Best Track Saw | Top 08 Picks
Updated: 17-September-2023
Are you looking for the best track saw for making cabinets for your kitchen or store? Or maybe you are looking for the one best for professional carpentry. Track saws bring solution to the table for a wide variety of woodworking applications and have the potential to become a game changer in your projects.
While reciprocating saws and circular saws can be used for a lot of applications, there is no substitute for a track saw when it comes to consistent precise straight cuts. However, with so many options available in the market, choice of the best track saw is not an easy decision to make. That’s why our today’s post ranks 8 of the best track saws available in the market.
Ranking the 8 Best Track Saws
Our rankings for the best track saws are based on a combination of operational features, safety features, ergonomics, maintenance and longevity aspects, manufacturer’s support and consumer feedback. So, without further due, let’s begin.
1
Makita SP600J1
Size 6-1/2" | The Best Track Saw in Competition
Our Rating: 9.7 / 10
Built out of lightweight magnesium components, the Makita SP600J1 track saw weighs only 9.7 lbs. with no compromise on power, performance and features. At its heart lies a 12 amp motor powering it up to a blade speed of 5,200 RPM infinitely controlled by a variable speed dial.
From accurately squaring up furniture grade plywood to cutting sheet-stock, melamine doors and ripping through 8/4" white oak, walnut and jatoba without bogging down, this saw performs like a champ. Cut edge-bendings off a 5/4" white oak without leaving any machine marks. This saw has received tremendous feedback for its accuracy of cuts. It cuts straight as a die with a laser-like precision making it the best track saw to fit your arsenal of woodworking tools.
Its power and performance is supplemented with top of the line features including motor soft start, electronic speed regulation, current overload protection and electric brake.
With a depth of cut of 2-3/16” at 90 deg. and 1-9/16” at 45 deg., it runs in the speed range of 2,000-5,200 RPM with flush cutting ability of 11/16” allowing you to cut close to the wall.
What this package includes?
55" Guide Rail, Hard Case and a 48 Tooth Carbide Tipped Blade.
Pros
Shortcomings
2
Makita XPS01PTJ
Size 6-1/2" | Best Cordless Track Saw
Our Rating: 9.6 / 10
Portability is the name of the game in power tools and Makita has hit the nail on its head with XPS01PTJ plunge circular saw/track saw that runs on 36V battery system running its brushless motor at an impressive 6,300 RPM – a speed unmatched even in corded models in competition. Moreover, its 36 V system actually comprises two 18 volt batteries allowing it to integrate with Makita’s 18 volt family of tools without any problem.
Whether you are building cabinets for kitchen, trimming doors or installing a Magic 2 sliding door system, this saw will get your project done. It will cut through sheet goods, shelf stock and MDF as smoothly as it rips 3/4" birch plywood and make strips from whitewood veneer plywood with great accuracy.
Just like Makita SP6000J, it has top of the line features including motor soft start, electronic speed regulation under load, current overload protection, electric brake and close to the wall cutting ability with a little added weight at 11.2 lbs. that is not noticeable in front of its portability advantage.
With 2-3/16” cutting depth at 90 deg. and 1-9/16” at 45 deg., it runs in a wide speed range of 2,500 to 6,300 RPM. All of these features combined makes Makita XPS01PTJ the best cordless track saw in competition.
What this package includes?
Two 5.0 Ah Batteries & Dual port charger; One medium and one large storage case and a 55T blade for wood/MDF.
Pros
Shortcomings
Tidbit
We used the term MDF above. MDF stands for Medium Density Fiberboard. It refers to wooden boards made by bonding wood fibres with the help of a bonding resin (it is an engineered product). It is relatively softer than plywood but is inexpensive and serves as a great choice for making cabinets, shelves and other non-structural carpentry works.
3
Festool TS 75 EQ F Plus
Size 8-1/4" | Best Track Saw for Jointing
Our Rating: 9.2 / 10
Festool does not require any introduction in sawing circle and the reputation is based on quality. This Festool track saw is powered by a impressive 13 amp motor driving its blade between 1,350 and 4,400 RPM with a variable speed control.
It has the largest cutting depth on our list with 3” at 90 deg. and 2-1/8” at 45 deg. thanks to its 8-1/4” blade size. However, this size makes it a bit heavier at 13.6 lbs., however, it is to be expected for comparatively larger track saw size.
This track saw is loaded with a wide variety of special features such as temperature cut out, current overload protection, micro-adjustable depth controls, electronic speed regulation, riving knife and motor soft start.
Another specialty of this tool is its ability to cut aluminum with blade recommended by Festool. Overall, its size and performance combined with top notch features make it the best track saw for jointing.
