What is a best track saw? is a tool that cuts through wood like butter. The blade, resting on an arm with wheels for mobility, is pulled by the rails in front of it.
The rail system anchors securely to work surfaces and can be clamped or bolted down for stability. The saw slides smoothly along the track, allowing you to cut curves and shapes not possible with other tools.
Track saws are most commonly used in woodworking shops, but they’re also perfect for cutting plastic laminate flooring, drywall, corkboard, and more – all without messy dust from sanding or shavings getting everywhere!
This tool will last you years with a good quality blade installed correctly onto the arm’s shaft (sprockets).
Although a saw is the most essential accessory in a track saw, there are many other bits and pieces to consider to get the perfect result.
Below we’ve put together a list of all the best tools you can add to your kit, from blades and guide fences to replacement tracks, which will ensure you have every possible base covered when it comes to getting the job done.
The finest track saws can be rapidly clamped into position and deliver exact cuts.
When purchasing the best track saw, look for one that is of good quality.
The best Track saws from top manufacturers, such as those on the list below, are quick, dependable, and powerful enough to complete any task.
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Table of Contents
What are the main advantages of owning a track saw?
- Much more precise than handheld circular saws.
- Excellent for making long, straight cuts that would be near-impossible with other hand tools.
- Means less time spent sanding and finishing materials after you’ve cut them.
- Allows you to cut curves and angles quickly and easily for a better finish.
- Perfect for cutting holes in various materials – you can even use it to cut through drywall!
What To Consider When Buying The Best Track Saw
Consider the cost of the track saw, power requirements, and availability of electrical outlets.
- Most models run on a 110-120V outlet, with some requiring 220-240V.
- Comparing costs will save you from being stuck working without a saw if your track saw has been delivered days before you have access to an outlet or got halfway through a project and then electricity was cut off.
- This product is more expensive than most and is generally used by professionals (such as carpenters) who need precision cutting capabilities.
Blade size
Blade size: Consider the blade size and blade type (i.e. metal or carbide) and its cutting speed (i.e. high end: 3,000 SFPM / low end: 1,800 SFPM).
- Track saw blade sizes are usually 9 1/4″, 10″, 12″, requiring dedicated track saw blades.
- Some models come with an adjustable guide rail system so the blade can be set at several angles or locked into place, giving you multiple cutting options for wood, metal, and molding.
Cutting capacity
- This is a measure of how thick a material the track saw can cut through.
Some models will only cut up to 1″ while others have a cutting depth capacity of 50mm or 1-3/4″. - You want to be sure that the blade’s cutting depth is between one and three inches for your needs.
Speed Settings
Speed settings depend on the thickness of the material that you are cutting. This is because the blade needs to spin at a certain speed to produce clean cuts. If your blade can’t hit that number, it will not make a clean cut.
Bevel Capacity
To cut a bevel, you need a track saw with a bevel capacity. How deep this bevel capacity is depends on the model of the track saw.
For example, some can create a bevel up to 45 degrees, while others can only cut up to 15 degrees. The more expensive models have deeper cutting depths because they have more power and larger blades.
Motor Power
Cutting through thick materials can be a pain with other saws, but not with the suitable track saw.
A high-quality track saw will have more power than other types of saws and is designed to cut through thicker material without any problems.
The best track saw on the market has an adjustable guide rail system, so you can set it at several angles or lock it into place for cutting wood, metal, and molding. It also comes with a blade size of 9 1/4″, 10″, or 12″.
This means that you don’t need to buy separate blades for your new purchase – saving you time and money in the long run!
Track length
This is the height of the track saw’s cutting area.
Most models have a cutting height range from 16″ to 24″ with a few that extend up to 34″. The higher this number, the larger your blade can be and, therefore, the more materials you can cut.
In general, when choosing a length for your track saw, there are two factors to consider: your needs and finances. If you plan on using it for various projects or if you have a large budget for your project, at least 18 inches will give you more options.
If you know exactly what type of project you want to do and only have a little money to spend, 16 inches is a perfect size for most basic tasks.
Safety Features
Saw track saws are circular saws with tracks that ride along with them.
However, it’s safer because a track saw is inherently less hazardous to use than a circular saw for extended cuts.
The track establishes a predetermined route for the saw blade, allowing you to look ahead and see whether there are any obstructions along the way.
If the saw encounters an obstacle, it’s stopped by the track and won’t go any further.
There are two types of basic safety features on a track saw: tip-over protection and blade guards.
The former allows you to set up the saw correctly so it can’t fall over while running. The latter gives you physical protection from injury when using the saw.
Many carpenters pinched the base of their circular saws with their free hand, putting their fingertips close to a spinning blade.
While these are skilled specialists who have undoubtedly handled this situation a thousand times before, there’s always room for error.
