Best Track Saw [2024 Review]

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Whether you are a professional woodworker or DIYer, you’ll find value in investing in the best track saw.

Also known as plunge saws, track saws are more than conventional circular saws. It is for a very good reason: versatility. A track saw is ideal for plywood, MDF, and challenging Formica cuts that are highly susceptible to chipping.

The plunge saw allows you to simply release a lever and “plunge” the saw into your material, enabling convenient cuts in the middle of the board. Better, a track saw takes up less space than a table saw and can do cuts that table saws cannot. This has made track saws increasingly popular among contractors looking to unlock cleaner, faster, and longer cuts.

We have noticed the saw market is highly populated with substandard products; we have done the research for you and reviewed some of the most reliable track saws. You will also find a comprehensive buying guide that highlights the essential features to consider when buying a track saw.

Our Top Pick Track Saw Reviews

Festool 56143 Plunge Cut Track Saw

This model is one of the best plunge saws by Festool; the Festool 561438 Plunge Cut Track Saw offers pinpoint accuracy and versatility. This is what makes it better than many advanced panel saws, miter saws, and table saws.

The unit comes with a 13-amp motor that gives it enough power to rip through tough material without burn marks or swirls. Besides offering accurate and perfectly straight cuts, this corded saw rips through all material without splintering. This, combined with its portability and ease of use, makes it a handy power tool for most DIYers and professionals.

A unique guide rail is included to create an accurate cut line and give you complete control over the cuts. Irrespective of the angle you choose to make bevel cuts at, the guide rail will keep your track saw above the cut line. This allows a cutting capacity depth of up to 2 ¾ inches at 90 degrees and 2 ⅛ inches at 45 degrees.

The rail has a rubber lip that presses onto the workpiece to prevent splintering. As a result, it’s unnecessary to clamp the guide rail. You can purchase additional connectors to join rail sections if you intend to cut larger pieces of material.

The Festool Track Saw has a 36-tooth blade carbide with a diameter of 8 ¼ inches for better cutting capacity. The variable speed settings go from 1350 RPM to 3550 RPM, depending on your cutting needs.

With the FastFix system, changing the blade is safe and easy. Once engaged, both the power switch and the arbor bolt get locked simultaneously, preventing injury.

A replaceable guard rail on both sides of the blade makes splinter-free cutting possible. Chip deflectors keep you safe from errant material shards, while a riving knife ensures that the space behind the blade is clear.

This unit’s riving knife is spring-loaded and retracts into the housing once plunge cuts are made. This maintains the cut kerf open to keep the material from pinching the blade. As a result, you have full control of all your operations with minimal kickbacks.

Another great feature of the Festool Plunge Cut track saw is easy-to-use depth adjustments. This allows you to only expose the part of the blade that will be important for the cut you’ll be making. With the plunge action, you can get placement anywhere on the cut line.

The unique thing about this Festool track plunge-action is that the saw does not have a rotating guard like many circular saws. Instead, it pivots through the bottom shoe. This makes the unit safer than most competing models.

What We Like

  • A powerful 13-amp motor 120-volt motor that allows extensive cutting
  • A good dust collection system that lives minimal dust behind
  • A 2 ¾-inch cutting depth
  • A riving knife that keeps the cut kerf open to make sure that the workpiece does not bind
  • A 1,350 to 3,550 RPM
  • A 45 degrees bevel cutting capacity allows you to make custom cuts
  • Brushless motor

What We Don’t Like

  • The track saw is quite expensive

Dewalt DWS520K

If you have used DEWALT tools before, you probably know what to expect from their DWS520K track saw, one of the best saws they have.

This rugged yet lightweight unit is a corded saw kit that gives splinter-free, precise cuts. The kit comes with a heavy-duty track saw, an arbor of 6 ½ inches with a 48-tooth finishing blade, a blade wrench, a 102-inch track, a 59-inch track, and a kit box.

Like most track saws in its league, this unit has a 12-amp motor with a smart start feature to ensure that the saw does not jump upon switching on. This feature also makes the saw wind down and stop quickly without noise. A riving knife adds to the saw’s safety features; the blade fully retracts to the guard to make the saw sit flat on the base when you are not using it.

On both sides of the track, there is a zero-clearance splinter risk ensuring the need to flip the track constantly, ideal for working in tight quarters.

The DEWALT DWS520K cuts smoothly like a table saw and is an excellent option if you want angle cuts. It gives razor-sharp cuts with insignificant splintering on almost all sheet materials. The saw can maintain straight cuts to as much as 96 inches at a time. Bevel adjustment goes up to 47 degrees to make customized cuts.

