If you find yourself in a position where you need to cut material with a circular saw, then you might want to consider a track saw instead. While circular saws are great tools, they are also not the most precise option around. It requires an extremely steady hand to get a cut at exactly the right depth and length, while also not deviating from the line.
If you have to cut a lot of material, then there is bound to be some sort of error at some point. On this best track saws list, we are going to talk about tools that can help you get a perfect cut every single time. If you want a specific recommendation, we would say to get the Kreg ACS-SAW Adaptive Cutting System Plunge Saw.
A Spotlight On Some of The Best Track Saws 2022
Track Saw Reviews
Bosch Tools Track Saw – GKT13-225L 6-1/2 In. Precision Saw
- Track saw with plunge action – provides fast, easy setup for one-step clean finish cuts in wood and...
- Plunge mechanism – allows for precise plunge cuts with accurate depth of cut
- Single bevel pivot point – when sawing using a track (sold separately), the track can be positioned in...
- Constant electronics – helps maintain speed under the load of more-demanding applications
- Overload protection – protect the motor from overheating
The first track saw that we want to present to you on our best track saws list is the Bosch Tools Track Saw – GKT13-225L 6-1/2 In. Precision Saw. This is a great track saw to start off this list for a variety of reasons we feel. It is powerful, well-made, and durable, and it is an absolute joy to use. In other words, this is one of the better options on the market and therefore one of the better options to start off this list.
In terms of power, the Bosch Tools Track Saw – GKT13-225L 6-1/2 In. Precision Saw is one of the more powerful entries on this best track saws list. We have only just started this review list, so you wouldn’t know that just yet.
[Read: How to Use Track Saws to Cut Drywall]
However, rest assured that as we go through the list, you will start to see why the Bosch is such a powerful track saw. How powerful exactly? Well, a lot of high-end track saws have around 12 amps of power. The Bosch is slightly ahead with an impressive 13 amps. The amperage is capable of transforming into roughly 5000+ RPM.
Even if you aren’t too familiar with these tools as a whole, you can no doubt see from these numbers that the Bosch is a very powerful option. With 13 amps and 5000+ RPMs, the saw is capable of doing just about any job that you need it to do. This includes cutting thick, hard materials.
When it comes to accuracy, the Bosch also shines. The tracks are well-made, and they do a great job of keeping the saw blade on track. The saw is also equipped with a great plunge system that delivers precise, accurate cuts every single time.
So, not only is the Bosch Tools Track Saw – GKT13-225L 6-1/2 In. A precision Saw is powerful, but it is also very accurate, what more could you really want in a circular saw?
Before ending this review, we want to mention a few other things. First off, the saw is equipped with a feature that helps to prevent dangerous (for both the tool and you) overloads. So, the motor won’t overheat and die (or worse) on you.
That is always a good feature to have on any power tool, let alone one with a sharp, spinning blade. Something else that we imagine that a lot of you will appreciate is the dust collection feature. When cutting through wood, a lot of excess dust is produced. The Bosch thankfully allows you to hook up a vacuum cleaner and suck up all that dust.
Now, for a downside, we have to mention the price of the Bosch Tools Track Saw – GKT13-225L 6-1/2 In. Precision Saw. Given how much we have raved about this saw, it probably isn’t going to surprise you to know that this is a bit pricier than your average track saw. The price differential isn’t too bad, but it is enough to be noticeable.
Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2 in. Plunge Circular Saw Kit
- 12 AMP motor with variable speed control dial (2,000 - 5,200 RPM) for optimum performance in a variety of...
- Large cutting capacity (2-3/16" at 90° and 1-9/16" at 45°). Power Type- Corded
- Bevel capability (-1 to 48°) with positive stops at 22.5° and 45°
- Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2" Plunge Circular Saw Kit, with Stackable Tool case and 55" Guide Rail
- Powerful 12.0 AMP motor for optimum performance in a wide variety of materials
One of the power tool brands that you can count on to always produce extremely high-quality power tools is Makita. While individual experiences may vary, we find that you can always trust that the name Makita will signal quality. So, we had no issues choosing the next product to review on our best track saws list, which is the Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2 in. Plunge Circular Saw Kit. This is an extremely high-quality track saw, and we imagine that it will be a prized part of any tool collector’s collection.
