The Best Track Saw Reviews & Buying Guide

A track saw — also called a plunge saw — is the tool to use if you want to create more precise straight cuts faster. As its name suggests, it’s a saw on a track, which acts as a guide to ensure clean, straight edges in your long cuts.

It sure beats a regular table saw or a circular saw in portability and lightweight features. It’s a breeze to set up too! We can help you find good track saws, any of which would be in heavy rotation in your tool kit.

We made sure to only choose the most reliable ones with the advanced features that will make cutting work a cinch. After meticulous inspections, here are the track saw reviews that we feel could help you the most:

The Best Track Saws Are:

Product	Details
1. Festool TS 55 REQ Track Saw	Top Pick	Speed: 2,000 to 5,200 RPM Blade Diameter: 6.25 inches Bevel Capacity: 45 degrees Power Source: Electric-Powered Weight: 9.92 pounds	Check Current Price
2. Shop Fox W1835 Track Saw		Speed: 5,500 RPM Blade Diameter: 6.3 inches Bevel Capacity: 45 degrees Power Source: Electric-Powered Weight: 11 pounds	Check Current Price
3. WEN 36055 Plunge Cut Circular Track Saw		Speed: 5,500 RPM Blade Diameter: 6.25 inches Bevel Capacity: 45 degrees Power Source: Electric-Powered Weight: 11 pounds	Check Current Price
4. Triton TTS1400 Plunge Track Saw		Speed: 2,000 to 5,300 RPM Blade Diameter: 6.25 inches Bevel Capacity: 45 degrees Power Source: Electric-Powered Weight: 6.5 pounds	Check Current Price
5. Dewalt DWS520K 6-1/2-Inch Track Saw Kit		Speed: 1,750 to 4,000 RPM Blade Diameter: 6.25 inches Bevel Capacity: 45 degrees Power Source: Electric-Powered Weight: 11.5 pounds	Check Current Price
6. Makita SP6000J 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Circular Track Saw		Speed: 2,000 to 5,200 RPM Blade Diameter: 6.25 inches Bevel Capacity: 22.5 and 45 degrees Power Source: Electric-Powered Weight: 9.7pounds	Check Current Price
7. Dewalt DCS520T1 Flexvolt 60V Max 6-1/2-Inch Cordless Track Saw Kit		Speed: 1,750 to 4,000 SPM Blade Diameter: 6.25 inches Bevel Capacity: 47 degrees Power Source: Battery-Powered Weight: 12.5 pounds	Check Current Price

1. Festool TS 55 REQ Track Saw — Best Track Saw

For the first of our reviews, we have to talk about this Festool track saw. For the most demanding woodwork projects, you need something as heavy-duty as this one from Festool. With the help of its guide rail, cutting can be made with utmost precision, eliminating the possibility of splints and tear out cuts. As a result, you get professional quality cuts and prevent wasting valuable material.

One of its remarkable features is its spring-loaded riving knife. It reduces kickbacks and provides full control over the tool by allowing the cut kerf to remain open and veering the material you are working on away from the blade’s rear. The two-cursor lines are integrated into its micro-adjustable depth function, so there is only precision when using this tool.

This is easily the most reliable track saw out there. Just set it up with a specific angle and depth, and it gets those multiple, uniform cuts done in no time. It produces the straightest cuts free from an annoying and unsightly splinter. Professional woodworkers can cut down the amount of time they need to polish their work with the help of this track saw.

There is minimal kickback with this tool, thanks to the spring-loaded riving knife. It prevents the material from pinching the tool’s blade by allowing the cut kerf to remain open.

Changing blades is a breeze with its FastFix system. It locks both the switch and the arbor in one go, making way for faster arbor bolt removal. It is quite a compact machine. It does a lot of cutting jobs, so you don’t need to buy other tools anymore.

The guide rail allows even novice users to get precise cuts all the time. Cutting through the toughest of hardwoods such as Brazilian Teak can be so easy.

Verdict

We think that the best track saw is this one from Festool. It cuts with precision, it is easy to use, handy, and safe to use. The only downside is that it is quite expensive but if you are doing a lot of woodworking projects and you are tired of always seeing splinters on your work, you should definitely invest in this tool.

