Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a veteran woodworker, a track saw is a must-have tool in your workshop.
This solidly-built power tool makes quick work of cutting wood. It can perform straight, precise cuts on sheet materials, slice through lumber, and trim floors, all while providing ultra-smooth finishes.
Looking for the best track saws on the market? No need to worry as we’ve got you covered.
What is a Track Saw?
Also referred to as a plunge saw, a track saw bears a striking resemblance to a circular saw. Like the circular saw, it has a circular blade for cutting. However, a track saw slides on a rail during the cutting process, enabling it to perform long, precise cuts.
Benefits of a Track Saw
Accurate
If you tackle projects that require a high level of precision, then the accuracy of your cuts is an important aspect. On that note, a track saw delivers higher accuracy than what you’d get from a circular or table saw.
It can break down a larger workpiece and deliver clean, accurate cuts. With circular or table saws, you’re more likely to end up with splinters or tear-outs on the piece of wood you’re cutting.
Multifunctional
The best track saws can be used in several different ways.
It can be used in projects that require a panel saw, table saw, or circular saw. In fact, this tool can perform different types of cuts including rip cuts, crosscuts, and bevel cuts.
Minimal Setup
Another thing you’re love is how quickly a track saw can be set up. Contrary to other tools that require clamping systems, this tool doesn’t need clamps. This makes for a much easier setup.
All you need to do is align your saw on the track and you’re good to go.
Ideal for Performing Extra-Long Cuts
If you’re looking to perform cuts on extra-long workpieces, then your single rail might not be sufficient.
The good news is that you can always add more tracks or rails to your existing one; hence making it longer. This, in turn, enables you to cut long stocks with relative ease.
Portability
You already know that the best track saw can handle tasks that require the use of a table or circular saw. But there’s one thing that makes it superior to these other tools, and that is its lightweight design.
As a handheld saw, it’s incredibly light, making it possible to carry it to your job site. With table and circular saws, transporting them is close to impossible because of how heavy and bulky they are.
Space-Saving Design
Not only are track saws light, but they’re also very compact. This makes them easier to store in tight workshops.
Differences Between a Track Saw and Circular Saw
As we mentioned earlier, track and circular saws look very similar. So what features differentiate these two tools?
- A track saw is equipped with a long rail at the front whereas a circular saw doesn’t have one
- Track saws are very light whereas circular saws are heavier and bulkier. On the same note, track saws don’t take up as much storage space as circular saws do
- Track saws can perform rip cuts, angled cuts, and crosscuts. Circular saws, on the other hand, can only make crosscuts and rip cuts.
Differences Between a Track Saw and Table Saw
Wondering which power tools to use between a track saw and table saw? Well, there are a few points you should keep in mind, and one of these is the intended application.
If you’re planning to perform repeatable rip cuts, then a table saw is your best option. Though a track saw can be used for this application, you’d need to reset the tool for every cut. Conversely, a table saw can stay in one position for repeatable rip cuts.
However, if you’re interested in performing long angled cuts across a large piece of stock, then go for a track saw. This can be particularly helpful if you need to cut panels for a custom or built-in shelf or desk.
The ease of aligning a saw on the track makes for an easy setup and cutting process. This tool also makes it a lot easier to perform cuts at angles across a long piece of MDF or plywood.
Track Saw Buying Considerations
Blade
One of the most crucial elements to consider when shopping for the best track saw is the size of the blade. This is because it determines the thickness of the material it can slice through.
In that regard, these power tools can be classified into three: miniature, large and standard. Miniature track saws have blades with a diameter of 4 ½ inches. These can only cut stock that’s just slightly bigger than 1 inch thick.
Standard track saws, which make up the majority, utilize 6 ½ inch blades that can cut stock about 2 inches thick. Larger track saws use blades in the 8 ¼ inch range and they’re capable of cutting material that’s up to 2 ¾ inches thick.
Before you buy a blade, consider the kind of projects you’ll be tackling often. What’s the average thickness of the workpieces you’ll be cutting? Based on this, you can make an informed decision on blade size.
You'll also want to examine the types of cuts you'll be performing. Will you be making plunge cuts or do your projects involve performing crosscuts as well?
Speed Settings
The best track saws come with speed configurations, which is one of the key factors that set them apart from circular saws.
Having the freedom to control speed confers massive advantages. For one, there's no need to worry about accidentally burning the wood. Two, the blade doesn’t dull quickly. Lastly, no worrying about splinters with your saw track saws.
