Good track saws are designed to deliver a decent degree of power and accuracy that you can’t find in other gadgets such as circular and miter saws, which is why many handymen are always on the lookout for the best track saw.
This machine is crucial to many woodworkers and handymen, but it’s also a hefty investment that requires some thinking before you proceed with your purchase. The reason behind that is that track saws aren’t particularly cheap, meaning that you’ll be stuck with the one you buy for a long time.
A decent track saw is not likely to be easy on the pocket, though that doesn’t mean that if you make an effort; you won’t be able to find affordable tools in this category.
It’s also possible that you’re too busy to put enough time and effort into this investment, which is why we decided to interfere. There was a lot of research and testing to do, but we managed to select the five best track saws available for you to choose from. Read the following reviews to be able to choose your best track saw.
In a hurry? Here’s our top pick!
- Zero clearance track saw cutting system delivers precise, straight, splinter-free cuts.Power Tool Type Corded
- 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 indicates exact depth of cut accounting for track thickness
- 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 guard allows saw to be used in confined spaces
The Best Track Saw – Our Picks
#1 – DEWALT DWS520K Track Saw
- Zero clearance track saw cutting system delivers precise, straight, splinter-free cuts.Power Tool Type Corded
- 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 indicates exact depth of cut accounting for track thickness
- 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 guard allows saw to be used in confined spaces
We have chosen the DeWalt as the best track saw. If you happen to be familiar with Dewalt saws, this exact probably feels familiar to you, presenting several trademarks that have turned it into an inexorable force trapped in a Herculean package.
The first thing to make this product stand out is its power. Its high capacity 12-amp motor generates a tempo of 3500 RPM, which is enough for you through regular as well as harder materials with ease.
The Dewalt also comes with a lot of safety features which, along with the robust motor, is quite admirable.
Not to forget the dust port that is made for you to fasten your dust removal system to clean your workplace up easily and keep your lungs healthy. The Dewalt also features a discreet blade shield as well as an anti-recoil immobilizing element made to protect you against kickbacks.
The only thing that we don’t like about the Dewalt is the blade switching eight-step process, which is extremely tiresome, especially if you’ll be doing a lot of it. Now, we’re not saying that it’s impossible to get used to, but it sure will exasperate with time.
Apart from that, it is an excellent product that you can get for a very fair cost and not have to worry about its performance, which is why it tops our best track saw list.
What we like about it
The first that got us to give the Dewalt DWS520K the first place on our list is its motor. It’s a robust 12-amp ignition piece that produces a 3500 RPM speed. A saw with such a powerful motor can operate on any material you want. Plus, this product comes with outstanding safety features such as anti-kickback features and can grant you an excellent dust collection experience. So if security is your main concern, the Dewalt is your best buddy. Not to forget its price which, for a sturdy track saw with the Dewalt’s performance is close to nothing.
#2 – Festool 575389 Track Saw
- When used with Festool guide rails, you can achieve perfectly straight and splinter-free cuts.
- Spring-loaded riving knife (splitter) keeps the cut kerf open so that the material does not pinch the blade.
- This reduces the chance of kickback.
- The slip clutch helps to minimize the risk of a kickback and minimizes wear on the blade, gear case, and motor.
- Blade changes are easier and safer using the fastfix system which locks switch and arbor simultaneously for easy arbor bolt removal.Saw Blade Speed:1,350 - 3,550 rpm
Any woodworker worth his (or her) salt should be familiar with the idea that Festool outdid themselves with this tool. After all, you can clearly see their expertise through this design. As a matter of fact, if it weren’t for its cost, the Festool could have been a fierce contestant for the best track saw title.
You might wonder if it’s worthy of its price, and of course, that’s up to you to decide, although we have decided that the answer is a big, fat yes.
The first thing to stand out about this product is the fact that it was conceived to accomplish perfectly neat cuts. Its guide rail system is made to be as straight as the straightest you could think of, while the elastic lip on the unit’s railing is made to reduce the chances of dreaded edge splitting that afflicts other saws’ performance.
Festool is famous for enacting a design on their track saws that serves to diminish the possibility of fragmentation and tearing, so if you’re seeking with utmost clean-cut capacity, the Festool will be the best track saw for you.
Just like the Dewalt, this unit comes with all of the safety features you could ever ask for blade guards, an immobilizing knife as well as a dust port. This product gives customers very few reasons to complain; first is the price, which is a little too much, while the second is the tool’s low cord. But that can be easily fixed using an extension cord.
