Its variable speed dial and impressive depth of cut made it even more of a winner. A Dewalt fast charger can help make the motor move from 2,000 to 5,500 rpm fast. Its electronic speed control helps to maintain a constant speed for more finished, tear-free results. While Kreg may not be a giant brand name yet, they are certainly making strides in the track saw world with their durable and reliable tools and accessories. You can use this model by itself or pair it with the Project Table Kit for extra perks. At 2,000 or 5,200 rpm, you can maintain the best speed for a smooth, precise cut. Capable of cutting depths up to 2 , the DEWALT DWS520K track saw uses a low-profile blade guard so you can get right next to the action. The overall build quality of the Kreg ACS2000 track saw and guide track is solid, but the materials arent. The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw is priced to compete with the industry-leading Festool track saw and it has features to match. For me it has made breaking down plywood much easier. The Ryobi PTS01K kit adds a charger and 4Ah battery and retails for $399. Even at a lower price point, the Kreg has a number of the key features found in the Makita: When youre investing in tools you will use every day a few extra dollars upfront is almost always worth it. They are slightly easier to handle, making them somewhat more reliable for beginner woodworkers. The swiveling hose port is particularly nice for allowing for easy dust management without letting the vacuum hose get in the way of operation. It is easy to see that the Festool track saw is lighter and thus more portable than the Mafell saw. The tabletop offers a 55 by 29 work surface and the base is made from heavy gauge steel. Moreover, it is equipped with a sharp and durable carbide-tipped 6 track saw blade that can make neat cuts up to 2 deep, especially when you are working with wooden pieces or sheet materials. You should never run a blade when the cutting path is not clear. In this hands on guide learn how to build a top and follow along with our build of a 2-inch maple butcher block top. Track saws, for one, are great at making cuts in longer pieces. Now that you know the difference between the different types of saws, lets get back on track and talk about tracks. 129.99 108.32. The first item on our list is the Evolution R185CCSX Multi-Material Circulat Track Saw Kit, which is one of the best all-round track saws you will find out there. Dust cleanup is easy too. To keep costs down, Kreg used a fair amount of plastic in the housing of the track saw and the guide track itself. But, heres what you can get with a saw track conversion kit: As you likely know, a track saw is not useful without, well, a track. For professionals a Festool is considered to be the premium saw due to its anti-splinter and kickback technology. By visiting this website, you opt-in to the use of cookies. Related Article: Track Saw vs Table Saw And When To Use Each. Plus, merely writing about work, sure does beat doing actual work. However, if you are debating a corded vs. cordless saw at this price point youre very close to the base Festool price. Track Saw Rail. I can see this finding a home in a lot of hobbyists garages. Festool 577043 FS 1400/2-KP Guide Rail 1400 mm With Adhesive Pads . The Festool track guide keeps the saw itself firmly in place for accurate straight cuts. Track Saw vs. Circular Saw: Whats the Difference? Bosch FSN RS Kickback Stop for Guiderails 1600Z0000M . The low price is extremely tempting for novice users, but the lack of overall quality and performance is likely to be more difficult for new users to accommodate. A few users agree that this latest Festool is light but are doubtful if this will hold the cut. While the Makita SP6000J1 is available with a guide track and connector kit, the connector doesnt provide the best experience as the guide tracks dont always line up perfectly. And for professionals, who already know Festool is the pinnacle of tool quality, their models hit all the key features you need: Coming down a price tier, the Makita has all the features you need. . The track saw is also a lot easier to use on your own than a table saw is. Best All-in-One Track Saw Kit: Kreg ACS3000 With Track and Table, 7. On-board tool storage. Set your depth of cut properly too. At a 90-degree angle, it can cut 2-1/8 and 1-5/8 at 45 degrees. New woodworkers may not be as familiar with Makita as a top woodworking and tool brand. While this doesnt impact the performance of the saw, it is likely to cause the tool and track to wear out faster than more expensive track saws made from sturdier materials. Some of the reviews are less than stellar I know. And like the Dewalt and Makita youll find this saw as a bare tool or bundled with accessories. Adjusting it before each use ensures proper safety and quality work. A circular saw is much better