Cutting wood can involve many different steps and tools to ensure that the end result is flawless. But the first process often involves cutting large boards. Whether you’re working with plywood, hard, or softwood, you’ll want a cutting tool that’s effective and won’t break on you after using for a short period of time. And this is where tracks saws come in.
So long as you have the space available in your garage or workshop (along with a place for the plugin of the device), you’re more than ready to get your cutting started. Below are ten of the best track saws found on the internet, chosen for their build quality, ease of use, and safety. When you’re finished going over the list, be sure to read the Buyer’s Guide to get a better idea of which saw is better for your individual needs. Two are chosen as the top two products in the conclusion.
- Weighs less than its competitors
- Has guards against kickbacks
- Includes a comprehensive instruction manual
- Will gather up the majority of dust that’s produced during cutting
- Stays into grooves firmly
- Surprisingly, very quiet
- A 75-inch rail line is included
- Contains a slip clutch that lowers the chances of kickback occurring
- Can be started at a low RPM if needed
Top 10 Best Track Saws Reviewed
PROS:
- Will gather up the majority of dust that’s produced during cutting.
- Stays into grooves firmly.
- Surprisingly, very quiet.
CONS:
- It has a short cord length.
- No riving blade is included with the product.
The next brand on the list is the Makita SP6000J. It has a strong motor that clocks in at 12.0 AMPs. This provides good speed on just about any sort of wood that you throw at it. When you’re cutting, you will surely see the difference between this saw and others that are lower in quality. Cuts almost always come out flat and smooth.
This doesn’t mean that you won’t have to go over anything at times, however. You’ll get the occasional splinter that’ll require a second pass from time to time. The speed is controlled electronically, giving it persistent speed underneath the load. And this itself is variable.
Crank it up to 5200 RPM or let it stay at a low pace of 200 RPM; the choice is yours to make. And because of this, your rate will accurately stay at the speed of whatever you need to cut. Some projects will need to be cut slower while others can necessitate you using a high RPM for the entirety of the cut. There’s a limiter located near the handle that’s tasked with preventing burnout. You can turn the saw all the way to a 45-degree angle but precision in the cuts will remain the same.
If you’re thinking of buying this track saw, you’ll have to remember to invest in an extension cord if you don’t want to be close to your plug. That’s due to the short cord length of the machine. Additionally, you must purchase a riving blade if you don’t already have one ready.
In other track saws, not having one would mean that kickback could happen at any random time. There’s not much to worry about in this instance since the blade doesn’t protrude out like that of a table saw. Still, it would be a good idea to get one if you’re going to be cutting hardwood.
PROS:
- A 75-inch rail line is included, guaranteeing precise cuts.
- Contains a slip clutch that lowers the chances of kickback occurring.
- Can be started at a low RPM if needed.
CONS:
- Emits a very loud noise.
The Festool TS Circular Saw is quite small when compared with other tracks saws in the same category. With it, your cuts will come out very precise and free of imperfections. That means no splinters in the wood, no matter what wood type you need to be cut. It’s easy to work with and doesn’t vibrate too much when the power is on.
Of course, you will feel something but most nothing of the sort that would distract you from making passes with the wood itself. When it starts, it can be done slowly until you’re ready for a high RPM.
This is great for beginners or anyone that gets a little hesitant when the fast-moving blades spin at a rapid pace. It has a slip clutch that acts as a protective guard against nasty kickbacks. It’s clear to see that Festool cares a lot about the safety of their clientele.
Nothing will get in the way when you’re cutting either. The sawdust will always move away from the area that’s immediately in front of the areas you work on.
The Festool’s rail line measures approximately 75 inches or 6.25 feet. This is long enough to accommodate a wide range of garage sizes, so you probably won’t need to move too much around to get the room you need for the product itself. There are no uneven spots on the track and no tweaking that must be done to get it mounted and ready.
Included in the packaging is a handy little instruction manual (this is also shown in the product’s description in the link provided). It basically covers all that you want to know about operating the track saw. Again, if you’re new to using these sorts of tools and are having problems with something, troubleshooting will most likely be solved by flipping through the guidebook.
