Doing so reduces tear-out and splintering in the material and increases operator safety. 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. The Festool 575389 may also be one of the largest track saws you may find in the market, and it is powered by a high-torque 10A motor, which varies the speed between 1350 RPM and 3550 RPM to offer you a fast and smooth cutting experience. 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 Nonetheless, the 6-1/2 inch saw blade should help do the trick. Learn about toe kick saw alternatives in this guide. The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw is priced to compete with the industry-leading Festool track saw and it has features to match. However, a Makita is a top pick for home woodworkers and there are a few entry level saws that are good for small jobs and occasional use. Festool 769942 Cross Cutting Guide Rail FSK 420 . A Dewalt fast charger can help make the motor move from 2,000 to 5,500 rpm fast. And, with Festool having a long history of being a top tool provider youll gain all the features noted below. At $350-400 at most retailers for just the tool and around $500 MSRP with two batteries its impossible to find a better rated and reviewed cordless track saw. We talk more about the differences between these saw types later, but for now, lets go over the specific things you should look for when buying a track saw. The DEWALT DWS520K offers solid performance at a reasonable but not great price. The most significant difference between a table saw and a circular saw is how you cut the material. The saw features a 12A variable speed motor that also comes with load compensation and electronic braking capabilities, making this a much more safer option for you. 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. Using a table saw can be a real pain in the neck in comparisonespecially if youre working on your own. The big issue is that the saw has a bit of vertical play when on the track on 2 corners of the base plate. Unlike table saws, track saws are portable and can be taken to the material instead of having to pull what you want to cut over to a table saw. Bet it's finicky to use. The Makita XPS01PTJ offers precision and power with batteries that last for roughly 1-2 hours of constant cutting. How often you change it depends on the quality and strength of the material you cut with it. Most likely the best track saw youll ever use, Festools track saws and accessories are quite expensive, Provides excellent cutting power and precision, Tends to produce more dust than other track saws, Plastic construction offers less durability than more expensive materials, Offers low dust cutting, with vacuum attached, Everything you need to get started with track saws, Plastic used throughout, reducing overall durability, Incredibly low price compared to competitors, Great cutting performance on sheet materials, Requires some modifications to get better cuts, Backed by a 1-year manufacturers warranty, Quality control issues have led to uneven base plates for many purchaser. It also tends to throw out a lot more dust compared to other track saws, even when attached to a vacuum. For jobs that require constant cutting for long periods of time, a corded track saw might be a better choice. An extremely accurate track saw delivering precise straight-line cuts with a. 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. 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. The swiveling hose port is particularly nice for allowing for easy dust management without letting the vacuum hose get in the way of operation. However, where Festool has major distribution channels, and thus better parts availability, youll have to go to a few specialty dealers like Timberwolf Tools or other sources. The Kreg KMA2685 is a universal circular saw guide that works with most circular saws on the market, including left and right bladed saws. While Milwaukee and Dewalt spend marketing dollars freely, the Makita brand is built on decades of reliability. With the same track system (costing almost as much as the saw, of note) and plunge capability youll have a way to start breaking down plywood and even doing edge cuts. Bevel capacity at -1to 48 with positive stops at 22.5 & 45, Variable speed control trigger precisely regulates blade speed, The guiding rail stays firmly in place delivering a finer finish cut, The soft-start feature helps increase the longevity of the saw, The scoring feature feels unnecessary and falls off easily, Has a hard time cutting plywoods thicker than one inch, Excellent for cutting all kinds of materials (especially plywood), DeWalts powerful 60v brushless motor plows through hardwood, Highly efficient 60v cordless battery delivers corded performance, Straight, splinter-free cuts with DeWalts zero clearance system, Might lock up sometimes after extended use (fix with lubrication), High demand for this track saw has caused some supply issues, Precise plunge mechanism for deeper and more accurate cuts, Extremely lightweight track saw with magnesium footplate, Superb dust extraction system is on par with vacuum cleaners, Three-step blade change system with fast action spindle lock, Saw has a little more friction, so it doesnt cut as smoothly, A little limiting in comparison to DCS520ST1 as its corded, No blade pinching with Festools spring-loaded riving knife system, Fast blade changes with FastFix system by locking arbor quickly, Engineered with a triple-bearing motor & includes a soft start mode, Produces quality splinter-free cutswith cutting depth 0 2-1/8, High-quality German engineering comes with a high price tag $$$, The option to upgrade from 75 guide rails to 118 is very costly, Great