This track saw is capable of making spot-on angle cuts and conveniently lines up 45-degree corner cuts. At 90 degrees, you’ll get an on-track cutting depth of 2 ⅛, and 1 ⅝ inches at 45 degrees.

A variable speed control dial adds to the saw’s functionality to match the blade speed with your cutting requirements.

An easy and smooth plunge action makes clean cuts on rough materials. You can easily set the plunge depth. Best track saw uses a linkage connection instead of a single pivot point to cut – so does this Dewalt, so remember that you will have to push the handle forward and down.

The DEWALT DWS520K has a better dust feature than many circular saws. A universal 1 ¼ inch dust port can be connected to a shop vacuum, making dust collection easy. Even without connecting to a vacuum system, minimal dust will be left behind.

What We Like

  • A powerful 12 amp motor, 1300W motor that cuts through thick material
  • Reliable and accurate cuts
  • Universal dust port
  • Easy to use with a robust design
  • An anti-kickback system for safer cuts which preserves the gear system and the integrity of the 12 amp motor
  • A dual-edge cutting guide track saves you time – the pack includes 59 inch and 102-inch tracks

What We Don’t Like

  • It is not easy to achieve a smooth transition between rails
  • The tracks are relatively smaller and hence don’t offer full support from start to finish
  • Blade-changing system is quite hard

Grizzly T10687 Track Saw

Although Grizzly is a relatively new brand in the field of power tools, it has made one of the best, most versatile track saw in the market – Grizzly T10687 Track Saw.

The Grizzly T10687 helps you achieve plunge cuts by positioning the saw directly on the work material. The blade starts the cutting operation once lowered on to the area. This kind of cut works well when there’s a need to rip off a piece without disturbing the other part of the material.

This corded track saw is powered by a 9-amp motor, 120-volt motor capable of providing up to 5,500 RPM. This makes it perfect for sheet cutting, trimming, and plunge cutting. The saw’s ability to cut at 90 degrees and 45 degrees means you can use the unit on several household and job site applications.

It comes with a low profile blade that enables you to cut as close as 5/8 inches from a wall. The saw offers a maximum cut depth of 2 5/32 inches at 90 degrees and 1 5/8 inches at 45 degrees. This is more than enough to make standard plywood cuts. A bevel gauge along a lock is included to level cuts up to a 45 degrees angle.

Another convenient feature is a 1 ½ inches dust port to keep the tool clean to deliver precise results.

The Grizzly T10687 has a reliable anti-kickback technology that eliminates the dangers associated with blade pinching. A cut indicator arrow shows you where the plunge cut should start and where it will end in full blade extension.

For additional stability and control, the track saw has primary and secondary level handles. A spring-loaded riving knife is also included to reduce risks associated with cutting with the sharp blades.

Overall, this compact powerhouse is a reliable option for job sites and regular uses. It meets the needs of furniture remodellers, craftsmen, woodworkers, and professional technicians.

What We Like

  • Portable and gives accurate results
  • An adjustable dust port you can connect to a dust collection system or a shop vacuum
  • A convenient blade size of 160mm diameter and 20mm arbor
  • High speed – 5,500 RPM
  • Affordable

What We Don’t Like

  • The 6-feet cord length might need some extension
  • Requires some modifications to handle some applications.
  • No track is included.

Makita SP6000J1

The compact and lightweight Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Saw is a powerful and precise track saw that will definitely get the job done. The Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Saw works well with a 55-inch guard guide rail to produce precision cutting and straight cuts with negligible tear-out.

Compared to many saws on the market, this Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Circular Saw is quiet, and offers an array of nifty features. One is the plunge gauge that helps you cut through different depths that go as much as 56 mm. You can lay the guard guide rail down right on the cut mark to know exactly where the cut will be.

The Saw’s small form factor makes it easy to hold and operate. Rubber soles attached to the bottom keep the saw firmly on track. With this and the guide edge, you won’t have to use any extra clamps. Another convenient feature is a dust collector that you can pair with a shop vacuum to keep your workstation clean.

This 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Circular Saw delivers smooth, straight cuts and the precision and power required for any job. A powerful 12-amp motor offers the horsepower needed for ripping through thick pieces of almost all material with the track saw’s powerful 5,200 RPM blades.

The blade speed is adjustable. You can dial anywhere between 2,000 RPM to 5,200 RPM depending on the material you are cutting and the depth you intend to rip through. Variable speed also helps keep the saw’s 12 amp motor from overheating.