For most tracks that have adjustable speed settings, their speed ranges from 2,000 RPM to 5,000 RPM.
If you’re looking to cut soft materials such as framing lumber or pine plywood, then you’d go for a high-speed setting.
But if you’re tackling dense woods such as walnut or locust, a low-speed setting is the best option. A low-speed setting is also preferred for projects where you’re trying to avoid unpleasant burn marks. As a bonus, it also keeps your blade in pristine condition.
Bevel Capacity
Another thing you’ll want to check is whether the track saw has an adjustable bevel capacity. Models with this particular feature offer way more flexibility and versatility.
The most common application of this power tool entails making 90° square cuts. But, a track saw that can be used to make bevel cuts as well significantly increases its range of use. For instance, making 45° bevel cuts on sheet goods or boards can come in handy when building furniture pieces. This also enables you to make a clean joint without requiring edge-banding, which would otherwise help to mask ugly plywood edges.
Motor
Like their cousins, the circular saws, corded track saws ought to have enough power to tackle anything you throw at them.
The easiest way to determine this is to check the amperage rating given. The higher the value, the more powerful it is. For instance, a 12 amp plunge cut track saw is more powerful than one with a 9-, or 10-amp motor.
Estimating the power of cordless track saws is a lot easier. All you have to do is check the battery’s voltage rating. The higher the value, the more powerful it is. For instance, a 20V track saw will give you more power to work with than an 18V model.
Cordless vs Corded
Corded
Like most power tools available nowadays, track saws come in corded and cordless varieties. Their benefits and limitations are very similar to other tools.
It means a corded track saw is way more powerful than its cordless counterpart. But it always has to be connected to an electrical outlet. Because of this, it’s not suited for outdoor applications where there aren’t any sockets nearby.
Pros
Cons
Cordless
One thing to keep in mind though is that not even the best cordless track saws can offer the kind of power present in their corded counterparts.
But there's one area where a cordless track saw excels in and that's convenience. If you’re planning to work from an outdoor site, you won't need to be concerned about the availability of electricity as the tool runs on rechargeable batteries.
Since a cordless track saw kit does not involve the use of power cords, you also don't have to worry about these wires getting tangled up.
The drawback to using a cordless track saw is its limited battery life. Unless you have a spare battery, you may encounter a situation where your track saw runs out of power mid-project.
Pros
Cons
Track Length
In addition to the type, another thing you’ll want to think about when buying the best track saw is track length. Your decision about the length of the guide rail should be based on the intended use.
For instance, if you want to perform crosscuts on a 12-inch wide board, then you don’t really need a 4-foot rail.
Similarly, if you’re planning to perform rip cuts on a plywood sheet- which is one of the most common applications of this tool- then a 4-foot guide rail might not be adequate. It may cause a bit of inconvenience if the rail has to be reset mid-way through the cut.
Besides, resetting the rail of the plunge cut track saw poses a risk of making errors. If you’re not cautious, you may wind up with one long cut that isn’t as precise as you’d want. This takes away from the perks of using this tool as one feature that it’s revered for is its accuracy.
The best track saws are customizable as they let you clip in short lengths of rails together to form one long rail. If you’re looking to use your track saw at a workshop, you’re better off investing in a 2-, 4-, and 8-foot rail for swift setups and consistent outcomes.
Safety Features
Overall, track saws are considered safer than circular saws.
The rail offers a predetermined course for the blade. This makes it easy for the operator to look ahead and check whether there are any objects that can cause kickbacks. In the event of a kickback, the cam locks integrated into most track saws prevent the saw from pushing back at the operator.
There’s also the fact that a track saw eliminates the need to guide the blade with your free hand. This results in a much safer tool to use, especially for novice users.
Nonetheless, you may want to confirm whether your track saw kit has extra safety features like a riving knife and anti-kickback system.
Ease of Use
The best track saws come fitted with features that make them easier to use. These include:
Soft Start
This feature brings the power tool to warm up gradually, raising its speed as it does. The idea is to prevent the saw from kicking into action abruptly as this can injure the operator.
Dust Collector
This traps all the sawdust released from the cutting action; hence, keeping your line of cut free of debris.
Tips for Using a Track Saw
If it’s your first time using track saws, there are a couple of guidelines you should keep in mind:
- Know which type of material it can cut - a track saw is best used with wooden materials. You can use it to reshape, slice through or resize lumber, stock, plywood, and trim. For metal, concrete, and other tough materials, opt for a circular saw.
