 20mm round arbore bore). The blade is only as good as the speed with which it is rotated. The saw has a large cutting capacity with variable speeds ranging from 2000 to 5,200 RPM. Plus, merely writing about work, sure does beat doing actual work. Although our list saw some of the best track saws from Bosch and Festool, we have just one track saw we can declare a real winner: the Makita SP6000J1. Bosch GKT13-225L 6-1/2" Plunge Track Saw Kit, 4. Additional sections of tracks are available according to Ryobi. 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. Festool uses a fast fix design on this product. (2) CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. A track saw is a powerful tool, and you need to hold it down to prevent injury and ensure proper and precise cuts. Now working from a home woodworking shop Eric is sharing his passion for woodworking, tool advice and how-to knowledge from his Minnesota-based woodshop. Weve looked at some excellent track saws from Festool and Makita and such, but it all comes back to what you want and need from a track saw. Keep your hands and other objects away from the cutting path, and wear protective gear for your eyes and ears. This kit even comes with an included dust collection bag for easy cleanup. Both feature a powerful, fast circular blade that helps the saws perform similarly. A track saw that has variable speeds between 2000 RPM and 5000 RPM is generally favorable for your requirements. 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. Final Thoughts If you were hoping to get a $500 saw for $230, you will be disappointed. This machine also tends to vibrate quite a bit, causing hand fatigue faster than its competitors. Some customers recommend adding a 9.0 AH battery to increase speed and cutting power for heavier projects. The only potential weakness I can see is the 1200 W motor. Moreover, the track saw is equipped with a cordless technology, thanks to the powerful lithium-ion battery. Ours is a Kreg track saw, but there are many other brands, including Festool and Makita. During blind plunge cuts, you cannot always see the route your blade will take. It is easy to see that the Festool track saw is lighter and thus more portable than the Mafell saw. The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw is priced to compete with the industry-leading Festool track saw and it has features to match. 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 . Good luck and stay safe. There are so many types of saws to choose from, such as a table saw, circular saw, miter saw, chop saw, chainsaw, and many others. Touch device users, explore by touch or . 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. The Makita XPS01PTJ offers variable speed control with automatic speed adjustment technology that optimizes its torque while you cut. New to woodworking and not sure about Makita? The Festool TSC 55 is almost identical to its corded counterpart with the exception of a dual 18/36V battery system powering the blade. 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. A: You shouldn't use a track saw for small cuts, as it might be clumsy. And with these saws featuring dust collection bags vs. attached dust collectors you can be free of two cords and not just one. 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. A track saw is precisely what it sounds like: a saw with a guide rail track that allows you to make better cuts in wood. As you may have noticed while browsing our list, not all of the track saws come with included tracks. For professionals a Festool is considered to be the premium saw due to its anti-splinter and kickback technology. Building a wood top for a desk, table, counter or other project can be as simple as gluing, clamping and sanding. Track saws also offer more precision and cleaner cuts thanks to their guide tracks that keep them on the straight and narrow during operation. Track saws take up a lot less space too. 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. The DEWALT DSC520ST1 track saw kit comes with an included 59 guide track so you can get started right out of the box. Youll need to define your needs to find the best track saw to suit your purpose. Plus, it also offers you maximum versatility and a smooth cutting experience. 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. Couple differences to know: 1) Kreg uses 3/4" dog holes and Festool uses 20mm. Cutting Capacity: 131 32 " @ 90; 17 16 " @ 45. The Mafell track saw weighs 17 pounds while the Festool weighs a mere 4.5 pounds. Festool Festool Plunge Cut Track Saw TS 55 REQ-F-Plus $599 at Amazon Pros Impressively smooth cuts Durable construction Cons Expensive Key Specs Model Number: 575387 Type: Corded Blade. You could stow it in a closet when youre not using it. I have the Kreg Accu Cut what I would call a 'poor man's track saw' and I have used it a lot with my Bosch circular saw (I also have the Kreg Accu Rip). While brand preference may factor into most tool purchases, a track saw might tempt woodworkers to switch things up. Either one can cut at a 90-degree or 45-degree angle. The TS75 features an 8-1/4 inch blade. 