Continue reading to gain an understanding of the considerations that should be made when purchasing a new track saw, and then proceed to the following section to read in-depth analyses of some of the track saws that are now available on the market. Check out these innovative saws if you’re looking for some assistance in ensuring that your project stays on the right path.
When Choosing a Track Saw, What Factors Should You Take Into Account?
Because track saws are still a relatively new addition to the world of do-it-yourselfers despite the fact that they have been available for some time, it can be difficult to determine which model would be the most appropriate for a certain situation or price range. If you are looking to get a track saw, you should think about getting one of these.
The Measurement of a Knife’s Blade
Track saw blade size determines the maximum material thickness that can be cut. A track saw can usually cut through 2 inches of material. Larger track saws with 8 14 to 9 14-inch blades can cut 2 34-inch materials. Tiny track saws with 4.5-inch blades can cut through 1-inch thick materials.
Preferences for Velocity
Track saws can alter cutting speed, unlike circular saws. The operator must be able to control the saw’s speed to prevent burning, dulling, and splintering. Variable track saw speeds range between 2,000 and 5,000 RPM (rpm). High-speed settings are appropriate for framing lumber and pine plywood. Dense woods like locust or walnut require a slower speed. Slowing down protects the blade and prevents burn marks. Reduced blade speed might cause backlash. Some track saws have anti-kickback devices.
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Also See: Find Woodworking Classes Near Me
Ableness of Beveling
Versatile and adaptable track saws let you modify the blade’s bevel angle. A track saw makes 90-degree square cuts. Bevel cuts can save time and effort throughout the manufacturing process. Cutting 45-degree bevels onto boards or sheets for shelves or furniture improves adhesive contact. It produces a nice join and avoids the need for plywood edge banding.
Strength of a Motor
A corded track saw should have enough power like a circular saw. It’s difficult to quantify their usefulness for a first-time buyer. Most track saws are based on the sidewinder circular saw design, and makers emphasize the saw’s amp rating. Amperage refers to the greatest electrical current the motor may draw, not power.
Battery voltage can be used to predict cordless saw power. 20-volt battery-powered saws are generally more effective than 18-volt ones. This is a good rule of thumb, despite exceptions.
Cord Size
The cord length of a saw, especially a track saw, might affect its usefulness. Roofers and framers often replace a circular saw’s standard wire with a 25-foot chord to prevent snagging.
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A longer chord is preferable when working with extended tracks and materials. Users require an extension wire to hang up. If the track saw’s cable is just 6 feet long, you may require an extension cord to cut 8-foot plywood. The last track may catch the cord. A greater reach will lessen the likelihood of the cord becoming snagged on the worktop or sawhorse.
Protective Measures for a Track Saw
Track saws are more than circular saws with tracks. These precision-cutting tools have variable speeds, gentle motors, and a superior blade. Track saws are safer than circular saws for long cuts. The saw blade follows the track, which helps the operator avoid kickback. Several circular saw models incorporate cam locks that prevent kickback or jumping off the track.
A “shot board” guides circular saws for carpenters. A plywood “track” is important for straight cuts, such as when trimming a door.
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Track saws use gummy rubber strips to keep the track in place and anti-chip rubber strips to prevent chips. Clamps hold the track to the table for larger cuts, although they’re not infallible. These saws are well-suited for their tasks thanks to their high-quality blades and chip guards.
Here is Our Top Picks of Best Track Saw
1. Bosch GTK13-225 Track Saw
- Powerful to the utmost
- Gently sloping downwards
- Excellent backpack for keeping track of equipment
- Expensive
The Bosch track saw was the easiest to operate and made the most cuts in our tests. This saw engages the thin rail easily. Perfectionism is futile. It slides. The motor remains smooth even while cutting red oak or composite decking. It runs smoothly, and its variable speed was never lowered because it always produced clean cuts with little tear-out or blade markings.
Two 63-inch rails and a tote bag are included. Its long cord and 126-inch rail make it suitable for deck construction rips and crosscuts. Most powerful, with minimal vibration and a straight handle. This saw beyond my expectations.
2. Festool Plunge Cut Track Saw TS 55 REQ-F-Plus
- A very precise and clean cut.
- Long-lasting design
- Expensive
The fact that this track saw is so robust and well-made makes it an excellent choice for usage on a crowded construction site. Reviewers have complimented the product on its consistently high level of accuracy. According to the opinion of one of Amazon’s customers, the cuts are so exact and even that they must have been made with the assistance of a laser.
This track saw can be purchased on its own as a tool, but Festool also provides the option to purchase it as part of a bundle that also contains a track. Splinters will no longer be a problem, regardless of the approach taken.
3. Makita SP6000J 6-1/2″ Plunge Circular Saw
- A 12-amp motor provides the kind of robust, reliable power required for tough jobs.
- Capable of functioning easily in large spaces
- Superb skills underwater.
