Are you in a hurry and simply want to know what is the best track saw to buy? Makita SP6000J1 is your #1 option. Keep on reading to find out why.
Accuracy is critical in woodworking. It was surprising to learn how difficult it can be to create straight cuts in the shop, even when I used tools like a circular saw that were designed to make them. Fortunately, I discovered the track saw.
Track saws resemble circular saws in many ways, but the added guide allows you to make very precise cuts without having to worry about drift as you move the saw. Another consideration is plunge cuts, a feature that provides this design with another name: plunge cut saw.
The fact is, track saws will improve your accuracy as well as speed up your workflow. Let’s take a closer look at these tools and follow that up with a closer look at nine of the best track saw models.
Track Saw Buying Guide: Things To Consider
Top-rated track saws compared:
Best Track Saw Reviews
Makita SP6000J1 – Best Track Saw for the Money
- 12 AMP motor with variable speed control dial (2,000 - 5,200 RPM) for optimum performance in a variety of materials
- 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°
OVERVIEW
This list starts with a track saw that employs a 12 amp motor. That type of power will get you through most of the wood that you are working with, as well as other materials.
That motor can generate RPMs ranging from 2,000 to 2,500 as well. It is another factor to consider, especially since you can adjust the speed to meet the demands you are placing on the blade as it cuts.
PROS
CONS
DEWALT DWS520CK Track Saw with 59 and 102 Inch Guide Rails
- Zero-Clearance Anti-Splinter Edges - Edges indicate actual cut location. Provides splinter free cuts.
- Dual Edge Track System - Provides perfectly straight cuts. Dual edge design works in both directions.
- Straight Plunge Mechanism - Non-pivoting, parallel-link mechanism for optimal ergonomics.
OVERVIEW
One thing that DeWALT is known for is the quality of the products that it offers. This track saw kit is no exception with a housing made from quality metals as well as impact-resistant plastics that can take abuse in professional settings. You might find this important, especially if you will be using this as a professional on the job.
PROS
CONS
Festool 575390 Track Saw w/ 75″ Guide 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 the blade.
- This reduces the chance of kickback.
OVERVIEW
Festool produces many different plunge-cut saws, and this model is one of the easiest to handle. That is great news, especially if you are new to using these types of power tools, as easy controls and added safety features provide users with confidence as they work.
PROS
CONS
WEN CT1065 6.5-Inch Plunge Cut Track Saw
- Ditch the table saw: rip boards up to 2-1/3 inches thick with clean, splinter-free cuts
- Create 45-degree bevel cuts in boards up to 1-5/8 inches thick
- Perfect for ripping boards or for performing internal plunge cuts
OVERVIEW
Designed with the DIY homeowner or casual woodworker in mind, this affordable track saw provides speeds designed to make blades work efficiently. A top RPM range of 5,500 can be reached under no load, helping to make up for a lower level of amps the motor generates.
PROS
CONS
SHOP FOX W1835 Plunge Cut 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
OVERVIEW
If you are looking to purchase just the track saw itself, SHOP FOX offers this model with you in mind. A lower price point may allow you to purchase a plunge cut saw without requiring an expensive bill. An entry-level price does not mean that you cannot get track saw performance out of this unit, however.
PROS
CONS
Festool 575387 Plunge Cut Track Saw
- 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 the blade.
- This reduces the chance of kickback. Antistatic function
OVERVIEW
This is the second model from Festool on this track to see the reviews list, and this product stands out due to the power that it provides. It will generate no-load speeds ranging from 2,000 to 5,200 RPMs from the 1,200-watt electric motor.
PROS
CONS
Triton TTS1400 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Track Saw
- Requires either the TTSTP track and/or the TTST1500 track for Saw operation.
- Easily accessible shaft lock for fast blade-change
- Soft-grip handles for comfort & control and a Plunge lock for safety
OVERVIEW
This product is all about power. 1,400 watts of power consumption will generate 12 amps of power from the electric motor. Add to this a variable speed that ranges from 2,000 to 5,300 RPMs, and you will have one of the more powerful track-saw models I have reviewed on this list.
PROS
CONS
Evolution Power Tools R185CCSX Circular Track Saw Kit w/ 40″ Track
- Designed To Cut A Wide Range Of Materials Without Changing Blades
- Powerful 15 Amp, Hi-Torque Motor Accurately Cuts With An Adjustable 2 - 1/2 Inch Depth
- Includes 40 Inch Track, Ergonomic Soft Grip Handles, Dust Extraction Port & Adaptor, And Premium 7-1/4 Inch Blade
OVERVIEW
This product represents a more traditional circular saw and makes this list due to the track saw components included with its purchase. It will allow you to perform clean cuts with the saw guide system, but you will struggle with the blade guard a bit when attempting plunge cuts.
PROS
CONS
DeWalt DCS520T1 6-1/2-Inch Saw – Best Cordless Track Saw
- Zero clearance TrackSaw(TM) cutting system delivers straight, splinter-free, precise cuts
- For use with TrackSaw(TM) dual edged tracks for perfectly straight cuts
- Continuous Anti-Kickback mechanism and riving knife prevent kickback when engaged
OVERVIEW
This offering from DEWALT includes a complete cordless track saw kit. Your purchase consists of the saw, a battery pack, and a charger. However, the guide rail must be bought separately.