To give a few examples of its utility, you may use it for panel cutting, breaking down sheet goods, cutting mahogany and cutting 2" thick rough Douglas fir into glue ready pieces. You kitchen cabinet project as well as dining room table project is all covered with this saw. The cherry on top of the cake is its dust collection system that will result in almost no sawdust in your workshop or home.
What this package includes?
Vision panel, Wrench, Splinterguard, Fine tooth saw blade HW W48 and Flag window.
Pros
Shortcomings
4
Dewalt DWS520K
Size 6-1/2" | Great for Carpenters | Best for Cabinet Making
Our Rating: 9.0 / 10
The Dewalt DWS520 is powered by a 12 amp motor driving its blade between 1,750 and 4,000 RPM controlled variably. With a 2-1/8” depth of cut at 90 deg. and 1-5/8” at 45 deg. bevel angle, it features a riving knife for reducing kickback.
A specialty of this tool is its anti-kickback knob that, when engaged, prevents its blade from budging backward in case of a pinch thereby reducing kickback severity and chances.
This saw is heavy but it contributes towards its stability and accuracy. Whether you are a homeowner or a carpenter, this saw will take care of your kitchen, bathroom or garage cabinet project, subflooring project as well as framing houses outdoors by ripping stock lumber. In fact, it is the best track saw for cabinet making on our list.
It will cut through plywood, MDF, melamine and quartersawn white oak, sheet goods as well as ripping Luan paneling and 2" maple counter tops without bogging down.
What this package includes?
6-1/2 in. (20mm arbor size) 48-Tooth Ultra Fine Finishing Blade, Kit Box and Blade wrench.
Pros
Shortcomings
5
Festool TS 55 REQ
Size 6-1/4" | Good All-Rounder
Our Rating: 8.9 / 10
Festool features again on our list with TS 55 REQ powered by a 10 amp motor driving its blade between 2,000 to 5,800 RPM controlled variably. It cuts up to 2-1/8” at 90 deg. and 1-11/16” at 45 deg.
It hosts all top features of the typical Festool track saw including electronic speed regulation, motor soft start, current overload protection, high temperature cut out, micro-adjustable depth controls and riving knife with adequate flush cutting ability as well. Moreover, it can also cut aluminum with the right blade recommended by Festool.
This saw will get your kitchen walnut island built as well as that hardwood steps project while trimming door without a problem. From cutting Formica counter tops to 5/4" hard maples, this saw offers good versatility.
Overall it is a great combination of performance and features, however, falls towards the expensive side of competition.
What this package includes?
Fine tooth saw blade, 55" Guide Rail (FS 1400), Splinterguard, Sight window, Wrench and storage box model Systainer SYS 4 T-LOC.
Pros
Shortcomings
6
WEN CT1065
Size 6-1/2" | Best Track Saw for the Money | Under $150
Our Rating: 8.3 / 10
WEN has been competing in power tools market for quite a while now and its specialty lies in providing cost effective products. The same is reflected in the WEN CT1065 that may not host the features that Festool and Makita offer, however, its price is also much lower than the premium brands.
Its 10 amp motor drives its blade at a fixed speed of 5,500 RPM with a depth of cut of 2-1/3” at 90 deg. and 1-5/8” at 45 deg. It also allows close to the wall cutting at 5/8” flush cut ability. It gives good cutting performance for materials ranging from the normal MDF to OSB boards, baltic birch plywood and BCX plywood.
One of the unique feature of this tool is a separate selector switch for scoring cuts, plunge cuts and blade changes that optimizes the tool for each operation. The combination of its features at budget price make it the best track saw for the money.
What this package includes?
Fine tooth saw blade, 55" Guide Rail (FS 1400), Splinterguard, Sight window, Wrench and storage box model Systainer SYS 4 T-LOC.
Pros
Shortcomings
Tidbit
We used the term OSB boards above. OSB stands for Oriented Strand Board. It is an engineered wooden board made by bonding wood strands together with adhesives. It is engineered to be stronger in one direction. It is widely used in roofing and subflooring.
Tidbit
We used the term BCX plywood above. In BCX, the letter B refers to a B-grade side/surface of the board that is paintable while the letter C refers to C-grade side/surface of the board that is relatively rough. The X refers to the use of adhesives that resist detrimental effects of moisture and water to some extent. It is a relatively pricey form of plywood.
7
Dewalt DCS520T1
Size 6-1/2"
Our Rating: 8.0 / 10
Dewalt features again on our list with its 60V Flexvolt cordless track saw packed with a load of good features and versatile performance.
Its brushless motor powers the blade from 1,750 to 4,000 RPM with a variable control speed dial having 7 speed ranges to suit a wide variety of cutting applications. It has a 2-1/8” cutting depth at 90 deg. and 1-5/8” cutting depth at 45 deg. It is great at breaking down sheet goods and plywood and also works good on ACM and alumalite sheets.
