Imagine cutting a perfectly straight line on a large sheet of plywood. No wobbling, no uneven edges, just a clean, crisp cut. Does that sound like a dream? For many woodworkers and DIYers, achieving that kind of precision can be a real challenge.
That’s where the track saw comes in. But with so many different brands and features out there, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. You want a saw that’s powerful, accurate, and easy to use, but sifting through all the technical jargon and comparing specifications can be a headache. You might worry about spending money on a saw that doesn’t meet your needs, or worse, one that’s difficult to handle.
This guide is here to help. We’ll break down what makes a great track saw, explain the key features to look for, and even offer some tips on how to use yours to its full potential. By the end of this post, you’ll have a much clearer idea of which track saw will be your new best friend in the workshop, making all your cutting projects a breeze.
Our Top 5 Track Saw Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Track Saw Detailed Reviews
1. DEWALT 60V MAX* Circular Saw
Rating: 9.3/10
The DEWALT 60V MAX* Circular Saw, 6-1/2-Inch, Cordless TrackSaw, Tool Only (DCS520B) is a powerful cordless saw that makes cutting wood much easier. It’s designed for precision and clean cuts. This tool is great for anyone who needs accurate cuts without the hassle of cords.
What We Like:
- It gives you perfectly straight and splinter-free cuts every time thanks to its TrackSaw cutting system.
- The saw works with special dual-edged tracks, which help you make super straight cuts.
- It has a continuous anti-kickback system and a riving knife that stop the saw from kicking back, keeping you safe.
- The straight plunge mechanism makes it comfortable and easy to use, even for long projects.
- The guard covers the blade well and captures about 90% of dust, which means a cleaner workspace.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a “tool only” purchase, so you will need to buy batteries and a charger separately.
- The specialized tracks are an additional purchase and can be costly.
- While the dust collection is good, some users might find they still need a shop vac for very fine dust.
This DEWALT TrackSaw is an excellent choice for DIYers and professionals who demand accuracy and efficiency. It makes clean, precise cuts a reality, even for tricky jobs.
2. Festool 577014 Plunge-Cut Track Saw TS 55 FEQ-F-Plus-FS with 55-Inch (1400mm) Guide Rail
Rating: 9.2/10
The Festool 577014 Plunge-Cut Track Saw TS 55 FEQ-F-Plus-FS with its 55-inch (1400mm) guide rail is a powerful tool that helps you make clean, precise cuts. It’s designed for serious woodworkers who want speed and accuracy. This saw makes tough jobs much easier.
What We Like:
- It works up to twice as fast and the saw blade lasts longer because of its strong torque.
- You get almost no splinters on either side of your cut thanks to the attachable splinter guard.
- The cutting line stays the same from a 90-degree angle to a 47-degree angle, even when you tilt the saw.
- It’s a top-notch sawing system with lots of different accessories you can add.
- A riving knife is included for safer work and easy placement in existing cuts.
- You can adjust the angle from -1 degree to 47 degrees, and it has an undercut function.
What Could Be Improved:
- The initial cost is quite high, which might be a barrier for some DIYers.
- While powerful, it requires a learning curve to master all its features and get the best results.
This Festool track saw is a fantastic investment for anyone serious about woodworking. It delivers exceptional performance and makes precise cuts a breeze.
3. Milescraft 1409 Track Saw Guide – Universal for 7-1/4″ Circular Saws
Rating: 9.0/10
Tired of wobbly cuts and crooked lines with your circular saw? The Milescraft 1409 Track Saw Guide is here to help! This nifty tool makes straight cuts easy for both home improvement pros and DIYers. It fits most 7-1/4-inch circular saws, giving you a clean cut every time. You can cut up to 50 inches right out of the box, and even longer with extra pieces. Its tough metal body means it won’t bend, so your cuts are super accurate. Plus, the low profile lets you cut through doors and other common materials.
What We Like:
- Universal fit for most 7-1/4″ circular saws.
- Cuts 50 inches straight from the start, with options to extend.
- Sturdy all-metal design for strong, steady cuts.
- Low profile for cutting depths up to 1-3/4 inches.
- Red cutting strip helps prevent splintering and chipping.
- Makes DIY projects quicker, more accurate, and easier.
What Could Be Improved:
- Not compatible with most worm drive saws.
- Need to buy extra connectors to join two guides.
If you want to improve your woodworking accuracy, this guide is a solid investment. It brings professional results to your home projects.
4. WEN CT1065 10-Amp 6.5-Inch Plunge Cut Sidewinder Circular Track Saw
Rating: 9.0/10
The WEN CT1065 10-Amp 6.5-Inch Plunge Cut Sidewinder Circular Track Saw is a powerful tool that lets you make clean, straight cuts. It’s a great alternative to a bulky table saw. You can cut through boards up to 2-1/3 inches thick without splintering. It also allows you to make angled cuts, or bevel cuts, up to 1-5/8 inches thick. This saw is perfect for ripping boards to size or making cuts right in the middle of a board. This package also includes a 110-inch guide rail, which helps you make super straight cuts, especially on big pieces of wood like plywood sheets. The rail comes in two 55-inch sections and includes adapters for a stable connection. To keep your workpiece firmly in place, the set comes with two 6-inch quick-release clamps. These clamps have easy-to-use squeeze grips and quick-release buttons for fast setup and removal.
What We Like:
- Makes clean, splinter-free straight cuts on thick boards.
- Allows for precise 45-degree bevel cuts.
- The included guide rail ensures accurate ripping of large sheets like plywood.
- Quick-release clamps are easy to use and provide good hold.