But like all track saws, this model isn’t perfect and no one should expect it to be. At times, the noise level can get so loud that you may want to wear some sort of hearing protection over your ears. This could be multiplied by the type of wood that you cut. Dense hardwood seems to amplify it the most.
Softer wood isn’t as loud, but will still be heard from some distance away from your workstation. Maple may also cause the blade to not work as well as described previously. You’ll probably have to make two passes to get everything smooth, so don’t be surprised if that happens under this particular wood type.
But overall, the Festool will get the job done. Be sure to maintain it by cleaning off debris from the tracks and your cuts are guaranteed to come out even on most occasions.
PROS:
- Splinters and imperfections will never show in cuts.
- Lots of safety features make it ideal for beginners.
- Switching in between blades is quick, involves no lengthy pauses.
CONS:
- The saw may move slightly regardless of the guide screws being put into place.
This is another Festool saw, the TS 55 REQ to be exact. It has the advantage of not having some of the issues that were detailed about the previous saw from the same brand.
If the sound is a factor and you’re worried about the track saw making too much noise, it stays much quieter than its sister model. You can use it as a portable machine or on a track. The kerf on the saw is exposed by the splitter, which in turn takes away any potential kickbacks. There are other safety features provided as well, such as the FastFix.
FastFix will make it easier for you to move the arbor bolt by putting a lock on the arbor and track saw switch. It can also move slowly during startup if you need it to. All sawdust is sucked into a vacuum, although you might get a little bit on the floor as you work. It won’t be anything significant, so sweeping it up later will suffice.
Blade switching is fast too. It won’t matter what type of blade you’re using either. They can all be changed quickly, thanks again to the FastFix feature. There are many ways for you to control the depth of your cuts. it has two cursor lines for you to use either on a rail or on its own.
This product is best when used with a guide rail, which allows the user to have free access to any areas they choose to work around. They’re easy to acquire and you shouldn’t have any issues finding one. Keep in mind that this model doesn’t come with a guide rail.
There’s no rail at all included here; it’s highly recommended for you to get one if you want your cuts to be as precise as possible. But with or without this, you might have problems with getting the saw to not move at times. The guide screws featured aren’t always great at keeping the machine secure. However, this won’t dramatically affect the Festool.
4. DEWALT DWS520CK 6-1/2-Inch 12-AMP TrackSaw Kit with 59-Inch and 102-Inch Track – Best Track Saw for Beginners
PROS:
- Doesn’t splinter the wood when cutting.
- Finishes rip cuts accurately.
- The track comes with an MDF crate for safe transport and later storage.
CONS:
- Lots of vibrations felt during the operation.
The Dewalt DWS520CK has two tracks added with the saw, of which they’re 59 and 102 inches. For people that are working at home or a construction site, this will get your wood cut fast and all but guarantee little to no passes. If there are lots of boards that must be completed in a hurry, give this one a try.
That’s not to say that you should move too fast, at least for safety’s sake. Both tracks are also dual-edged, making it possible for you to work on either side of them. No longer will you have to limit yourself to one side of a track without such an attribute. The track depth measures exactly 2 and 1/8 of an inch, which is 54 millimeters. This is at a 90-degree angle, mind you. At a 45-degree angle, the length is gauged at about 1-5/8 inches or 41 millimeters.
The high wattage (1300 watts) will allow you to plow through hardwood with a maximum thickness of 2-1/8 inches. total. Safety features are all here, including a small riving knife at the bottom portion of the saw. In short, kickback will never happen as you work. A blade guard is also available, enabling work in confined areas that offer little space to the user.
If you’re cutting something in the grain’s direction, or rip cutting, all of the cut portions will come out smooth. And for those worried about the track getting damaged during shipment, this would be hard to do since they’re both sent in a handy MDF crate that can be used for storing them in the future. You will feel a lot of vibration when the saw is turned on, and the shakes could get even stronger with hardwood. But in the end, the DWS520CK will make anyone that uses it happy that they settled on the product.
PROS:
- Has a conspicuous shaft lock to swiftly change out the blades.
- The grip is large and easy to hold when cutting.
- Strong clamps that don’t move when the saw is on.
