Track Saw Vs Table Saw Comparisons
Contents
- Our Top Track Saw Vs Table Saws Are:
- 1. Makita SP6000J Track Saw – First Choice
- 2. Festool TS 55 REQ Track Saw
- 3. SHOP FOX W1835 Track Saw
- 4. DEWALT DWE7491RS – First Choice
- 5. Makita 2705 Table Saw
- 6. Bosch 4100-09 Track Saw
- Buying Guide
- The Difference Between Track Saw And Table Saw
- Things To Consider When Buying A Track Saw Or Table Saw
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
Track saws and table saws overlap: both make straight, clean cuts. The difference is that a track saw moves along a guide rail over a stationary panel, while a table saw holds the blade still and you push the wood through.
This comparison explains where each one wins and shares the models we like.
OUR TOP PICK
The Makita SP6000J Track Saw is our first choice. It is a 12-amp, 6-1/2-inch plunge saw with variable speed and an electric brake.
OUR TOP PICK
In the table saws category, DEWALT DWE7491RS is our favorite. It has a 15-amp motor, a 32-1/2-inch rip capacity and a rolling stand.
Our Top Track Saw Vs Table Saws Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Makita SP6000J Track Saw | 1. Makita SP6000J Track Saw Top Track Saw | - Saw weight: 9.7 pounds - 12 AMP motor, 2,000-5,200 RPM - 55" guide rail (included in rail kits; sold separately with SP6000J) - Blade: 6-1/2" 48T Carbide-Tipped Saw Blade | Check Current Price |
| 2. Festool TS 55 REQ Track Saw | 2. Festool TS 55 REQ Track Saw | - Weight: 19.56 pounds - Dimensions: 12.2 x 11.5 x 15.5 inches - Power source: Corded electric | Check Current Price |
| 3. SHOP FOX W1835 Track Saw | 3. SHOP FOX W1835 Track Saw | - Weight: 12.79 pounds - Dimensions: 10.6 x 13.4 x 9.5 inches - Power source: Corded electric | Check Current Price |
| 4. DEWALT DWE7491RS | 4. DEWALT DWE7491RS Top Table Saw | - Weight: 110 pounds - Dimensions: 31 x 24.5 x 31 inches - Power source: Corded electric - Warranty Description: Three years | Check Current Price |
| 5. Makita 2705 Table Saw | 5. Makita 2705 Table Saw | - Weight: 82 pounds - Dimensions: 32 x 36 x 15.3 inches - Power source: Corded electric | Check Current Price |
| 6. Bosch 4100-09 Track Saw | 6. Bosch 4100-09 Track Saw | - Weight: 124.2 pounds - Dimensions: 39 x 29.8 x 21 inches - Power source: corded electric - Warranty Description: One-year warranty | Check Current Price |
1. Makita SP6000J Track Saw – First Choice
The SP6000J 6-1/2" Plunge Circular Saw is our favorite track saw in this review. It runs on a 12 AMP motor with a variable speed dial from 2,000 to 5,200 RPM, plus soft start, electronic speed control and an electric brake.
It bevels from -1° to 48°, with positive stops at 22.5° and 45°. A depth stop lets you make a 1/16-inch scoring cut first for cleaner, splinter-free edges.
It cuts 2-3/16 inches deep at 90° and 1-9/16 inches at 45°. Note that the SP6000J ships with a blade, wrench and case; the guide rail is sold separately or in a rail kit. This flexibility makes the power saw a brilliant choice for both trim and finish work when doing contract or remodeling your home.
Specs
- Saw weight: 9.7 pounds
- 12 AMP motor, 2,000-5,200 RPM
- Guide rail: 55" and 118" rails sold separately
- Blade: 6-1/2″ 48T Carbide-Tipped Saw Blade
Pros
- Suitable for both professional and DIY kind of tasks
- Designed with rich features for top performance
- Electronic speed control holds speed under load
- Electric brake
Cons
- Expensive, and the rail costs extra
2. Festool TS 55 REQ Track Saw
Second is the Festool TS 55 REQ, a premium plunge track saw. Festool has since replaced it with newer TS 55 models, so check what is currently sold under this listing.
The saw comes with a Guide Rail Splinterguard, and a replaceable splinter guard that allows you to get zero-tear cuts and minimal material waste. It also has a spring-loaded riving knife that keeps the kerf open so the wood does not pinch the blade, which helps prevent kickback.
The rear dust port connects to a shop vacuum or dust extractor, which captures much more dust than cutting without one.
Specs
- Weight: 19.56 pounds
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 11.5 x 15.5 inches
- Power source: Corded electric
Pros
- Comes with a FastFix system that makes changing the blade easy and fast
- A great tool for making straight and splinter-free cuts
- Designed with a highly effective dust evacuation system
- Uses hardened carbide blade
Cons
- Does not come with track clamps
3. SHOP FOX W1835 Track Saw
The SHOP FOX W1835 is a lower-cost track saw with a 9 AMP motor. It may be harder to find new today.
The most conspicuous thing about the saw is that it allows you to make both straight and angle cuts. Using the saw, you can make deep cuts of up to 2-5/32 inches when cutting at 90 degrees, and 1-⅝ inch when cutting at 45 degrees.