A soft start feature on this saw keeps it from jumping on start-up torque. Splinter guards allow you to cut boards conveniently without splintering the edges.

When working with materials that are prone to chipping, a score-cutting setting comes handy. The tool features a 3mm scoring setting capable of scoring before you do a full depth cut.

Like many high-end track saws, the Makita SP6000J1 comes with a bevel capacity of -1 degree to 48 degrees. The saw’s bevel shoe is easily adjustable to a maximum of 49 degrees. This allows you to make custom angle cuts.

The unit also has a simple and effective anti-tip locking feature. This feature keeps the saw from tipping off when set for bevel cutting.

For some projects, the saw cord might be too short. However, you can fix the problem with an extender cord. Other minor problems are the lack of a riving blade and the guide rails’ failure to connect smoothly.

What We Like

  • Durable magnesium construction that lasts the test of time
  • Impeccable dust collection
  • A bevel capacity of -1 to 48 degrees
  • A 12-amp motor and adjustable speeds ranging from 2,000 t0 5,200 RPM
  • Compatible with many accessories

What We Don’t Like

  • The track guide is sold separately

Triton TTS1400 6-1/2-inch

Looking at the Triton TTS1400 6-1/2-inch track saw, you can instantly see a unit with serious build quality and expedient features.

This plunge track saw comes loaded with an array of desirable features. One of these is the mode selection. This helps you quickly blade change between scribing, plunge track cuts, and changing blades. The scribe mode cuts a groove in the blade’s first pass, effectively eliminating tear-out and splintering.

The Triton TTS1400 6-1/2-inch plunge track saw is powered by a 1,400W, 12-amp motor with soft start and variable speed capabilities. The variable speed goes from 2000 RPM to 5,300 RPM to suit the nature of your cutting. This also makes the saw suitable for cutting a variety of materials.

The saw offers dual bevel quadrants to help you customise your cuts. To add stability when handling bevel cuts, this saw comes packed with a track lock. Dual alignment cams fine-tune the fit between the track and the saw.

The Triton TTS1400 6-1/2-inch has a smooth plunge track designed with an easy to reach release above its trigger. The high plunging capacity also allows you to commence and stop cutting in the middle of the sheet. This plunge track lock offers additional safety.

Like many track saws, the Triton TTS1400 6-1/2-inch has an anti-kickback safety feature to prevent the saw from jolting when you are doing long cuts. It also has an efficient dust extraction system with a universal adapter that fits most dust extractor vacuums.

Although the unit is quite heavy, the blade housing has a flat design that allows you to work right up against an obstacle like a wall.

This compact and versatile saw offers smooth and straight cuts with minimal chipping on both sides. A 59-inch guide rail is included, and you get 3/32 inch deep scoring. For easy and accessible blade change, a shaft lock has been added.

What We Like

  • Variable speed and soft start features
  • Precision bevel capacity adjustment angles from 0 – 48 degrees
  • A plunge lock to secure the blade in the guard when not in use
  • A reliable anti-kickback safety feature
  • Great dust collection
  • Dual alignment cams to facilitate accurate cuts

What We Don’t Like

  • The saw is relatively underpowered and therefore does not work very well on hard material
  • Not the most accurate track saw

Festool TS 55 REQ

Powerful and lightweight, the Festool TS 55 REQ track saw is one of the most impressive models available. It delivers exceptional versatility and precision which makes it perfect for any woodshop. The Festool ts 55 req saw also allows you to handle various projects requiring a panel, miter or table saw.

With a 2,000 to 5,200 RPM cutting speed, it’s excellent for cutting through any project material quickly. Also, its riving knife ensures your workpieces don’t bind even when cutting long sheets.

Additionally, the plastic splinter guard ensures each cut is clean and leaves workable pieces instantly. This Festool track saw is ideal for a range of professional and home projects as it comes with a bevel tilt that ranges from -1 to 47 degrees. It can also cut flush along any wall, thanks to its flat housing. 

Blade change is also easy as you only have to flip the locking lever then plunge the pro tool before unscrewing the arbor bolt. You can also fine-tune your cuts using the micro-adjustment knobs that are easily adjusted to match any application. 

This track saw slides smoothly and securely along the included 55 inches track rail. Also, the model has an accessory pack that comes with depth adjustment and depth stop. Its powerful 12 amperage motor integrates thermal overload protection preventing damage to the motor or overheating.

The Festool 55 req has 2-⅕ inches of maximum cutting capacity. You can adjust this depth using the micro-adjustable depth control mechanism to achieve precise cuts. Also, the rubberized handle provides a tight grip to make the plunging process comfortable and easy.