CONS:
- It doesn’t come with any instructions.
The Triton TTS1400 is another track saw with a boatload of safety features and cutting advantages. The most obvious is the shaft lock, a tool that quickens up the process of changing out the blades. Another is the plunge lock at the top, serving as a hood over the entire blade and arguably the most important shield provided by the track saw.
Grip handles are something that’s often looked over with saws such as this one. Here, they may not seem like much but has an outstanding grip. It’s very soft to the touch but firm to grasp for a long time. It won’t pick up any moisture from your hands at all, so don’t worry about any slipping when you’re cutting. What about accessories? There’s the blade, measuring 163 millimeters, a 60TCT model.
Another big thing to consider with the TTS1400 is the adapter. Thankfully, Triton decided not to leave anyone out. It has adapters for Europe, British, and North American outlets. But if you’re in the US, you’ll have to switch it out for the British plug when the track saw is unboxed. Although it might seem a bit far fetched, this makes the product great when traveling in between locations or working in places with varied plugs and sockets.
Depending on where you live, this could either be a redundant attribute or something that’s highly valuable. When you’re ready to put the track saw to work, you can keep it secured better with the clamps that are given with the product.
It keeps the entire setup from moving when you’re cutting. As for the flaws, there’s nothing physically wrong with the TTS1400. But one major problem is the lack of an instruction manual.
If you are having problems and need to troubleshoot, you’ll have to either go on the brand’s website, contact them, or look for instructional videos of others with the same model. As a result, this saw is best for people with some understanding of how to get things fixed on the off chance that malfunctions or hiccups occur.
PROS:
- Weighs less than its competitors; easy to carry around if transporting.
- Has guards against kickbacks.
- Includes a comprehensive instruction manual.
CONS:
- It comes with only one track connector, although two are needed.
- The lock will not brace well when making 45-degree cuts.
The Shop Fox W1835 is a track saw for anyone that likes high RPM combined with portability. Yes, most track saws are portable, but this one is made more so by its small weight. It has a total weight of about 12 pounds. You can easily carry it around a large working space and it will never feel like a huge lug to haul around.
This could be made more important in regards to the type of track saw you plan on using for the device. Some track saw brands aren’t compatible with it at all, while others will easily fit. As for specifications, it runs at a solid 120 volts and has a total rotation of 5500 RPM.
The blade run is specified at 9070 feet every minute, so you’ll be able to get a lot of work don’t with it in a short timespan. There probably won’t be any need for you to make a lot of passes here, even on dense wood such as maple. The blade that comes with the package is 160 millimeters and very durable.
It has a 20-millimeter arbor. Like most of the other blades, you get shields to prevent unwanted issues that could cause injury to yourself, along with a riving knife attached at the lower portion.
This is very close to where the blade is set. And unlike one of the other products evaluated, this one contains a user manual that provides insight into just about everything you would want to know about the track saw.
Put this model high on your list of purchasing options if you’re new to using such saws or just want something that can get you done with work a little faster than its rivals. Is there anything that could be an annoyance?
There’s only one track connector given here, but two will be needed for you to actually place it on a track without it moving around. And getting through cuts that are 45 degrees might be challenging at times due to the bevel gauge sometimes having problems with locking. If you don’t need to do this when you’re cutting, don’t let that stop you from testing the W1835 out for yourself.
PROS:
- Excellent handling at all speeds.
- It has a high RPM that can cut through most woods and plywood like butter.
- Only one pass is needed when sawing through 2x material at an angle.
CONS:
- No edge guide featured with the saw.
The RIDGID Fuego 12-Amp has 12 amps of power and is ideal for anyone looking for a track saw with very good handling capabilities. There’s really nothing to it, and never the newest beginner will feel at ease with this cutting tool. The speed of cutting is very fast but doesn’t spray sawdust in the direction of the user, or kickback.
The RPM tops at 6100, which is a bit faster than some of the competing brands in this list. It may not seem very big, but you’ll surely notice the extra speed boost when you’re trying to work your way through boards swiftly.