budget track saw that delivers A-1 splinter-free finish cuts, The blade-left design makes this the ideal saw for right-handers, 62 anodized aluminum guide rail with anti-chip strip technology, Robust 12-amp motor with load compensation anti-kickback control, The variable speed trigger is less responsive than Makitas, Less user-friendly features No place to store saw wrench, Allows you to move the material across the saw, You can add different parts for more efficient use, It might require more assistance if you cut bigger pieces, Features a powerful, fast-working circular blade, Cuts many pieces of wood without overheating or wearing down, The anti-slip track keeps the saw in place, Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2" Plunge Circular Saw Kit, 1. Moreover, it can even be used to cut through wood with nails, all thanks to its large and sharp 7 blade, with 40 teeth and an ability to cut 2 deep into the workpiece with precision. Kreg ACS-SAW Triton TTS1400 And with a range from $300-700 for a saw and track there's a quality saw for every budget. 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. 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. Their circular blade allows you to make solid cuts in all kinds of materials. And with more saws each year bringing Lithium cutting capability these brands are where to start: From the high end Festool to popular cordless brands like Dewalt expect to pay a $100 to $200 premium for portability, though. With the ability to cut at multiple angles, lengths, and depths, the track saw is a handy companion that can help keep you safe and productive. For serious woodworkers that demand a perfect cut, high amperage motors and years of durability there are three saw brands that rise to the top: Budget for these top saws? However, for repeated cuts, it does take longer to set up. The Ryobi PTS01K kit adds a charger and 4Ah battery and retails for $399. Now that you know the difference between the different types of saws, lets get back on track and talk about tracks. Capable of cutting up to 2 deep, the Kreg ACS2000 provides excellent cutting power. Easily accessible shaftlock aids fast, convenient blade-change. The DEWALT DSC520ST1 track saw is a sturdy machine that offers solid performance, but the price is rather high all things considered. If you are in the woodworking trade, power saws are the companion you need to cut through various materials. Overall, the DEWALT DSC520ST1 track saw is a sturdy machine that performs admirably. 2) Kreg has 8" wheels to move it around after folding. Disclosures: (1) If you click a link on this site and buy something I will earn a commission. Plus, the plunge cut design and riving knife automatically retract the blade into a full-cover blade guard when not in use. If you are invested in 20mm dogs it may be a consideration. Cutting Capacity: 131 32 " @ 90; 17 16 " @ 45. For professionals a Festool is considered to be the premium saw due to its anti-splinter and kickback technology. This kit even comes with an included dust collection bag for easy cleanup. BEST EXTRA-WIDE: E. Emerson . Buy at Home Depot Pinterest. To help your woodworking projects out the below is. The Kreg KMA2685 circular saw guide is sturdy and smartly designed to be easy to use and work with most circular saws. Differences between Kreg ACS and Festool MFT The MFT works better with a dust vacuum, whereas the ACS has an effective dust collection system. You might even find a plunge circular saw somewhere. Kreg. Our Festool model was a good runner-up, but there can only be one winner here. The 60 volt battery provides great power for slicing through thick materials, but its runtime is a bit lacking. 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. Keep an eye on your saws riving knife, which helps protect operators from blade kickback. Plus, they allow you to align the track with the line you want to cut, and the cut gets finished quickly. Festool is a reputable manufacturer known for its top-quality power tools, and this unit is no exception. If you find yourself limited with that particular tool, and you have the space to add a table saw, you can graduate to one. Kreg is a bit slower than the Festool. But first, for some metric clarity, the 55 vs. 75 models is simply the maximum depth of cut (2-1/8 vs. 3). Table saws are great for projects that you can do in a shop with lots of extra space for loading the material through the saw. Even if youre an expert saw user, you should still exercise safety precautions. After using this saw for the first time any experienced woodworker will wonder why they didnt have one ten years ago. 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. They also make excellent plunge cuts, which you can make in the middle of the workpiece for electrical wires or sink fittings. While a circular saws accuracy in cutting wood is not the best, it can also cut metal. Which means this type of saw needs to be connected to at least one accessory. The best drawer slides combine features like full extension and soft closing with durability for decades of use. Thus, you can move the material along the intended cutting track. You should never run a blade when the cutting path is not clear. Some quality control issues with the tracks are a deterrent, but the overall build quality of the Makita SP6000J1 is solid, allowing this machine to offer clean, straight cuts. A track saw has a guide rail made from anti-slip material, minimizing the possibility of accidents and creating more precise cuts. As youd expect in the professional category, Festool will give you all the features of the top DIY track saw and then some: The TS 75 is almost identical to the TS 55 with the