It has a riving knife that extends and retracts with the plunge to help prevent kickback.
The track saw also comes with a 1 ½” dust port that is capable of rotating 360 degrees, which implies you can point it to the direction it will not get into your way when working. You can connect it to a shop vacuum with a 1-1/2-inch hose.
Specs
- Weight: 12.79 pounds
- Dimensions: 10.6 x 13.4 x 9.5 inches
- Power source: Corded electric
Pros
- Makes clean and splinter-free cuts
- Good for making angle-cuts
- Riving knife helps prevent kickback
- Rotating dust port
- Affordable
Cons
- Noisy
4. DEWALT DWE7491RS – First Choice
The DWE7491RS 10-In. Jobsite Table Saw and Rolling Stand is our top table saw pick. It is a 10-inch jobsite saw with a 15 AMP motor and a 32-1/2-inch rip capacity.
It cuts 3-1/8 inches deep at 90° and 2-1/4 inches at 45°. The rolling stand folds for transport.
Dust exits through a 2-1/2-inch port that you can connect to a shop vacuum. Guarding parts, the riving knife and fence adjust without tools.
Specs
- Weight: 110 pounds
- Rip capacity: 32-1/2 inches
- Power source: Corded electric
- Warranty Description: 3-year limited
Pros
- Designed with an efficient dust collection system
- The saw is sold with a long warranty of three years
- Comes with rack & pinion telescoping fence system for easy adjustments
- Strong and durable
Cons
- Heavy
5. Makita 2705 Table Saw
Our second table saw is the Makita 2705, a 10-inch, 15 AMP contractor-style portable saw. It is an older model that may be discontinued, so check availability before buying.
It has a large cutting capacity, about 3-5/8 inches at 90 degrees, and a machined table top. Furthermore, its 3/8 x 3/4 inch T-slot miter gauge features special grooves that allow you to make diverse angle cuts.
Its modular guard system works with a riving knife that adjusts without tools for through cuts and non-through cuts. For dado cuts the guard comes off, so use extra care and featherboards.
Specs
- Weight: 82 pounds
- Dimensions: 32 x 36 x 15.3 inches
- Power source: Corded electric
Pros
- Good for both on and off-workshop cutting tasks
- Allows for greater cutting capacity
- Uses a tool-less blade adjustment system
- Designed to last
Cons
- The warranty is short
6. Bosch 4100-09 Track Saw
Despite the “track saw” in its product name above, the Bosch 4100-09 is a top-rated table saw, not a track saw. It is a 10-inch jobsite saw with a 15-amp motor.
Its SquareLock rip fence locks square to the blade.
It is heavy, but the wheeled stand makes it easy to move.
The gravity stand makes it easy to set the saw at different heights for greater working convenience. Further, it comes with pneumatic wheels that allow you to move the table saw easily on any surface.
Specs
- Weight: 124.2 pounds
- Dimensions: 39 x 29.8 x 21 inches
- Power source: corded electric
- Warranty Description: One-year warranty
Pros
- Easy to set up using its gravity-rise stand
- Designed with a mitering gauge for angle cuts
- Strong and durable
Cons
- Expensive
Buying Guide
Now that you know the best track saws and table saws on the market, it is time to pick the perfect piece for your work. Here, we are going to take a closer look at the two types of saws to differentiate them and tell you the key features to help you pick the best.
The Difference Between Track Saw And Table Saw
A table saw has a blade fixed under a table. You push the wood past the blade, guided by a fence. It is ideal for ripping many boards to the same width and for narrow strips.
A track saw is a plunge circular saw that rides on a guide rail. The panel stays still and the saw moves, which makes long, straight cuts in full sheets of plywood easy and accurate.
The track that comes with the saw also makes the tool easy to use because you only need to align it with the targeted cutting line.
Track saws are small and light, so they travel easily. Even wheeled jobsite table saws are bulky by comparison.
Things To Consider When Buying A Track Saw Or Table Saw
Power
Motor power matters for thick hardwood. Corded track saws are typically 9 to 13 amps, and portable table saws about 15 amps. Speed, or revolutions per minute (RPM), matters less than a sharp blade suited to the material.
Brand
Established brands such as Festool, Makita and DEWALT offer rails, parts and service. With a track saw, also check that the rail system fits your plans, since rails are not always cross-compatible.
Ease Of Blade Adjustments
Tool-free depth, bevel and riving knife adjustments save time.
Safety
Table saws need the guard, riving knife and anti-kickback devices in place. OSHA’s kickback guidance notes that ripping causes more kickbacks than crosscutting and advises standing to the side of the blade. Track saws also have a riving knife; clamp the rail and keep the cord clear.
Final Thoughts
You do not always need both. A track saw handles breaking down sheet goods and straight-line cuts, and it fits a small shop.
A table saw is faster for repeated rips, narrow strips and dadoes. If you rip lots of boards, choose a table saw; if you mostly cut plywood panels or need portability, choose a track saw.
While we stand with the pieces that we reviewed in this track saw vs table saw comparison, the Makita SP6000J Track Saw is our overall pick for its variable speed, bevel range and splinter-free cuts.