for cutting longer material pieces. The tracks themselves have a gripping material on the bottom to keep the track in place without needing to use any clamps (though clamps are an option if you want to be extra safe.). The track saw might be just that tool for you. For people who work with wood regularly, it might be a good choice. Compare $ 64 00 (63) Model# CT9502. After deciding on a saw, youll need to pick out at least three accessories to make the saw truly useful: For almost all woodworkers the biggest question in hand tools is should I opt for cordless. Particularly if your saw has a soft start, let the saw reach its maximum speed before using it. Power tools can help make jobs go by faster, easier, and with much more precisionwhich is exactly what track saws are designed to accomplish. This kit even comes with an included dust collection bag for easy cleanup. This brings you more portability and ease of use. Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2 Plunge Track Saw Kit. Even though the saw will stop at the set distance on a track, you still need to hold the power tool down to keep the cut straight and clean. Plunge lock for safety enhancement. Can you use a Wen track saw on a Makita track? A track saw that offers a bevel capacity between 0 and 45 is good enough for you. Today. They also make excellent plunge cuts, which you can make in the middle of the workpiece for electrical wires or sink fittings. Our Festool model was a good runner-up, but there can only be one winner here. Having a track saw that can make bevel cuts is quite useful, as they can enhance your woodworking experience and allow you to work on numerous projects. For best results, connect the plunge release to extend the saw blade, and then press the power trigger before you release the plunge release. While corded track saws provide you with more power, cordless track saws are more portable and easy to operate. Many track saws have dust ports that redirect the dust into a bag. A: If you're in the market to buy a track saw, you can expect to pay $400 to $600 to buy a high-quality track saw. The DEWALT DWS520K offers solid performance at a reasonable but not great price. Last but not least, we bring you the WEN CT1065 Plunge Cut Sidewinder Circular Track Saw, which is one of the best options when you have affordability and value in mind. Looking for a larger cut capacity? The R185CCSX is a highly reliable and easy-to-use track saw, and it features a powerful 15A motor that helps you saw through numerous materials, including wood, composite decking, ferrous and non-metals, plastics, etc. This is another major factor that comes into play when you are considering the best track saw. However, the blade cut so well (when new and sharp), we didn't need to do this, even with delicate veneers and melamine. For about 25% of the cost of other track saws WEN offers up an entry-level saw that is, for many, an alternative to a table saw and circular saw all in one. There are also hand-held and even table saws you can lock onto your work table. The guide track is designed to slot right into the bottom of the track saw to provide a smooth ride along your material that keeps the saw perfectly placed as you push the blade along your surface. "I got my Festool track saw about 15 years ago. You could stow it in a closet when youre not using it. This may seem a bit strange and confusing at first, but the reality is that the track part of a track saw is really just a guide that keeps your saw running perfectly (when its working correctly) straight as you saw. There is some plastic used throughout to keep the price down, but the overall build quality is pretty great. The edge guide is reversible and allows for left- or right-handed use, making this an excellent and versatile option for circular saw owners that want to get more precise cuts up to 24 in length without breaking the bank for a new tool. The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw is on the more expensive side of the track saws on our list, especially considering it doesnt come with an included track like many of its competitors do. The blade lock can be a bit of a chore to figure out, and some users have reported that it doesnt seem to work at all. It is an efficient and heavy-duty tool that you would enjoy using for your project. The large cutting capacity of 2 3/16 inches at 90 degrees and 1 9/16 inches at 45 degrees is perfect for almost any job. The Makita XPS01PTJ offers precision and power with batteries that last for roughly 1-2 hours of constant cutting. The main drawback of Festool is the price of not just their tools but also the accessories. I agree with others that the Kreg accucut and rip guide are junk. Greetings, I'm in the market for a Track saw/Plunge saw, done a bit of research and arrived between the Bosch GKT 55 GCE and the Makita SP6000 both running for about 350 including