The Best Track Saw for Making Accurate and Smooth Cuts

It can be challenging to make clean cuts in wood and sheet material, especially when guiding the saw using your hands. Fortunately, you can deliver straight and precise cuts using a track saw.

With the hundreds of models in the market, finding the right fit could take too long. So, this review explores the best track saws on the market and the things to keep in mind when choosing one.

Related Post: Best Table Saws

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Contents

1. Festool TS 55 REQ Plunge Cut Track Circular Saw

Festool 576708 TS 55 FEQ Plunge Cut Circular Saw in systainer³ - NO Rail
  • When used with Festool guide rails, you can achieve perfectly straight and splinter-free cuts.
  • Spring-loaded riving knife (splitter) keeps the cut kerf open so that the material does not pinch...
  • This reduces the chance of kickback. Antistatic function
  • Blade changes are easier and safer using the fastfix system which locks switch and arbor...
  • Power consumption 1200 watt.

If you want to achieve perfectly straight and splinter-free cuts, the Festool TS 55 is the ideal track saw for you. As you use it alongside the Festool guide rails to get faultless cuts every time with laser-straight precision. Whether you are handling trim carpentry or complex cabinetry, this track saw is the optimal solution to your cutting needs, making it the best track saw on the market.

The spring-loaded riving knife in this Festool power tool ensures the cut kerf stays open to prevent the material you cut from pinching the blade. As a result, there is a minimum chance of kickback, and you will feel more in control as you use this plunge cut track saw. It also comes in two different sizes and offers 9 blade types to cut any surface perfectly.

The FS 1400 55-inch Guide Rail works in conjunction with the Festool TS Circular saw to help you make precise cuts up to 49 inches long. This Festool track saw features an in-built splinter guard to prevent splintering and tear-out while serving as a cutting line to reduce wastage. While there are some additional costs to getting the entire Festool system, you can enjoy expanded capabilities and efficiency with less equipment.

  • Pros
  • Exact cuts
  • Available in two sizes
  • Features 9 different types of blades
  • Reduced wastage
  • It prevents splintering and tear-outs
  • Cons
  • Components of the festool track system are purchased separately
  • The dust port only works with Festool hoses

2. Festool TS 75 EQ Plunge Cut Circular Saw

Festool 575389 Plunge Cut Track Saw Ts 75 EQ-F-Plus USA
  • When used with Festool guide rails, you can achieve perfectly straight and splinter-free cuts.
  • Spring-loaded riving knife (splitter) keeps the cut kerf open so that the material does not pinch...
  • This reduces the chance of kickback.
  • The slip clutch helps to minimize the risk of a kickback and minimizes wear on the blade, gear case,...
  • Blade changes are easier and safer using the fastfix system which locks switch and arbor...

Another excellent power tool that delivers accurate and splinter-free cuts is the Festool TS 75 EQ. The guide rail system that comes with this track saw will help you make consistent cuts every time you use it. As such, you can use it for projects that require exactness, like wooden furniture and cabinetwork.

The whole Festool track system will ensure you can do more with less since it will provide all you need to work on your cuts efficiently and without additional tools. Unfortunately, the individual components are sold separately, which means that you'll have some additional costs.

The built-in spring-loaded riving knife is designed to keep the cut slit open so that the sheet material stays clear of the rear end of the blade. This ensures more control of the track saw since it reduces the chance of kickback, which is one of the many reasons it is one of the best track saws you can buy.

The slip clutch on this Festool plunge track saw also minimizes kickback and wear on the motor, gear-case, and motor, which adds to the longevity. When it's time for blade change, the fast-fix system locks the switch and arbor simultaneously to let you remove the parts easily and safely.

  • Pros
  • It has a spring-loaded splitter.
  • Features a slip clutch for minimal kickback
  • Safer blade change
  • High cutting accuracy
  • Can cut a stack of sheet goods with one cut
  • Cons
  • Additional costs of individual system parts
  • Uses imperial rather than metric measurements

3. Makita SP6000J1 Track Saw Kit

Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2" Plunge Circular Saw Kit, with Stackable Tool case and 55" Guide Rail, Blue
  • 12 AMP motor with variable speed control dial (2,000 - 5,200 RPM) for optimum performance in a...
  • Large cutting capacity (2-3/16" at 90° and 1-9/16" at 45°). Power Type- Corded
  • Bevel capability (-1 to 48°) with positive stops at 22.5° and 45°
  • Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2" Plunge Circular Saw Kit, with Stackable Tool case and 55" Guide Rail
  • Powerful 12.0 AMP motor for optimum performance in a wide variety of materials

The Makita SP6000J1 6 1/2 inch plunge circular saw kit comes with several convenient features, including an electric brake, a top handle, and a lock lever. All these components combine to provide a precise cutting experience with minimal tear-out. The plastic and magnesium components offer less weight making this circular saw easy to use and better than a table saw since it is portable.

