When it comes to cutting wood with ease and precision, a track saw is an essential tool for professional carpenters and enthusiasts alike. The time and effort having one of these saves are second to none.
The amount of customization done with a simple track saw is surprising. The best ones can not only perform accurately massive cuts, they can also measure the depths as pre-determined by the user.
It's also worth mentioning that manually cutting wood with a saw is undoubtedly a safer option. Considering the benefits that can come from purchasing one tool and all the costs you would be saving; it isn't a bad idea to buy the most reliable track saw you can find.
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11 Best Track Saws in 2020 Reviews
Although the basic functions of a track saw are pretty easy to understand, you'd be surprised at the vastness of customization. So, read on to discover the track saw that would suit your requirements the best.
1. Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2 In. Plunge Circular Saw Kit
One of the key features to look out for when buying a track saw is the power of the motor it runs on. Electrical devices such as this depend on it motor for a decent performance.
A powerful engine is only useful if the track saw is customizable in case of speed. Having a pre-set agility function allows it to cut the wood according to the purpose. Precise and smooth cuts are a must, which is what you will get from this tool.
The SP6000J1 not only ensures the inclusion of these features but has piled in a couple of other excellent additions. This Japanese track saw has quite a few tricks up its sleeve.
With a powerful motor paired with customizable speed dial, this is a product that is multi-purpose in function. Regardless of the load, this track saw can easily maintain smooth finishes thanks to its magnesium parts [Check palm sander reviews here to do more skillful finishes on wooden products].
This unit also has a lock-lever that firmly attaches the rail system with the saw, which helps keep the saw on the railing when used for a bevel cut. The additional tool case is undoubtedly another plus point. This product is the best track saw for the money in the current market scene.
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2. Festool 561438 TS 75 EQ Plunge Cut Circular Saw
Nothing is more disturbing than having a track saw with a bad finish. Speed and comfort won't amount to much if the wood has splinters and mismatched dimensions. Continually running between shops for product servicing is also equally troublesome.
The track saw consists of multiple parts. Each part is important when it comes to ensuring accurate and proper cuts. Therefore, it is quite reasonable for users to search for track saws with sturdy components.
A hazard for using track saws is the blade substitution process. Without proper safety measures, one wrong move can lead to users losing their fingers. Another indirect danger would be the kickback of the track saw the users experience when using the device.
These manufacturers designed the 561438 TS 75 EQ with the explicit purpose of ensuring the end of these worries. Made by the very brand that developed the first-ever track saw, this is one product that has the weight of an entire legacy on its shoulders.
The guide rails developed by Festool ensures clean cuts that have no splinters whatsoever. The FastFix method that helps lock the switch and arbor provides a quick and safe blade change. It can easily cut through dense material with perfect accuracy too.
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3. WEN 36055 9-Amp Plunge Cut Circular Track Saw
One of the most critical features a track saw must have is the ability to execute bevel cuts efficiently. The benefit of cutting thick material in an angular motion with accuracy and ease is the hallmark of every great track saw.
Maybe the biggest obstacle a carpenter may face is experiencing kickbacks. Not only does it cause discomfort, but the recoil also requires the parts to be changed out sooner than projected. It is quite evident for carpenters of any skill level to look for track saws with lesser recoil.
When it comes to making straight cuts, a track saw is only as good as the guide rails provided with it. The grip and durability of a guide rail are of great importance to see this through.
The 36055 9-Amp Plunge Cut Circular Track Saw ticks all the right boxes in this case. This track saw comes with not one but two guide rails for a perfectly straight cut. It is also used to make 45-degree bevel cuts with absolute ease.
Made by the US-based WEN brand, it bears the same efficiency of all the products they've made since 1951. Like the company's goal, this is a track saw that is perfect for carpentry enthusiasts.
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4. Makita XPS02ZU 18V X2 LXT (36V) Brushless 18V X2 LXT (36V) Brushless 2.1-Gal HEPA Filter Dry Dust Extractor/Vacuum
One of the biggest annoyances carpenters face when using track saws, is the mess they cause due to all the wood shavings. Not only does it make the work environment catastrophic, but the post-work cleanup is an absolute nightmare.
Another big problem seen when using track saws is the inconsistency in charge created by the motors. Most cannot maintain power for a long time regardless of how strong they are. Charging the engine becomes a time consuming and tedious process.
One grave issue when using track saws is limited capability. Most products only support one type of blade, making it quite linear in case of cutting up various materials.
This XPS02ZU model makes its users feel oblivious to these problems. Yet another product by the Japanese power tool manufacturer, Makita, was designed to bring comfort and convenience to the users.
The circular saw is compatible with a variety of blades according to the material that needs cutting. The device can also be powered on and off using Bluetooth technology, which provides a luxury like no other product.
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5. SHOP FOX W1835 Track Saw
Let's be honest; a track saw is a pretty big investment. Purchasing one certainly burns through one's wallet, and the after-sales upkeep is just as expensive. Finding a unit on a budget is also a very difficult endeavor.
