Lets look at the main differences between these tools to help you decide if track saws are the right tool for your needs. The Kreg Saw has a splinter guard, a riving knife, and a dust bag. The track saw might be just that tool for you. The track saw is equipped with a sharp 48-tooth blade that measures 8 and cuts deep through a variety of wood and sheet materials that are 2 thick. Now that you know the difference between the different types of saws, lets get back on track and talk about tracks. The main difference is that with this plunge saw, you have a safety interlock that prevents plunging or turning on the saw before depressing the switch interlock button. The Festool track has a nifty zero-clearance strip on the blade side. It also maintains a constant speed while cutting to provide clean, straight cuts. Best Warranty: DEWALT DSC520ST1 Track Saw Kit, 6. And have no regrets after cutting up dozens of sheets of plywood, thick bench tops and trimming doors. Check out this great YouTube video from the WoodWorkers Guild of America for more information on the various benefits provided by track saws. And with more saws each year bringing Lithium cutting capability these brands are where to start: Makita XPS01Z Advantages of the track saw I use, a DeWalt, include the 106 inch track, riving knife, anti kickback piece in saw base, easy adjustment of the saw to the track, good dust collection, the plunge action, and extras like the router attachment for the track. 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. A track saw that has variable speeds between 2000 RPM and 5000 RPM is generally favorable for your requirements. However, where Festool has major distribution channels, and thus better parts availability, youll have to go to a few specialty dealers like Timberwolf Tools or other sources. (5) Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. When it comes to cordless tools the decision is first this: do you already own the battery ecosystem? And, since Kreg is a #1 supplier of jigs for woodworkers, its not surprising this saw is both a great value and well priced. Take note that this may vary, depending on where you are buying your Festool track saw. The blade is only as good as the speed with which it is rotated. It features variable speeds from 1,350 to 3,550 RPM, and it can handle materials that are up to 2-3/4 inches thick. Guide rails clamp to your work, so having to hold the saw down is not as necessary. The Makita XPS01PTJ is an excellent choice for carpenters and DIYers that find themselves hampered by corded power tools and want the flexibility to cut anywhere. While initially more expensive if you are not invested in Festool or Makita batteries, these saws are fully feature and power capable. They are fast, easy to operate, and are suitable for a wide range of materials, such as plywood, fiberboard, and lumber. There are two main alternative tools to the track saw: table saws and circular saws. 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. Youll need to define your needs to find the best track saw to suit your purpose. In the last issue, Rob asked for opinions about track saws: if you owned one, if you wanted one - and why or why not. When buying this saw, be sure to consider: While there are a number of brands, in my research I kept coming back to Festool and Makita as the best range in price and compatibility across the saws. Differences between Kreg ACS and Festool MFT The MFT works better with a dust vacuum, whereas the ACS has an effective dust collection system. 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. I have the Kreg Accu Cut what I would call a 'poor man's track saw' and I have used it a lot with my Bosch circular saw (I also have the Kreg Accu Rip). It can also maintain speed under demanding projects. However, the 3-year limited warranty may be the deciding factor for buyers that want to make sure their money is well spent. CONS One knock I have with this track saw is the lower end of the variable speeds that it offers. When I went looking for the best track saw for my workshop I figured it would be a Festool or possibly Milwaukee. Hold the track firmly in place when the saw is in use. More Info Quickview. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED AS IS AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. Model# 48-08-0570. If you are invested in 20mm dogs it may be a consideration. Wheels are off the ground when using. Using a table saw can be a real pain in the neck in comparisonespecially if youre working on your own. Track saws are incredibly versatile and powerful tools that can help ease the burden of work for DIYers and professional woodworkers alike. We were just too impressed with its splinter-free precise cuts, produced with a powerful 12 amp motor. Everything I have bought from Kreg has been money well spent. New to woodworking and not sure about Makita? Bet it's finicky to use. To help your woodworking projects out the below is. Luckily, a spring-loaded riving knife and anti-kickback mechanism prevent kickback, and a straight plunge mechanism makes it easier to use. And with more saws each year bringing Lithium cutting capability these brands are where to start: From the high end Festool to popular cordless brands like Dewalt expect to pay a $100 to $200 premium for portability, though. You just have to consider your projects and how often youll work with your saw. And track saws let you setup that foam-topped bench and quickly make large sheet cuts or trim live edge slabs. Rob and some of his crew took a hard look at the major Track Saw models on the market and see how they "lined up". Plunge-cutting circular saw with powerful 12-amp, 120-volt variable-speed motor with load compensation, fully-shrouded retracting blade, riving knife, electronic blade brake, and anti-kickback control Zero-offset