First off, this track saw has the sort of power output that we, and many others, look for in a good track saw. It is equipped with a 12 amp motor and it can reach excesses of 1000 watts. Furthermore, it has a wide variety of RPM settings, with the max setting letting the blade spin at an impressive 5,200 RPM.
This combination of power and speed allows the Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2 in. Plunge Circular Saw Kit to cut through just about anything that you would really need it to. As with all track saws, you don’t want to use it for things like concrete or thick metal, but it can handle basically any kind of wood (including thick woods like oak and hardwood). It could also be used for other materials, like sheet metal, provided that they are thin enough.
[Read: Is a Track Saw Better Than a Table Saw?]
As you can see from the product itself, the Makita has an extremely long-track setup. This is great for those of you working on projects where you have to cut extremely long pieces of wood.
In fact, we would venture as far as to say that the length of Makita’s track makes it the best option on this entire list for cutting longer pieces of material. Of course, in addition to being very long, the track still does its main job of keeping the saw blade steady and extremely accurate.
In a somewhat rare occurrence, despite being a very high-performance tool, this is also a very accessible one as well. It has a switch that you can use to quickly switch speeds on the fly. You can switch on the fly between any number of RPM settings, which is great.
WEN CT1065 6.5-Inch Plunge Cut Track Saw
- Ditch the table saw: rip boards up to 2-1/3 inches thick with clean, splinter-free cuts
- Create 45-degree bevel cuts in boards up to 1-5/8 inches thick
- Perfect for ripping boards or for performing internal plunge cuts
- Includes a 6.5-inch 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade (165 mm) with a 20 mm arbor
- Compatible with the WEN CT9502 100-Inch Track and the WEN CT992F Track Saw Clamps
Wen is a well-known brand name in the power tool industry. The company’s goods are high quality and mostly targeted toward do-it-yourselfers and homeowners. In addition, Wen track saws are cost-effective options on the market today. It is powerful enough for homes and DIYers. The 10-amp motor does not measure up to the 15-amp motor in certain track saws.
The CT1065 features a motor that draws 10 amps and turns the blade at 5,500 revolutions per minute. At these rates, the saw can cut through various timbers, including hardwoods.
The Wen CT1065’s strong motor is useless if fitted with an inferior blade. As a result, the 6.5-inch built-in blade of the Wen CT1065 track saw allows for precision slicing of plywood and doors.
The thickness of the wood sliced by the blade ranges from one to two inches. But its cutting capability is 2-1/3-inches into the thick wood; therefore, it goes above and beyond this limitation. No splinters or debris are left behind, and it’s easy to use.
[Read: What Are Track Saws Used For?]
The blade performs very well while doing tasks like tearing boards, scoring cuts, and interior plunge cuts. You may cut 1.625-inch bevels using a 45-degree angle on the left side of the saw. Angled cuts may be made on 1-5-inch thick boards using the track saw.
When producing a high-quality woodwork finish, the base of a track saw is an extremely important component. Wen CT1065’s smooth and flat base is ideal if you’re looking to make long cuts. When working, accuracy and stability are provided by the base’s grooves designed for precise work.
There is a lot to like about Wen CT1065. Different blade settings let you change blades, plunge cuts, and score cuts.
Kreg ACS-SAW Adaptive Cutting System Plunge Saw Bundle with Guide Track Kit
- Premium Plunge-Cutting Circular Saw: Gives you perfectly straight cuts without splinters or chips
- Cut Precisely, Every Time: Cut through plywood, solid wood, panels, and more with ease and precision
- Adjustable Track Saw: Cut from 2 1/8 inches at 90° to 1 1/2 inches at 45°; works with Kreg 62-inch...
- Safety: Kreg track saw features fully-shrouded blades, anti-kickback control, electronic blade brake,...
- Premium Kreg Tools: We offer products that help woodworkers close the gap between idea and outcome
The Kreg ACS2000 saw kit is one of the track saws on our list with one of the highest levels of adaptability. It can cut up to 2-1/8 inches deep when tilted at 90 degrees and 1-1/4 inches deep when tilted at 45 degrees. You may cut plywood, hardwoods, and solid boards with the 6-1/2-inch blade.
The saw is extremely easy to operate and includes all of the normal circular saw’s adjustment capabilities. Because of the safety interlock on this plunge saw, you can’t plunge it or turn it on before pushing the interlock button.
My initial difficulty using this interlock switch was alleviated after a few minutes of familiarizing myself with the instrument. In addition to the Project Table Kit, you may also use this model on its own.