Although there are loads of cheap options in the present market, most of them are useless. Most low-priced track saws are available without important parts that force users to make separate purchases. Many options have to negate a trade-off for it to even be considered suitable.
It's often difficult to find a product with proper features and can be used to carry out day to day activities. In most cases, users often feel scammed when trying to buy a track saw at an inexpensive rate.
The W1835, however, is not only affordable but also a very dependable option among track saws. As part of the SHOP FOX line of power tools, this unit is a common addition on workbenches all across the USA's construction sites.
This track is easily portable and very accurate with its cuts. It's quite efficient for small jobs like skimming the lower part of doors or plunge cuts for middle panels. Although a guide rail comes free of cost with each purchase, it works just as accurately.
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6. Triton TTS1400 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Track Saw
Accessibility is an important factor to consider while purchasing a track saw. Regardless of how many features a unit may provide, its efficiency depends mostly on how easily the user can switch between them.
Comfort is another thing that must be kept in mind. With all the recoil and kickback most track saws cause during their use, a handle with a good grip is always a welcome feature.
For professional woodworkers, a unit that could start up quickly is always preferred. Waiting for a device to warm up to reach the desired speed is an annoying setback. A moderately wide bevel range is always a nice additional bonus to this.
The TTS1400 is a tool that prioritizes accessibility over all else. Manufactured by the US-based Triton brand, this is a no-nonsense down to earth device. It has superb ease of use and can go right till the edges for accurate angles.
It has a couple of pre-set modes that can be switched back and forth easily according to the purpose. The track saw also comes with its very own plunge, saw blade, and a pair of carbon brushes for cleaning.
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7. DEWALT DCS520B 60V MAX 6-1/2" (165mm) Cordless TrackSaw
Backyard carpentry enthusiasts often complain about not being able to use track saws in their homes even after buying a premium product. This quirk isn't the fault of the device itself but merely the high electricity consumption it requires to function.
Track saws often require a lot of current to run on. The voltage requirement can go as high as 140V, which often causes most amateur woodworkers unable to use them. Finding one with low voltage use is also a very taxing experience.
There are a few tracking saws that have safety measures in place to completely stop kickbacks from happening. This recoil results in the eventual wear and strain on various components. Thus, users have almost no choice but to look for replacement parts.
Thankfully, the DCS520B is the perfect solution for home carpenters. This track saw consumes voltage as little as 60 Volts since it operates on batteries.
Made by DEWALT, this track saw can efficiently execute perfect plunges with little to no effect in the workload. It can easily cut across woods as thick as 2-1/8 inches. Each cut is precise and accurate without any flakes at all.
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8. Bosch Tool Track Saw
One of the most significant time-consuming activities in carpentry is setting up the track saw. The average product has multiple components, thus making the process quite lengthy. A unit with a secure setup system would be a convenient feature.
Another time-waster is alternating between rails while making straight cuts and angles simultaneously. A track saw that is readily usable for bevel cuts and consecutive cuts without changing the entire customization increases the overall efficiency of the tool.
Vacuum cleaners are an unnecessary addition to most workplaces. However, these products are an absolute requisite due to all the extra dust created by track saws. Carpenters often look for attachments with a track saw to avoid the clutter of having a vacuum cleaner in their toolshed.
But, sometimes it becomes really necessary to keep a heavy machine in your workshop to clean the dust perfectly. In this case, a cyclone dust collector or a dust extractor machine might help you a lot compared to a vacuum cleaner.
The Bosch Tool Track Saw is the perfect example of a multipurpose tool that’s time-saving and a complete package in itself. This German-made tool is a strong contender to be the best system.
This product can be set up and used to cut up materials within the blink of an eye. Its installed swiveling hose port cleans up the generated dust with ease and eliminates the need for a vacuum cleaner in the woodshed.
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9. Adaptive Cutting System Plunge Saw
The rail guide of a track saw plays a vital role in executing clean, long, and straight cuts, even though it is a very underrated feature. It's never a bad idea to have a track saw that comes with a high length rail guide advantage.
This precision of a track saw mostly depends on the number of teeth the blades of the track saw have. The higher the number of teeth, the more beautiful each cut would be. The blade design is equally essential in this regard too.
Depending on the ability of the user, the track saw design should be selected. These tools have customized versions for both right-handed and left-handed people. This feature will significantly increase the convenience.
Its Adaptive Cutting System Plunge Saw easily caters to these needs. It is made explicitly for right-handed people thanks to its blade-left make, which helps to provide ease in using. The blade is retractable, which also works as an added safety measure.
It also has a total of 48 teeth, which guarantees superior accuracy. The rail is 62" in length, which further adds to help create long and straight cuts without breaking a sweat.
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10. Festool TS 55 REQ Track Saw – Power Circular Saws
A pet peeve any carpenter worth his salt has is the helplessness of having to use a track saw system built with components from various brands. This often drastically reduces the efficiency of the track saw and causes a bad user experience.
