Thus, you can move the material along the intended cutting track. Most of the track saws feature 6 blades that can cut through materials that are up to 2 thick. SgtEddieWinslow 1 yr. ago I have the kreg accu cut track jig. The best drawer slides combine features like full extension and soft closing with durability for decades of use. I use it all the time and love it. You can adjust the track so the saw will stop when its done cutting. 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. 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. Mafell is another German made saw, and is arguably better than the Festool based on reviews and user reports. However, a Makita is a top pick for home woodworkers and there are a few entry level saws that are good for small jobs and occasional use. The Kreg Adaptive Cutting System is a track-guided circular saw you can use for cutting materials with accuracy and precision. If you need to make longer cuts than what one guide rail allows, you can always connect more. Adjusting it before each use ensures proper safety and quality work. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Subscribe for a FREE directory to 300+ hand-selected local and online hardwood retailers. How to Make a Solid Wood Top For Counters, Desks and More. On the downside, the Makita XPS01PTJ is a bit on the expensive side, especially considering it doesnt come with an included track. Ours is a Kreg track saw, but there are many other brands, including Festool and Makita. While a circular saws accuracy in cutting wood is not the best, it can also cut metal. They are slightly easier to handle, making them somewhat more reliable for beginner woodworkers. And for professionals, who already know Festool is the pinnacle of tool quality, their models hit all the key features you need: Coming down a price tier, the Makita has all the features you need. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 129.99 108.32. Variable speed with soft start and constant speed. Youll also need another person to hold longer pieces still as you push the material through the saw. However, the blade cut so well (when new and sharp), we didn't need to do this, even with delicate veneers and melamine. Another important factor is whether the saw is corded or cordless. Take note that this may vary, depending on where you are buying your Festool track saw. Compare $ 149 00 (32) Model# 71387. Images are copyrighted and may not be used without explicit written permission. A: If you are looking to make long and accurate cuts, track saws are worth it. Surprisingly, the Powertec track was an EXACT replica of the Makita. You can use track saws without them, but guide rails help keep the saw on the set path and protect you from splinters. Add to Cart. The 60 volt battery provides great power for slicing through thick materials, but its runtime is a bit lacking. Best Warranty: DEWALT DSC520ST1 Track Saw Kit, 6. Which is were turning to one of the following saws is best: And with a range from $300-700 for a saw and track theres a quality saw for every budget. The blade lock can be a bit of a chore to figure out, and some users have reported that it doesnt seem to work at all. Battery Powered Plunge Cut Saws With almost all tools now offering a cordless option, track saws are no exception. The company has been making premium quality and highly useful track saws since a long time, and one of its best products is the Festool 575389 Plunge Cut Track, which is known to provide a great deal of utility and versatility. . But first, for some metric clarity, the 55 vs. 75 models is simply the maximum depth of cut (2-1/8 vs. 3). 18.95 15.79. Owners of compatible DEWALT batteries will be able to overcome the short battery life with replacements ready to go. There are so many types of saws to choose from, such as a table saw, circular saw, miter saw, chop saw, chainsaw, and many others. A few models even have a hose that vacuums debris from the work surface as you go. Table saws need a lot more room to be used effectively and can often necessitate having a person on hand to help hold and feed the materials through as another person guides the cut. The Bosch GKT13-225L achieves its precise plunge cuts with an easy-to-use plunge mechanism. One hard truth about track saws and table saws is that their strengths sometimes overlap. The track saw is also great if youre working in tight spaces and need a more mobile power tool. You can also choose to use a cordless track saw or plug it into the wall. 1. A table saw can cut longer material pieces, but youre going to need more workshop space for such projects. The only potential weakness I can see is the 1200 W motor. The work you do and your need for accuracy and precision comes down to your preferences and expectations from your tools. The stock blade is quite poor, and the saw has some play that makes getting precise cuts a bit difficult if you dont know what youre doing. A track saw with a larger blade enables you to cut through thicker materials. With these saws its best to consider them in two categories to help split budget vs. features and capability. Other than the battery power, youll find the Dewalt FlexVolt track saw to be comparable. Track saws take up a lot less space too. Hence the reason youre here today hunting for the best track saw. When I went looking for the best track saw for my workshop I figured it would be a Festool or possibly Milwaukee. For best results, connect the plunge release to extend the saw blade, and then press the power trigger before you release the plunge release. As a result, the Kreg saw can be utilised with Festool and Freud blades. 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. - Editor. (5) Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. The Bosch GKT13-225L saw kit, comparable to a Festool, combines the best plunge action track saw features. This may seem a bit strange and confusing at first, but the reality is that the track part of a track saw is really just a guide that keeps your saw running perfectly (when its working correctly) straight as you saw. Track saws also called plunge saws, are a reliable tool for getting accurate and clean cuts of wood and sheet materials. 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. The big issue is that the saw has a bit of vertical play when on the track on 2 corners of the base plate. Not only does it have a powerful motor, a sharp blade, and a cordless feature, but it also provides the best value for money. Track saws, on the other hand, are better at making cuts at different angles aside from 90 degrees. $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 Never underestimate the usefulness of guide rails. While initially more expensive if you are not invested in Festool or Makita batteries, these saws are fully feature and power capable. New to woodworking and not sure about Makita? And the track quality is as equally important to a great cut as the saw itself. The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw is on the more expensive side of the track saws on our list, especially considering it doesnt come with an included track like many of its competitors do. Final Thoughts If you were hoping to get a $500 saw for $230, you will be disappointed. 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. You need both of your hands on deck as well as all of your attention and strength as theyre, Woodworkers often make cuts on wood slabs that are repeated on different types of fine woodworking projects. 800-462-5482, makitatools.com. The Makita XPS01PTJ offers precision and power with batteries that last for roughly 1-2 hours of constant cutting. If youre looking for a cheap track saw and you already own a circular saw, the handy Kreg KMA2685 might be a better option for you. Equipped with Makita's 12 amp motor churning out 2,000 or 5,200 rpm via its variable speed control drive. Make sure you connect everything firmly and take it slow for your first few passes to make sure everything is staying in place. While Kreg may not be a giant brand name yet, they are certainly making strides in the track saw world with their durable and reliable tools and accessories. Lastly, the Bora WTX Clamp Edge and Straight Cut Guide for Circular Saws was the longest cheap circular saw guide we found. If you find yourself limited with that particular tool, and you have the space to add a table saw, you can graduate to one. Woodsmiths editorial staff is not involved. The Shop Fox W1835 track saw is a solid performer that gets the job done without too much fuss, and its offered at an incredibly low price. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: CMT PGC-50 Professional Straight Edge Clamp. It uses a combination of aluminum and plastic to keep the weight and price down without sacrificing much in the way of effectiveness. Even if youre an expert saw user, you should still exercise safety precautions. Makita, like Festool and all the rest, has a reputation for creating one of the best track saws, and their SP6000J1 saw kit model is no exception. High Points. The DEWALT DWS520K track saw is a solid performer that offers great cutting power and accuracy. And combining a dust hose, power cord and tracks makes for a tangle. Best Warranty: DEWALT DSC520ST1 Track Saw Kit; 6. The price is reasonable and DEWALTs excellent warranty makes this an easy recommendation for DIYers that have the occasional need for a track saw. 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