Hardwood or softwood, it doesn’t matter. They will slide through the blades like butter. The splinters and imperfections are a rarity here, not something that’s predicted to happen every time you plug and operate the machine. It has a base that’s made entirely of magnesium, adding strength to the body that will hold up well in the presence of a construction site. This track saw won’t become damaged or take on wear easily.
There’s a bevel capacity that ranges from 0 to 50 degrees here, slightly higher than the 45-degree limit with some track saws. You will quickly churn out cuts, even when sawing through two boards at the same time. If you do this, it’s best to work at a 45-degree angle. Kerf is placed in the front and back of the device, increasing accuracy.
No edge guide is given here, so keep this in mind if your job requires you to make heavy use of trimming. But if the track saw looks enticing to your regardless, it wouldn’t hurt to purchase one separately in the chance that you might need one in the future. But don’t fret too much initially; Ridgid does enough things right for the RIDGID Fuego 12-Amp to be used on its own.
PROS:
- Operates at thousands of rotations per minute (4500 RPM).
- It comes with a high-quality blade with carbide edges.
- There are two handles situated on the blade for pinpoint accuracy.
CONS:
- Vibrates considerably when cutting through a dense wood.
The Ironton Toe-Kick Saw is one of the smallest track saws featured here, but worthy enough for any serious carpenter or woodworker. The blade is the first thing you would probably notice, mostly due to the size of it.
It’s gauged at 3 3/8 inches, much smaller than the blades shown for the other products that are featured. Running at 6.8 amps, this will get cut through boards that are small but require cuts that that must always be spot-on with accuracy.
The blade’s edges are made from carbide, a material that prevents premature dulling or damages from most wood varieties that are common to cut on track saws. When you’re in motion, boards will slice through the blades rapidly. Splinters shouldn’t happen most of the time but you might find yourself, re-touching boards, with two passes, particularly when going against the grain.
It has a cutting depth that’ll reach 3/4 of an inch, so you won’t be able to see through some of the larger boards that would otherwise be manageable with the products shown before. The best feature that you will come to appreciate is the dual handle control. Again, you won’t have to pass too often with this, but having two handles al but guarantees it most of the time.
Control is entirely in your hands, not the saw itself. Place it flush against a baseboard or wall and say goodbye to removing the flooring of your working area. However, this saw will vibrate a lot, which could take some getting used to if you’ve never worked with a machine of this type (or size) before.
Try not to let it get in the way of your cuts and you should soon forget about the shaking altogether. Look into the Ironton as a secondary tool to use with one of the others reviewed here, or go solo with it if your boards are small enough to be cut with the track saw.
PROS:
- Small enough to operate with only one hand.
- Features several discs with the product.
- The cutting discs can rotate up to 19,000 times per minute.
CONS:
- No carrying case or other protective container provided.
- It can only be used for light cutting activities.
Small track saws are great for many people and the ideal tool for personal or work-related uses. The Work WX801L is listed as a mini cutter, which is correct when taking its size into account. Its total weight is less than four pounds and consists of the main body and a few other accessories. Looking further into them, you’ll get a charging dock to power the device, which is wireless.
An AC plug is also given, although its length is quite short and not recommended to use unless you don’t have a choice (or if the battery is low). Three discs for cutting are also provided and maintain a sharp edge for a long time. The grinding disc will help you smoothen out wood, metal, or fiberglass. Additionally, you’ll be able to cut the same materials with the fast-spinning blades. RPM goes up to 19000 rotations every minute.
This will drop as the tool loses power until it eventually turns off, or at least until you have it charged again. Power is 20 volts and the charging battery. By the way, this might be compatible with other batteries that you have in your possession. On a critical note, there is no carrying case given with the product, which might be a little surprising given how so many small power tools will contain some sort of carrying case with it.
And while you can cut different materials, they must also be small, just like the saw itself. This is best for very small and detailed work that doesn’t necessitate using a larger tack saw. In any case, put it in your inventory if you need something that’s tiny but carries a high RPM. And remember to wear safety gloves when you’re cutting with it!
PROS:
- High power, maxes at 2300 watts.
- The line stays visible as dust is always blown away when in motion.
- The noise level is acceptable.
