Whether you are cutting up long lengths of wood to sizes or ripping through sheeted goods, the best track saws are often the best way to go. Un upgraded version of the usual circular saw, these powerful pro tools are ideal for delivering fast, accurate & repeatable cuts on wood, MDF, Formica & even metal sheets, to name a few.
These days, the best track saws are available in a ton of different shapes and sizes, with each having its own unique benefits. To save you the trouble, below, we’ve compiled 5 of the best track saws worth buying today + a buying guide.
So yeah, without any further ado, let’s get started;
Best Track Saws In 2022 – Upgrade Your Cutting Game!
For those who don’t know, a track saw is similar to a usual circular saw except that can be mounted to a rail or a track (hence the name). Naturally, the straight edge of the track allows you to effortlessly cut a straight line in to, err… whatever the material is. Primarily used in wood, plastic, and thin sheet metals, track saws offer smooth, splinter-free edges that are unmatched by even circular or table saws.
In simpler terms, the best track saws offer the accuracy of a $2000 panel saw with the portability of a $400 table saw. Heck, in many ways, a track saw can take the place of a miter saw. Table saw & a radial arm saw all in one package!
Best Track Saws Review – 5 Track Saws For A Cleaner, Straighter Cuts
Thinking of buying a new track saw? Do consider the below-reviewed ones as they are some of the best you can buy right now;
#1 Makita
SP6000J1 6-1/2 In. Plunge Circular Track Saw Kit
While it’s a bit on the expensive side, the Makita best track saws are still a compelling buy thanks to all its features. Featuring a powerful 12 amp motor with electronic speed control & responsive brake, the 6 ½ inch blade has a max RPM rate 0f 5200 RPM – more than enough to give you straight, splinter-free cuts every time.
It can also be used for bevel cutting between -1-48 degrees, and since it has a soft start, you have extra control over how the cuts turn out, ensuring quality and precision.
While it only has a 1-year warranty, the tough build more than makes up for it. Plus, since it uses a lot of magnesium parts, it’s very lightweight as well. The anodized metal 55-inch tracks are ideal for chopping long wooden planks.
Pros
- 12 Amp variable-speed motor + 6 ½ inch blade combo is ideal for cutting even the toughest materials with precision
- Easy control with soft start, comfy handle, and very lightweight frame
- Bevel cutting supported – 22.5, 45 degree presets
- 55-inch Metal tracks
- Smooth and silent operation
Cons
- The exclusion of the riving knife is very surprising for the price
- Rather expensive
#2 WEN CT1065
10-Amp 6.5-Inch Plunge Cut Circular Track Saw
Don’t let the affordable price tag fool you; the “Wen CT1065” is one of the meanest best track saws you can buy right now. The 10 Amp motor inside drives a 6 ½ inch blade, which goes up to a whopping 5500 RPM for clean and more precise cuts.
In our testing, we always got splinter-free edges, even on the hardwood – impressive indeed. The built-in self-retracting riving knife helps reduce kickbacks & ensures smoother operation. Rated to plunge cut wood up to 2 1/3 inches, the tool can also do bevel cuts in 45 degrees.
Though you have to buy it extra, the device is compatible with WEN’s 100-inch tracks that come pre-included with clamps. Ergonomically, the saw is pretty light, and with the rubber grip handle, control is a breeze here.
Pros
- Plunge cut boards up to 2-1/3 inches
- Decent 10 amp/5500 RPM motor for consistent, silent, and power-efficient performance
- Carbide tipped blade for extreme precision and saw longevity
- Built-in dust collector
- Compatible with Wen’s 100-inch metal tracks
Cons
- Unfortunately, You have to buy the tracks separately
- Too much plastic parts
#3 Evolution Power Tools
R185CCSX 7-Circular Track Saw Kit
Boasting an excellent 15Amp motor that accurately cuts with an adjustable 2 ½ inch depth, the great evolution R185CCX range of best track saws are ideal for both home DIYers as well as true professionals. The larger 7-1/2 inch blade offers smooth cuts with its higher 21 TPI rate and superior heat-less operation. Beveled cuts are possible between 0 to 45 degrees – a standard for most modern track saws.
And about the tracks themselves, the tool comes with 40 inched metal tracks for all those longboard cutting needs.
Despite the low price tag, you get a 3-year warranty. The ergonomic rubber handles and dust collection ports make using the tool a pleasure. The tracks are made from tough anodized metal & will not rust ever.