What we like about it
What’s to like about the Festool 575389, along with the fact that it comes with a load of safety features, is the fact that it delivers extremely precise cuts, making it a perfectionist’s dream. In addition to that, this tool can assure you a splintering free experience, which will help you keep a perfectly clean workplace.
#3 – Triton tts1400 6-1/2-Inch Track Saw
- Requires either the TTSTP track and/or the TTST1500 track for Saw operation. Tracks sold separately.
- Easily accessible shaft lock for fast blade-change
- Soft-grip handles for comfort & control and a Plunge lock for safety
- Universal vacuum system adaptor with 360 Degree rotational outlet
- Saw comes with a 48TCG Saw Blade, a Dust Outlet Adaptor and a pair of Carbon Bushes. All of the required and optional accessories sold separately
For our best track saw for the money position, we have chosen the Triton. In case you need a decent track saw that’s easy on the pocket, you won’t find any better than this one.
Although there is a valid reason that keeps this tool from being included in our top two, which is the fact that it comes with no more than the essential components, we still think it gets the job done.
It comes with a 12-amp motor, giving you a speed range fluctuating between 2000-3500 RPM. It also includes a variety of built-in safety features to guarantee your security; blade guard, slow kickoff, dust port along with an anti-recoil guard system.
On the downside, though, hardwoods are likely to give you a hard time if your goal is a clean cut. Hard materials will cause a lot of splintering and tear outs.
But at the end of the day, this track saw is still a good investment if you can manage to overlook its flaws since it comes with the price range.
What we like about it
The Triton might not be the best track saw in the market, but it sure is the best for the money. It delivers quite well and costs less than any other track saw on our list; what else to ask for? In addition to its low cost, the Triton comes with as many safety features as the ones preceding it. It also includes a variable speed motor that can go from 2000 to 3500 RPM. If you’re looking for the bang for your buck, this is the best track saw you can get today.
#4 – Makita sp6000j1 6-1/2-Inch Track Saw
- 12 AMP motor with variable speed control dial (2,000 - 5,200 RPM) for optimum performance in a variety of materials
- 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
Makita, being no different from the brands we previously reviewed, has a considerable reputation in the realm of power saws, and that reputation is reinforced by this very unit.
Among the first things you’ll observe in the Makita is that it’s one more low-budget piece. However, it’s not as affordable as Triton, but it’s still an available choice if you need a low-cost track saw.
As a matter of fact, it certainly is delightful to bargain-passionate customers to find out that even though the Triton and the Makita are quite like price-wise, the Makita is more accessory-friendly, which makes it more useful.
Now, for the tool’s features; it comes with a variable-speed, 12-amp motor with a speed range of 2000-5200 RPM.
The Makita has a cutting capability of 2-3/16″ at 90 and 1-9/16″ at 45. It also features magnesium pieces built to make sure that the unit is powerful and lightweight at the same time.
All of this tool’s flaws revolve around accuracy. It’s efficient for broad work such as framing a house. But if you’re shaping fine house fittings, the Makita sure isn’t the best track saw for you. This, of course, will be discouraging for many people, but it’s not surprising given the price of this tool.
What we like about it
There are two facts that can set your mind on getting a Makita. First is the fact that it’s affordable, so you won’t have to worry about it putting a big dent in your account. Second is the fact that it is adaptable to a lot of accessories, which will spare you some worrying.
#5 – SHOP FOX W1835 Track Saw
- 120-Volt, 9A, 1.1 kW, 5500 RPM
- Blade rim speed is 9070 feet per minute
- Blade size is 160mm diameter and 20mm arbor
- Features 1-1/2-inch dust port for collection to a shop vacuum or dust collection system
- Portable and highly accurate
Last on the list is the Shop Fox. The only possible situation in which you can decide that this is the best track saw is one where you want to pay no more than the bare minimum.
However, we didn’t name it “best for the money” simply because its performance is below decent.
Though the Shop Fox is lightweight, features a proper dust port, a good motor (20-Volt, 9A, 1.1 kW, 5500 RPM) and a blade rim velocity of 900 feet per minute, its cut quality is only fine for materials such as plywood.
This track saw is no better than a circular saw when it comes to performance. So if you are on a budget and need a track saw that you’d only be using a few times, this might be convenient for you. But if you need a decent track saw that you’d be often using, you might want to look for a better tool than this one.
What we like about it
There is one good thing about the SHOP FOX W1835; which is its price. It is the most cut-rate saw that we reviewed. The SHOP FOX W1835 is a good purchase if you will be using it a few times to cut through materials like plywood and such. Finally, it comes with a decent motor that produces a 5500 RPM speed.
