The Best Track Saw Reviews & Buying Guide
Contents
- The Best Track Saws Are:
- 1. Festool TS 55 REQ Track Saw: Best Track Saw
- 2. Shop Fox W1835 Track Saw: Plunge Saw for the Occasional Woodworker
- 3. WEN 36055 Circular Track Saw: Best Budget Track Saw
- 4. Triton TTS1400 Plunge Circular Track Saw: Easiest to Use
- 5. Dewalt DWS520K 6-1/2-Inch Track Saw Kit: Most Versatile
- 6. Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Circular Track Saw: For Heavy Duty Tasks
- 7. Dewalt DCS520T1 Flexvolt 60V Max 6-1/2-Inch Cordless Track Saw Kit: Best Cordless Track Saw
- Some Important Considerations When Buying Track Saws
- Track Guides
- Brand
- Speed
- Ease Of Usage
- Powerful
- Safety
- Price
- Sawhorses
- Track Saws vs Other Kind of Saws
- Conclusion
- Sources
A track saw, also called a plunge saw, is the tool to use if you want to create more precise straight cuts faster. As its name suggests, it’s a saw on a track, which acts as a guide to ensure clean, straight edges in your long cuts.
It is more portable than a table saw and more accurate than a freehand circular saw, and it sets up quickly.
Here are the seven track saws we recommend:
OUR TOP PICK
Our top pick is the Festool TS 55 REQ Track Saw. This track saw is highly versatile, lightweight, and very easy to use. It comes with a decent motor that delivers a variable speed control. Changing blades is very easy, and it comes with several safety features.
The Best Track Saws Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Festool TS 55 REQ Track Saw | 1. Festool TS 55 REQ Track Saw Top Pick | - Speed: 2,000 to 5,200 RPM - Blade Diameter: 6.25 inches - Bevel Capacity: 45 degrees - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 9.92 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 2. Shop Fox W1835 Track Saw | 2. Shop Fox W1835 Track Saw | - Speed: 5,500 RPM - Blade Diameter: 6.3 inches - Bevel Capacity: 45 degrees - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 11 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 3. WEN 36055 Plunge Cut Circular Track Saw | 3. WEN 36055 Plunge Cut Circular Track Saw | - Speed: 5,500 RPM - Blade Diameter: 6.25 inches - Bevel Capacity: 45 degrees - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 11 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 4. Triton TTS1400 Plunge Track Saw | 4. Triton TTS1400 Plunge Track Saw | - Speed: 2,000 to 5,300 RPM - Blade Diameter: 6.25 inches - Bevel Capacity: 45 degrees - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 6.5 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 5. Dewalt DWS520K 6-1/2-Inch Track Saw Kit | 5. Dewalt DWS520K 6-1/2-Inch Track Saw Kit | - Speed: 1,750 to 4,000 RPM - Blade Diameter: 6.5 inches - Bevel Capacity: 45 degrees - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 11.5 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 6. Makita SP6000J 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Circular Track Saw | 6. Makita SP6000J 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Circular Track Saw | - Speed: 2,000 to 5,200 RPM - Blade Diameter: 6.5 inches - Bevel Capacity: 22.5 and 45 degrees - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 9.7pounds | Check Current Price |
| 7. Dewalt DCS520T1 Flexvolt 60V Max 6-1/2-Inch Cordless Track Saw Kit | 7. Dewalt DCS520T1 Flexvolt 60V Max 6-1/2-Inch Cordless Track Saw Kit | - Speed: 1,750 to 4,000 RPM - Blade Diameter: 6.5 inches - Bevel Capacity: 47 degrees - Power Source: Battery-Powered - Weight: 12.5 pounds | Check Current Price |
1. Festool TS 55 REQ Track Saw: Best Track Saw
Festool’s TS 55 REQ is a favorite for demanding work. Paired with a Festool guide rail and its splinter strip, it makes precise cuts with very little tear-out, so you waste less material.
It has a spring-loaded riving knife that keeps the kerf open behind the blade, which reduces kickback. The depth stop is micro-adjustable for precise settings.
Set the angle and depth once, and it makes repeat cuts that are straight and clean, which saves sanding and edge cleanup.
Changing blades is a breeze with its FastFix system. It locks both the switch and the arbor in one go, making way for faster arbor bolt removal. It is a compact machine, and the guide rail helps even novice users get precise cuts.
Specs
- Speed Control Range: 2,000 to 5,200 RPM
- Diameter: 6.25 in
- Bevel Cutting Capacity: 45 degrees
- Power Source: Electric-Powered
- Weight: 9.92 pounds
- Amperage: 10 amp motor
- Guide rail: 55 in
Pros
- Highly versatile
- Kickback is very low
- Compact and lightweight, comparable to a circular saw
- Blade is very easy to change
Cons
- It does not come with any clamps
- Hefty price tag
Verdict
We think that the best track saw is this one from Festool. It cuts with precision, it is easy to use, handy, and safe to use. The only downside is that it is quite expensive but if you are doing a lot of woodworking projects and you are tired of always seeing splinters on your work, you should definitely invest in this tool.
