Whether you’re a professional carpenter or a do-it-yourselfer, making an investment in the best track saw is a wise decision.
Track saws, often referred to as plunge saws, are more expensive than circular saws because of their design. There’s a reason for this: it’s adaptive.
A track saw is perfect for cutting plywood, MDF, and Formica, which is difficult to cut and is prone to chipping.
Simply depress a lever and the saw will “plunge” into the material, allowing for uncomplicated cuts in the board’s center to be achieved.
A track saw, on the other hand, takes up less room than a table saw and is capable of cutting materials that table saws are incapable of.
Thus, track saws have become increasingly popular among contractors seeking cleaner, quicker, and longer cuts than traditional circular saws.
It has come to our attention that the saw market is oversaturated with inferior items; thus, we have done the homework for you and searched through some of the most trustworthy track saw reviews across a range of price ranges.
Additionally, you’ll discover a detailed buying guide that outlines the most important characteristics to look for when purchasing a track saw.
Makita SP6000J1 Track Saw
A high-quality motor is required for best performance. If you want to create clean, chip-free cuts, you’ll need a saw like this one from Makita.
Its 12 Amp rating assures that it has enough power to make solid cuts on every attempt. It’s incredibly powerful motor can operate at a range of speeds.
This enables the saw to be more adaptable in its capacity to cut through a wide range of materials. It includes a handy dial right next to the handle that allows you to swiftly modify the speed to match your needs.
You have a speed range of 2000 RPM to 5000 RPM at your disposal. The saw has a beveling capacity, which makes it easier to create bevel cuts.
You may make incredibly precise long bevel cuts with the help of the track. The fact that this saw has a unique anti-tipping mechanism enables for more secure cuts is a huge plus.
This will keep yours saw on the track even if it is twisted at a wide angle. This track saw can do crosscuts and plunge cuts in addition to bevel and miter cuts.
CUTTING RIP, you have complete control over the depth and shape of the incision. This depth range is sufficient for deeper penetrations.
Aside from that, the saw has a function that makes scoring cuts easier to generate. You may use this to make something delicate.
You will be able to execute all of the necessary cuts in perfect comfort. Its handles have been rubber-over molded for a more stable grip.
A tight grip on the tool ensures complete control over it, allowing you to utilize it as you see appropriate.
The Makita SP6000J1 Track Saw kit produces a splinter-free mirror finish without the use of a table saw, making it perfect for accurate and precise cutting applications.
A guide rail system made of anodized aluminum is offered as an option for the Makita, ensuring straight and clean cuts. The rail and saw work together to deliver precise cuts with little tear-out and waste.
Because of the use of magnesium components and a powerful twelve-amp motor, the Makita has a large cutting capacity and weighs less than its competitors.
You’ll also receive electronic speed control, which allows you to maintain a consistent speed when cutting, resulting in a mirror finish and a smooth cutting experience.
This is a portable; lightweight saw that can be used in your shop or on the job site with considerable ease.
Bending the Makita is possible with a bevel range of -1° to 48° and positive stops at 45° and 22.5°.
Because of its close-to-wall cutting capabilities, this saw may be utilized for a variety of cutting operations.
Essential Features Of Makita SP6000J1
- At 12 amps, the engine performs admirably. Can provide a variable speed between 2000 and 5000 RPM.
- It incorporates an anti-tipping mechanism. This is advantageous for avoiding unwanted track tilting during bevel cuts.
- It has a one-of-a-kind scoring mechanism. This tool is ideal for delicate cuts in materials prone to splintering and chipping.
- Both handles are rubber-molded. It enhances both grip and comfort.
Pros Of Makita SP6000J1
- Pays for itself immediately and quickly becomes an integral component of your store
- Extremely well-built and simple to use.
- While you work, the speed remains constant.
- It has a good range of cutting capacity
- Extremely powerful and excellent for use on a variety of materials
- It has a great deal of strength and readily rips into wood.
Cons Makita SP6000J1
- The track has a slight inclination.
- The interplay between stop and soft start is unpleasant since it shuts down if you press the screw too hard and then reboots.
Festool 575387 (Ts 55) Track Saw
As the name says, this Festool 575387 (TS 55) Track Saw uses a plunge approach to cut wood uniformly and straightly.
Its open kerf prevents wood from squeezing the blade and interfering with the cutting operation. Additionally, the track saw is equipped with a technology that minimizes kickback during operation.
The slip clutch design prevents the motor, blade, and gear case from wearing down prematurely or easily. This also has a feature called a fast-fix mechanism, which enables quick and safe blade replacement.
The most important feature of this best track saw is its ability to make straight and long splinter-free slices in wood. This considerably reduces the time and effort necessary to perfect the cutting technique.
It is a more substantial track saw than others, weighing more than 14 pounds and measuring 16 inches tall (its longest dimension).
Additionally, it is not cordless, which means that you must have access to a power outlet in order to use it. Additionally, you must be cautious with the wire that connects it.
While some users may believe that this track saw’s cut is not square enough, it is one of the best selections for both rookie and professional woodworkers.