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2. Shop Fox W1835 Track Saw — Plunge Saw for the Occasional Woodworker

Our next track saw review is one for Shop Fox W1835. If woodworking is a hobby and not a profession, you most likely can get away with something as light-duty as this one. It has an accessible price tag and features that do not disappoint even when you are a professional.

With its 9A and 120 Volt of power, you can get more juice out of this tool. It can go as fast as 5500 RPM, which means it can help simplify your cutting job.

The included blade size is 160mm in diameter and has a rim speed of 9070 feet per minute. It also already includes a 1-1/2 inch dust port that will connect easily to your shop vacuum. At 90 degrees with rail, it has a maximum cutting depth of 1-31/32 inches and without rails; it can accommodate 2-5/32 inches.

This Shop Fox W1835 track saw is affordable but still offers a lot in terms of durability and performance. It creates precise cuts with minimal effort. It doesn’t require rigorous setup and is fairly easy to use. You basically can use it right out of the box.

This unit allows you to create straight and plunge cuts. When using the plunge mechanism, it reduces flip-up blade guards. It also prevents the blade from pinching the material through the riving knife.

Many first time users say it helped cut down on costs of flooring installation and they were able to use it without a hitch. Some say they were able to save so much time with this compared to the previous setup they were using.

Staying safe is paramount with this track saw as it features an anti-kickback protection system. It also helps you control your unit without too much effort.

Verdict

Even when you only need a track saw every once in a while for your projects, you should still look for something reliable and hardworking. Shop Fox W1835 fits the bill.

It might not be for heavy-duty woodwork, but it still can be relied on for a variety of light projects. It is quite affordable and still provides nifty and useful features that can help you produce clean results.

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3. WEN 36055 Circular Track Saw — Best Budget Track Saw

Incorporated with a 9-amp motor, this affordable saw is a powerful one that can help you with a myriad of your cutting projects. The 6-1/4-inch blade integrated into this tool has a maximum rotation capacity of 5500 RPM per minute, allowing you to tackle those thicker types of woods effortlessly.

Although it is not as expensive as the others are, it still has many helpful features such as the self-retracting riving knife, the depth adjustment stop, the swiveling dust port, and the ability to bevel for angles up to 45 degrees.

This tool allows you to cut with accuracy. It slides through the materials — from plywood to hardwood — with ease, thanks to the slotted grooves of its base. Users did not experience splinters. You can cut through wood as deep as 2-5/32 inches.

It allows you to control how deep you want your plunge cut to be. The self-retracting riving knife prevents kickbacks from happening. You can see without experiencing kickbacks that happen when the material is lodged in the tool.

You can make angled cuts with this plunge saw as it can be beveled at angle of up to 45 degrees. It will allow you to make angled cuts on wood materials with 1-5/8 inches of thickness.

Many users said they had a much easier time adjusting depth and angles with this saw because of the included depth adjustment stop. The built-in dust port can be swiveled 360 degrees to keep up with your demands.

The included rails and the entire saw are lighter than the others they have tried before. If you have had a track saw before, you will notice that the sliding strips of this one are a bit farther apart compared to others. This actually gives this track saw more stability.

Verdict

This is the most affordable one in our roundup of the best track saws, but it does not skimp when it comes to features. It is still capable of doing a precise plunge cut without leaving splinters behind.

The safety features you can find in other products are in place with this one. You will like how stable it is and how it’s as easy as a circular saw to manipulate because of how compact and lightweight it is. Overall, good value for your money.

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4. Triton TTS1400 Plunge Circular Track Saw — Easiest to Use

You are getting the tool only with this saw. You might need to get the recommended tracks, which are the TTSTP or TTST1500 tracks separately. However, despite that, it is not lacking when it comes to versatility. Setup is a breeze as there are no complex parts that need to be assembled.

You can make clean and precise cuts all the time. It comes with a mode selector so you can choose from a scribe, free plunge, and blade change mode, whatever is needed when you are working with it.

It boasts of stability, thanks to its rear bevel and dual front quadrants. The dual alignment cams also work in tweaking the settings of the base on the track. With this, you will get professional results all the time.

It has a soft start function, so you will not get startled the first time you crank it open. Cutting is precise, there are no annoying splinters to deal with — it’s the ultimate plunge cut dream. Changing blades is easy through its change mode. Included in its mode switch are plunge and scribe modes.