exception of a larger blade (stepping up to a 8-1/4) and a 1600 watt motor to power deeper cuts. The Best Track Saw For Any Budget! Lets look at the main differences between these tools to help you decide if track saws are the right tool for your needs. We were just too impressed with its splinter-free precise cuts, produced with a powerful 12 amp motor. And with these saws featuring dust collection bags vs. attached dust collectors you can be free of two cords and not just one. The Mafell track saw weighs 17 pounds while the Festool weighs a mere 4.5 pounds. Bosch GKT13-225L 6-1/2" Plunge Track Saw Kit, 4. SgtEddieWinslow 1 yr. ago I have the kreg accu cut track jig. The Kreg ACS2000 kit comes with an included 62 guide track for an all-in-one package that has everything you need to get started using a track saw at home. Festool is know for innovative and high performing tools. However, a table saw is still preferred for ripping wood. This track saw comes with a 60V battery. Plus, merely writing about work, sure does beat doing actual work. The Grizzly saw does, however, fit on the Festool track, but the saw blade extends out well beyond the rubber splinter guard. (Not a Festool fanboy, and too much $$$). Most track saws work best with wooden materials. While other tools can get the job done for less, the Festool 55 Req-F-Plus gets the job done reliably and to an exactness required by professional carpenters and woodworkers. 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. . Track saws also offer more precision and cleaner cuts thanks to their guide tracks that keep them on the straight and narrow during operation. They are still portable, though, since you dont always mount them to your worktable. Most Powerful: Bosch GKT13-225L, 10. Festool uses a fast fix design on this product. The Shop Fox W1835 track saw provides reasonable performance with some minor adjustments. The Kreg Adaptive Cutting System is a track-guided circular saw you can use for cutting materials with accuracy and precision. Guide rails clamp to your work, so having to hold the saw down is not as necessary. 2. A table saw stays still while you move the material through the blade. The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw uses overload protection to prevent the motor from overheating during operation. By cutting the cord on the track saw youll free your cutting concerns to placement of the dust hose (only). The latter two will be the subject of today's article as we answer the question whether the tracks are interchangeable. Each one of them has been designed for specific purposes, and if you are looking for a saw that cuts through sheets of wood or longer pieces of lumber, a track saw is a perfect choice for you. A table saw can cut longer material pieces, but youre going to need more workshop space for such projects. The variable speed dial gives users the freedom to adjust and work with different materials. The Shop Fox W1835 track saw is a solid performer that gets the job done without too much fuss, and its offered at an incredibly low price. A plunge circular saw just means that the blade will plunge into the material youre cutting. Built with excellent materials and with a solid build quality, the Makita XPS01PTJ is an excellent track saw capable of cutting depths up to 2 3/16. Luckily, a spring-loaded riving knife and anti-kickback mechanism prevent kickback, and a straight plunge mechanism makes it easier to use. The Kreg ACS2000 is an excellent track saw and guide kit combo that is offered at an unbeatable low price compared to other similar tools. Now working from a home woodworking shop Eric is sharing his passion for woodworking, tool advice and how-to knowledge from his Minnesota-based woodshop. However, they have measurement and precision features to help achieve the perfect cut on all pieces, along with anti-kickback safety measures. The included guide track provides a strong grip to help keep your cuts straight even without the use of clamps. Plus, it also offers you maximum versatility and a smooth cutting experience. Festool vs. Kreg Track Saw- Should You Own It ? I used to think I wanted a panel saw, but the track saw has taken care of . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Subscribe for a FREE directory to 300+ hand-selected local and online hardwood retailers. Make angles from 0-60 using the included Miter Guide, or cut perfect 45 miters easily using Versa-Stops and the precisely machined holes in the Project Table. The Makita SP6000J1 track saw provides variable cutting speeds between 2,000 and 5,200 RPM. While there is no replica or copycat of the Festool DOMINO there are a few tools that make a loose tenon joint. According to Festool, each track saw should come with a saw blade, a flag window (vision panel), a T-Loc systainer, a splinter guard, and a chip collection bag. The Grizzly saw freely accepts the standard Festool extractor hose. Remember that you must follow specific steps for plunge cuts since they require more care than bevel cuts or straight cuts. I have the Kreg Accu Cut what I would call a 'poor man's track saw' and I have used it a lot with my Bosch circular saw (I also have the Kreg Accu Rip). Best Budget Track Saw: Kreg ACS2000 Saw & Guide Track Kit, 5. While initially more expensive if you are not invested in Festool or Makita batteries, these saws are fully feature and power capable. Which requires purchasing a saw with: Maybe youre thinking this saw is just a fancy circular saw that is pre-made to be paired with a track. But, when I bought them realized I should have had them all along. The blade is only as good as the speed with which it is rotated. Watch. 