- All levers are fitted with rubber to aid mobility.
CONS:
- Cases may be of low quality and easy to become damaged.
The Makita Magnesium Circular Saw closes out the list with a bang. The color is jungle green, and very durable no matter if indoors in a semi-outdoor environment.
It all ships in one piece and has the strength to take off just about any hardwood that you have in mind to cut. Plywood also goes through the blades smoothly and could even be perfectly smooth on the first pass. The motor runs at a good 2300 watts of power and has thousands of rotations per minute.
Most changes made with it can be done with your free hand. When inspecting the product more closely in the photos that are shown on the product’s description page, you’ll see that every safety feature you can think of isn’t left out here. Never worry about getting injuries from kickbacks and slip of any kind. The grip is made of rubber material and will never slide when your hand is placed on it.
When you have your board in line to be cut, you’ll always get a clear shot on it, since dust is blown away from the said cutting area. And noise pollution is very tolerable. On top of this, vibrations are light, resulting in a steady hand that keeps the wood straight when cutting without a rail fixed to the machine.
Adjusting is a breeze, especially since all levels, like the grip, are rubber. The case is a bit on the sluggish side and can incur dents and scratch very quickly if you’re taking the track saw on a job site. And there’s no rail added with the product. But in the end, nothing bad can really be said about the quality of the Makita Magnesium as a whole. You can cut boards fast with blades that won’t dull on you too early in their use.
Buyer’s Guide
This guide will cover important tips and features to look for. By the time you’re done, you’ll be able to pinpoint the track saw that best caters to your needs.
How to Choose the Best Track Saw?
Before you even begin to search for a track saw, you should have in mind a few things. One of how loud the device will get. These tools are typically high in volume and make lots of noise. If you need one of home use and live in an environment that’s very quiet, even the saws that claim to be quiet will emit some level of noise that can be heard at a distance away from your areas of work. Once you understand this, you should look into what you need to cut with it.
Another important aspect to take note of is how comfortable you are with operating a saw, and how to cut with it safely. If you’re new to this, try and read over guidebooks or tutorial videos to make the work safer for yourself and anyone else that will be nearby the saw when it’s turned on.
These are machines that can easily cause injury, so knowing as much as you can about them before taking the plunge into buying one. And when that’s done, see if a track saw can handle to your purpose for getting it. More than likely it will. Track saws are mobile and can be used virtually anywhere, not bound to the limitations of other table type saws.
The Type of Boards that You’re Cutting with a Track Saw
All about Safety Features
Safety is a subject that always bears repeating and never gets old. There are always things that you can do and learn to make yourself safer during the operation of a saw. But the single most important safety aspect to using these tools is to have the correct protective equipment on when you’re cutting.
This could either be safety gloves that would alert you to the saw if it brushes against the material, to hearing protection for people with sensitive ears. And don’t forget about the safety features that are given to the track saw that you’re interested in buying. It’s detrimental for you to remember that some brands will have more protection than others. For example, one track saw may have a riving knife included with the set, while another won’t.
This small shield could be the thing that prevents you from getting hurt by kickbacks, or instances of fast-moving jets of sawdust sprayed into your direction. If you don’t see this on one of the saws that you’re looking at, it’s highly recommended that you acquire it separately or wait to use the saw until you have it in your possession. Another example is the blade guard. This is basically a way for you to see when your fingers are too close to the blade when it’s spinning.
Some of the larger and others might even be located in a position that’s completely different from another brand that you’re looking at. However, these are only a few of the safety attribute that you’ll come across; there are many more. To understand what they are and what’s provided by the saw, read the user manual or go to the company’s website. When there, you might have to search for the make to get the information that you want.
Whether a small Saw is Best For You?
Some saws will do the same job that is track saw tasked with but on a smaller scale. Still, there are several advantages to sawing with such tools. A major one is transported. Since their sizes are considerably smaller than what’s possible with your standard saw of this type, hauling it around is an afterthought.