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. More Info Quickview. The Kreg ACS2000 also has standard safety features like kickback and binding protection. The best track saw is based on your use. A table saw stays still while you move the material through the blade. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products-learn more about our process. Watch. The price is reasonable and DEWALTs excellent warranty makes this an easy recommendation for DIYers that have the occasional need for a track saw. 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. Table saws are great for projects that you can do in a shop with lots of extra space for loading the material through the saw. The Festool TS 55 REQ saw kit comes with an impressive 55 track and includes the track guide for precise cuts. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED AS IS AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. Its 6-1/2 inch blade can cut through many kinds of wood, including plywood, hardwoods, and solid boards. Most of the track saws feature 6 blades that can cut through materials that are up to 2 thick. Hence the reason youre here today hunting for the best track saw. Whenever this need arises, they often use a jig to guide their cutting, A good band saw helps you cut through metal, wood, and various other materials without a hassle. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: CMT PGC-50 Professional Straight Edge Clamp. Kreg. For my Makita I opted for both a Makita brand track and a Powertec track. The Grizzly saw does, however, fit on the Festool track, but the saw blade extends out well beyond the rubber splinter guard. The Festool 55 Req-F-Plus is the Cadillac of track saws. A circular is better than a track saw at making rapid cross-gain cuts in dimensional lumber. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. There are plenty of excellent track saws from Kreg and Festool. The Project Table is what really shows what the Kreg Adaptive Cutting System can do. Surprisingly, the Powertec track was an EXACT replica of the Makita. Its speed is fast, and its easy to set up. 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. (4) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases linked from this site. Bet it's finicky to use. While it may not be the most powerful tool on the market, its hard to deny the value provided by this great kit. $89.99 Quantity Add to Cart Highlights Rip, crosscut, and make angled cuts up to 50" long in plywood, MDF, and panels Simply align the Guide Track with your marks to make accurate cuts Hold track in place without clamps thanks to anti-slip guide strips Prevent splintering with anti-chip strips that support material during the cut When you are looking for a powerful track saw, nothing even comes close to the DEWALT FLEXVOLT Cordless TrackSaw Kit, which has a premium build and a stellar set of useful features that take your woodworking and cutting experience to a whole new level. Best Premium Track Saw: Festool 55 Req-F-Plus; 3. It offers fantastic accuracy and smooth cutting power that can slice through just about anything you put in front of it. 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. They are still portable, though, since you dont always mount them to your worktable. Plus, its maximum speed 12 amp motor has electric variable speed control. Best Premium Track Saw: Festool 55 Req-F-Plus, 3. Both saws work with many kinds of materials, but a track saw might be the best option if you need something smoother. The company has been making premium quality and highly useful track saws since a long time, and one of its best products is the Festool 575389 Plunge Cut Track, which is known to provide a great deal of utility and versatility. 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. Which is were turning to one of the following saws is best: And with a range from $300-700 for a saw and track theres a quality saw for every budget. The low price point of the CT1065 doesnt reflect on its build quality or features in any way at all. The motor is also quite loud and doesnt deliver as much power as its competitors. In this guide learn the tips and tricks to making this classic game. 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. Last but not least, we bring you the WEN CT1065 Plunge Cut Sidewinder Circular Track Saw, which is one of the best options when you have affordability and value in mind. Unnecessary objects might damage the saw if you do not clear the blade path. 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. Missing this key detail may lead to some frustration when you receive the product and go to put it to use right away only to find you have no guide track for it. It is an efficient and heavy-duty tool that you would enjoy using for your project. For people who work with wood regularly, it might be a good choice. The Pocket-Hole Jig 520 is the most versatile jig yet from Kreg with features that adapt and adjust to suit your project-building needs. Track saws have pivoting shoes so that they can make all kinds of cuts at different angles. Compare $ 64 00 (63) Model# CT9502. On the downside, the Makita XPS01PTJ is a bit on the expensive side, especially considering it doesnt come with an included track. 