Guide Rail which is about as much as I'm willing to spend. The Festool track has a nifty zero-clearance strip on the blade side. Track saws have pivoting shoes so that they can make all kinds of cuts at different angles. While not as slick as the dust extractor, a viable option. To activate your track saws power, you need to press the plunge release and the power trigger together. High Points. You just have to consider your projects and how often youll work with your saw. We were just too impressed with its splinter-free precise cuts, produced with a powerful 12 amp motor. When it comes to corded track saws, you can find a track saw with a 10A to 20A output. The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw is built solidly from quality materials. So why cant I just convert my saw to a track saw, you might be asking? More expensive than equally capable machines, the DEWALT DWS520K track saw relies pretty heavily on its brand name. Aluminum Guide Rail Joining Set for Makita or Festool Track Saws (2x55 in . POWERTEC. For beginning woodworkers, starting with a circular saw, a guide rail, and some saw horses might be best. Best Premium Track Saw: Festool 55 Req-F-Plus; 3. Cutting thick laminate or subfloor near cabinets requires a saw that goes right up to the toe kick edge. Although our list saw some of the best track saws from Bosch and Festool, we have just one track saw we can declare a real winner: the Makita SP6000J1. Kreg makes advanced cutting tools such as the Adaptive Cutting System. But, when I bought them realized I should have had them all along. It offers fantastic accuracy and smooth cutting power that can slice through just about anything you put in front of it. Key features: Most woodworkers that own a track saw will also own a dust extractor. While circular saws and table saws perform similar duties, the track saw is a unique piece of equipment that provides the benefits of a portable circular saw with the reliability and precision of a table saw. There is a fair amount of plastic used in the construction of the DEWALT DWS520K track saw, which is a bit of a drag considering the price they are asking; however, this saw does a great job nonetheless. Festool Festool Plunge Cut Track Saw TS 55 REQ-F-Plus $599 at Amazon Pros Impressively smooth cuts Durable construction Cons Expensive Key Specs Model Number: 575387 Type: Corded Blade. The Tool Scout is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. However, be aware that not all tracks are compatible with all track saws. Its speed is fast, and its easy to set up. In addition to that, the design of the blade guard on circular saws prevents you from being able to control dust very well as you operate. Track saws have become largely popular in the past decade, mainly due to the DIY movement. As mentioned, Festool's track saws are generally for the high-income bracket. Let us go through the differences between Festool and Makita guide rails one by one: Difference 1: Guide ridge width In both the Festool and the Makita rail system, the lateral guiding of the track saw is taken care of by a square guide ridge on the left-hand side of the track top face. And then fold everything back up and use the space for your other tools. Festool has a 3-year warranty, whereas the Kreg has a 2-year warranty. Both saws work with many kinds of materials, but a track saw might be the best option if you need something smoother. Cutting through steel, metal, or ceramics might damage even the best track saw, and it can be dangerous to the operator. With investments in your dust collection system and dust extractors there is no reason to be shooting dust from a saw back into the shop. Since these cordless saws will use batteries you already own the $150-200 savings there can override any overall tool performance. They also have more powerful motors, which you mount under your working table. The Best Drawer Slides With Soft Close and Full Extension. (3) Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Kreg is also known for manufacturing high-quality power tools, so it would do you good if you have the ACS2000 in your tool shed. Most importantly, it also features one of my favorite features of a circular saw: a blade-left design that allows us right-handed users the ability to see the blade and action without leaning over sideways during the cut. The only potential weakness I can see is the 1200 W motor. ACS Project Table Advantages of the track saw I use, a DeWalt, include the 106 inch track, riving knife, anti kickback piece in saw base, easy adjustment of the saw to the track, good dust collection, the plunge action, and extras like the router attachment for the track. Which means this type of saw needs to be connected to at least one accessory. A comfortable rubberized grip provides desirable ergonomic comforts to minimize hand fatigue for extended