Think of it as carrying around a power drill; they’re about the same size and weight. Many brands will include several saws with the product, and maybe even a grinding tool for smoothing out rough areas of the surface you’re working on. Furthermore, a lot of them will also have a rechargeable battery, again similar to other small power tools. The biggest downside lies in the fact that you cannot cut thick boards, so you’re being reduced to only small materials. Yet these small items can be anything from steel fiberglass, and wood, which is more than what’s possible to cut with a standard saw blade.
However, you might want to think about buying one small blade to go along with your track saw. If you do this, you would have another tool at the ready for doing touch-ups that would be impossible with the larger saw. The best part is that you won’t be limiting yourself to wood alone. Using the small track saw is different in feel and grip; you will have more required for you to adjust to. But no longer would have had to saw off fine edges the old fashioned way with a hand saw.
AC Plugs and the Region Type that You Need
Many track saws are sold in various AC plug adapters the conform to particular regions. Sometimes, products might be purchasable in an area that doesn’t have widespread use of a plug provided by the company. For instance, you may see some with a European AC adapter instead of a North American one. If this is the case, you have three options.
The first is the ensure that the adapter isn’t alone. Some companies will have several plugs for various regions, whereby you only have to use the one that corresponds to the areas in which you live (or rather, the plugs in your home if they’re obscure in relation to your location). The second option is to use a converter, but most people would find this method overkill and completely redundant. Converters are heavy and generally aren’t advisable unless the situation calls for it.
The most likely scenario would either travel to another country or a job site with outlets that are different from what’s customary in the place that you live. And the third option would be to skip such a product altogether and go for one that conforms to most outlets around you. If you’re not sure this is probably the most pragmatic choice for you to make.
But above all else, don’t let yourself end up with a saw that you’ll have to return simply based on it having an AC adapter that you can’t use in the first place. If you do, you may end up wasting a lot of time from having to wait for the product to get back to the seller online, especially if it were sent from a foreign location.
Common Issues with Track Saws
This section will detail some of the most common issues with track saws, and what you can do to avoid or fix them:
- Lacking Safety Features – This has been touched on already, but there are some track saws that will be missing some valuable and important parts that are needed to boost safety during the tool’s use. You can find them, although there might be some pieces that can only be purchased through the manufacturer. This will especially be the case if you’re in need of something that isn’t widely sold by a company other than the brand that your device was made by. It’s relatively easy to find things such as a riving knife or cover guard for the saw, but more specific items like rubber grips for the levers and levers themselves could make you want to do away with the saw altogether, and go for another product.
- Strong Vibrations during Operation – Most saws of all kinds will vibrate when you turn them on. Even a handheld saw will vibrate in your palm when attempting to cut a piece of dense wood. However, take note of the fact that the harder the wood, the more likely you will have to deal with vibrations. One good thing is that this flaw tends to fluctuate based on the density alone. If you’re only cutting softwood boards and nothing else, vibration will be kept to a minimum and won’t leave your hands feeling jittery. If the vibration and shaking are too much for you at times, take a rest in between your work so that you don’t feel too much fatigue. This could only make it harder for you to cut in straight lines and end in taking two or more passes just to touch up the areas that weren’t cut properly (due to the shaking).
- Noise – The amount of noise produced by a single track saw can sometimes be enough to wake up the neighbors. If you’re working at home and wish to have a saw that won’t keep up such a racket, you might have problems with finding one. Nevertheless, there are a few shown on the list this is quieter than others. Instead of a loud whirring noise that only gets higher when you cut something, you’ll hear a softer screech. But if all else fails, you could always attempt to limit your wood cutting to daytime hours when no one would mind the noise. In the dead of night is never a good time to finish off a few two-by-fours, unless you’re working at a construction site.
- Splinters in the Wood – Saws will sometimes cut wood but leave a few splinters. If you see this, you can pass the saw over the affected area again until it’s smooth. Check the smoothness by placing your hands on the cut area. Be careful when doing so, as may end up cutting your puncturing yourself with the splinters as you feel and look for any imperfections. Eventually, your saw will dull and need a replacement. And when this occurs, the only solution would be to find a replacement, which is easy to do. Check the measurement requirements of your track saw before you buy anything more to cut with.
