The FLEXVOLT features an all-powerful brushless motor that delivers wonderful speeds up to 4000 RPM, and its 6 heavy-duty blade uses that speed to effortlessly cut through a wide range of materials, including hardwood. Most Powerful: Bosch GKT13-225L, 10. Also available frominternationaltool.com. The latter two will be the subject of today's article as we answer the question whether the tracks are interchangeable. While initially more expensive if you are not invested in Festool or Makita batteries, these saws are fully feature and power capable. Like they always say, measure twice, cut once. Track saws offer excellent dust collection to keep the job site tidy while also offering incredibly accurate and smooth cuts. 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. On-board tool storage. Watch. To keep costs down, Kreg used a fair amount of plastic in the housing of the track saw and the guide track itself. The Mafell track saw weighs 17 pounds while the Festool weighs a mere 4.5 pounds. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. 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 corded track saws provide you with more power, cordless track saws are more portable and easy to operate. It looks like Kreg paid very close attention to a lot of people's complaints about other saws. Kreg Tracksaw It's the Kreg ACS1000 if you google it more pics come up. The saw features a 12A variable speed motor that also comes with load compensation and electronic braking capabilities, making this a much more safer option for you. Capable of cutting depths up to 2 , the DEWALT DWS520K track saw uses a low-profile blade guard so you can get right next to the action. Surprisingly, the Powertec track was an EXACT replica of the Makita. While you can buy multiple lengths of track and connect them together, sometimes the joins can be a little unreliable. 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. Luckily, a spring-loaded riving knife and anti-kickback mechanism prevent kickback, and a straight plunge mechanism makes it easier to use. Which means this type of saw needs to be connected to at least one accessory. For woodworkers that live from their garage you know that space is a premium. It features variable speeds from 1,350 to 3,550 RPM, and it can handle materials that are up to 2-3/4 inches thick. They both look so similar and seem to do basically the same thing, so why do circular saws tend to cost so much less than track saws and what benefits do they provide? $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 A circular is better than a track saw at making rapid cross-gain cuts in dimensional lumber. A track saw with a larger blade enables you to cut through thicker materials. The motor is also quite loud and doesnt deliver as much power as its competitors. It only reaches out to a couple of feet however so it may not be appropriate for all uses. The main difference between the two saws is their cutting capacity and precision. Miter cuts and angular cuts require careful precision, so a plunge cut track saw will help get the job done. If you are also looking for the best track saw in 2023 for your woodworking or DIY projects, then we have the best options for you to choose from. The guide track is designed to slot right into the bottom of the track saw to provide a smooth ride along your material that keeps the saw perfectly placed as you push the blade along your surface. 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. Weight: 11 lbs. A circular saw, miter saw, or some other saw just cant compete with a track saw for this purpose. Lets have a look at these features. Cordless track saws, on the other hand, offer more portability but tend to run out of juice fairly quickly. Festool makes quality machines and components, but you can expect to pay more for the privilege of owning them compared to their competitors. A few models even have a hose that vacuums debris from the work surface as you go. ACS Project Table If you need to make several rip cuts or lots of identical pieces, table saws work best. Which, by all reviews and specifications is the superior tool. Evolution Multi-Material Circular Track Saw, Routers are great tools but they can be tricky to operate. You can use this model by itself or pair it with the Project Table Kit for extra perks. There are also hand-held and even table saws you can lock onto your work table. Similar to the DOMINO and Kapex miter saw quality their saw does what you expect: straight, splinter free cuts. . When it comes to corded track saws, you can find a track saw with a 10A to 20A output. Good luck and stay safe. I can see this finding a home in a lot of hobbyists garages. I have the Kreg version. Now that you know the difference between the different types of saws, lets get back on track and talk about tracks. For a more detailed breakdown and recommendations based on use cases, check out the Who Its Best For sections of each review. Guide rails clamp to your work, so having to hold the saw down is not as necessary. This saw cuts well with accuracy but can also cause a fair bit of vibration during use. Either one can cut at a 90-degree or 45-degree angle. Hence the reason youre here today hunting for the best track saw. A three-blade change system allows you to swap out a new blade easily. When youre not using the saw, put a blade guard over any exposed blades. Most of the track saws feature 6 blades that can cut through materials that are up to 2 thick. Circular saws and track saws may look very similar, but they are designed for different tasks. 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. The included guide track and project table are also quality pieces of equipment. Cutting Capacity: 131 32 " @ 90; 17 16 " @ 45. Most track saws work best with wooden materials. The Festool track has a nifty zero-clearance strip on the blade side. Cutting thick laminate or subfloor near cabinets requires a saw that goes right up to the toe kick edge. A table saw can cut longer material pieces, but youre going to need more workshop space for such projects. This may seem odd, but many track saws are sold without an included track. And, with Festool having a long history of being a top tool provider youll gain all the features noted below. The variable speed dial gives users the freedom to adjust and work with different materials. The best way to guarantee clean, even cuts is to line everything up just right before getting to work. 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. 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. By visiting this website, you opt-in to the use of cookies. The circular saw uses a retracting guard that moves out of the way as you cut into your material. Nonetheless, the 6-1/2 inch saw blade should help do the trick. 