Scaling marks are put on the blade of the saw to guarantee that all cuts are completed precisely. They help in exact measurement and make cutting easier.
However, the most remarkable feature of this saw is that it features not one, but two measuring scales for altering depth when working on or off the track.
This is a unique feature that you will not find anywhere else. This is advantageous in both on- and off-track situations.
The track on this saw is highly practical, with a number of sophisticated features. One of them is the grooved bottom that accepts guiding clamps.
When you’re working on anything large, this helps keep the track securely attached to your work surface.
Blade replacement is a breeze with this saw. It includes an Allen wrench that has been properly inserted into the handle.
You may obtain it each time you replace the blade, rather than scouring the entire workshop for the exact fit. That is how simple it is to use this saw.
Essential Features FESTOOL 575387 (Ts 55) Track Saw
- A secure plunger lock mechanism is included. The blade will only drop if the button is pushed up.
- Adjust the depth of cut when cutting with or without the track using the two-level depth gauge system.
- The track’s bottom has a convenient groove for taking guide rail clamps.
- A beautifully disguised allen wrench is included in the grip to make blade changes easier and faster.
Pros Of Festool 575387
- To avoid the material being cut from squeezing the blade, the cut kerf is left open.
- Reduced the likelihood of kickback during operation.
- The slip clutch reduces wear on the motor, blades, and gear case.
- The fast-fix technology makes blade replacement quick and safe.
Cons Of Festool 575387
- To avoid the material being cut from squeezing the blade, the cut kerf is left open.
- Reduced the likelihood of kickback during operation.
- The slip clutch reduces wear on the motor, blades, and gear case.
- The fast-fix technology makes blade replacement quick and safe.
Buying Guide Of Makita SP6000J1 Vs Festool 575387 Trak Saw
Anti-Kickback Facility
It is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of a track saw. You may slide the saw forward and backward on the track. On the other side, cutting backwards may be dangerous.
This might have a cascading effect. To avoid this unwanted event, track saws have an anti-kickback mechanism.
It’s a straightforward addition, but it’s rather effective. A little key or knob on the saw may prevent it from going backward while sliding in a track.
Similarly, even if you accidentally pull it back, you will be unable to trigger the kickback issue.
Simple Adjustment Settings
Numerous changes are required for a track saw. A track saw enables you to determine the required angle of your cut, as well as its depth and linear dimensions.
You must manually adjust yours saw to the proper measurement. If the adjustment mechanism of the tool is complicated, you will spend more than half of your time adjusting it. That is not anything you seek.
As a consequence, it is vital that you always get a saw that features simple settings and an easy-to-adjust mechanism.
Depth Capability
It is vital to understand the depth capabilities of the plunge saw. The depth capacity of the saw dictates its operational capabilities.
Saws with a low penetration capacity will perform poorly in comparison to those with a higher penetration capacity. In this case, the deeper the incision, the better.
The depth scaling technique used by various saws may vary. Some are in imperial units, while others are in metric. It is advisable to choose the one you are most comfortable with.
Different tasks require incisions of varied depths. You must guarantee that yours saw offers a diverse choice of possibilities.
Bevel Capacity
Track saws may perform bevel cuts and offer a wide variety of angles from which to choose. These saws include bevel locks on both sides. You may modify the angle scaling on either side to rectify the lock.
These measurements yield the most exact results in each cut. Track saws have a bevel range of around 90o to 45o. This varies significantly according to the saw.
Certain saws may deflect a second time to around 47o angle after hitting the 45o angle limit. Such saws will very probably be capable of negative bevels.
The Track Moves Easily
The ability of a track saw to glide smoothly along the track is crucial. If the saw cannot go freely on the track, clean cuts will not be made.
The more friction it comes into contact with while travelling, the more severe the cuts it gives. The smooth movement ensures flawless cutting.
To maximize performance, the majority of saws include tracks made of plastic strips. This results in a decrease in sliding friction.
The saw glides along with the cut due to the frictionless movement, resulting in chip- and splinter-free cuts.
Safety
As a cutting tool, a track saw has several safety features to protect your safety while using it. Small details can protect both your working materials and you from unforeseen danger.
The first thing you’ll notice is that the saw’s whole blade is concealed. This assists in avoiding inadvertent blade contact.
The most critical feature of a plunge cut saw is the lock mechanism. To activate and lower the blade, you must manually unlock it. It guards against accidental starting.
Another advantageous characteristic of track saws is their anti-kickback capability. It is simply a key that prevents the saw from moving backward while utilizing the track to cut through materials.
This function aids in the saw’s avoidance of kickback. These simple but extremely effective track saw additions are critical for ensuring safety.
Saws Verdict
Track saws are simple power tools. In terms of simplicity of use, they are comparable to circular saws. You’re probably aware of their advantages if you’ve ever utilized them.
If you’ve never tried one, I strongly suggest you to do so right away. It has a significant impact in terms of cost savings.
Each of the five plunge saws you’ve looked at is worthwhile to buy. They are high-quality, conventional saws that are certain to deliver the best results.
It is now totally up to you to decide which one you like. Simply keep in mind that no matter which track saw you choose, it will be the best on the market, just like all the others on our list.