800-462-5482, makitatools.com. I recently picked up the Kreg ACS track saw and after using it for about a week I feel like it's just okay. Web/Phone: www.grizzly.com / 800-523-4777. So, trim carpenters that are looking for a do-everything saw may justify the extra cost and weight. The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw also comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty. Track saws, for one, are great at making cuts in longer pieces. It performs excellently while its got the juice, but dont expect to get much more than an hour to two of cutting performance per charge. The Kreg ACS2000 saw kit is one of the most adaptable track saws on this list, able to cut up to 2-1 8 deep at 90 degrees and 1 1 2 at 45 degrees. Track Saw vs Table Saw And When To Use Each, The Best Cordless Table Saws For Woodworking, The Best Router for Router Table Mounting, Most saws support same size blade and features, 10-year test: doesnt depend on old batteries from a brand, Bevel cuts with range from -1-degree to 48-degrees (with positive stops at 22.5 and 45-degrees), Can cut as close as 11/16 of an inch from the wall, Dust port with 1-1/2 outside diameter for connection to dust extractors, Soft start feature like youd find in similar high end routers, Soft start that prevents the saw from jumping when engage, Cut depth of 2-1/8, 1-5/8 at 45-degrees, Continuous anti-kickback only allows forward motion of saw, Cut depth of 2-1/8, 1-1/2 at 45-degrees, Retractable riving knives, splinter guards, 1200 watt motor with variable speed and electronic speed management for constant speed, Retractable riving knives, splinter guards, plunge operation, FastFix system for blade changing that locks the arbor and switch at the same time, Converting your existing circular saw to a track saw, Support for almost any saw left or right handed. In the last issue, Rob asked for opinions about track saws: if you owned one, if you wanted one - and why or why not. Track Saw Rail. The main drawback of Festool is the price of not just their tools but also the accessories. Circular saws and track saws may look very similar, but they are designed for different tasks. If you correctly align it with the blade, itll minimize the chance of accidents or injury. Toe Kick Saw Alternatives For Removing Subloors. With these saws its best to consider them in two categories to help split budget vs. features and capability. 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. Best Budget Track Saw: Kreg ACS2000 Saw & Guide Track Kit; 5. Its optional but advantageous 55 guide rail system comes from robust anodized aluminum. It features variable speeds from 1,350 to 3,550 RPM, and it can handle materials that are up to 2-3/4 inches thick. The Festool 55 Req-F-Plus is one of the most expensive but also most capable track saws on the market. Owners of compatible DEWALT batteries will be able to overcome the short battery life with replacements ready to go. Track saws are one of the best options for cutting drywall, too, since the material produces a lot of dust. The Festool 55 Req-F-Plus is a powerful and precise track saw that offers great reliability and safety features. dust collection. 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. This may seem odd, but many track saws are sold without an included track. CONS One knock I have with this track saw is the lower end of the variable speeds that it offers. Track Saws are all the rage, but when it comes to buying one what features should you look for? If you need to make several rip cuts or lots of identical pieces, table saws work best. Youll also need another person to hold longer pieces still as you push the material through the saw. Never underestimate the usefulness of guide rails. The overall build quality of the Kreg ACS2000 track saw and guide track is solid, but the materials arent. The Makita SP6000J1 track saw and guide rail kit offers accurate and splinter-free cuts up to 2 3/16 deep at 90 degrees. One of the biggest drawbacks of the DEWALT DSC520ST1 is its price point. For easier cleanup, it has a universal 1-1/4 dust port. If you are also looking for the best track saw in 2023 for your woodworking or DIY projects, then we have the best options for you to choose from. Cordless track saws, on the other hand, offer more portability but tend to run out of juice fairly quickly. Track saws are incredibly versatile and powerful tools that can help ease the burden of work for DIYers and professional woodworkers alike. The blade can cut pieces up to 2 , making it highly useful. The Bosch GKT13-225L achieves its precise plunge cuts with an easy-to-use plunge mechanism. This brings you more portability and ease of use. This kit comes with 48 inches of track in two sections, which means you can use the shorter length for smaller projects or connect the two halves for four feet of accurate cutting. So with that in mind the 6-1/4 blade on the Festool 55 will cut just about all the plywood and hardwood you can throw at it. Since features are the name of the game, heres what the Makita SP6000J offers up: Be sure to check around for a bundle, but if you want to start with just the saw and a guide rail you can always buy up other accessories later. There are plenty of excellent track saws from Kreg and Festool. Its electronic speed control helps to maintain a constant speed for more finished, tear-free results. The Best Drawer Slides With Soft Close and Full Extension. The circular saw uses a retracting guard that moves out of the way as you cut into your material. And then fold everything back up and use the space for your other tools. There are so many types of saws to choose from, such as a table saw, circular saw, miter saw, chop saw, chainsaw, and many others.