- It’s a good alternative to a table saw for many jobs.
What Could Be Improved:
- The guide rail is in two pieces, which might require careful alignment for the longest cuts.
- While good, more clamps could be useful for very large projects.
This WEN track saw package offers a lot of value. It helps you achieve professional-looking cuts with ease, making it a fantastic addition to any workshop.
5. WEN 7.25-Inch Track Saw
Rating: 8.6/10
The WEN 7.25-Inch Track Saw, Variable Speed (CT1274) is a powerful corded electric saw designed for precise cutting. It’s great for woodworkers who want clean, straight cuts without the hassle of a table saw. This track saw makes it easy to rip boards and create plunge cuts.
What We Like:
- It can cut through boards up to 2.6 inches thick.
- You can make bevel cuts up to 1.85 inches thick at a 45-degree angle.
- The variable speed feature lets you adjust from 2000 to 6000 RPM.
- It works with standard 7-1/4-inch blades.
- It comes with a carbide-tipped blade and a dust port adapter.
- A two-year warranty is included.
- It’s compatible with WEN tracks and clamps.
What Could Be Improved:
- The track and clamps are sold separately.
- It requires a cord, limiting portability compared to cordless models.
This WEN track saw offers excellent control and precision for your woodworking projects. It’s a solid tool for anyone looking to improve their cutting accuracy.
Choosing the Right Track Saw: Your Guide to Precision Cuts
Track saws are amazing tools. They help you make super straight cuts in wood. This guide will help you pick the best one for your projects.
What Makes a Track Saw Great? Key Features to Look For
- Motor Power: A stronger motor means easier cutting. Look for at least 10 amps for most jobs. A more powerful motor won’t bog down.
- Blade Speed (RPM): Higher RPMs help make cleaner cuts. Aim for around 5,000 RPM or more.
- Depth of Cut: This is how thick of a piece of wood the saw can cut through. Make sure it’s enough for your usual projects. Most track saws can cut 2 inches or more.
- Track System: The track is what guides the saw. Some saws come with a track, others don’t. If it does, check how long it is. You can often connect tracks for longer cuts.
- Dust Collection: Woodworking creates dust. Good dust collection keeps your workspace cleaner. It also makes the cut smoother. Look for a saw with a good dust port.
- Bevel Capacity: This lets you cut at an angle. If you need angled cuts, check the bevel range.
- Weight: A lighter saw is easier to handle. This is important for long cutting sessions.
Materials Matter: What Your Track Saw is Made Of
Most track saws have strong metal bodies. The motor housing is usually tough plastic. The track itself is often aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight and strong. Some tracks have rubber strips. These help the saw grip the track and reduce splintering.
Quality Matters: What Makes a Track Saw Good or Not So Good
- What Improves Quality:
- Smooth Operation: A good track saw glides easily along the track. The motor runs smoothly.
- Accurate Cuts: The saw should make perfectly straight cuts every time. The depth adjustment should be precise.
- Durability: The saw should feel solid and well-built. It should last a long time.
- Good Dust Collection: This really makes a difference in cleanliness and cut quality.
- What Reduces Quality:
- Wobbly Motor Housing: If the motor part feels loose, it can affect cut accuracy.
- Sticky Track: A track that’s hard to slide the saw on will be frustrating.
- Poor Dust Collection: This will make a mess and can clog the blade.
- Weak Motor: A weak motor will struggle with thicker wood.
User Experience and Use Cases: Who Needs a Track Saw and Why?
Track saws are great for many people. DIYers love them for furniture making. They can make clean cuts on plywood and sheet goods. Carpenters use them for trim work and cabinets. They are also useful for cutting large panels.
The main advantage is the precision. You get straight, splinter-free cuts. This saves you time on sanding. They are safer than many other saws because the blade is mostly covered. You don’t need to be an expert to get great results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Track Saws
Q: What is a track saw used for?
A: A track saw is used for making very straight and clean cuts in wood. It’s especially good for cutting large sheets of plywood or MDF.
Q: Do I need a track for a track saw?
A: Yes, a track saw needs a special track to guide it. Some saws come with a track, while others are sold separately.
Q: Can a track saw cut metal?
A: Generally, track saws are designed for wood. You might be able to cut thin metal with a special blade, but it’s not their main purpose.
Q: How do I choose the right blade for my track saw?
A: The blade you choose depends on the material you’re cutting and the type of cut. For general wood, a 48-tooth blade is a good start. Always check your saw’s manual for recommended blade sizes.
Q: Are track saws safer than circular saws?
A: Yes, track saws are generally considered safer. The blade is mostly enclosed, and the track keeps the saw stable, reducing the chance of kickback.
Q: How long are track saw tracks?
A: Tracks come in different lengths, often from 55 inches to over 100 inches. You can also connect multiple tracks for even longer cuts.
Q: What is splintering and how do track saws prevent it?
A: Splintering is when the wood fibers tear out on the edge of a cut. Track saws have a special scoring blade and a rubber strip on the track that helps to prevent this.
Q: Can I use a track saw for ripping long boards?
A: Yes, track saws are excellent for ripping long boards. The track ensures the cut stays straight along the entire length of the board.
Q: Do track saws need a lot of power?
A: While more power is better, even mid-range track saws have enough power for most common woodworking tasks. A motor around 10-12 amps is usually sufficient.
Q: Is a track saw worth the money for a beginner?
A: If you plan on doing a lot of woodworking, especially with sheet goods, a track saw is a great investment. It makes precise cuts easier and can save you time and frustration.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!