Ever tried to make a perfectly straight cut on a large piece of wood, only to end up with a wobbly, uneven line? It’s a common frustration for woodworkers and DIYers alike. Achieving those crisp, factory-edge cuts can feel like a magic trick, especially when you’re working with sheet goods or large panels.
That’s where the magic of track saws comes in. These amazing tools are designed to glide along a guide rail, giving you unparalleled control and accuracy. But with so many different brands and models out there, picking the right track saw can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering which one will give you the best bang for your buck, or which features are truly important for your projects.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about track saws. We’ll explore what makes them so special, what to look for when you’re buying one, and how they can revolutionize your woodworking. Get ready to say goodbye to wonky cuts and hello to precision!
Our Top 5 Track Saws Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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DEWALT 60V MAX* Circular Saw | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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Makita SP6000J 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Circular Saw | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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WEN 7.25-Inch Track Saw | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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DEWALT Circular Saw | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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WEN 7.25-Inch Track Saw (CT1274) and 110-Inch Track Saw Track Guide Rail Bundle | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Track Saws Detailed Reviews
1. DEWALT 60V MAX* Circular Saw
Rating: 8.8/10
The DEWALT 60V MAX* Circular Saw, 6-1/2-Inch, Cordless TrackSaw, Tool Only (DCS520B) is a powerful tool for anyone who needs to make super straight and clean cuts.
What We Like:
- It has a zero-clearance TrackSaw™ cutting system. This means your cuts will be straight and won’t have splintered edges.
- You can use it with special TrackSaw™ dual-edged tracks. These tracks help you make perfectly straight cuts every time.
- It has a continuous anti-kickback mechanism and a riving knife. These safety features stop the saw from kicking back when you use them.
- The saw has a straight plunge mechanism. This makes it easier and more comfortable to use.
- The enclosed low-profile guard captures about 90% of dust. This keeps your workspace much cleaner.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a “tool only” purchase. You will need to buy the battery and charger separately, which adds to the overall cost.
- The specialized TrackSaw™ tracks are an additional purchase. They are necessary for the saw’s best performance.
This DEWALT TrackSaw is a fantastic choice for clean, precise cuts. It offers great safety features and dust collection for a better user experience.
2. Makita SP6000J 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Circular Saw
Rating: 9.5/10
The Makita SP6000J 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Circular Saw is a fantastic tool for anyone who needs to make clean, precise cuts. It’s built for performance and designed to make your woodworking projects easier and more professional. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this saw can help you achieve amazing results.
What We Like:
- It has a strong 12.0 AMP motor. This motor powers through many different types of materials.
- It cuts very accurately. This means you get a smooth finish with no splintering.
- The saw keeps a steady speed. Electronic speed control makes cutting smooth, even when the saw is working hard.
- You can change the speed easily. A dial lets you pick a speed from 2,000 to 5,200 RPM, matching the saw to your job.
- It cuts deep. You can cut up to 2-3/16 inches at a 90-degree angle and 1-9/16 inches at a 45-degree angle.
What Could Be Improved:
- The price might be a bit high for some DIYers.
- Finding this specific model might sometimes be a challenge due to its popularity.
This Makita plunge saw is a powerful and accurate tool that will help you achieve professional-looking cuts on a variety of projects. If you value precision and a clean finish, it’s definitely worth considering.
3. WEN 7.25-Inch Track Saw
Rating: 8.8/10
The WEN 7.25-Inch Track Saw, Variable Speed (CT1274), Corded Electric, is a powerful tool for any DIYer or professional. It helps you make clean, straight cuts in wood. You can rip boards or make plunge cuts up to 2.6 inches thick. It also handles 45-degree bevel cuts up to 1.85 inches thick. This saw is great for many woodworking projects.
What We Like:
- It cuts through wood easily, even thick pieces.
- You can change the speed from 2000 to 6000 RPM for different jobs.
- It accepts standard 7-1/4-inch blades, so you have options.
- The saw comes with a good carbide-tipped blade.
- A dust port adapter is included to keep your workspace cleaner.
- It comes with a two-year warranty for peace of mind.
- It works with WEN tracks and clamps, making it part of a system.
What Could Be Improved:
- The track and clamps are sold separately, adding to the overall cost.
- Some users might prefer a cordless option for more freedom of movement.
This WEN track saw offers excellent performance and versatility. It’s a solid investment for anyone needing precise cuts in their woodworking.
4. DEWALT Circular Saw
Rating: 8.6/10
The DEWALT Circular Saw, 6-1/2-Inch, TrackSaw Kit (DWS520K) is a powerful tool for anyone looking to make super straight and clean cuts. Its special track saw system means you get perfect results every time, without rough edges or splinters. This saw is great for woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts who need precision.
What We Like:
- It makes perfectly straight, splinter-free cuts thanks to its zero-clearance track saw system.
- The dual-edged tracks allow for straight cuts in both directions.
- It can cut through wood up to 2-1/8 inches thick with its strong 12 Amp motor.
- The anti-kickback mechanism and riving knife keep you safe by preventing the saw from jumping back.
- The low-profile blade guard lets you cut in tight spots.
- The depth scale accurately shows how deep you’re cutting, even with the track on.
What Could Be Improved:
- The corded power means you need to be near an outlet.
- The kit might be an investment, making it less budget-friendly for some.
This DEWALT TrackSaw Kit offers excellent precision and power for your cutting needs. It’s a fantastic tool for achieving professional-looking results on your projects.
5. WEN 7.25-Inch Track Saw (CT1274) and 110-Inch Track Saw Track Guide Rail Bundle
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to make precise cuts with the WEN 7.25-Inch Track Saw and 110-Inch Track Guide Rail Bundle. This tool is great for anyone who needs clean, straight cuts on wood. It’s designed to make your woodworking projects easier and more accurate.