For kickback safety, it features a riving knife as well as an anti-kickback knob that prevents backward rotation of blade to reduce kickback. If you already have any other Dewalt 60V Flexvolt tool, this tool may be the best option for your woodworking arsenal.
What this package includes?
60V MAX FLEXVOLT 6.0 Ah Battery, Saw Blade and Dewalt T-stack kit box.
Pros
Shortcomings
8
Shop Fox W1835
Size 160mm | Under $200
Our Rating: 7.2 / 10
The Shop Fox track saw W1835 is powered by a 9 amp motor and runs at a fixed speed of 5,500 RPM with 1-31/32” cutting depth at 90 deg. and 1-7/16” at 45 deg.
It features a riving knife for reducing kickback and can also cut close to the wall with 5/8” flush cutting ability. It does not host the features that premium brands host, however, it has a lower price as well. Overall, it is a good choice for occasional use.
It gives good performance in cutting sheet goods, MDF, plywood and other common not-so-hard woods.
What this package includes?
48T saw blade (20 mm arbor size)
Pros
Shortcomings
Buyer's Guide Questions
Are track saws worth it?
There are two main determinants of whether a track saw will be worth the money for you or not. They are Precision & Length of Cuts.
1. Precision – While you can make the same cuts with circular saws and even reciprocating saws, the level of precision in long straight cuts that you get from track saws is unmatched because a track keeps the line of cut straight much more than is possible by hand.
2. Length of Cuts – Cross cutting a 2x4 is different from rip cutting several feet of 2x4 because you have to maintain a straight line of cut through entire length of the job.
With a circular saw, you would have to draw a line, use a rip fence or use some other technique to keep the cut straight throughout the entire length, however, with track saws, just place the track on top and make the cut – no fancy technique needed.
Majority track saws are also equipped with standardized vacuum ports to save your workshop or jobsite from becoming a mess. It is a feature considered a premium or bonus in circular saws while it has become quite standard in track saws.
In short, if your application requires making long straight cuts, a track saw is definitely worth it.
Can you use a track saw without the track?
Yes. Track saws can easily be used like regular circular saws without the track. Moreover, you don’t need to turn any knobs or make any adjustments for that. It is as simple as picking up your track saw and running it without the track.
Is Festool better than DeWalt?
In track saws, we found Festool to have an upper hand over Dewalt with respect to features, performance, quality and reviews of product.
Our rankings of Festool vs. Dewalt track saws are as under,
Rank no. 3: Festool 8-1/4" Track Saw (Model 575389 TS 75 EQ F Plus)
Rank no. 4: Dewalt 6-1/2" Heavy Duty Track Saw Kit (Model DWS520K)
Rank no. 5: Festool 6-1/4" Track Saw Kit (Model 575388 TS 55 REQ)
Rank no. 7: Dewalt 6-1/2" Cordless Track Saw Kit (Model DCS520T1)
Areas where Festool track saws are ahead of Dewalt include,
1. Current overload protection to prevent motor burnout.
2. Temperature cut out feature that protects tool from overheating.
3. Electronic speed regulation to maintain tool speed under load and ensure cuts of consistent quality.
4. Motor soft start to improve motor life.
5. Micro-adjustable depth controls allow much finer adjustment of depth than Dewalt track saws.
6. Festool has declared their track saws fit for cutting aluminum with their recommended blade while there is no such open declaration with Dewalt track saws.
Areas where Dewalt track saws are ahead of Festool include,
1. Anti-Kickback mechanism comprising a knob that, when tightened, prevent blade from budging back under lockout or pinching condition.
2. Dewalt offers 90 day money back guarantee for their track saws vs. 30 days by Festool. Similarly, Dewalt also offers free service including replacement of parts worn out through normal use in the first year of purchase vs. no free service from Festool. Warranty period is same for both i.e. 3 years (however, with Festool, you have to register your tool otherwise warranty will expire after 1 year).
Why is Festool so expensive?
Festool track saws as well as other products in general are more expensive because of the same reason iPhone is so expensive. No, it is not the quality because quality is debatable. It is that customers are willing to pay for what they are charging – the ultimate determinant of product pricing.
Festool’s origins dates back to 1925 and it has pioneered many carpentry and woodworking tools since then. From chainsaws to circular saws and orbital sanders, Festool has been the earliest, if not first, to bring many innovative power tools.
It is their rich history in carpentry power tools that has created a sense of trust and royalty among customers that allows Festool to charge high for their products.
Is Festool better than Makita?
In track saws, we found Makita to have an upper hand over Festool based on performance, features, customer feedback and pricing.