The Makita 6 1/2 inch plunge track saw features electronic speed control, which helps you maintain a consistent speed under the sheet materials for a smooth cut. You can set the speed for the type of performance you want depending on the materials you want to cut using the variable speed dial control, which ranges between 2,000 and 5,200 RPM.

With a tilt range of -1 to 48 degrees, you can deliver smooth slanting edges making this circular saw ideal for cabinetry, carpentry, stair, work, flooring, and general woodwork. The powerful 12 amp motor features a soft start function for smooth start-ups, which helps you feel more in control, making the Makita SP6000J1 6 1/2 inch one of the best track saws for you.

  • Pros
  • Smooth mirror-finish
  • Splinter-free cuts
  • Variable speed settings for better speed control
  • Soft-start feature
  • Large cutting capacity
  • Precise bevel cuts
  • Cons
  • The plunge release and trigger are not very ergonomic
  • It takes time to learn to use the soft-start and brake functions properly.

4. DEWALT DWS520K Track Saw Kit

DEWALT Circular Saw, 6-1/2-Inch, TrackSaw Kit (DWS520K)
  • Zero clearance track saw cutting system delivers precise, straight, splinter-free cuts.Power Tool...
  • For use with track saw dual-edged tracks for perfectly straight cuts in both directions
  • On-track cut depth: 2-1/8 (54mm) at 90 degree , 1-5/8-inch (41mm) at 45 degree ; depth scale...
  • 12A, 1300W motor effortlessly powers through hard woods up to 2-1/8-inch thick
  • Continuous Anti-Kickback mechanism and riving knife prevent kickback when engaged; Low profile blade...

If you are looking for a portable track, saw for making straight and splinter-free cuts in carpentry or woodwork, the DEWALT DWS520K is the choice for you. It features the precision of a table saw, combined with the cutting capacity of a panel saw while still being a corded track saw.

This track saw moves along an anti-slip aluminum track to let you make clean and straight cuts. The DEWALT DWS520 also features a zero-clearance track with anti-splitter edges that indicate the precise cut location. This ensures you position the saw blade intuitively for an accurate cut.

The DEWALT DWS520 also has a straight plunge mechanism for making splinter-free plunge cuts and an anti-kickback feature that can provide additional control. This function ensures that the only direction the blade saw moves is forward.

The DEWALT track saw features a dust collection system with a quarter-inch dust port for gathering dust and debris to minimize clean-up. The 6 1/2 inch woodworking blade has 48 teeth for delivering high-quality straight and bevel cuts without deflection.

  • Pros
  • Features a dust collection systemEasy to use
  • Zero-clearance track saw
  • It has a depth scale that indicates the depth of cut accurately.
  • Anti-kickback mechanism
  • Compatible with dual-edged tracks
  • Cons
  • The plastic parts might not be durable.
  • The depth adjustment knob could be hard to turn.

5. SHOP FOX W1835 Track Saw

SHOP FOX W1835 Track Saw
  • 120-Volt, 9A, 1.1 kW, 5500 RPM
  • Blade rim speed is 9070 feet per minute
  • Blade size is 160mm diameter and 20mm arbor
  • Features 1-1/2-inch dust port for collection to a shop vacuum or dust collection system
  • Portable and highly accurate

The SHOP FOX W1835 track saw is one of the most durable options on the market. It has a rugged build designed to provide reliable service for years because of its right quality components. This portable track saw is a great alternative to a table saw or panel saw in accurately cutting sheet goods.

It works alongside the D4362 Shop Fox Guide Rail and the accessory pack, which combine to make it easy for you to trim doors, make plunge cuts, and cutting full plywood sheets. Even without the guide rail, the SHOP FOX W1835 can maintain accuracy and safety during use.