2. Shop Fox W1835 Track Saw: Plunge Saw for the Occasional Woodworker
Our next track saw review is one for Shop Fox W1835. If woodworking is a hobby and not a profession, you most likely can get away with something as light-duty as this one. It has an accessible price tag and features that do not disappoint even when you are a professional.
It has a 9-amp, 120-volt motor and a 5,500 RPM no-load speed.
The included blade size is 160mm in diameter and has a rim speed of 9070 feet per minute. It also already includes a 1-1/2 inch dust port that will connect easily to your shop vacuum. At 90 degrees with rail, it has a maximum cutting depth of 1-31/32 inches and without rails; it can accommodate 2-5/32 inches.
This Shop Fox W1835 track saw is affordable but still offers a lot in terms of durability and performance. It creates precise cuts with minimal effort. It doesn’t require rigorous setup and is fairly easy to use. You basically can use it right out of the box.
This unit makes straight and plunge cuts. As a plunge saw, the blade stays inside the housing until you plunge, so there is no flip-up lower guard to snag. A riving knife keeps the kerf from pinching the blade and helps prevent kickback.
Specs
- Speed: 5,500 RPM
- Size: 6.3 in
- Bevel Capacity: 45 degrees
- Power Source: Electric-Powered
- Weight: 11 pounds
- Amperage: 9-amp motor
- Guide rail: Sold separately
- Max cut depth at 90 degrees: 2.156 in
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Comes with features for your protection
- Very easy to set up
- Allows straight and plunge cut
Cons
- Not that much power
Verdict
Even when you only need a track saw every once in a while for your projects, you should still look for something reliable and hardworking. Shop Fox W1835 fits the bill.
It might not be for heavy-duty woodwork, but it still can be relied on for a variety of light projects. It is quite affordable and still provides nifty and useful features that can help you produce clean results.
3. WEN 36055 Circular Track Saw: Best Budget Track Saw
This affordable saw has a 9-amp motor and a 6-1/4-inch blade with a 5,500 RPM no-load speed.
Although it is not as expensive as the others are, it still has many helpful features such as the self-retracting riving knife, the depth adjustment stop, the swiveling dust port, and the ability to bevel for angles up to 45 degrees.
It cuts accurately in plywood and hardwood, and the grooved base rides smoothly on the included rails. Maximum depth of cut is 2-5/32 inches.
The depth stop sets how deep you plunge, and the self-retracting riving knife helps reduce kickback.
You can make angled cuts with this plunge saw as it can be beveled at angle of up to 45 degrees. It will allow you to make angled cuts on wood materials with 1-5/8 inches of thickness.
The depth stop makes adjustments easy, and the dust port swivels 360 degrees.
Specs
- Speed: 5,500 RPM
- Diameter: 6.25 in
- Bevel Capacity: 45 degree angle
- Power Source: Electric-Powered
- Weight: 11 pounds
- Motor: 9-amp
- Guide rails: 2 x 27″ included
Pros
- Makes accurate cuts
- Makes plunge cuts
- Minimizes the chances of a kickback from happening
- Lightweight and very easy to use
Cons
- That blade that comes with it is not sharp
Verdict
This is the most affordable one in our roundup of the best track saws, but it does not skimp when it comes to features. It is still capable of doing a precise plunge cut without leaving splinters behind.
The safety features you can find in other products are in place with this one. You will like how stable it is and how it’s as easy as a circular saw to manipulate because of how compact and lightweight it is. Overall, good value for your money.
4. Triton TTS1400 Plunge Circular Track Saw: Easiest to Use
You are getting the tool only with this saw. You might need to get the recommended tracks, which are the TTSTP or TTST1500 tracks separately. However, despite that, it is not lacking when it comes to versatility. Setup is a breeze as there are no complex parts that need to be assembled.
You can make clean and precise cuts all the time. It comes with a mode selector so you can choose from a scribe, free plunge, and blade change mode, whatever is needed when you are working with it.
It boasts of stability, thanks to its rear bevel and dual front quadrants. The dual alignment cams also work in tweaking the settings of the base on the track. With this, you will get professional results all the time.
It has a soft start, cuts precisely with little splintering, and the blade change mode makes swapping blades easy.
Variable speed lets you match the speed to the material, and it has overload protection. It cuts right up to the edge of the rail.
This is why the Triton TTS1400 is an ideal choice for cutting hardwood floors. The dust extraction system is well-designed, and the included universal adapter connects to an existing shop vacuum.