With a 6-1/2-inch blade design, this track saw will cut 1 5/8 inch at 45 degrees and 2 1/8 inch deep at 90 degrees. This capacity should typically be enough to cut 2×4 framing lumber with a single pass.
What I specifically like about this cordless track saw is DEWALT’s trademark Zero Clearance TrackSaw cutting design, which allows for splinter-free straight cuts. This is a nice feature since most cuts require cleanup afterward. The precision of this track saw compares to that of a table saw.
The dust collection system on this one was designed by DEWALT to work at angles up to 90-degrees. You may find that this track saw is easier to control due to its lower profile. However, this can also be a drawback if the hose drags along the guide rail or the angle generates more clogging at the elbow.
PROS
CONS
Kreg KMA3700 ACCU-Cut XL Guide Rails
- Premium Home Improvement Cutting Tools: Track saw guide turns circular saws into precision, edge-guided tools
- Handy Woodworking Tools: The saw guide's universal sled makes your right- or left-handed circular saw compatible
- Accessible Carpenter Tools: The saw track is easily portable, so you can make splinter-free cuts anywhere
OVERVIEW
This standalone track saw guide from Kreg is a great choice for those of you who already have a circular saw. This guide rail system will allow you to transform your circular saw into a track saw.
This product from Kreg is reasonably priced. It will allow you to make cuts up to 100 inches in length.
The strip on this circular saw guide is designed in a way that supports the edges of the cut and reduces tear-out. This will help you achieve smoother cuts with your circular saw.
If you ready have a circular saw, this rip-cut will help you save money because you won’t have to buy any of the aforementioned track saws, some of which are quite expensive.
PROS
CONS
More Options: Best Circular Saw Guide Rails Review
Track Saw 101
What’s a track saw and do you need one?
You might be asking, “What is a track saw?”. The best track saws resemble circular saws in many ways. Track saws use a circular saw blade to cut through the material you are working on. It can be held with one or two hands and is designed to make straight cuts.
Two design elements stand out with track saws, however.
For one thing, best track saws house the blade inside of the saw body. That allows you to place it anywhere on your project before activating it for a plunge cut. You can make these difficult cuts far more easily with a track saw.
Secondly, track saws are designed to be used with a guide rail. A guide rail will let you make straight cuts without having to worry about drifting off of your cut-line. You will save material and time when using this feature.
Are there drawbacks to track saw design?
One drawback of track saws is the material thickness they are capable of cutting. You will probably not cut material thicker than two inches, even with the best track saws. Track saws are not as effective with thin materials as well, so you might avoid using a track saw on materials that are 1/8-inch thick or thinner.
It uses clamping mechanisms or anti-slip surfaces to hold the guide in place. These can move and cause the guide to be out of alignment if you are not careful. You will also need room for the guide, so it might not be the best tool for tight spaces.
Finally, keep in mind that track saws are designed for long, straight cuts. That makes track saws a fantastic tool for cutting panels. Track saws may prove less convenient when making quick crosscuts on framing timbers or shorter rip cuts where drift will not be a concern.
Who would benefit from having a track saw?
While anyone can benefit from having a good track saw, those new to construction, DIY projects, or general woodworking will appreciate track saws the most.
If you are looking for precise cuts on sheets for carpentry projects or furniture, track saws will definitely help. Those looking to learn and master plunge cuts will also appreciate this product.
Track Saws vs. Other Power Saws
Track saw vs. circular saw
A track saw offers advantages that include:
- Easier set up – You can just align and cut after marking your project;
- Cleaner cuts – The edges of your projects will have less chipping;
- Straighter cuts – You won’t have drift when using the guide.
A circular saw would probably stand out with:
- Tight spaces – You will need room for the guide on a track saw;
- Uneven surfaces – The guide will struggle to sit flat with unsupported sheets or rough surfaces;
- Small cuts – You will find that the best circular saws are faster and plenty more accurate for crosscuts and short rip cuts where drift won’t be an issue.
Track saw vs. table saw
Advantages for track saws here include:
- Portability – You can take a track saw to the work;
- Easier to cut sheets – The saw fits on the material, not the material on the saw;
- Cuts on material that cannot move – This includes wall components or heavy objects.
Table saws can perform some tasks better:
- Repeatability – A table saw fence will allow you to make repeatable cuts quickly;
- Milling cuts – Dado and Rabbet cuts can be done on a table saw and not on a track saw.
The Best Track Saw To Take The Plunge With
- 12 AMP motor with variable speed control dial (2,000 - 5,200 RPM) for optimum performance in a variety of materials
- 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°
Each model reviewed above will provide you with features you can use in a variety of scenarios. With that being said, I feel that the Makita SP6000J1 Plunge Circular Saw Kit represents the best track saw we have looked at.
To begin with, this model provides 12 amps of power with a decent RPM range. That will allow you to cut through most wood projects a beginning or intermediate woodworker will be creating. Being able to get 11/16 inches away from a wall also makes this a nice choice for a lot of DIY projects, such as flooring.
It may only come with a one-year limited warranty, but it also has design features that include a torque limiter that should reduce motor wear. It comes at a medium-price point that puts it within range of all but those who are on a very limited budget, making it an option for most readers.