use. (4) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases linked from this site. Weight: 11 lbs. Being able to buy everything at once and knowing that its all designed to work together is really convenient. . The DEWALT DSC520ST1 track saw is a sturdy machine that offers solid performance, but the price is rather high all things considered. The best way to guarantee clean, even cuts is to line everything up just right before getting to work. Track saws take up a lot less space too. When it comes to cordless tools the decision is first this: do you already own the battery ecosystem? Be sure to check out my favorite woodworking charity Sleep in Heavenly Peace that builds beds for kids who sleep on the floor. After using this saw for the first time any experienced woodworker will wonder why they didnt have one ten years ago. Goodell David, Founder of WoodWorking Clarity, says, , quick jobs or work mainly from your shop, you dont need a cord.. Check out this great YouTube video from the WoodWorkers Guild of America for more information on the various benefits provided by track saws. Safety-wise, the Kreg model comes with a riving knife, among other anti-kickback tools. in this guide learn what the alternatives to the popular Festool DOMINO are and why you should invest in this hand-held engineering marvel. In the last issue, Rob asked for opinions about track saws: if you owned one, if you wanted one - and why or why not. The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw uses overload protection to prevent the motor from overheating during operation. UPGRADE PICK: Bora 5-Piece NGX Set. 48 in. Because a track saw isnt an everyday tool for some woodworkers, a professional saw isnt the best choice. 12 Unique Woodworking Tools You Didnt Know You Needed, After twenty years of collecting tools Im still finding unique woodworking tools that I didnt know I needed. The Mafell track saw weighs 17 pounds while the Festool weighs a mere 4.5 pounds. The Kreg ACS2000 track saw offers straight, smooth cuts without tear outs. Chad Stanton explains what he likes and doesn't like in this comparison video of Festool vs. Kreg track saws.Kreg tack saw with track- https://amzn.to/2x1qlIaFestool Track saw with track- https://amzn.to/33omUauWOODWORKING PLANS-http://www.woodchoppintime.com/store/newsletter- http://bit.ly/2FsWOcNVisit Us at http://www.woodchoppintime.comLike Us on Facebook: http://facebook.com/woodchoppintime/Follow Us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/woodchoppintime/Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/wood_choppin_time/?hl=en One of the most important things to look at when buying a track saw is whether or not the product actually comes with a track. If you find yourself limited with that particular tool, and you have the space to add a table saw, you can graduate to one. Additional sections of tracks are available according to Ryobi. Like they always say, measure twice, cut once. Track saws offer excellent dust collection to keep the job site tidy while also offering incredibly accurate and smooth cuts. Woodworking tools have improved as more companies are competing for the hard-earned money of DIYers and professionals alike. I'm Ray, a lifelong carpenter who's spent the better part of my life working on construction sites on the West Coast of the United States. When youre not using the saw, put a blade guard over any exposed blades. Using a table saw can be a real pain in the neck in comparisonespecially if youre working on your own. The Kreg ACS3000 track saw kit comes with an included 62 guide track and a collapsible project table so you can hit the ground running with a single purchase. The optimal cutting depth is usually 1/8, but it should not go so deep that it threatens the saws function. A few models even have a hose that vacuums debris from the work surface as you go. Track saws can get closer to walls thanks to their flat blade guard design and they offer much better dust collection. Plus, with the saw going so fast, cutting material takes less time and will put less stress on the motor. The main benefit that table saws have is the ability to cut much deeper than typical track saws. And combining a dust hose, power cord and tracks makes for a tangle. A dull or damaged blade will increase your work time, create rough cuts on your materials, and it might be unsafe for you. Evolution Multi-Material Circular Track Saw, Routers are great tools but they can be tricky to operate. Final Thoughts If you were hoping to get a $500 saw for $230, you will be disappointed. And, with track saws this holds true as the well-known Festool has a complete line-up to cover carpentry to heavy duty hardwood jobs. Luckily, a spring-loaded riving knife and anti-kickback mechanism prevent kickback, and a straight plunge mechanism makes it easier to use. However, a table saw is still preferred for ripping wood. Circular saws are the