It has a bevel gauge for making 45-degree cuts smoothly and handles for optimum stability when cutting. The spring-loaded riving knife and the depth stop ensure minimal kickback risk, a feature found in the best track saws on the market.

  • Pros
  • Cutting depth stop feature
  • Anti-kickback functions
  • It has a dust port
  • Durable build
  • Portable
  • Cons
  • Poor blade quality
  • Underpowered motor

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Track Saw - Buying Guide

There are some factors to keep in mind in your search for a suitable track saw. Considering them will help you make a sound choice that will satisfy your needs.

1. Speed

One of the things to look at when choosing a track saw is the speed. The speed of these power tools determines the rate at which you complete the work you do. If you select a track saw with a low speed, you'll take longer to work through the wood and carpentry, which will consume your time and energy.

So, you'll need to check the maximum speed the track saw is offering. This is typically represented in revolutions per minute (RPM). The higher the RPM, the faster you can work.

2. Bevel Tilt Range

Another factor to consider is the track saw's ability to make deep angled cuts. This is essential in woodwork and carpentry since you might occasionally need to cut wood at an angle. Most track saws can make straight cuts, but for slanting cuts, you'll need to ensure the one you choose has bevel capability.

Fortunately, the track saws in this review have this function and can easily make those cuts while leaving a smooth edge. You'll want to ensure you can easily adjust the angles to get the desired outcome.

3. Motor Power

The power of the motor determines the speed of your track saw. That is why it is crucial to know the amount of power the saw needs to run. You should choose a model with high-end motor technology to ensure you can easily power it to cut through materials.

Additionally, the tougher the materials you are cutting through, the higher the track saw's power should be. So, if your planning to work on hardwood or high-density materials, you'll want power tools with maximum power.

4. Corded vs.Cordless Track Saws

Corded track saws require a direct power outlet and can provide consistent cutting power. The main downside to this type is the freedom of movement. They are portable only to the length of the power cord and are therefore restricting.

On the other hand, a cordless track saw features a battery pack that stores the charge it needs to run. The primary advantage of this type of track saw is portability. Since they don't have a power cable, you get more freedom of movement with cordless track saws. Unfortunately, as the battery power reduces with time, the power of the saw will also decrease.

5. Durability

When considering the durability of track saws, you need to look at the materials used to build them. A track saw made from durable metallic components could be the most durable. Some models use some plastic components, which could be fragile according to various track saw reviews.

So, you should ensure you are putting your money into a track saw that will serve you for years without the need for replacement. A track saw with a metallic casing, carbide saw blades, and high-end plastic can last long enough for you to get satisfaction.

6. Cleaning

Making precise cuts requires a clean environment with minimal visual obstructions. Normally, you'd have to clear out the dust and debris from your work surface during cutting. However, some modern track saws come with a dust collecting system that vacuums the waste from the table to let you work with less need for constant cleaning.

This system helps to keep you from inhaling the sawdust or getting it in your eyes. These models will have dust ports where you can fit a vacuum cleaner to keep your workspace neat.

7. Guide Rail Compatibility and Length

To use a guide rail, your track saw should be compatible with it. If it is not compatible with guide rails, you can't use them together. So, you should choose a track saw that can work with guide rails if you want the best cuts.

Guide rails work alongside the track saw to ensure you attain the highest accuracy in your cuts. If you have a short guide rail, you will have to join several to direct your cutting, which might not produce the best results. As such, you should select a longer guide rail since it will give you a longer capacity to make a continuous straight line.

8. Blade Size

In addition to the materials and ease of installing your blades, you should consider the blade size you need. This will determine the type of cuts you'll make. Larger blades will result in faster cuts, which will save you some time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best plunge saw on the market?

The Festool TS 55 REQ Plunge Cut Track Circular Saw is the overall best track saw you can buy.

2. Is there a difference between track saws and circular saws?

There are several differences between track and circular saws. Firstly, a track saw features a long track in front, whereas a circular saw doesn't. Then, a track saw can easily make a crosscut, rip cut, and angle cut, while a circular saw can only make crosscuts and rip cuts.

3. How do I protect myself as I use a track saw?

When using a track saw, you should wear protective gear, including goggles, work boots, and gloves to keep dust and debris away.

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