Specs
- Speed: 2,000 to 5,300 RPM
- Diameter: 6.25 in
- Bevel Capacity: 45 degrees
- Power Source: Electric-Powered
- Weight: 6.5 pounds
- Guide rail: sold separately
Pros
- Changing the blade is an easy task
- Features a well-designed dust extraction system
- Soft start and overload protection
- Delivers precise cuts
Cons
- It does not come with a track
Verdict
This is a user-friendly corded saw with a mode selector, soft start and good dust collection. Budget for a Triton track, since none is included.
5. Dewalt DWS520K 6-1/2-Inch Track Saw Kit: Most Versatile
The Dewalt DWS520K is a zero clearance track saw that makes precise, crisp long cuts for DIYers and professionals.
For straight cuts in both directions, you can use this Dewalt unit with dual-edged tracks. You can also use this track saw to cut materials in tight and awkward spaces, thanks to its low-profile blade guard. It has a 12-amp motor and a 6-1/2-inch blade.
The motor delivers speeds from 1,750 RPM to 4,000 RPM. The variable speed setting allows you to control the RPM to suit your cutting needs.
You can also use this tool for cutting through plywood and hardwood up to 1-5/8 inches thick at angle of 45 degrees and 2-1/8 inches at 90 degrees. Furthermore, this unit comes with a depth scale that shows the exact depth of your cut, providing you with more consistent and precise results.
It weighs about 11.5 pounds, heavier than some saws on this list. The included 48-tooth blade cuts cleanly with little deflection. The track is sold separately.
Specs
- Speed: 1,750 to 4,000 RPM
- Diameter: 6.5 in
- Bevel Capacity: 45 degrees
- Power Source: Electric-Powered
- Weight: 11.5 pounds
- Motor: 12 amp
- Guide rail: sold separately
- Max cutting depth: 2-1/8 in at 90°, 1-5/8 in at 45°
Pros
- Powerful 12-amp motor delivers great cutting capacity
- Super sharp blade minimizes deflection
- Comfortable and safe to use
- Delivers incredibly precise and accurate cuts
Cons
- Some users said the design and build quality needs some improvement
Verdict
If you are looking for a highly versatile track saw, this is the best option for you. This track saw is very powerful and you can use it with dual-edged tracks for smooth, precise, and splinter-free cuts in both directions. It is also very easy and comfortable to use.
6. Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Circular Track Saw: For Heavy Duty Tasks
The Makita SP6000J1 is a 12-amp track saw that cuts hardwood smoothly. The J1 kit includes a 55-inch guide rail; the SP6000J is the saw without a rail. To prevent over-torquing, this unit delivers a soft start.
The motor of this unit delivers speeds between 2,000 RPM and 5,200 RPM, giving you more control over the tool. This tool delivers more accurate miter cuts, which is one of its major selling points. When making miter cuts, this unit does not flip out of the track, as it comes with little discs that help to lock it in.
One other unique feature of this Makita model is its scoring stop button, which stops the saw at a cutting depth of 2mm. This saw also comes with the one-movement lock feature for changing blades. This feature helps to reduce downtime, as it makes it very easy for you to change the blade. The Makita SP6000J1 is also versatile, as you can use it with the Festool track.
It has an electric brake that stops the blade quickly. However, the Makita SP6000J1 does not have a riving knife, so take extra care to support the workpiece and keep the kerf from closing on the blade.
There are also complaints that the tracks it comes with are a bit difficult to set up.
Specs
- Speed: 2,000 to 5,200 RPM
- Diameter: 6.5 in
- Bevel Capacity: 22.5 and 45 degrees
- Power Source: Electric-Powered
- Weight: 9.7 pounds
- Amperage: 12 amp
- Guide rail: 55″
- Depth scale included
Pros
- Variable cut speed control settings
- Extremely smooth track action
- You can use it with Festool tracks
- Track locks to prevent tipping on bevel cuts
- Electric brake
Cons
- No riving knife
- Power cord is short
Verdict
The Makita SP6000J1 track saw has a strong motor for most cutting tasks. The 12-amp motor delivers great efficiency and high performance. It also offers accurate and precise bevel cuts and variable speed settings give you more control over the unit.
7. Dewalt DCS520T1 Flexvolt 60V Max 6-1/2-Inch Cordless Track Saw Kit: Best Cordless Track Saw
The Dewalt DCS520T1 Flexvolt 60V Max Cordless Track Saw is the last item in our track saw reviews and our best cordless pick. It runs on a 60V FLEXVOLT battery and has no cord to drag across the work.
This cordless track saw is very similar to the corded version. It comes with a riving knife to help reduce kickback, and this is a very important feature for your protection. Unlike other battery-powered tools, the 60v battery of this unit delivers more power and more runtime on the job site.