- No Instruction Manual – Some saws will surprisingly feature no instruction manual. If the saw that you buy has this problem, first check with the seller or manufacturer to see if there’s one that wasn’t included. If nothing comes up, then go to YouTube or any other similar site and search for the brand and model of your track saw. More often than not, there will be someone that has experience with your saw that can help you learn how to use it without breaking anything. Instruction manuals may not always be needed, but it’s better than having to look for random videos that might not everything you wanted to know about the tool very well.
- Poor Saw Blade Quality – Some tools that contain accessories will give you items that are of low quality, even while the tool itself is built well. This can also occur with track saws. The saw blade given to you with the product might last a little while, but don’t expect it to be better than what you could find with an individual purchase of another blade. As such, yours included could lose its sharpness very fast and cause the wood you work with to have a lot of bad cuts. Yet before you blade the saw, check that there’s nothing else that could be causing the problem. At times, a machine may simply need to be cleaned around the bottom area that’s near the saw. It’ll pick up some sawdust, even if you rely on a vacuum to keep your workstation clean. Over time, the accumulation might prevent the saw from working well and make your cuts appear poor in quality. If you conclude with it being the blade, you try to find one made by a company that specializes in producing pieces that are built to last longer than what you had before.
Rail Line Requirements and Compatibility
This can either be trick or easy, based on the saw you purchase. Rail lines are tasked with helping the user get better cuts since everything is done with the guide of the line itself. They’re pretty easy to set up, and some might be provided with a saw. But others may not be available. If you buy one that doesn’t have a rail line but needs the accessory, pays attention to a line’s specifications. Some of them are limited to be used with the same brand only. Others may not confirm it but will be compatible.
Look at the saw’s product information and check if they list what major brands will hook up to their product. Failure to do this may result in you having a rail that you can’t even use, ending in an impatient return. How to avoid this? Just buy a track saw that has the accessory. If you’re new to using saws like this, it’s strongly advised that you start out with a rail line to better your precision.
You can always take it off when you’ve become familiar with how to operate the saw and keep it in a straight line. Check whether you can work with the rail line on both sides too. Some of them can be pretty long, measuring longer than the average human height, in fact. There should be ample space given for this alone. A working take could suffice, along with an area in your garage or trailer to store it when you’re not cutting with the piece.
Smaller rails don’t need this. If you order a frail, it will more likely be shipped in a crate or other strong container to keep it from breaking while in transit to your postal destination. You can reuse this for storage if finding a spacious place to put it is difficult for you. And like all things metal, remember to never get it wet! Rust could develop and reduce its age and reliability.
Features that are Great for Beginners
A lot of people that purchase Track saws have never used them before, or have very limited experience. If you fall under this category, you should always look for one that has the best in terms of protection for your fingers. New users are at risk of placing their hands in areas where they shouldn’t be when the blade is spinning.
Yet even seasoned carpenters might have this problem, seeing as how some become too comfortable with tools and may use them incorrectly. Having a Track saw with a solid grip is a must, and cutting can be done quicker this way. Your plug should have a good length to it. If not, finding an extension is recommended. Having mentioned this already, your user manual will be your new best friend.
Reading it is key to finding out how to correctly operate and cut wood with your tool. Saws with variable speed can make you more comfortable when they start up since the RMP will be much slower than its maximum. This can provide more time to get your warmed up and ready to go. If you have to pass a few times to learn the hang of it, that’s perfectly fine. Just don’t rush; your speed with cutting boards will naturally pick up.
Summary/Conclusion
Have you chosen the Track saw that you want? Think carefully about your choice, this could end up being the one you use for many years before getting a replacement. All of them have good, neutral, and not-so-great features. The key is to go with the saw that matches what you aim to get out of it the most. For some people, it’s speed. For others, safety protections. Use the Buyer’s Guide to narrow down the ten saws reviewed if you’re unable to pick one.
Two are shown that contain the highest level of built quality and have a reputation for staying consistent at making precise cuts. The Festool TS and TS 55 REQ circular saws guarantee that your wood will stay expertly for a long time. If there’s anything that you believe deserves to sit at the top, then keep your interest in that one. Cutting and preparing hardwood/softwood boards will soon become easier than you’ve ever imagined.
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