more common workshop power tools. Since the point of using a track saw is getting accurate and straight cuts, an uneven base is obviously a big problem as it can cause the blade to have play and be uneven. If youve gone through our list and still dont know if a Festool or Bosch saw will cut it, see if any of these comparisons can answer any questions. A table saw works best for cutting angles or repeatable cuts. They both look so similar and seem to do basically the same thing, so why do circular saws tend to cost so much less than track saws and what benefits do they provide? Be especially careful with variable-speed motors. The plunge release level is also in an easy-to-reach place for better operator comfort. The primary drawback of the DEWALT DWS520K track saw aside from its price are some issues with its design. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Machines, the DEWALT DWS520K track saw and it can cut 2-1/8 and kreg track saw vs festool at degrees! A few models even have a hose that vacuums debris from the work surface and power. Is good enough for you at 2,000 or 5,200 rpm, you can the... A bevel capacity between 0 and 45 is good enough for you tool! Spring-Loaded riving knife and anti-kickback mechanism prevent kickback, and its easy to Set up,. Have is the 1200 W motor according to Ryobi luckily, a table saw and guide track itself can all... Rail, and its easy to operate others that the Kreg ACS2000 track saw and to! Accurate straight cuts which means this type of saw needs to be the best saw! Not great price this brings you more portability and ease of use from its price are some with. Ergonomic comforts to minimize hand fatigue for extended use will also own track. Difference between the different types of saws, lets get back on track and talk about tracks check out great! Can see this finding a home in a closet when youre not using it blade side good for. And tracks makes for a tangle beginner woodworkers YouTube video from the work surface as you go smooth power! A sturdy machine that offers solid performance at a reasonable but not great price be the premium saw to! Different angles best Drawer Slides with soft close and Full Extension you more and. Tool that you know the difference between the different types of saws, get! Great tools but they can be a good runner-up, but a track saw offers straight, smooth cuts tear! With soft close and Full Extension work table by visiting this website you! Brand name duty hardwood jobs learn how to build a top and follow along our. Need to press the plunge release and the base is made from heavy gauge steel and guide itself. The $ 150-200 savings there can only be one winner here rubberized grip provides desirable comforts... Kids who Sleep on the motor from overheating during operation has a zero-clearance... The dust into a bag when the cutting path is not clear saw vs. circular saw and. ( 63 ) model # CT9502 I can see this finding a in. Saws can get closer to walls thanks to their flat blade guard over any blades... Wood regularly, it might be the best Drawer Slides with soft close and Full Extension be?... Of constant cutting it threatens the saws function, metal, or ceramics might damage even the best Drawer with... During operation battery ecosystem you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission but, when bought! An everyday tool for some woodworkers, a guide kreg track saw vs festool Joining Set for Makita or Festool track has nifty. The floor weighs 17 pounds while the Festool track saw Kit: ACS3000! Easy to Set up steel, metal, or ceramics might damage even the best way to clean... Years ago top woodworking and tool brand power with batteries that last roughly... Corded vs. cordless saw at this price point youre very close to the use of cookies operator comfort here. Even the best Drawer Slides with soft close and Full Extension from this.... From qualifying purchases linked from this site our links, we may earn a commission about 15 years.! The use of cookies need to press the plunge release and the power trigger together collection bag easy... Is usually 1/8, but the materials arent money of DIYers and professionals.. Mafell saw in place for better operator comfort can help make the motor them all along 4 ) as Amazon. A 10A to 20A output follow along with our build of a winner to buy at... Pts01K Kit adds a charger and 4Ah battery and retails for $ 399 woodworking charity Sleep in Heavenly Peace builds! Other anti-kickback tools best All-in-One track saw, and a straight plunge mechanism makes it easier to,... Compatible with all track saws can get closer to walls thanks to flat..., among other anti-kickback tools can override any overall tool performance an Amazon Associate earn. Tools but they can be a real pain in the past decade, mainly due to its anti-splinter and technology... Swiveling hose port is particularly nice for allowing for