It uses a full-size 6-1/2-inch blade and cuts smoothly. Speed is variable from 1,750 to 4,000 RPM, and it bevels to 47 degrees. Maximum depth is 2-1/8 inches at 90 degrees and 1-5/8 inches at 45 degrees.
The T1 kit includes the saw, a FLEXVOLT 6.0Ah battery, a charger, a blade, a blade wrench and a kit box. It works with DeWalt’s dual-edge tracks, which are sold separately.
This unit also comes with an anti-kickback feature that helps to prevent kickback as you cut. As a bonus, you can use this track saw with Festool track, making it a highly versatile track saw.
Specs
- Speed: 1,750 to 4,000 RPM
- Size: 6.5 inches
- Bevel: 47 degrees
- Power Source: Battery-Powered
- Weight: 12.5 pounds
- Guide rail: sold separately
Pros
- Offers more maneuverability
- Delivers precise, straight, and splinter-free cuts
- Anti kickback feature
- Straight plunge mechanism for maximum comfort no matter what length the cut
Cons
- It is a bit weighty
Verdict
If you are looking for the best track saw that offers more maneuverability and bevel capacity, then this is the best option for you. This is a cordless track saw and it comes with a long-lasting battery. It also comes with some features that help keep you safe, and it delivers smooth, precise, and splinter-free cuts.
Some Important Considerations When Buying Track Saws
We do not want you to regret your buying decision. That said, here are a few important considerations you need to make when buying a track saw:
Track Guides
It would be awesome if track saws already came with it. But there are advantages to buying your guide rail separately.
For one thing, you can choose the tracks for your specific needs, with the right length, the right material, the right clamps. Try to stick to ones made by the same manufacturer as your saw, just to be assured of compatibility.
Brand
The reputation of the manufacturer matters. With trusted names such as Bosch, Dewalt, Makita, Skil, and even Festool, you already feel confident about your purchase. Another reason to go for trusted brands is that they would probably have their after sales systems in place, so warranty claims and product returns and replacements just might be easier, should you need them.
Speed
Go for a saw with variable speed. Slower speeds help with plastics, laminates and some aluminum, while full speed suits most wood.
Ease Of Usage
Track saws are easier to guide than a freehand circular saw. Still, look for features that make the track easier to use, such as non-slip strips and clamps. Support both sides of the cut so the offcut cannot sag and pinch the blade, which can cause kickback.
Make sure it is as easy to use as the best miter saws we suggested here.
Powerful
How thick are the woods you often cut? Make sure it can cut through the hardest wood or has the power to accommodate a variety of cutting needs. The higher the amperage, the more powerful it is.
Of course, more powerful track saws are usually more expensive, so be sure to get the power that will cater to your specific needs.
If you always work with tougher and harder woods, spend a bit more money on a powerful unit. If you need to grind metal instead, try this 4 1/2-angle grinder.
Safety
When purchasing all sorts of power tools, staying safe something you have to take seriously. Look into standard features that are meant to protect users and make sure the track saw’s blade guard is sturdy and secured well.
Apart from a blade guard, look for a riving knife or anti-kickback feature. OSHA lists binding stock and dull blades among the causes of kickback, so keep blades sharp and the kerf open.
Dust collection matters too. OSHA links wood dust to asthma, dermatitis and, for some hardwoods, nasal cancer, so pick a saw with a good dust port and connect it to a vacuum or dust extractor.
Price
Prices range widely, and rails and clamps often cost extra, so include them in your budget.
Sawhorses
That sheet of wood that you are cutting needs some kind of support. You can lay it across at least a couple of sawhorses, depending on how big your sheet is.
Track Saws vs Other Kind of Saws
A track saw is basically a circular saw with a track. Both devices spin the same type of circular saw blade, but track saws are great for cutting up large sheets of wood to smaller pieces with efficiency and accuracy, while a circular saw is used usually for cross cuts and short angled cuts. The tracks in the track saw make it incredibly accurate and consistent, while the circular saw has more portability for on-the-go, on-the-fly types of applications.
However, for other cutting requirements, other materials, and thicknesses, you may need other tools.
Check out these posts to learn about other saws, what they are for, and what the best products are:
- The Best Pole Saws
- The Best Tile Saws
- The Best Scroll Saws
- The Best Table Saws
- The Best Hybrid Table Saws
Conclusion
With our track saw reviews, we hope that finding the best track saw for your next project would no longer be a daunting task.
From the products reviewed above, the clear winner is the Festool TS 55 REQ Track Saw because it is accurate, lightweight, has adjustable speed, and is very easy to use. The blade is very easy to change and it comes with some helpful features to keep you safe.