It is completely safe to use. The speed setting options allow you to find the best speed for your needs. It also features overload protection. It works right to the edge of what you are working on.

This is why the Triton TTS1400 is an ideal choice for cutting hardwood floors. The dust extraction system is well-designed. Through its included universal vacuum system adapter, you can hook it up to an existing vacuum. The low profile guard also makes way for 90% of dust collection.

Verdict

This is a user-friendly choice because it is cordless. You can easily maneuver it without the cumbersome cord. It also has many features that make cutting with this a cinch.

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5. Dewalt DWS520K 6-1/2-Inch Track Saw Kit — Most Versatile

Dewalt has established a very good reputation for making tough high-performance products. The Dewalt DWS520k Track Saw is one of the best track saws this brand has made, and it is a great addition to the toolbox of DIYers and professionals. This is a zero clearance track saw and it delivers precise, crisp long cuts.

For straight cuts in both directions, you can use this Dewalt unit with dual-edged tracks. You can also use this track saw to cut materials in tight and awkward spaces, thanks to its low-profile blade guard. When it comes to power, the DWS530K is a very powerful track saw, as it comes with an impressive 12-amp motor.

The motor delivers speeds from 1,750 RPM to 4,000 RPM. The variable speed setting allows you to control the RPM to suit your cutting needs.

You can also use this tool for cutting through plywood and hardwood up to 1-5/8 inches thick at angle of 45 degrees and 2-1/8 inches at 90 degrees. Furthermore, this unit comes with a depth scale that shows the exact depth of your cut, providing you with more consistent and precise results.

This unit is also lightweight, as it weighs only 11.5 pounds. However, it is still heavier than some of the options on this list. It comes with a uniquely designed transmission and precision-ground, laser-cut blade that delivers sharp and straight cuts. It also minimizes deflection to give you a perfect edge.

Verdict

If you are looking for a highly versatile track saw, this is the best option for you. This track saw is very powerful and you can use it with dual-edged tracks for smooth, precise, and splinter-free cuts in both directions. It is also very easy and comfortable to use.

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6. Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Circular Track Saw — For Heavy Duty Tasks

Makita is another popular brand in the power equipment industry, and this brand has a very long line of power tools. The SP6000J1 is a high-performance 12-amp track saw. With such power, this unit produces deeper cuts through luxury hardwood smoothly and effortlessly. To prevent over-torquing, this unit delivers a soft start.

The motor of this unit delivers speeds between 2,000 RPM and 5,200 RPM, giving you more control over the tool. This tool delivers more accurate miter cuts, which is one of its major selling points. When making miter cuts, this unit does not flip out of the track, as it comes with little discs that help to lock it in.

One other unique feature of this Makita model is its scoring stop button, which stops the saw at a cutting depth of 2mm. This saw also comes with the one-movement lock feature for changing blades. This feature helps to reduce downtime, as it makes it very easy for you to change the blade. The Makita SP6000J1 is also versatile, as you can use it with the Festool track.

In the event of an overload, this unit comes with an auto-braking system to protect the saw. However, the Makita SP6000J1 saw does not come with a riving knife to prevent kickback. There are also complaints that the tracks it comes with are a bit difficult to set up.

Verdict

The Makita SP6000J1 track saw comes with a high-power motor that can handle almost any tasks. The 12-amp motor delivers great efficiency and high performance. It also offers accurate and precise bevel cuts and variable speed settings give you more control over the unit.

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7. Dewalt DCS520T1 Flexvolt 60V Max 6-1/2-Inch Cordless Track Saw Kit — Best Cordless Track Saw

The Dewalt DCS520T1 Flexvolt 60V Max Cordless Track Saw is the last item to “make the cut” in our track saw reviews. If you are looking for the best cordless track saw, this is the right saw for you. This saw is very powerful and offers great maneuverability, thanks to its cordless nature. This cordless track saw uses a 60v battery, and it can last you through a long cutting session.

This cordless track saw is very similar to the corded version. It comes with a riving knife to help reduce kickback, and this is a very important feature for your protection. Unlike other battery-powered tools, the 60v battery of this unit delivers more power and more runtime on the job site.

This track saw comes with a full-size 6.25-inch blade that delivers a cutting capacity of 2-1/8 inches. It also delivers smooth and clean cuts. The motor delivers different speeds between 1,750 to 4,000 rotations per minute. Since it offers more maneuverability, it also offers a greater bevel capacity of 47 degrees. The maximum cut depth at 45 degrees is 1-5/8 inches while the maximum cut at 90 degrees is 1-1/8 inches.