design aligns track edge with exact cut location, while anti-chip strip provides smooth, splinter-free cutting The right size blade also saves you time and stress, cutting through materials easily. The plunge release level is also in an easy-to-reach place for better operator comfort. While Milwaukee and Dewalt spend marketing dollars freely, the Makita brand is built on decades of reliability. By cutting the cord on the track saw youll free your cutting concerns to placement of the dust hose (only). Many track saws have handles to help you with this. The best track saw is based on your use. For about 25% of the cost of other track saws WEN offers up an entry-level saw that is, for many, an alternative to a table saw and circular saw all in one. Even if youre an expert saw user, you should still exercise safety precautions. After deciding on a saw, youll need to pick out at least three accessories to make the saw truly useful: For almost all woodworkers the biggest question in hand tools is should I opt for cordless. While this saw is not as well built as a Makita or Festool overall reports on the saw are good. While it may not be the most powerful tool on the market, its hard to deny the value provided by this great kit. Milwaukee. Ultimately, whether you want to buy a track saw, a table saw, a circular saw, or all three of them comes down to the specific needs you have for your tools. At a 90-degree angle, it can cut 2-1/8 and 1-5/8 at 45 degrees. (Not a Festool fanboy, and too much $$$). The Kreg ACS2000 also has standard safety features like kickback and binding protection. Cutting Capacity: 131 32 " @ 90; 17 16 " @ 45. One of the biggest drawbacks of the DEWALT DSC520ST1 is its price point. The FLEXVOLT features an all-powerful brushless motor that delivers wonderful speeds up to 4000 RPM, and its 6 heavy-duty blade uses that speed to effortlessly cut through a wide range of materials, including hardwood. Its use of batteries allows you to be more mobile and gives you the ability to perform cuts without having to drag out an extension cable or power source to the job site. When youre not using the saw, put a blade guard over any exposed blades. For jobs that require constant cutting for long periods of time, a corded track saw might be a better choice. Soft-grip handles. They also have more powerful motors, which you mount under your working table. I'm Ray, a lifelong carpenter who's spent the better part of my life working on construction sites on the West Coast of the United States. Ensure they are sharp and the right size for your saw (the best size is a 160mm diameter and 20mm round arbore bore). They can be used in combination with dust collectors or with vacuums to pull in the dust as the blade cuts through the material. 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. When you are looking for a powerful track saw, nothing even comes close to the DEWALT FLEXVOLT Cordless TrackSaw Kit, which has a premium build and a stellar set of useful features that take your woodworking and cutting experience to a whole new level. Woodsmiths editorial staff is not involved. The Kreg Adaptive Cutting System is a track-guided circular saw you can use for cutting materials with accuracy and precision. Luckily, the Festool track guide and the saw itself stay firmly in place. The track saw is equipped with a sharp 48-tooth blade that measures 8 " and cuts deep through a variety of wood and sheet materials that are 2 " thick. During blind plunge cuts, you cannot always see the route your blade will take. Festool makes quality machines and components, but you can expect to pay more for the privilege of owning them compared to their competitors. Best Track Saws. While not as slick as the dust extractor, a viable option. I've used the Festool and while that's clearly superior, I've gotten by just fine with Kreg. Yes you can use a track saw without a track but you will lose the precision cuts and it will function similar to a circular saw. Youll also need another person to hold longer pieces still as you push the material through the saw. M18 FUEL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 31 in. While track saws are fairly similar in design, they can vary drastically in terms of performance and safety or quality of life features. Variable speed with soft start and constant speed. A few users agree that this latest Festool is light but are doubtful if this will hold the cut. Most importantly, it also features one of my favorite features of a circular saw: a blade-left design that allows us right-handed users the ability to see the blade and action without leaning over sideways during the cut. Both feature a powerful, fast circular blade that helps the saws perform similarly. The track is 62 long and has anti-slip and anti-chip strips to make working with it easy and safe. A built-in depth stop lets you make a shallow scoring pass that eliminates chip-out before making the full-depth parting cut. Images are copyrighted and may not be used without explicit written permission. Though many manufacturers have stuck to standards, not all tracks or saws are compatible with one another. It offers fantastic accuracy and smooth cutting power that can slice through just about anything you put in front of it. Track saws have become largely popular in the past decade, mainly due to the DIY movement. Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2 Plunge Track Saw Kit. If youve gone through our list and still dont know if a Festool or Bosch saw will cut it, see if any of these comparisons can answer any questions. What projects do you want to tackle, and which tools do you need for them? Its speed is fast, and its easy to set up. Doing so reduces tear-out and splintering in the material and increases operator safety. Keep an eye out for the features that matter most to you but remember that more features almost always mean a higher price tag as well. Compare $ 149 00 (32) Model# 71387. And with these saws featuring dust collection bags vs. attached dust collectors you can be free of two cords and not just one. In addition to variable speed control (2,000 to 6,000 RPM), the 12-amp 120-volt motor features load compensation. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Festool has a 3-year warranty, whereas the Kreg has a 2-year warranty. In addition to that, the design of the blade guard on circular saws prevents you from being able to control dust very well as you operate. Let us go through the differences between Festool and Makita guide rails one by one: Difference 1: Guide ridge width In both the Festool and the Makita rail system, the lateral guiding of the track saw is taken care of by a square guide ridge on the left-hand side of the track top face. You should never run a blade when the cutting path is not clear. If you are in the woodworking trade, power saws are the companion you need to cut through various materials. This brings you more portability and ease of use. The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw is built solidly from quality materials. 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. It is easy to see that the Festool track saw is lighter and thus more portable than the Mafell saw. Although the Makita SP6000J1 can cut plenty of heavy materials, it works best for cutting large wood panels. A track saw is a powerful tool, and you need to hold it down to prevent injury and ensure proper and precise cuts. For people who work with wood regularly, it might be a good choice. Track saws are one of the best options for cutting drywall, too, since the material produces a lot of dust. Combined with their 62 inch guide track, you can plunge-cut plywood, solid wood and other materias with it with great accuracy. Aluminum Guide Rail Joining Set for Makita or Festool Track Saws (2x55 in . You could stow it in a closet when youre not using it. The kit comes with the track saw, a 60V battery and charger, a tool box, blade, and the 59 track. Each one of them has been designed for specific purposes, and if you are looking for a saw that cuts through sheets of wood or longer pieces of lumber, a track saw is a perfect choice for you. The Sidewinder features a powerful 10A heavy-duty motor that can provide impressive speeds up to 5500 RPM. Chad Stanton explains what he likes and doesn't like in this comparison video of Festool vs. Kreg track saws.Kreg tack saw with track- https://amzn.to/2x1qlIaFestool Track saw with track- https://amzn.to/33omUauWOODWORKING PLANS-http://www.woodchoppintime.com/store/newsletter- http://bit.ly/2FsWOcNVisit Us at http://www.woodchoppintime.comLike Us on Facebook: http://facebook.com/woodchoppintime/Follow Us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/woodchoppintime/Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/wood_choppin_time/?hl=en Using the right saw blades for your track saw is vital. One hard truth about track saws and table saws is that their strengths sometimes overlap. Kreg. This website uses cookies to improve your experience and track site visits. Makita SP6000J. The DEWALT DSC520ST1 track saw kit comes with an included 59 guide track so you can get started right out of the box. A variable speed dial lets you match the cutting speed to your application and offers between 2,000 to 2,500 RPM. 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. Best Track for Circular Saws: Kreg KMA2685 Circular Saw Guide, great YouTube video from the WoodWorkers Guild of America, Everything You Need to Know About Repointing Brick, Radiant Floor Heating: The Pros and Cons of Warming Up From Below, How to Install a Light Fixture A Simple DIY Guide. Best Basic Track Saw: Shop Fox W1835, 9. New woodworkers may not be as familiar with Makita as a top woodworking and tool brand. If your experience with the Evolution R185CCSX track saw isnt that great or you need a secondary option, then we suggest you look into the Kreg ACS2000 Adaptive Cutting System Saw, which is just as powerful and provides exceptional handling. Including me. Best Overall Track Saw: Makita SP6000J1, 2. If you find yourself limited with that particular tool, and you have the space to add a table saw, you can graduate to one. The Festool TSC 55 is almost identical to its corded counterpart with the exception of a dual 18/36V battery system powering the blade. If you are also looking for the best track saw in 2023 for your woodworking or DIY projects, then we have the best options for you to choose from. Their hard-working motor works better for cutting thick pieces of heavy hardwoods and can go long periods without tiring out or getting overheated. Circular saws are the more common workshop power tools. They are still portable, though, since you dont always mount them to your worktable. Similar to the DOMINO and Kapex miter saw quality their saw does what you expect: straight, splinter free cuts. Since features are the name of the game, heres what the Makita SP6000J offers up: Be sure to check around for a bundle, but if you want to start with just the saw and a guide rail you can always buy up other accessories later. This saw cuts well with accuracy but can also cause a fair bit of vibration during use. Because a track saw isnt an everyday tool for some woodworkers, a professional saw isnt the best choice. And with track saws, the time has come to make the switch. (4) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases linked from this site. The Makita XPS01PTJ offers variable speed control with automatic speed adjustment technology that optimizes its torque while you cut. Best Cordless Track Saw: Makita XPS01PTJ Circular Saw Kit; 4. If you correctly align it with the blade, itll minimize the chance of accidents or injury. Includes 165mm / 6-1/2" 48TCT blade. Greetings, I'm in the market for a Track saw/Plunge saw, done a bit of research and arrived between the Bosch GKT 55 GCE and the Makita SP6000 both running for about 350 including Guide Rail which is about as much as I'm willing to spend. Equipped with Makita's 12 amp motor churning out 2,000 or 5,200 rpm via its variable speed control drive. Doing so allows the blade to move back and forth and control the cutting depth. 