Switching out blades also becomes a dangerous task as track saws might be incompatible. Forcefully inserting it into the device creates a high rate of accidents. Therefore, looking for components of the same brand as the track saw is something carpenters eagerly do.
Having components of foreign brands also causes more recoil and create a necessity to switch out parts faster. Furthermore, the guide rail has to be of the same brand to get the finest straight cuts.
The TS 55 REQ Track Saw is a product that is complete within itself. With parts being available in the market, it is easily understandable why most carpenters look forward to buying it.
Yet another product from Festool, this unit perfectly pays homage to the very manufacturers that had developed the first of its kind. When paired up with Festool's recommended attachments, it easily becomes the best circular track saw system in the current market.
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11. Grizzly Industrial T10687-6-1/4" Track Saw - Power Circular Saws
Big construction companies with a large workforce cannot afford premium track saws for all of its workers. However, their larger than life projects often require them to purchase this tool in bulk. The units they require need to be both sturdy and affordable.
Performance is just as crucial. The multi-purpose material penetration ability is an absolute necessity as well. All-in-one packs are the best fit for these devices as separate purchases further increase the cost in these cases.
Considering that most construction workers prefer to work based on intuition, track saws that have guide rails as an optional component is a great deal. Track saws with a bit more weight are also preferred in these scenarios as it adds to their strength.
Thankfully, the T10678 is a perfect fit for industrial use. It can be left around in construction sites with no worries of damages due to its massive weight of almost 12lbs. The product can be used on a wide variety of materials with ease as well.
The blade is strong enough to reach depths of 2-5/3," too, which is a testament to its performing capabilities. The minimal design and powerful functions make it a very dependable device.
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Important Qualities in a Good Track Saw
There are many important qualities a track saw must-have. Below are four fundamental ones for the device to be considered worth purchasing.
RPM Range
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM) helps users indicate how fast a track saw's blades can function. The unit should have the bare minimum of 2,000 RPM to function adequately.
For best results, look for a track saw with a vast range of RPM. The wider the range, the more applicability it will have. A higher RPM also ensures the track saw to be usable on thick surfaces.
Bevel Capacity
Bevel capacity is vital to understand how much of an angle track saws can cut in. Most have a bevel capacity of 90 degrees, but the recent models have a higher one. Many units can also have a bevel capacity from -1 degrees to 48 degrees, which allows the track saws to have a higher capability.
Bevel capacities provide more options to track saws other than only creating a simple straight cut. This advantage helps the user create various angles with minimal effort in no time at all.
Cord Length
There are many such heavy cutting tools that do not require any electricity to operate. For example - a laminate floor cutter. But for cutting tools that run on electric power like track saws, adequate cord length is very important to ensure ease of use. Most track saws require a direct electrical connection. Since a track saw has to be used on floors and walls alike, it is super annoying when the device runs out of connecting wire.
Using an extension cord might seem like a viable solution but keeping one around at all times should just be avoided. The amount of time it takes to attach one is enough to burn out carpenters regardless of their skills and abilities.
It's always best to settle on a cord length that would be optimal for the workplace before buying a track saw. We recommend purchasing 96-inch cords for use in homesteads and 170-inch cords for construction areas.
Blade Quality
The proper blade quality of a track saw depends on the user. A large blade would certainly create deep cuts and also penetrate through thick materials easily. The ones made of steel are quite inexpensive and are easy to sharpen, making it perfect for woodwork.
On the other hand, carbide tip blades are quite costly, difficult to sharpen, sturdier and can perform better in hardwood. The size also varies from user to user.
A casual carpenter can do better with a 6 ½ -inch blade, whereas professionals would better opt for 8 ¼ -inch ones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are rails saws different from track saws?
No, track saws and rail saws are synonymous. The name varies according to the region of its use. Although they are often confused to be different devices, both are the same with similar functions.
2. What kind of blades do you need for a track saw?
The best blade for a track saw depends on the material the user plans to cut, the depth they're aiming for, and the total workload. Carbide-tipped blades are the best due to a wide array of materials it can cut through and superior durability in taking recoil. Many people want to set dado blades in track saw, but it is not safe at all. Dado blades are especially effective for table saws.
3. What is the functional difference between a track saw and a table saw?
Track saws rely on a track to move along when cutting up pieces. It maintains a firm grip on the wood and follows a pre-set trajectory when making straight cuts. On the other hand, the table saw requires the wood to be drawn towards it to be cut, which is much more inconvenient.
4. Can track saws be used without the track?
It’s best not to use the product without the track since using the plunge mechanism would become very difficult then.
5. Is it better to buy a track saw or a table saw?
A track saw is a better option since it is more portable and operable much more quickly.
Final Words
Finding the best track saws for yourself should only be a matter of minutes now. Head over to your local hardware store to buy this amazing tool and start making your wooden creations today!
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