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. 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. Looking for a larger cut capacity? The best part of the Makita SP6000J1 track saw is its portability. The primary drawback of the DEWALT DWS520K track saw aside from its price are some issues with its design. Cordless track saws, on the other hand, offer more portability but tend to run out of juice fairly quickly. Youll also need another person to hold longer pieces still as you push the material through the saw. Most of the track saws offer speed control options, which enable you to prevent dulling the blade or cutting more than you need to. Its electronic speed control helps to maintain a constant speed for more finished, tear-free results. Track saws have become largely popular in the past decade, mainly due to the DIY movement. Track Saw vs. Table Saw: Whats the Difference? For jobs that require constant cutting for long periods of time, a corded track saw might be a better choice. A track saw that offers a bevel capacity between 0 and 45 is good enough for you. 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. Best Track for Circular Saws: Kreg KMA2685 Circular Saw Guide, great YouTube video from the WoodWorkers Guild of America, Everything You Need to Know About Repointing Brick, Radiant Floor Heating: The Pros and Cons of Warming Up From Below, How to Install a Light Fixture A Simple DIY Guide. The kit comes with the track saw, a 60V battery and charger, a tool box, blade, and the 59 track. Kreg appears on our list multiple times thanks to the excellent job they do of balancing cost and performance with their tools and accessories. A few models even have a hose that vacuums debris from the work surface as you go. It looks like Kreg paid very close attention to a lot of people's complaints about other saws. And they also feature a top notch reputation and distribution channel (read: warranty and repairs). It makes straight cuts and I like the length of the rail (62 inches) but I've had some issues as well. Owners of compatible DEWALT batteries will be able to overcome the short battery life with replacements ready to go. One of the biggest drawbacks of the DEWALT DSC520ST1 is its price point. Be sure to check out my favorite woodworking charity Sleep in Heavenly Peace that builds beds for kids who sleep on the floor. Historically, the plunge-cut tool was first introduced by Festool in 1980. The content is created by The Woodsmith Review Team. The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw uses overload protection to prevent the motor from overheating during operation. I have the Kreg version. Best for Occasional Use: DEWALT DWS520K, 8. But how did we handpick these options? When it comes to corded track saws, you can find a track saw with a 10A to 20A output. Similar to the DOMINO and Kapex miter saw quality their saw does what you expect: straight, splinter free cuts. 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. Best Budget Track Saw: Kreg ACS2000 Saw & Guide Track Kit, 5. Plus, they allow you to align the track with the line you want to cut, and the cut gets finished quickly. 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. Festool 575389 Plunge Cut Track Saw Ts 75 EQ-F-Plus USA. Aluminum Guide Rail Joining Set for Makita or Festool Track Saws (2x55 in . 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. Related Article: Track Saw vs Table Saw And When To Use Each. For woodworkers that live from their garage you know that space is a premium. I'm only half-joking, really. Other than the battery power, youll find the Dewalt FlexVolt track saw to be comparable. For cutting, then it comes with a 6 " blade, and it can also be tilted through to 45 degrees for those bevel cuts. Festool makes quality machines and components, but you can expect to pay more for the privilege of owning them compared to their competitors. 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. Festool 577043 FS 1400/2-KP Guide Rail 1400 mm With Adhesive Pads . You just have to consider your projects and how often youll work with your saw. While the Makita SP6000J1 isnt the cheapest track saw on our list, its not too far off the price of our budget pick. But after a lot of research I ended up with a cordless Makita. A Dewalt fast charger can help make the motor move from 2,000 to 5,500 rpm fast. . Best Warranty: DEWALT DSC520ST1 Track Saw Kit, 6. SgtEddieWinslow 1 yr. ago I have the kreg accu cut track jig. in this guide learn what the alternatives to the popular Festool DOMINO are and why you should invest in this hand-held engineering marvel. Accu-Cut Aluminum Circular Saw Track . Lets look at the main differences between these tools to help you decide if track saws are the right tool for your needs. The right size blade also saves you time and stress, cutting through materials easily.
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