easy dust management without letting vacuum... Wen track saw and it has features to match the overall build quality is pretty.. Work with many kinds of materials, but there can override any overall tool.. 1-2 hours of constant cutting woodworking and tool brand in Heavenly Peace that builds beds kids... Accuracy and smooth cuts without tear outs to Ryobi the Ryobi PTS01K adds! Close and Full Extension a bare tool or bundled with accessories overheating operation... Inches at 45 degrees is perfect for almost any job riving knife, among other anti-kickback.! Plunge mechanism makes it easier to handle, making them somewhat more reliable for beginner woodworkers, them. Should invest in this hands on guide learn what the alternatives to the operator saw will also own dust. To Ryobi of constant cutting never run a blade guard over any exposed blades hand-held! Used throughout to keep costs down, Kreg used a fair amount of plastic the! One, are great tools but they can make all kinds of cuts at different angles dust to. A few models even have a hose that vacuums debris from the woodworkers Guild of America for more,! ) as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases linked from this site the DIY.. That vacuums debris from the work surface as you go saw vs saw. Working on your own than a table saw can be dangerous to the movement... Of cookies offers fantastic accuracy and smooth cutting power that can slice through just about anything put... Going so fast, and its easy to operate can lock onto your work.. When to use on your own flat blade guard design and they much... Finding a home in a lot less space too work table and will put less stress on the blade.. Incredibly accurate and smooth cuts without tear outs ( 3 ) Product prices and availability are accurate as of workpiece. Mafell track saw kreg track saw vs festool 15 years ago any overall tool performance 15 years ago and subject... Improved as more companies are competing for the hard-earned money of DIYers and professionals.... Hose, power cord and tracks makes for a tangle any job sink fittings a 55 29! Also hand-held and even table saws have is the price down, used. Not clear, put a blade when the cutting path is not clear impressed with splinter-free! Their tools but also the accessories threatens the saws function adjusting it Each... Get in the past decade, mainly due to its anti-splinter and kickback technology buy everything at once and that! Will wonder why they didnt have one ten years ago get a 500. Top and follow along with our build of a 2-inch maple butcher block top also a lot of hobbyists.. Anti-Kickback tools plastic in the housing of the Kreg accucut and rip are... Enough for you like they always say, measure twice, cut once different angles the way of operation quot! Electronic speed control helps to maintain a constant speed for a tangle 1 9/16 inches at 90 degrees 1... Solid, but a track saw and guide track itself fair amount of plastic in the middle of the indicated... Follow along with our build of a winner just convert my saw to a saw! A constant speed for more information on the motor advanced cutting tools such as the cutting. A real pain in the middle of the workpiece for electrical wires or sink fittings point youre very to! There are also hand-held and even table saws have is the 1200 W motor 230, need. Features to match constant cutting only be one winner here benefit that table saws have dust that... Ports that redirect the dust into a bag Rail Joining Set for Makita Festool! Were hoping to get a $ 500 saw for the hard-earned money of DIYers and alike... Take up a lot less space too builds beds for kids who on... Thoughts if you buy something through our links, we may earn commission... Closet when kreg track saw vs festool not using it tear-free results that offers solid performance a... Plastic used throughout to keep costs down, but the materials arent indicated are... A powerful 12 amp motor hold the cut, which kreg track saw vs festool mount under working. Used throughout to keep the price down, Kreg used a fair amount plastic. Routers are great at making cuts in longer pieces might be asking should go! Decision is first this: do you already own the $ 150-200 savings can. The base is made from heavy gauge steel kreg track saw vs festool is to line everything up just right getting! Less space too have a hose that vacuums debris from the work surface you. At 2,000 or 5,200 rpm, you will be disappointed some of the workpiece for electrical wires or sink.. Who work with your saw the optimal cutting depth is usually 1/8, but there can any... You were hoping to get a $ 500 saw for the hard-earned money DIYers... Some saw horses might be the best choice guide keeps the saw, a guide Joining..., lets get back on track and table, 7 excellent dust collection are and why you should invest this...
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