The dust collection feature on this table saw is extremely effective. You can connect it to your shop vacuum system to suck up sawdust from your working environment.

The only major issue is its poor guard rail quality; however, you can contact the company for a replacement.

Overall, the TS 55 track saw is powerful and provides the precision and speed needed to handle any project. 

What We Like 

  • Riving knife ensures material doesn’t bind
  • Ideal for professional and home use
  • 2,000-5,200 RPM cutting speed
  • Lightweight and powerful
  • Micro-adjustment knobs
  • 55 inches track rail
  • Dust extractor

What We Don’t Like

  • No track clamps
  • Poor guard rails quality 
  • Additional tracks are expensive

Track Saw Features and Considerations

Now that you have an idea after reading our track saw comparisons, below you will find some factors that can help you identify the perfect features in a track saw:

Speed

The variable speed of a plunge saw is measured by the revolutions it makes per minute, RPM.

Although track saws are versatile, you will need a saw with a high-speed to cut conveniently. Most standard track saw models have a 2,000 RPM suitable for medium to less-complex cutting or cutting moderately thick materials.

A track saw sits ready to start cutting inside a garage

Go for a track saw with a higher maximum speed to cut thicker material, like 5000 RPM.

With most high-end saws, you can easily control speed. A variable speed control feature helps you manage your cut and move the saw where needed. With this feature, you’ll be able to tune the track saw to cut sheet materials of different thicknesses.

Bevel Capacity

Bevel capacity refers to the angle at which a saw is capable of cutting. Most basic models only cut at 90-degree angles to produce straight, accurate cuts.

However, many track saw models have a bevel adjustor. It allows to make more customised cuts and do even more projects. Such a saw would add convenience and make cutting easier by reducing the number of saws you need to complete your project.

The Powerful Motor

As with any other tool, you will need to have a track saw that is strong enough to handle all cutting. Typically, a track saw with a 9-amp motor works well for most woodworkers.

A higher amp motor than 9 would suit bigger projects and professional woodcutters.

A track saw sits at the ready over a piece of wood in a workshop

Corded or Cordless?

While it might sound strange, many people do not factor in cord length as they look for a track saw. This is because most use their saws in houses where power outlets are abundantly available.

Some plunge saws have a 14-foot long cord, while others measure 8-foot long. If you are concerned about running out of track saw cord, you can go for a cordless model.

Nevertheless, a cordless model has its drawbacks. While this kind of track saw will not restrict you in terms of the location of use, you will need to adequately charge it before going out to do a project. You might also need to replace the saw’s batteries after some years based on your frequency of use. This would be an added expense.

Clean Up

The shroud of a track saw will assist in collecting dust. However, a saw with a dust system makes cleaning much easier.

Some saws come with an option that enables you to attach the track’s hose from a vacuum. With such a saw, dust flies around less as you do the project.

Track Length

The track length of a saw determines how long the cut will be. When needed, you can always buy extensions. However, you should make sure that the length works with your guard guide rail, as this will help you maintain straight cuts.

Safety

Even the most experienced woodworker risks getting injured by a track saw. The best way to mitigate this risk is by investing in a tool that has ample safety features. Components such as blade guards, slow start mechanisms, and a dust port is a great way of ensuring that your tool is safe.

A track saw with a riving knife that rides behind the cutting blade can significantly reduce kickback potential and prevent the material from pinching your blade. Such an anti-kickback feature enhances your safety and improves the quality of the cuts you make.

The best track saws come with blade guards to enhance safety. A saw equipped with a low profile blade guard helps improve visibility. It would help you see what you are cutting, and in turn, facilitate a smooth cut while keeping you safe.

Rail Length

The rail is the track that your saw will operate upon. Naturally, the rail length of your saw will dictate the nature of the jobs your saw will handle. While you use a long rail for short rip cuts, it would be difficult to use a short rail to handle long rips.

Hence, starting with a little more guide rail length offers more versatility; that said, long rails require more space and are more expensive than short rails.

A saw sits on a track waiting to be used

The good news is, many manufacturers have rails in an array of sizes. This means that you can buy supplementary accessories later as required.

Clean Cuts

In our review, we noted it might be difficult to make clean cuts with some track saws. A problem encountered even with good track saws is shattering around the edges; features such as a splinter guard can help prevent this.

It is also crucial to understand the limitations of your track saw. Getting a tool that has the ability to handle what you exactly need will go a long way in helping you avoid nasty and slippery cuts. Of course, you should be willing to spend more to get the best quality.

Accessories

There may be things you might need to acquire even after making your track saw purchase.