Pros
- A powerful 15 amp motor & larger 7 ½ inch blade is ideal for doing larger cutting projects with absolute precision
- Supports doing beveled cuts between 0 to 45 degrees
- Built-in dust collector & grippy handles for a comfortable cutting experience
- Noiseless
- Good 3-year warranty
Cons
- The track length is low compared with other best track saws in this list
- A bit on the heavier side
#4 DEWALT DCS520T1
Flexvolt Cordless TrackSaw Kit
Made by Dewalt – one of the biggest names in the power tool business, the popular DCS520T1 has a cordless design, which means it is highly portable. The 12 Amp motor combined with the outstanding 48 TPI 6 ½ inch blade, you can easily do plunge cuts with high precision, cleaner results guaranteed. In fact, the included tracks use the “Zero clearance” cut, which delivers splinter-free chopping even on hardwoods.
The continuous anti-kickback system and riving knife ensure smoother operation, and the enclosed design helps to reduce dust by 90%. With a 3 year warranty, the device comes with several accessories to boot.
Pros
- Fully cordless design – runs on a 6.0 Ah battery
- 6 ½ inch blade with 48 TPI ensures high precision, clean, and splinter-free cutting results
- Decent 12 Amp max 4000 RPM motor
- Built-in dust collector, anti-kickback system, and riving knife ensure smooth operation
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- The build quality feels somewhat cheap
- Quite pricey
#5 SHOP FOX
W1835 Track Saw
Last, on our best track saws review, we’ve the Shop Fox W1835 – a capable range of best track saws aimed more at beginners. The 9 Amp motor inside and the 6-1½ inch blade with an outstanding 5500 RPM is adequate enough for most cutting needs.
It also has dual (45, 90 degrees) bevel cutting capability – impressive indeed. The saw further has a spring-loaded riving knife to prevent blade pinching & kickbacks
At just 11 pounds, the device is fairly compact and portable. The inbuilt dust collector port helps a lot to keep the debris away while working. Along with the included 50-inch track rail, a 2-year warranty guards it all.
Pros
- Compact and easy to control
- Most DIY’ers and beginners
- Allows bevel cutting (between 45 and 90 degrees)
- Built-in dust collector
- Awesome 2-year long warranty
Cons
- The torque is too low for cutting any harder materials
- A bit overpriced
The best track saw can be quickly installed & offer incredibly accurate, clean cuts within just minutes. Consider the qualities mentioned below to ensure your new track saw too will reliably work the same;
1) Power And Performance
More power equals better performance. Usually rated between 12 – 15 Amps, get a unit with a good torque and RPM rate, especially if you work on a lot of thick, hard materials. A unit with a 3000 -5000 RPM should be enough for most.
As power goes up, the size, noise, and power consumption too will increase. So make sure to play to your needs, not desires.
2) Features To Consider
Having an extendable track is always good for starters, so is having a built-in dust collector to boost visibility & keep debris at bay. See if it allows for beveled cutting, and having variable speed is important as it’ll help you adapt as per the work at hand, thus ensuring better results. Clamps are also nice to have (more is better).
Finally, make sure it has a good riving knife. These are exclusive to track saws & they help to keep the kerf open to prevent kickbacks.
3) Blade Size And Quality
Like a regular saw, the blade’s size determines how deeper the track saw can cut. Usually, they’re all rated between 6 ½ – 8 ½ inches, with even larger ones available if need be – consider all your needs & buy appropriately.
To get the cleanest cut, make sure the blade has at least 14-TPI or more. For plywood, sheet metals, etc., this goes up to 48+ TPI or more…
Being expensive propositions, chances are you may have a ton of queries you want to clear up about the best track saws before buying.
Here is a quick Q&A session to help with the same;
1) What Are The Benefits Of Owning A Track Saw?
Designed for power users, there are many benefits to owning the best track saws.
Some of them include;
Saves you a lot of space (being smaller than a regular table saw)
Provides a cleaner operation and results
Perfect for repeating cuts
Can carry out single long cuts with ease
2) Can A Track Saw Replace A Table Saw?
No, they cannot. As nice as a track saw is, they simply lack the capacity that a larger bladed table saw brings to, well… the table. Even today, you still need a table saw to make cuts thicker than 2. 5 inches, which most track saws can’t do
3) How Long Will The Blades Last?
It depends on your usage patterns. If you cut a lot of hard materials, your blades will naturally wear out faster.
Best Track Saws To Buy – The Conclusion
Whether for homeowners who are into carpentry or for industrial applications, the best track saws can be an excellent option for precision cutting. Make quick work of large timbers & sheets with unmatched finesse!.
With our best track saws review over, the time to decide has come. Consider your needs, budget, and comfort, and pick a model from above that best suits your needs. They all boast pure raw performance & high-end perks, so yeah, your woodworking game is sure to be upgraded regardless of your choice. Like any tool with a blade, safety should come first. Use safety gear like gloves, masks, goggles, etc…
So which track saw did you buy? Let us know in the comments! Also, do share your ideas, opinions, and doubts as well.
More Products
Top Best Table Saw In 2022 {Review & Buying Guide – All Explained}
Best Makita Drills {2022} + Review & Buyer Guide!
Best Garden Hose Reels {2022} + Review & Buying Guide