- Use the right blade - if you’re looking to perform smooth, accurate cuts, use a blade with a higher tooth-per-inch count. For general cuts where accuracy is not a priority, you can use a blade with fewer teeth.
- Adjust the position of the riving knife - never forget to align and adjust the riving knife on the track saw. This is what prevents kickbacks, guaranteeing your safety during operation.
- Get a firm grip on the saw - always maintain a secure grip on the track saw, ensuring that it doesn’t slip.
The 6 Best Track Saw Reviews
1. KREG ACS2000 Adaptive Cutting System Saw + Guide Track
Have you been searching for the best track saw on the market? You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better model than the Kreg ACS2000 Adaptive Cutting System.
This unit wins top marks for affordability, versatility, and safety. It’s made up of two main elements: a plunge saw and a guide track.
The manufacturer has also incorporated a nice selection of accessories that you’re sure to love. These include a dust-collection bag, carrying case, and owner's manual.
The plunge saw is the heart of this unit. It constitutes a 48-tooth carbide-tipped blade that provides an unmatched cutting performance.
More specifically, it has a maximum cutting depth of 2 ⅛ inches at 90 degrees and 1 ½ inches at 45 degrees. It also boasts an adjustable bevel capacity that can be adjusted between 1 and 47 degrees as well as a variable speed control setting.
Important to note though is that the blade is located to the left, meaning it’s tailored for right-handed operators.
While this left-hand design makes it slightly unsuitable for left-handed operators, it provides an unobstructed view of the cut line. This results in better accuracy and enhances your safety.
Another thing we like about the ACS2000 Adaptive Cutting System is how well the plunge saw fits on the track.
The saw’s base includes two controller knobs that let you dial in the accuracy of the fit. This way, you can determine how tightly or loosely the saw fits the track.
The 62 inch track is made of anodized aluminum. It’s equipped with dual edged tracks that are anti-slip, guaranteeing a stable performance.
A combination of the plunge saw and this plunge track means you can make highly-accurate, straight, splinter free cuts that are up to 50 inches long.
One thing you’ll never have to worry about with the Kreg ACS2000 Adaptive Cutting System Saw is safety. It has multiple safety mechanisms in place such as a retracting blade, electronic blade brake, riving knife, and anti-kickback control.
Pros
Cons
Are you looking for the best track saw in the corded category? If you are, the Makita SP6000J1 Plunge Circular Track Saw kit is your safest bet.
We’ll be the first ones to admit that it’s one of the more expensive models. But for the price, you get an array of cutting-edge features that you’re not likely to find in its counterparts.
One such feature is the 12 amp motor. It is a lot more powerful than the 9- or 10-amp motor found in its rivals and provides a steady and consistent performance.
We were particularly pleased to learn that the 6.5 inch plunge cut track saw has two-speed settings. There’s an electronic speed control that enables you to retain a specific speed under load for fine cuts.
There’s also a variable speed dial, enabling you to easily adjust the speed between 2,000 and 5,200 RPM. The ability to regulate speed increases the track saw’s functionality, as it makes it possible to cut a variety of materials.
In terms of cutting capacity, the 6 ½ inch blade size of the plunge circular saw can cut up to 2 3/16 inches at 90° and 1 9/16 at 45°. Plus the blade has a beveling capability, enabling you to position it in the range of -1 to 48°, and it includes positive stops at 22.5 and 45°.
To add to this, this unit comes fitted with an integrated depth stop, which lets you make a preliminary cut of about ⅙-inch. This freedom to make preliminary cuts before cutting the entire workpiece results in clean and splinter free cuts.
Another thing that sets Makita SP6000J1 apart is the 55-inch track, which actually comes with extra tracks in case you’ll need them.
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking for a kit that you can easily carry to your job site, the Shop Fox W1835 track saw is just what you need. The whole unit tips the scales at about 12.79 pounds, making it lightweight; hence, portable.
Another area where it excels is versatility. This stems from the fact that it can be used to make both straight and plunge cuts once it’s paired with the D4362 guide rail.
When it comes to plunge cutting, the saw is designed to slice through stock that is up to 1 1/32 inches thick. This is made possible by the 9-amp motor, which spins the saw blade at a speed of 5,500RPM.
You’ll also be impressed with the array of attachments that come with the Shop Fox W1835 track saw. First off, there’s a bevel gauge that includes a lock. This is handy for performing beveled cuts up to a range of 45 degrees.