Track saws eliminate the need to use a free hand to guide the saw, making it safer for beginners to use.
Another safety feature worth noting is the dust extraction ports. When cutting through small pieces of wood, sawdust or shavings can fly all over or settle on your work area.
Saw track saws have ports that allow you to hook up a vacuum, so the dust falls into the bag, not onto your project.
This is particularly useful for carpenters or craftsmen who need to clean off their work area afterward.
Our Top Picks For The Best Track Saw
BEST OVERALL: Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2″ Plunge Circular Saw Kit
RUNNER-UP: DEWALT Circular Saw, 6-1/2-Inch, One of the Best Track Saw Kit
BEST FOR THE BUCK: Plunge Cut Sidewinder Circular Track Saw
UPGRADE PICK: Festool Plunge Cut Track Saw
BEST PORTABILITY: Circular Saw Track
1# Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2″ Plunge Circular Saw Kit – Our Best Track Saw Overall
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Makita’s SP6000J1 is a plunge saw with a 12-Amp motor that delivers best-in-class cutting performance.
The variable speed control dial enables users to match the speed to the application, and the electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load for smooth cutting.
The saw’s built-in dust blower keeps the cut line clear for precise cuts, while its rubberized soft grip handle provides increased comfort during use, reducing user fatigue.
The included saw blade has 60 teeth for fast cutting with excellent finish results.
Variable speed control dial (2,000 – 5,200 RPM) enables users to match the speed to the application.
The electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load for smooth cutting 1-1/8″ deep cut capacity and spindle lock, making it easy to quickly change the blade position. Backed by 3 Year Warranty.
2# DEWALT Circular Saw, 6-1/2-Inch, The Best Track Saw
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The DEWALT DWS520K TrackSaw combines the precision and cut quality of a table saw, the capacity of a panel saw, and the portability of a circular saw.
The DWS520K travels along an anti-slip aluminum track enabling you to make clean, straight, and precise cuts.
THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB
An excellent choice for finish carpenters, woodworkers, and contractors looking for a portable tool to make straight splinter-free precise cuts.
3# WEN Plunge Cut Sidewinder Circular – The Best Track Saw
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The WEN 10-Amp 6.5-Inch Plunge Cut Sidewinder Circular Saw is an excellent tool for any woodworker who wants to ditch the table saw and get clean cuts every time.
This circular saw allows you to rip boards up to 2-1/3 inches thick with clean, splinter-free cuts and create 45-degree bevel cuts in panels up to 1 5/8 inches wide.
The plunge cut depth is adjustable from 0 – 3/4 inch (19 mm). It has an ergonomic handle that provides comfort while you’re working and a built-in dust blower that keeps the line of cut clear for cutting accuracy.
The machine is powered by a 10 amp motor, which will make any job more accessible, even if it’s in hardwood.
The device has 3 preset cutting depths with quick reference measurements on the baseplate to help you remember what each one was for, and it also has an adjustable scale for repetitive cuts.
The machine is lightweight enough to allow you free movement around the work area without straining your back but sturdy sufficient to hold up to continuous use.
It’s designed with a built-in dust blower that keeps the line of cut clear for cutting accuracy.
4# Festool 575387 Plunge Cut Track Saw Ts 55 Req-F-Plus
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Festool’s Plunge Cut Track Saw Ts 55 Req-F-Plus is a portable saw that cuts on the pull stroke while guiding the material on a rail.
With its patented quick clamping system, it can be mounted easily to any Festool guide rail.
The plunge cut track saw has an integrated spring-loaded riving knife (splitter) which keeps the kerf open during cutting and reduces the chance of kickback.
This makes it safer to use than other hand saws. When used with Festool guide rails, you can achieve perfectly straight cuts.
5# Circular Saw Track
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This circular saw track is a must-have for anyone who cuts long boards and sheet goods.
The guide Track easily aligns with your marks to make accurate crosscuts and rip cuts up to 50″ Long in plywood, MDF, and panels.
Simply align the Guide Track with your marks to make accurate cuts.
Hold track in place without clamps, thanks to anti-slip guide strips.
Prevent splintering with anti-chip strips that support material during the amount.
Begin cuts quickly with a starting block supporting the saw and allowing the average blade guard to be opened.
6# Bosch Track Saw with BiTurbo Brushless Technology and Plunge Action
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Bosch’s PROFACTOR GKT18V-20GCL 18V Cordless 5 ½ In.
Track Saw with BiTurbo is a compact, robust and cordless track saw that provides job site mobility and corded-like performance in wood and wood-based sheet goods.
It features the plunge mechanism to allow for precise plunge cuts with an accurate depth of cut.
When using track (sold separately), the single bevel pivot point can be positioned in the same for bevel cuts or non-bevel cuts.