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 a bit slower than the Festool. Ensure they are sharp and the right size for your saw (the best size is a 160mm diameter and 20mm round arbore bore). While brand preference may factor into most tool purchases, a track saw might tempt woodworkers to switch things up. 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. And the track quality is as equally important to a great cut as the saw itself. 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. Its optional but advantageous 55 guide rail system comes from robust anodized aluminum. Chad Stanton explains what he likes and doesn't like in this . It is also called a plunge saw or plunge-cut saw since the saw plunges into the material for a thorough cut. However, the 3-year limited warranty may be the deciding factor for buyers that want to make sure their money is well spent. And, you guessed it, youll be managing TWO cords with a traditional saw. A plunge circular saw just means that the blade will plunge into the material youre cutting. A: Yes, you will need to change the blade on your track saw eventually. One hard truth about track saws and table saws is that their strengths sometimes overlap. The saw has a large cutting capacity with variable speeds ranging from 2000 to 5,200 RPM. The Festool 575389 may also be one of the largest track saws you may find in the market, and it is powered by a high-torque 10A motor, which varies the speed between 1350 RPM and 3550 RPM to offer you a fast and smooth cutting experience. Additional sections of tracks are available according to Ryobi. They are still portable, though, since you dont always mount them to your worktable. They are fast, easy to operate, and are suitable for a wide range of materials, such as plywood, fiberboard, and lumber. 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. 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. - Editor. Though many manufacturers have stuck to standards, not all tracks or saws are compatible with one another. The stock blade is quite cheap and should be replaced immediately for more serious users. 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. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. The DEWALT DSC520ST1 track saw kit comes with an included 59 guide track so you can get started right out of the box. Since these cordless saws will use batteries you already own the $150-200 savings there can override any overall tool performance. Combined with their 62 inch guide track, you can plunge-cut plywood, solid wood and other materias with it with great accuracy. This kit even comes with an included dust collection bag for easy cleanup. Power tools can help make jobs go by faster, easier, and with much more precisionwhich is exactly what track saws are designed to accomplish. 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. The only potential weakness I can see is the 1200 W motor. Home Tools Power Tools Saws Track Saw Guide: Choosing The Right Cordless Or Corded Model, Track Saw Guide: Choosing The Right Cordless Or Corded Model. If you are in the woodworking trade, power saws are the companion you need to cut through various materials. Track saws can get closer to walls thanks to their flat blade guard design and they offer much better dust collection. Plus, it also offers you maximum versatility and a smooth cutting experience. 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). This track saw comes with a 10 Amp motor capable of throwing out speeds of up to 5,500 RPM. Copyright (c) 2023 LEAN Woodworking LLC. 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. 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. Track saws, on the other hand, are better at making cuts at different angles aside from 90 degrees. 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. All of this sounds great, but maybe youre thinking to yourself I dont have $400 to spend on another saw. Many track saws have dust ports that redirect the dust into a bag. Bevel range of 0-48. However, be aware that not all tracks are compatible with all track saws. There's not much I haven't encountered over my 30-year career, hence the reason why I'm one of the core contributors at The Tool Scout. 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. While Milwaukee and Dewalt spend marketing dollars freely, the Makita brand is built on decades of reliability. Take note that this may vary, depending on where you are buying your Festool track saw. 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. 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. Track saws eliminate the need to clamp your material down since the saw stays in place. 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. So why cant I just convert my saw to a track saw, you might be asking? As mentioned, Festool's track saws are generally for the high-income bracket. The DEWALT DWS520K track saw is a solid performer that offers great cutting power and accuracy. 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. There are plenty of excellent track saws from Kreg and Festool. Festool 769942 Cross Cutting Guide Rail FSK 420 . 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. However, it may require a fair bit of fiddling around with to get it to perform at the level you need. Best Basic Track Saw: Shop Fox W1835, 9. The Festool TS 55 REQ saw kit comes with an impressive 55 track and includes the track guide for precise cuts. Makita vs. Dewalt and Makita vs. Milwaukee is a pretty common brand comparison. The Sidewinder features a powerful 10A heavy-duty motor that can provide impressive speeds up to 5500 RPM. Its worth knowing that Festool has the most variations in track saws of any manufacturer. Our reviews are structured in a consistent manner to make it easier for you to compare and contrast the different products and to find the one thats right for you much faster. Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2" Plunge Track Saw Kit, 3. The Grizzly saw does, however, fit on the Festool track, but the saw blade extends out well beyond the rubber splinter guard. 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. It is easy to see that the Festool track saw is lighter and thus more portable than the Mafell saw. According to Ryobi TS 55 REQ saw kit comes with an impressive 55 track and talk about tracks the kick. The variable speed dial gives users the freedom to adjust and work with different.. Blade easily from 90 degrees, offer more portability but tend to run out of juice fairly quickly @ ;. Well spent a retracting guard that moves out of the way as you go like Kreg paid very attention! Vs. 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