- First-Rate Hardware Kit
- Invested some time in mending rips and scratches in the composite decking.
- The electronic brake is not quite as firm as it should be in some respects.
Because it is both smooth and powerful, the plunge-action on this track saw is my favorite of all of the ones that I’ve used. Using this saw, I can produce cuts that are extremely exact at high speeds without leaving any saw marks in oak or maple plywood. Because of its high degree of professional performance and its modest asking price, it has a cost-to-value ratio that is exceptional.
The Makita was able to cut through anything we threw at it with ease and precision thanks to the user-friendliness and seamless operation of its 55-inch rail. Because of its smooth electronic brake, relatively gentle start, and superb kit box, we were able to recognize its outstanding quality even as we worked our way through fairly dense composite decking.
4. Evolution Multi-Material Cutting Circular Track Saw Kit
- Large bladed knife
- Cost That Is Within Reason
- Rapid-fire, multi-instrumental music
- A model that is substantially slower than those of its competitors.
If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t need a fancy tool to get the job done, the track saw that Evolution sells is a fantastic choice for you. Despite the fact that its top speed leaves something to be desired, its enormous 7.25-inch blade is capable of making cuts that are up to 2.5 inches deep.
The value of the kit has been greatly increased as a result of the addition of a track. Some customers who left reviews on Amazon, on the other hand, thought that the song was too brief and resented that it was divided into three pieces.
5. Kreg ACS2000 Adaptive Cutting System Saw
- The Adaptive Cutting System from Kreg is compatible for usage with the Project Table.
- A maximum angle of bevel of 47 degrees.
- Includes a handy tote bag
- There are no clamps provided.
Oak, pine, plywood, and decking are all cut cleanly, and the rail is a good length. Because it’s the only blade-left saw, the Kreg track saw and rail is easier to see. The tool’s vertical handle makes long rips and crosscuts easier to press. It has an extra-long, high-quality cable and a carrying pouch. Each track saw should have a dust bag. Each saw can be connected to a vacuum or dust collector, but it’s not always necessary or practicable. It has a smooth start and electronic braking.
The left side and track of the blade have splinter guards. Composite and oak provided tool resistance. The tool’s high speed burned the oak, but decreasing it to four speeds remedied the problem. The cut slowed. Kreg’s track saw fits the company’s worktable system, making it perfect for workplaces without custom benches and tables.
6. Wen 10-Amp Sidewinder Circular Track Saw
- Check out the competition and save money with our low prices.
- Protect yourself with a camera designed to prevent kickbacks.
- The price does not include the track, as well as any extras that may be included.
The fact that Wen’s Sidewinder track saw weighs only about 13.5 pounds makes it easy to transport to and use on any construction site. Because it has a maximum cutting depth of 2.33 inches, it can quickly and easily complete a wide variety of tasks.
Depending on the setting you choose for the blade, you’ll either be able to make scoring cuts or plunging cuts. This saw is reasonably priced at roughly one hundred dollars, but you will need to add additional funds to cover the expense of tracks, clamps, and any other accessories that you might want. This purchase does not include any of them.
7. DEWALT DWS520 TRACK SAW
- By slowing the blade down to speed 4, you will be able to cut clean slices through the hardwood.
- The cord that is extended
- slogging through some very difficult reading
- The top handle makes long-reach cuts more difficult than they would otherwise be.
- The throw on the release switch is relatively long.
Maple ply, composite decking, and finger-jointed pine were no match for the DeWalt track saw. At its greatest speed, the tool’s vibration tore maple ply, which was easily repaired at 4. As the vehicle lowers, the motorhead must be propelled forward in an arc. With the long-release switch throw, it’s not the smoothest fall.
A higher grip on the saw makes cutting massive rips, like half a sheet of plywood, more challenging. Turning the dial or speed knobs is really difficult. The saw has a long cord, a good kit box, and a middling performance, but it’s better than a table saw for cutting MDF and making straight decking cuts.
8. WEN CT1065 10-Amp 6.5-Inch Plunge Cut Sidewinder
This track saw is offered at a price that is not prohibitively expensive. Because of the value engineering done on the tool, it is now so inexpensive that it is no longer useful. There are three distinct depth levels available for you to select from 1/4 inch, 5/8 inch, and full depth.
- It is impossible to see past the price tag.
- A decent amount of slicing depth
- Not the easiest person to work with.
- The stops in depth are too shallow for plywood measuring 3/4 inches or decking measuring 1 inch.
When cutting plywood, a depth of one inch is typically used, although 114 inches is frequently used for other purposes (for ripping and crosscutting decking). The Wen is able to and will produce cuts of full depth in materials of this type; but, doing so will result in the loss of substrate material as well. (As a sacrificial substrate, some industry professionals use a plywood table that has been coated with one inch of rigid foam insulation.)