You don’t have to get a track saw with everything in it, however. Some accessories, like the guide rail, are best when purchased separately. This way, you will have the freedom to get the guide rail that perfectly suits your cutting needs.

Easy-to replace premium spare blades and clamps are other accessories you need to consider.

Warranty

Pay attention to the warranty of the track saw. Why? There are many parts. If one of them gets a little funky, it can significantly disrupt the way that your saw works and lead to replacement or repair. Getting a tool with a reasonable warranty might save you a lot of frustration.

Which is the Best Track Saw Blade?

The first thing you need to find out when buying a blade for your track saw is the size of the blade your tool is designed for. Many track saw models use 6.5-inch blades, while others use larger blades such as 8.5 inches.

The blade of a track saw

Many blades are made of a metallic alloy that features a carbide tip designed to withstand heavy use without wearing out. Carbide blades are also heat-resistant; you will not have to worry about burns along the cutting line of your workpiece.

Another consideration when looking for a blade is the material you plan on cutting. Some blades come with as little as 14 teeth and are good for cutting through wood or lumber pieces. However, although such blades can cut quickly, the edge of your workpiece will not be well finished.

If you are looking for a smooth finished cut, it would be best that you go for a blade that has more teeth, such as 48. The same applies if you work with materials like melamine and plywood.

Track Saw vs. Circular Saw

A track saw looks similar to a circular saw. However, they are not interchangeable. They are designed differently, allowing a track saw to carry out tasks that a conventional circular saw cannot handle.

A close up of a track saw

Design and Applications

A plunge cut circular saw comprises a motor, a base, a blade, and a blade guard. When cutting a workpiece, you bring the blade close to the end of your object and adjust the depth of cut by turning a knob to adjust the base of the saw. When cut, the blade guard retracts back out of the way to allow the blade to do the cutting.

Track saws do not have a retractable blade guard because the blade is usually concealed within the machine. Although this might seem like a little difference, this design feature enables users to enjoy many additional benefits.

Because the blade of a track saw is concealed within the power tool, you can use the plunge track saw to plunge cut into any part of the material instead of just at the end. Additionally, this saw has a flat smooth side and can be guided flush against the floor or a wall.

On the other hand, a circular saw forces you to plunge cut your material from the end. This limits the applications you can use it for. Since a circular saw works while the side of the blade is open, it is likely to litter your workplace with more dust than a track saw.

Safety

Track saws have great safety features, and because the blade is concealed within the saw, accidents are less prone to happen than circular saws.

Clean and Long Cuts

Since you can easily adjust a sliding mechanism at the front of the power tool, track saws are designed for easier cutting depth adjustments. The best track saws are also made to make accurate, precise material cuts that don’t need much finishing. The final product doesn’t have splinters and jagged edges like circular saws produce.

The most significant difference is that saws run along a guide rail or a track. These rails are made in various lengths and feature a non-slip underside that keeps the guide away from moving on your material.

A Festool  saw sits on a long track in a workshop

Since the rails have splinter guards on cutting edges, they keep your workpiece firmly in place. With this, you can move a track saw along even the longest material and get a smooth, straight cut that needs no finishing.

Can a Track Saw Replace Your Table Saw?

Track saws are preferred since they are portable and provide smooth cuts. To a large extent, your track saw can carry out similar functions to a table saw, such as cutting large sheets of material.

However, you cannot assume that your track saw will perform all tasks that a table saw can do. If you intend to cut small-sized pieces of wood, a plunge saw is not ideal. Conversely, a table saw can handle the task flawlessly.

The best track saws generally make cuts whose cutting depth is less than 2 inches.

A table saw would work well when making miter cuts or crosscuts. On the other hand, the best track saws are good at cutting full-size sheets.

Table Saw vs Track Saw vs Circular Saw: Which is Best?

Wrap Up

A track saw is an excellent addition to a workshop and one of the most useful power saws to have. However, you should not just settle on the first product you find.

If you have no problem with spending a little bit more to get a premium product, the Festool 561438 Plunge Cut Track Saw is a great choice. The Dewalt DWS520K will give you a high return on investment, while the Shop Fox W1835 will suit you if you are looking for a functional track saw. 

Allen runs a popular home website, and understands what it takes to educate audiences through online content. Through his focus at home, Allen developed an insatiable appetite for home improvement projects that he could do for cheap on weekends. Over the years, he has gained valuable experience, which he shares in detail in articles like How to Build A DIY Dining Room Table. His ability to clearly share these DIY ideas is a huge asset, and he is a valuable resource to the home improvement community.