What We Like:
- The track saw can cut through wood that is up to 2.6 inches thick.
- You can also make angled cuts (bevel cuts) up to 1.85 inches thick.
- It has a variable speed that you can adjust from 2000 to 6000 RPM, so you control how fast it cuts.
- The saw uses standard 7-1/4 inch blades, and it comes with a good quality 48-tooth carbide-tipped blade.
- The 110-inch track guide rail is perfect for cutting large plywood sheets, like those that are 8 feet by 4 feet.
- This track guide rail works with many different track saw models, including WEN, Evolution, Makita, and Festool saws.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the bundle is great, it would be helpful if it included a dust collection bag or attachment.
- More blade options could be included in the bundle for different types of cuts.
This WEN track saw bundle offers excellent precision and versatility for your cutting needs. It’s a solid choice for both hobbyists and professionals looking for accurate results.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Track Saw Companion
A track saw is a powerful tool that helps you make straight, clean cuts in wood and other materials. It’s like a circular saw that glides along a special track. This guide will help you pick the best one for your projects.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a track saw, keep these important features in mind:
- Motor Power: More power means it can cut through thicker or harder materials more easily. Look for at least 10 amps for most woodworking tasks.
- Blade Speed (RPM): A higher RPM (revolutions per minute) usually means a cleaner cut. Aim for around 5,000 RPM or more.
- Depth of Cut: This tells you how thick of a piece of wood the saw can cut through. Make sure it’s enough for your needs. A common depth is around 2 inches.
- Bevel Capacity: Some track saws can tilt to make angled cuts. If you plan to do projects with bevels, check the angle range.
- Dust Collection: Good dust collection keeps your work area clean and helps you see your cut line. Most track saws have a port to connect a vacuum.
- Track System: The track is crucial. It guides the saw for accurate cuts. Some systems are better than others for holding the track in place and for connecting multiple track pieces.
- Variable Speed: This lets you adjust the saw’s speed for different materials. It’s helpful for cutting softer woods, plastics, or even thin metal.
2. Important Materials
The quality of a track saw often comes down to the materials used in its construction.
- Housing: A sturdy metal or reinforced plastic housing protects the motor and internal parts. Metal is generally more durable.
- Blade: The blade is what does the cutting. Look for blades made of hardened steel with carbide teeth. The number of teeth on the blade also affects the cut quality. More teeth usually mean a smoother finish.
- Track: The track is often made of aluminum. A thicker, more rigid aluminum track will stay in place better and resist bending. Some tracks have anti-slip strips on the bottom.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a track saw great or not so great.
- Build Quality: How well the saw is put together matters. Check for loose parts or wobbly components. A well-built saw feels solid.
- Ergonomics: How comfortable is the saw to hold and use? Good grip design and balanced weight make a big difference, especially during long work sessions.
- Ease of Use: Is it easy to set the depth and bevel? Can you change the blade without a struggle? Simple adjustments improve the user experience.
- Precision: A good track saw should cut exactly where you guide it. The track system should prevent the saw from wobbling or deviating.
- Durability: Will the saw last? Higher-quality components and robust construction mean your saw will handle tough jobs over time. Cheaper materials can wear out faster.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Track saws are versatile tools that many people find very useful.
- For DIYers: If you love working on home projects, a track saw makes cutting large sheets of plywood, particleboard, or MDF much easier. You can get factory-like cuts for cabinets, shelves, or furniture.
- For Woodworkers: Professional woodworkers rely on track saws for precision. They are great for breaking down large panels, making dados (grooves), and cutting long, straight lines with minimal tear-out.
- For Cabinet Makers: Building cabinets requires many precise cuts. A track saw ensures that all your pieces are the same size and have clean edges.
- For Trim Carpenters: Installing trim, like baseboards or crown molding, often needs accurate angled cuts. A track saw with a good bevel capacity can handle these tasks.
- Cutting Other Materials: While mainly for wood, some track saws with the right blade can also cut plastic, laminate flooring, and even some thin metals.
When you use a track saw, always wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Make sure the track is securely attached to your workpiece before you start cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a track saw used for?
A: A track saw is used for making very straight and accurate cuts in wood and other materials. It’s great for cutting large panels like plywood.
Q: Do I need a special track for a track saw?
A: Yes, track saws require a specific track or guide rail to work correctly. The saw is designed to glide along this track.
Q: Can a track saw replace a regular circular saw?
A: For many tasks, yes. A track saw offers more precision and cleaner cuts, especially on large sheets. However, a regular circular saw might be better for freehand cuts or rougher work.
Q: How do I keep the track from moving?
A: Most tracks have anti-slip strips on the bottom. You can also use clamps to secure the track to your workpiece, especially for longer cuts.
Q: What kind of blade should I use?
A: For wood, use a blade with many fine teeth for a cleaner cut. For harder materials, you might need a different type of blade, like a carbide-tipped blade.
Q: How deep can a typical track saw cut?
A: Most track saws can cut about 2 inches deep. This is enough for most standard lumber and sheet goods.
Q: Is a track saw difficult to learn how to use?
A: They are generally easy to learn, especially if you have used a circular saw before. The track guides the saw, making it simpler to get straight cuts.
Q: What is “tear-out”?
A: Tear-out is when the wood splinters or breaks unevenly along the cut line. Track saws, especially with the correct blade and technique, greatly reduce tear-out.
Q: Can I use a track saw for making angled cuts?
A: Yes, many track saws have a bevel feature that allows you to tilt the blade and make angled cuts.
Q: Are track saws expensive?
A: Track saws can be more expensive than basic circular saws, but their precision and ease of use often make them a worthwhile investment for serious DIYers and professionals.
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!