Makita and Festool track saws have ranked on our list as below,
Rank 1: Makita 6-1/2" Plunge Circular Saw Kit (Model SP600J1)
Rank 2: Makita 6-1/2" Cordless Track Saw Kit (Model XPS01PTJ)
Rank 3: Festool 8-1/4" Track Saw (Model TS 75 EQ F Plus)
Rank 5: Festool 6-1/4" Track Saw Kit (Model TS 55 REQ)
We found Makita to be better value for money because Festool does not beat Makita in features and performance to justify the additional cost its track saws have.
For example, we found Makita track saws to have following advantages over Festool,
1. Makita track saws have positive bevel stops at 22.5 and 45 deg. for quickly snapping to these angles.
2. Makita cordless track saw model XPS01PTJ has brushless motor.
3. Built-in depth stops in Makita track saws allow you to make a pre-cut for splinter free cutting (of materials like melamine).
On the other hand, Festool track saws we reviewed have following advantages over Makita,
1. Riving knife to keep cut kerf open to prevent the material from pinching the saw blade thereby preventing kickback.
2. Festool offer one month money back guarantee and 3 year warranty (after tool registration) while Makita gives 3 year warranty only for the cordless model. For corded model, it is 1 year only with no money back guarantee.
Can a track saw replace a table saw?
Yes, it can but at a loss of some benefits. Table saws minimize time required to complete a job that involves repetitive cutting. They do that by incorporating precision, accuracy and consistency of cutting jobs in their apparatus so all you have to do is feed the wood into it and leave everything else to the tool.
While a track saw can replace a table saw technically as both tools have a blade that will cut wood but you will certainly lose the advantage table saw was offering i.e. you will have to make markings, place the track accurately, clamp it down for long length cutting and run the saw with your own hands from start to the end.
Track saws are beneficial where portability is a requirement because table saws are not portable. You can’t throw a table saw in the back of your truck and take it to the job site while you can do that with a track saw.
Replacing a table saw with a track saw will compromise your convenience in repetitive cutting while giving you portability advantage at the same time. You may replace your track saw with a table saw if portability ranks high in your priorities.
Will Makita track saw work on Festool track?
Yes. Since Festool has been making tracks earlier than other manufacturers, many top brands of track saws including Makita and Dewalt are compatible with Festool tracks.
Does DeWalt track saw work with Makita track?
Yes. We found that Dewalt track saw works with Makita tracks for the products we reviewed.
Is Festool worth the price?
In track saws, Festool is worth the price based on overall performance, quality, features and ergonomics. Some features that stand out on Festool track saws include,
1. Riving knife to keep the cut kerf of the material open to prevent the material from pinching the saw blade thereby reducing chances of kickback.
2. Temperature cut out that lowers power if motor heats up and saves the tool from failure.
3. Micro-adjustable depth controls that allow finer depth adjustments than competitors.
4. Festool declares its track saws fit for sawing aluminum with their recommended blade.
5. Current overload protection to prevent the motor from burnout.
6. Electronic speed regulation of blade to keep its speed constant under load during a cut. It results in consistent finish.
7. Motor soft start that enhances tool’s life by reducing jerks at startup.
8. 30 days money back guarantee and 1 year warranty extendable to 3 years on registration.
Who makes Festool?
Festool is a German brand. It is subsidiary of TTS Tooltechnic Systems. Their factories are located in German cities of Neidlingen and Illertissen. Its main Headquarters is located in Wendlingen, Germany while North American Headquarters is located in Lebanon, Indiana, USA.
Can a circular saw be used as a track saw?
Some circular saws can be used as a track saws as their base is made compatible with tracks by their manufacturer for example Makita Cordless Circular Saw XSS02Z 18V LXT featured in our best circular saw list. There are also some DIY methods of making guide rails or tracks for your circular saw to convert them into track saws. However, the consistent accuracy that a good quality track saw will provide may not be reproduced in such setups.
How do track saws stay in place?
Track saws stay in place with the help of a locking arrangement formed between a slot in the base of the track saw and protruded track. The track itself stays in place with the help of rubber strips embedded on its underside. Special clamps are also available for fixing the track over the job.
Notice how the notch in track saw base sits over protruded slot of the track.
How do you line up a track saw?
Use the following steps for lining up your track saw on your workpiece,
1. Mark the width of cut at both ends of the wooden board or workpiece.
2. Place the track over the workpiece such that its long straight edge cuts your markings and you are good to go.
Important: If the rubberized edge of your track does not touch your track saw blade when the saw sits on top of track, it means that your track now has a certain zero error. To fix that, simply measure the gap between saw blade and rubber edge and offset your initial markings (you made in the first step) by that distance to get an accurate cut.
(Video Credit: “finehomebuilding” YouTube Channel)
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