Choosing the Best Track Saw – Buying Guide
Now that you’re informed about what’s available in the market, here’s what you should consider finding the convenient track saw.
Price
The cost is generally one’s first consideration when looking to purchase a power tool, but it’s also worth mentioning. That is because we always tend to chase the most convenient deal, while when it comes to tools, the best deal is not always the cheapest product.
You can use the Shop Fox as an example in this context: even though it’s cheaper than any other unit on our list, it’s not of good quality.
Keep in mind that quality is your main target, even if you are looking for a low-cost tool. The two traits that you should focus on are performance and durability. The device you purchase should grant you accurate, consistent results and be designed to stick around long enough.
If you look for good quality in a tool, you might stumble upon a good deal. But if you only look for a cheap one, you’re not likely to see quality anywhere.
Safety
Track saws are a serious matter when it comes to safety. Even professional handymen aren’t safe from injury. In order to minimize that risk, you need to purchase a saw with good safety features. Elements such as blade guards, slow start systems and dust ports can keep you and your folks as safe as possible.
Brand Name
Now when we say that it’s safer to buy tools from well-known manufacturers, we’re not urging you to boycott the less famous ones. It’s just that when a brand is easily recognizable, chances are their reputation did not come for free. Take the Dewalt for example; it’s famous because they’ve been manufacturing tools of excellent quality for a long time now.
One more thing you need to bear in mind is that less-known manufacturers may not stay in the market forever. That means that in case you need to replace some necessary parts in your tool, you’re not likely to find them easily (or at all).
However, the downside here is that famous brand tools are usually more costly, so you’ll have to decide if you’ll be trading money for good quality or vice versa.
Power
In the case of power tools, it couldn’t be more obvious that power is a crucial factor, especially for track saws.
Powerful saws usually make it easier to work through hard materials, giving you more flexibility in your work.
However, power and money are usually proportional when it comes to track saws. So if you don’t need a potent tool, you’ll get to save some dollars.
Rail
Rails are the tracks your track saw operates upon, and their length is a factor of importance since it will decide what tasks you can do with your saw.
Though most brands have different-sized rails, so you could purchase additional accessories when in need.
But you might want to skip that annoying process and find yourself a saw with a long enough rail from the beginning, which is probably useful because you can make any type of rip with a long rail but only short rips with a short rail. So a long rail is more practical.
However, don’t forget to consider that longer rail cost more and take up more space in your workplace.
Clean cuts
Now that you’ve read our reviews, you sure know that a lot of saws cannot deliver clean cuts. Part of that is splintering around the edges.
For that, you may want to get a saw with a splinter guard to make sure that your cuts are clean. Plus, you should know your saw’s limits. If it’s not one of the most expensive ones, it won’t operate perfectly on harder materials.
Festool, for example, is famous for including splinter guards in their tools. Though this might not be a crucial feature for most tasks, you should consider it as a guarantee when operating on costly materials.
Dewalt, on the other hand, does not include this feature in their tools, but they still deliver clean cuts.
But don’t forget that these are two of the priciest saws on our list, so you’ll have to pay for the extra quality they offer.
Picking the Best Track Saw – Frequently Asked Questions
How Important Are Track Saws’ Accessories?
Though the word “accessories” may have a non-compulsory connotation, it’s not the case for track saws. In this case, accessories are mandatory things that you’ll need to complement your purchase. For example, some track saws don’t include a track, which turns them into extravagant circular saws.
However, you don’t necessarily need to buy a saw with a rail. You can choose to buy the perfect-sized rail for your needs later.
In both situations, pay attention to what you’re buying to avoid unpleasant surprises like a trackless saw when you thought it came with a track while buying it.
Of course, there are other accessories than rails such as clamps and spare blades. You just need to make sure that you know everything about the product you’re getting.
Should I Give Much Attention to the Warranty?
One last thing to which you should pay attention is the warranty since it can be pretty useful for the case of power tools. That’s because they include many parts and pieces, and if one of them goes berserk, the whole machine is ruined. Plus, any replacement or repair will be costly.
Verdict
Choosing the best track saw is no small feat, that’s for sure, but should you read our buying guide thoroughly, the right machine for your toolbox shouldn’t be that hard to pick.
What are you waiting for? Those workpieces won’t cut themselves, so get your new track saw and start cutting already!
References:
- https://www.familyhandyman.com/tools/power-tools/benefits-of-a-track-saw/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Track_saw
- Our own experience
Last update on 2024-12-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