This track saw kit includes 1 track saw, 1 60V max flexible 6Ah battery, 1 blade, 1 blade change wrench, and 1 Dewalt T-Stack kit box. It also features dual-edged tracks for cutting flawlessly in both directions.

This unit also comes with an anti-kickback feature that helps to prevent kickback as you cut. As a bonus, you can use this track saw with Festool track, making it a highly versatile track saw.

Verdict

If you are looking for the best track saw that offers more maneuverability and bevel capacity, then this is the best option for you. This is a cordless track saw and it comes with a long-lasting battery. It also comes with some features that help keep you safe, and it delivers smooth, precise, and splinter-free cuts.

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Some Important Considerations When Buying Track Saws

We do not want you to regret your buying decision. That said, here are a few important considerations you need to make when buying a track saw:

Track Guides

It would be awesome if track saws already came with it. But there are advantages to buying your guide rail separately. For one thing, you can choose the tracks for your specific needs — with the right length, the right material, the right clamps. Try to stick to ones made by the same manufacturer as your saw, just to be assured of compatibility.

Brand

The reputation of the manufacturer matters. With trusted names such as Bosch, Dewalt, Makita, Skil, and even Festool, you already feel confident about your purchase. Another reason to go for trusted brands is that they would probably have their after sales systems in place, so warranty claims and product returns and replacements just might be easier, should you need them.

Speed

Go for something with a variable speed setting and has a high RPM. A variable speed setting allows you to find the right speed in the range that you are comfortable with. If you want to go slower in order to create neat and precise cuts, you can do so with this feature.

Ease Of Usage

Track saws are known for their ease of usage compared to other types of saws like a table saw or a circular saw. Nevertheless, despite its intrinsic user-friendliness, you ought to look for features that make the track easier to use. You do not want the material to snag in the tool, thereby causing a kickback.

Make sure it is as easy to use as the best miter saws we suggested here.

Powerful

How thick are the woods you often cut? Make sure it can cut through the hardest wood or has the power to accommodate a variety of cutting needs. The higher the amperage, the more powerful it is.

If you always work with tougher and harder woods, spend a bit more money on a powerful unit. Power in a saw is usually more but if you need something to grind stuff then try this 4 1/2-angle grinder.

Safety

When purchasing all sorts of power tools, staying safe something you have to take seriously. Look into standard features that are meant to protect users and make sure the track saw’s blade guard is sturdy and secured well.

Apart from a blade guard, your tool should have some sort of anti-kickback feature that you can test out with the guide tracks before buying. 

Dust collection may not seem like a concern, but it is. Sawdust can get stuck obscures your vision, and whenever that happens, your well-being is compromised. So you also want a tool that has a way to deal with dust or one that works well with the dust collection system you already have in your workshop.

Price

Set aside a reasonable budget for it. Find a good budget that will make sure you will get a good and high-quality product.

Sawhorses

That sheet of wood that you are cutting needs some kind of support. You can lay it across at least a couple of sawhorses, depending on how big your sheet is.

Track Saws vs Other Kind of Saws

A track saw is basically a circular saw with a track. Both devices spin the same type of circular saw blade, but track saws are great for cutting up large sheets of wood to smaller pieces with efficiency and accuracy, while a circular saw is used usually for cross cuts and short angled cuts. The tracks in the track saw make it incredibly accurate and consistent, while the circular saw has more portability for on-the-go, on-the-fly types of applications.

Check out these posts to learn about other saws, what they are for, and what the best products are:

• The Best Pole Saws
• The Best Tile Saws
• The Best Scroll Saws
• The Best Table Saws
• The Best Hybrid Table Saws

Conclusion

We can help you find more tools for seamless work on your projects. Do check out our website for more information, buying guides, and product recommendations. Our reviews and articles will help you learn which tools are most suitable for your projects.

With our track saw reviews, we hope that finding the best track saw for your next project would no longer be a daunting task. From the products reviewed above, the clear winner is the Festool TS 55 REQ Track Saw because it is accurate, lightweight, has adjustable speed, and is very easy to use. The blade is very easy to change and it comes with some helpful features to keep you safe.