Wen Track Saw Review
Contents
- Our Wen Track Saw Review
- WEN CT1065 10-Amp 6.5-Inch Plunge Cut Sidewinder Circular Track Saw
- Features & Benefits
- Our Opinion
- Tips On Using The Wen CT9502
- General User Impressions
- About The Wen Brand
- Things To Consider Before Buying A Track Saw
- Ease of Use
- Maximum Speed
- Capacity
- Product FAQs
- Q: Can This Saw Fit On A Makita Track?
- Q: Does The Saw Come With A Track Too?
- Q: Say, I Want To Cut Into Wood To Make Furniture For My Living Room. Will This Do The Job?
- Q: How Can I Regulate The Cutting Speed Of The Saw?
- Q: Does It Come With A Dust Collection System?
- Q: What Is The Risk Policy On This Product?
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
Track saws are plunge-cut circular saws that ride on a guide rail. The rail keeps the cut straight and helps limit splintering along the edge.
Wen track saws are a budget-friendly way to get that kind of accuracy for DIY projects and occasional shop work.
Our Wen Track Saw Review
To give you proper insight into this amazing brand, we will be presenting our top saw in this wen track saw review:
WEN CT1065 10-Amp 6.5-Inch Plunge Cut Sidewinder Circular Track Saw
This saw is built for long, straight cuts in sheet goods and boards: breaking down plywood, trimming doors and making plunge cuts in the middle of a panel. It is light enough to carry to the work.
A 10-amp motor spins its 6-1/2-inch blade at 5,500 RPM. The depth gauge adjusts from 0 to 2-1/3 inches at 90 degrees, and at a 45 degree bevel it cuts material up to 1-5/8 inches thick.
It comes with a 6-1/2-inch carbide-tipped blade on a 20 mm arbor.
Features & Benefits
In highlighting the key features and benefits of this product, we carefully considered our three core factors in purchasing a wen track saw yet again: Ease of use, speed, and capacity.
Specs
- Weight: 13.55 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 14.06 x 11.61 x 10.63 inches
- Motor: 10 amps; 5,500 RPM
- Includes 6.5” diameter blade and 20mm arbor
- Bevel: 0 to 45 degrees
- Cut depth: 2-1/3 inches at 90 degrees; 1-5/8 inches at 45 degrees
- Base: 12 x 6.625”
- Works with the WEN CT9502 100-Inch Track and WEN CT992F Track Saw Clamps (sold separately)
Our Opinion
As a result of its bevel capacity, it allows the user get creative with making angled cuts while keeping the lines in proper alignment.
Its 2-1/3-inch depth of cut handles plywood, MDF and most boards up to 2x stock, and the track helps keep the cut edge clean.
Unlike table saws, this is more convenient because it is portable and practical. It is versatile because it also is used independently as a plunge saw, leaning on the strength and precision of its flat base.
Flexibility is top-notch as you can choose from three different blade settings which include: for complete plunge cuts, to simplify blade changes, and for creating up to 1/8” deep cuts
Pros
- Its base (measuring 12 x 6-5/8”) comprises precision grooves which allow the saw to move smoothly along the track for as long as possible
- 5,500 RPM motor
- Anti-kickback cams on the base help keep the saw from moving backward on the track
- Rear dust port connects to a shop vacuum hose
- Comes with a two-year warranty
Cons
- The anti-kickback cams can make the saw feel stiff on the track at first
- The cords are not flexible and may prove difficult to use
Tips On Using The Wen CT9502
No track saw is foolproof. To be on the safe side, follow these steps:
- Do not use on non-wood materials
- Only use the saw blade and arbor in the exact measurements as the ones included in the package you purchased initially. Then, adjust the cutting depth accordingly as you go
- Always use a rail track
- Unplug the saw before changing the blade or making adjustments, as OSHA advises for all power tools
WEN lists the WEN CT9502 100-Inch Track Saw rail as compatible. If you use another brand’s track, check the fit before relying on it.
Do not remove the anti-kickback cams. If the saw drags, check that the cams are adjusted and the track is clean, and see the manual.
- Once you start the saw, let it reach full speed, then plunge slowly into the material
- Trying to make a straight and a plunge cut at the same time? One cannot override the other. Press both the plunge release and the power trigger simultaneously
- Kickback can happen, so always hold the saw firmly and never reach under the workpiece
- Before making a plunge cut, check that there are no obstacles in your path as this can cause major hazards
- Clamp the track on slick materials, and let the blade stop before lifting the saw
- Lastly, wear protective gear, including eye and hearing protection
General User Impressions
What are users saying about this brand of track saws that has proven time and time again its effectiveness in ensuring you “stay on track?” we will tell you!
Buyers mostly praise the value: straight, clean cuts for far less than premium track saws. The dust port also gets good marks.
The most common complaint is that the anti-kickback cams make the saw slide less freely. Adjust them per the manual rather than removing them, since they are a safety feature.
About The Wen Brand
Founded in 1951 by Nick Anton, Wen is based in Elgin, Illinois. It sells a wide range of budget-friendly power tools for DIYers and hobbyists.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Track Saw
As there are a lot of options for track saws in various designs, it is important to first take a look at the following factors before you make that purchase.
Ease of Use
Look for a clear depth scale, an easy plunge action and a track that is simple to align with your cut line.
Maximum Speed
Blade speed is measured in RPM (revolutions per minute). The CT1065 is rated at 5,500 RPM. Higher-end track saws add variable speed, which helps with materials like laminates and plastics.
Capacity
This can be gauged by the bevel and cutting capacity. The bevel capacity is what allows you to cut different angles alongside straight lines while cutting capacity is your saw’s power to cut into all types of the required material, no matter the width.
Check the depth of cut at both 90 and 45 degrees against the thickest material you plan to cut.
Product FAQs
Q: Can This Saw Fit On A Makita Track?
A: WEN lists its own CT9502 track as compatible. Fit on other brands’ tracks isn’t guaranteed, so check before you buy.
Q: Does The Saw Come With A Track Too?
A: No, the track is sold separately. WEN’s CT9502 100-inch track is the matching option, and the saw is not compatible with every track.
Q: Say, I Want To Cut Into Wood To Make Furniture For My Living Room. Will This Do The Job?
A: Yes, for plywood, MDF and boards up to about 2-1/3 inches thick.
Q: How Can I Regulate The Cutting Speed Of The Saw?
A: WEN lists a speed of 5,500 RPM, so control the cut with a steady feed rate. Its three settings are for full plunge cuts, blade changes and shallow cuts up to 1/8 inch deep.
Q: Does It Come With A Dust Collection System?
A: No, but it has a dust port mounted at the back where you can attach a dust collection system to help you clean up.
Q: What Is The Risk Policy On This Product?
A: It comes with a two-year warranty. Contact WEN customer support for warranty claims.
Final Thoughts
The WEN CT1065 is an affordable way to get straight, clean track saw cuts in sheet goods and boards up to 2-1/3 inches thick. Budget for the track and clamps, which are sold separately.
Sources
- How to Select and Use a Track Saw Safely and Effectively, This Old House
- Hand and Power Tools (OSHA 3080), OSHA