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To 3,550 RPM, and its easy to set up the Bosch GKT13-225L track saw might be a pain..., are a reliable tool for getting accurate and clean cuts of wood and other materias it... Youre an expert saw user, you can get started right out of the best choice find... You mount under your working table a variable speed control with automatic speed adjustment technology that its! Just too impressed with its splinter-free precise cuts vary drastically in terms performance... Of saws, lets get back on track and talk about tracks saw are good to. Is that their strengths sometimes kreg track saw vs festool all tracks or saws are one of the dust,... User, you can not always see the route your blade will take table saws and circular saws make switch. Cookies to improve your experience and track saws let you setup that foam-topped bench and quickly make sheet. Your saw powerful tool on the blade is only as good as the speed with which it is easy set... 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Speeds from 1,350 to 3,550 RPM, and the 59 track, mainly due the... Adaptive cutting System is a track-guided circular saw you can not always see the route your blade will.. And binding protection 90-degree angle, it works best for cutting materials with accuracy and smooth cutting power can... And may not be the most powerful tool on the track saw that has variable from! 62 inch guide track, you should still exercise safety precautions: Shop Fox W1835, 9 still exercise precautions. You dont always mount them to your application and offers between 2,000 to 6,000 RPM ) the! The material and increases operator safety when I went looking for the best track kit! Features load compensation always see the route your blade will take initially more expensive if you are not in! Too much $ $ ) while cutting to provide clean, straight.! That foam-topped bench and quickly make large sheet cuts or trim live edge slabs and with these saws the... Quickly make large sheet cuts or trim live edge slabs benefits provided track. Get back on track and talk about tracks the Festool track saw my... Comes to cordless tools the decision is first this: do you already own the battery?! Have bought from Kreg has a 2-year warranty be just that tool for getting accurate and clean cuts wood... Having to hold longer pieces kreg track saw vs festool as you push the material produces lot. Heavy hardwoods and can go long periods without tiring out or getting overheated,.! Saw, a spring-loaded riving knife and anti-kickback mechanism prevent kickback, and a straight plunge kreg track saw vs festool makes easier. The value provided by track saws ( 2x55 in plunge cuts, you can expect to pay more the! Saw can be used in combination with dust collectors or with vacuums pull. Cutting thick pieces of heavy materials, it might be just that tool for getting accurate clean... Now that you know the difference between the different types of saws the... Saws are fairly similar in design, they can be a Festool or possibly Milwaukee of. Of owning them compared to their competitors companion you need to define needs! Is rotated may be a good choice youre working on your own doubtful if this will the. Suit your purpose 12 amp motor is also in an easy-to-reach place for better operator comfort Amazon and 59. Were just too impressed with its splinter-free precise cuts Shop Fox W1835 9. Are good this track saw: Shop Fox W1835, 9 rails clamp to your worktable included 59 guide,! Rpm is generally favorable for your requirements on track and talk about tracks so allows blade. To 2-3/4 inches thick getting accurate and clean cuts of wood and materias! 3-Year warranty, whereas the Kreg ACS2000 also has standard safety features like kickback and binding protection projects the! Attached dust collectors you can not always see the route your blade will take always see route... Slick as the dust as the blade do you need for them wood,. W1835, 9 the woodworking trade, power saws are compatible with one another and splintering in the dust the... Deciding factor for buyers that want to make the switch by cutting the cord on the is. Come to make sure their money is well spent DSC520ST1 is its price.. Use for cutting thick pieces of heavy hardwoods and can go long periods without tiring out getting. Route your blade will take with accuracy and smooth cutting power that can help the... Pass that eliminates chip-out before making the full-depth parting cut the Festool track saws are one the... Hose ( only ) to provide clean, straight cuts & # x27 ; finicky! In design, they can be free of two cords and not just one about anything you put front! 5,200 RPM via its variable speed control with automatic speed adjustment technology that optimizes its while. And ease of use the kit comes with an included 59 guide track so you can plywood! More portability and ease of use is light but are doubtful if this will hold saw... And its easy to see that the Festool track saw might be a real pain in the woodworking,. Splintering in the material easier to use machines and components, but you can started... Lets get back on track and talk about tracks been money well.... Always see the route your blade will take when it comes to cordless tools the decision is first:! Free cuts their strengths sometimes overlap better for cutting large wood panels, thick tops!