[Read: Is a Track Saw Worth It?]
A riving knife and other anti-kickback instruments are included with purchasing the Kreg model, which prioritizes user protection. It can make clean cuts in pieces of wood measuring up to 50 inches in length using a motor that rotates at speeds ranging from 5,000 to 5,200 revolutions per minute and has a 12-amp capacity.
This product’s ability to work seamlessly with Guide Track is a standout feature. To make loading and unloading workpieces easier, you don’t have to elevate the track vertically like several other multi-function workstations. Kreg’s solution for this problem is to pivot the Guide Track on a set of hinges at either end.
DeWalt DWS520K 6-1/2-Inch Track Saw Kit
- Zero clearance track saw cutting system delivers precise, straight, splinter-free cuts.Power Tool Type...
- For use with track saw dual-edged tracks for perfectly straight cuts in both directions
- On-track cut depth: 2-1/8 (54mm) at 90 degree , 1-5/8-inch (41mm) at 45 degree ; depth scale accurately...
- 12A, 1300W motor effortlessly powers through hard woods up to 2-1/8-inch thick
- Continuous Anti-Kickback mechanism and riving knife prevent kickback when engaged; Low profile blade...
Whenever you are reading a list of tool reviews or any list looking at the best power tools (of any type), then you expect certain brands to show up. One such brand is, without a doubt, DeWalt.
Whenever you read one of these lists, you are just waiting for at least one DeWalt product to show up because they are such a consistent brand that you can rely on to produce high-quality tools. We waited a bit longer on our best track saws list to introduce our first DeWalt product. For the final review on this list, we are going to be taking a look at the DeWalt DWS520K 6-1/2-Inch Track Saw Kit.
First and foremost, we want to get it out of the way that this track saw is not being included on this list just because of its name. While DeWalt is definitely a well-known brand and a fairly reliable one at that, we want to make sure that every product on this best track saws list makes it onto the list because of merit alone.
Thankfully, the DeWalt DWS520K 6-1/2-Inch Track Saw Kit bears all the hallmarks of a great product from DeWalt.
To begin, this is a very powerful track saw. It is equipped with a 12 amp, 1300 watt motor. With such a powerful motor onboard, the DeWalt Track Saw has absolutely no issues cutting through thick, tough material. You can easily cut through thicker, harder pieces of wood. With the right blade combination, you could probably even cut through thin sheet metal.
Of course, as you would expect from any track saw being reviewed on this list, the track system works very well. The solid steel tracks do a simply amazing job of keeping the saw blade on track and producing accurate, consistent cuts.
The depth adjustment could use some tweaking in our opinion, but this is an otherwise very powerful and accurate saw. We can’t imagine anyone but the absolute biggest perfectionist having any issues with the quality of cut produced by this saw.
Aiding the overall accuracy of the DeWalt DWS520K 6-1/2-Inch Track Saw Kit is the anti-kickback system. Track saws, much like circular saws, can kickback if they get caught on something or if they hit a material that is a bit too difficult to cut through. These kickbacks, as you all know, can be dangerous both for your saw and for your body. The anti-kickback mechanism on the DeWalt does a great job of keeping you safe.
The Uses of a Track Saw
In the first part of our best track saws article, we exclusively focused on reviewing various track saws to make it easier for you to pick one that appeals to you. That is not what we are going to be doing in this second part of our article.
Instead, as you can see from the subheading, we are going to be focusing on what the actual uses of a track saw are. Track saws, while they may look and act similarly to circular saws, are a bit different. So, in this section of the article, we are going to explore those differences by looking at some of the jobs that a track saw is best used for.
Making Long Miter Cuts
Typically, when you see that a project is going to require miter cuts, you assume that you are going to need a miter saw, but that is not always the case. As it turns out, track saws are equally as good at making long miter cuts as dedicated miter saws.
As long as you make sure that you find a track saw with a good plunge feature, then you should have no issues whatsoever making the sort of precise miter cuts that you need to make to complete most projects. This is also because most track saws let you alter the angle of your cut.
Cutting Drywall
Another job where track saws absolutely excel is when it comes to cutting drywall. A lot of people might be hesitant to use a circular saw on drywall as the amount of dust created would make it difficult to accurately cut the drywall. However, track saws have various features designed to help with this.