Secondly, the track saw includes primary and secondary handles that enhance its stability during the cutting process. For safety, the manufacturer has also added a spring-loaded riving knife that cuts back on the risk of kickback and pinching.
Though it’s one of the most affordable track saws, there are a few improvements it could benefit from. For one, it lacks the provision to make adjustments to the speed. Secondly, its power cord is just 6 feet long, which is a little too short.
Pros
Cons
The Wen CT1065 Plunge Cut Sidewinder Circular is one of the best value track saws you can find. It has a pretty low price tag yet it comes with a nice selection of features.
These include a 10 amp motor that spins the blade at an impressive speed of 5,500 RPM. This gives you a decent amount of power which cuts through very hard wood.
Also onboard the track saw Wen CT1065 is a carbide-tipped 6 ½ inch blade with 24 teeth per inch. This is designed to rip boards that are at least 2 ⅓ inches thick. It can also be used to perform bevel cuts on a stock that is at least 1 ⅝ inches at 45°.
If the 6 1/2 inch is not suitable for your projects, opt for the latter CT1065 Plunge Circular Saw kit that has a longer 7 1/4 inch blade with variable speed control settings.
Overall, this 6 1/2 inch plunge cut sidewinder is a fairly versatile piece of equipment as it can be used purely as a plunge saw without the rail. And the best part is, it has a depth gauge that lets you regulate how deep the blade plunges in the range of 0 to 2 ⅓ inches.
Pros
Cons
Coming from one of the most renowned brands in the power tool industry, it is no wonder the Dewalt DWS520K tracksaw kit is among the best.
It comes in the typical yellow and black color scheme that the brand is known for. More importantly, it derives its power from a 12 amp motor. This gives you a sufficient amount of power to cut the toughest hardwoods.
Another key highlight of this tool is the anti-slip track. It’s made of anti-slip aluminum material, facilitating accurate, straight cuts.
You’ll be particularly impressed with the anti-splinter edges of this rail. These pinpoint a specific cut location, helping you tackle projects swiftly and accurately. To add to this, the saw boasts a zero clearance design that also minimizes the risk of splintering wood.
When it comes to its cutting capacity, Dewalt DWS520K employs a 6 ½ inch 48-tooth blade. This component is designed to perform cuts up to 2 ⅛ inch depth at 90 degrees and 1 ⅝-inch depth at 45 degrees. Also worth noting is the low profile blade guard that lets you operate the tool in tight spots.
Pros
Cons
If you’re willing to splurge, then consider investing in Festool Ts 55 Req, often ranked as the best plunge saw.
A corded power tool, the Ts 55 employs a 1200-watt motor, giving you ample strength to tackle most of your woodworking projects.
But what truly sets this particular track saw apart is the provision of 9 different types of blades. This means you can subject it to any task, and it will handle it competently.
And the good thing is, switching the blades is fairly easy. This is achieved using Festool’s FastFix Blade Change system that makes the process straightforward.
Setting up the track saw Festool is a piece of cake thanks to the provided FS guide rail. This enables the saw blade to navigate on the set path; hence delivering perfectly straight cuts each time.
Pros
Cons
FAQs
What track saw cuts deepest?
If you’ll be handling projects that require making deep cuts, you’ll want to invest in the Makita SP6000J1 track saw. While most units have a cutting depth of just 2 ⅛ inches, this one can cut up to 2 3/16 inches deep.
Is the Festool track saw worth it?
Yes, the Festool track saw is worth every penny. It includes 9 different blade types, an FS guard rail, micro-adjustable depth controls, all packed in a very compact and lightweight tool.
Can any circular saw be used as a track saw?
No, there isn’t. Just because track saws can double up as circular saws don’t mean the vice versa is true. Circular saws aren’t equipped with tracks or rails, which are an integral part of a track saw.
Conclusion
Track saws are becoming the go-to substitute for circular and table saws, and it’s easy to see why. They’re highly versatile, just as powerful and portable.
On that note, Kreg ACS2000 Adaptive Cutting System is one of the best track saws you can invest in. It comes with its own guide track. This saves you time and money as you there's no hassle to start looking for a compatible rail.
In addition to this, it has a powerful motor, rendering it capable of cutting solid wood boards, plywood, and sheet goods. The cutting capacity of 2 ⅛ inches at 90° and 1 ½ inch at 45° is very decent. It’s also designed with the user’s safety in mind as it has an electronic blade brake, anti-kickback control, and a riving knife .