The track ensures that you are always making accurate cuts on the drywall. Likewise, as you saw from our best track saws article, many track saws come with dust collection features. These let you hook up a vacuum to the track saw, which eliminates the dust problem.
Cutting Flooring
Another area where track saws are worth their weight in gold is when it comes to cutting flooring. Flooring can be difficult to cut because it has to be cut extremely uniformly and there can be no inaccurate cuts.
So, as you might imagine, track saws are amazing when it comes to working with flooring because of how well they do when it comes to making accurate cuts. You can trust your track saw to accurately and uniformly cut flooring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which Track Saw is Best?
“Best” is obviously a subjective term. It really depends on what you’re looking for from your track saw and your available budget. Having said that, we recommend the Bosch GKT13-225L as the finest all-rounder on the market. This saw ticks all possible boxes to a competent standard, often surpassing expectations.
What are Track Saws Used For?
Track saws are essential for anybody looking to make precision cuts. A track saw will ensure that you never lose control of your cutting, and do not end up deviating from a pre-established line. What’s more, a track saw will ensure you maintain consistent depth and length in your cutting. Overall, they are steadier and more reliable than circular saws.
Can You Use a Track Saw as a Circular Saw?
You can replace your circular saw with a track saw and enjoy all the benefits that come with this tool. The only issue you’ll encounter is cutting spherical shapes. Track saws are for straight lines, not circles. You’ll need a circular saw or jigsaw for that.
What is the Difference Between a Circular Saw and a Track Saw?
As the name suggests, track saws are mounted on an unmoving track, so you won’t deviate from a cutting path by allowing your cutting hand or grip to slip. This also promotes greater safety. Be aware that such performance comes at a cost, though. Track saws can cost as much as five times more than circular saws.
Can a Track Saw Replace a Table Saw?
The humble table saw will always have its place, but for many, the dawn of the track saw has surpassed this tool. For longer, harder, and more precise cutting, a track saw is an upgrade on a table saw. In addition, track saws take up considerably less space than a sprawling table saw.
What is the Most Versatile Saw?
The DeWalt DWS520K is widely considered to be the most versatile saw on the market. There is practically no material that this tool cannot cut through. However, it’s not flawless. The depth perception of this track saw is slightly weaker than some competitors. The Bosch GKT13-225L is an ideal alternative.
How Deep Can a Track Saw Cut?
This depends on the model that you choose. Most track saws have adjustable depth, so they can be tailored to the job at hand. Always be sure to measure up your needs before investing in a track saw and choose an appropriate tool for the job.
Is Festool Better Than DeWalt?
DeWalt has long been established as the go-to brand DIY brand for hobbyists and professional tradespeople alike. Consistency is at the heart of everything DeWalt produces, and you’ll never be disappointed with a product from this manufacturer. However, Festool products are considered to be the legitimate next level, offering greater power, durability, and accuracy – albeit often at a vastly higher price point.
Is Festool Better Than Makita?
Comparing these two manufacturers is less like comparing apples and oranges, and more like comparing apples with … well, another batch of apples. Both offer high-quality, prestigious tools that are priced at the higher end of the scale than other makers. Choosing between them is largely a matter of personal preference and brand loyalty.
How Do You Cut Perfect Circles in Wood?
Track saws cannot cut circles. These tools specialize in straight lines. To cut perfect circles in wood, invest a hole saw as a shortcut. If this is not an option, mark out your circle and very carefully use a circular saw or a jigsaw.
How Do You Make a Track Saw Guide?
Before committing to a track saw, you could make your own guide to use with a circular saw. This is certainly cheaper than investing in a track saw. To achieve this aim, cut a thin, small piece of plywood and glue it to what remains. Place your saw on one side of the edge of the wood and cut away the excess. Flip over and repeat the process.
Should I Buy a Table Saw or Track Saw?
If you never need to move your workstation, or you need to regularly cut trims, a table saw will meet your needs. These tools are certainly cheaper than track saws, though they take up a lot more space. When it comes to accuracy, however, there is no comparison. A track saw is by far the superior option.
What is the Best Saw for a Beginner?
Track saws are formidable pieces of kit and come with a high price tag. To this end, they are not really suited to beginners. If you’re new to DIY, a table saw or circular saw is a better tool for learning your trade. If you must buy a track saw as a novice, pick up the WEN CT1065. This is cheaper than most track saws, though it’s also less powerful.
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