Not all track saws are created equal, and the best ones come with speed settings that allow you to regulate the pace. A guide rail for saws does what the name suggests and guides the blade for precise straight cuts. If a track saw features speed adjustments, they're typically in the range of 2, 000 rpm on the low end and 5, 000 rpm on the high end. Grind: 10 Degree Alternate Top Bevel (ATB) + 8 Degree Shear. This lets you continue ripping material to the exact same width immediately. Our Top Pick For a Track Saw: Makita SP6000J1 Track Saw. Our experts loved the portability of the whole system. The bevel capacity of these two track saws is almost the same. The track saw is equipped with a sharp 48-tooth blade that measures 8 ¼" and cuts deep through a variety of wood and sheet materials that are 2 ¾" thick. On the other hand, the Kreg track saw has a riving knife to prevent kickbacks while operating the tool.
This is another major factor that comes into play when you are considering the best track saw. Plus, if you have any other options insight, you can make use of our buying guide to make the right decision. Plus, it can provide -1 to 47-degree bevel cuts. Powerful motor delivers speeds up to 5500 RPM. While each saw is ready to be hooked up to a vac or dust collection, gathering the dust isn't always practical or necessary—say for making trim cuts in decking or trimming a couple of door bottoms outside. Q: Do I need to replace the blade on my track saw? Kreg track saw comes with 62″ track length. I get logs milled with a woodmizer and air dry. And the best track saw can be the go-to saw for many jobs. Also read: Comparison of Makita and Festool Track Saws). It's the easiest saw in the group to engage the thin rail on its track. Really happy with it. There are different brands of track saws.
Are Makita Track Saw Worth It? Which Track Saw Is Better For You? Once you have bought a track saw, hone your skills with the tool and let us know your experiences. The Kreg track saw is the only blade-left in the group, which makes it easier to see the saw and the rail when making a cut. The Cordless has more power than the corded since it is an updated motor. They are virtually equivalent in functionality. Easily and accurately craft sheets of plywood or rip accurate and repeatable rip cuts to ensure flawless results in your woodworking projects and furniture installations with this exclusive Saw Guide Rail 55 inch - also called a circular saw guide rail or a plunge saw guide rail. 2 1/8" maximum cut at 90° and 1 1/2" at 45°. For workshops, however, we find that 24", 48", and 96" tracks are the quickest and easiest to set up while ensuring consistent results. Whether it's crosscuts, miter cuts, or rips, the Kred ACS3000 combines the features of circular saws and table saw models. Of course, the saga continues with track saws. The variable speed dial gives users the freedom to adjust and work with different materials. With a track saw, the longer the cord, the more range there will be for manipulating long tracks and materials. Track saws usually have blade-change settings that lock the plunging action in place.
Can I use a track saw without a track? It's full-on circ saw power, not woodshop whisper-quiet precision. Be mindful of the cord's location before you start cutting longer boards. For many makers, DIYers, and Pros, a track saw is an awfully attractive option.
FUNCTION: This handy 55 Inch Track Saw Guide Rail works with your track saw to ensure precise optimized results in your bevel cuts and straight cuts - works great for long cuts. Something stuck on the track can damage the teeth, the saw, the track, and even your project. This track saw has our favorite plunge-action in the bunch—it's just simple and seamless—delivers beaucoup power and supremely clean cuts with few saw marks at full speed in oak and no tear-out in maple plywood. The blade considerably reduces material waste thanks to the thin-kerf design. Track saws' bread and butter are the ability to break down sheet goods for further processing on a table saw or simply to the desired width. Users can bolt or snap smaller lengths together to utilize them for longer tracks, optimum for composite decks. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including "This Old House" and "Bob Vila's Home Again, " he popularized and became synonymous with "do-it-yourself" home improvement. About 1 year ago I decided to purchase a track saw but noticed there were several great options out there. Let's get to know about them. The upright handle design makes pushing the tool through a long rip or crosscut a little easier than with more top-mounted handles. That's particularly helpful in the middle of a tough cut (like a thick piece of oak or walnut). Aside from cutting through multiple materials, the variety of cuts it can make also surpasses other models. Use the track saw in this way and you'll save tons of time—and likely save on material in the process.
Be sure to wear ear and eye protection as well as gloves while cutting to prevent injuries. We mentioned earlier that track saws can make miter and bevel cuts. A track saw is more than just the blade and the motor power. If possible, position the cord so it won't snag on the track or get caught between the workpiece and the table while cutting. You should also make sure all the necessary adjustments are implemented before you start cutting. If the budget is tight, it's at least worth considering. In terms of sheer portability, a track saw breaks down into a circular saw and a track. In many cases, one saw may substitute for the other.
Etsy offsets carbon emissions for all orders. From cutting long lumber lengths to ripping sheet goods, a track saw is one of the most important tools you can have in your collection. What to Consider When Choosing the Best Track Saw. The saw has a large cutting capacity with variable speeds ranging from 2000 to 5, 200 RPM. 2, 000-6, 000 rpm motor speed. A track saw that offers a bevel capacity between 0° and 45° is good enough for you. If you only occasionally make cuts on sheet goods, a track saw can save tons of space in the shop. Track saws with a dust port can solve this problem but make sure the vacuum tube or port can be swiveled to keep out of the saw's way. Our experts will now explain how to operate track saws safely. If your budget is large enough to afford a Festool track saw, $800 – $1000 today, you can probably afford a few spans of 4' Festool track. There are exceptions to this rule, but this is a general guideline to follow. Is Woodworking Profitable?
For obvious reasons, tracks are available in various lengths. However, this is a crucial factor when picking out the best track saws. So personally I don't see the need for a riving knife on a track saw. Resetting the track also adds a degree of error to the cut. The many different lengths offered by Festool give you more flexibility in the lengths you can cut when the tracks are set up and connected. Even if you have ample storage space, table saws take up a significant amount of room. That edge is now pretty much jointed.
I have been using the cordless for 4-5 years now and love it. This makes (intentionally) un-square cuts easier and more precise than using a table saw. Their plastic/polymer additions are functionally similar, to a point. These woods are very stable and with the track guiding the saw it's very hard to get the blade in a bind.
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. Photo: The GKT13-225 track saw from Bosch performed the most cuts the best and the easiest in the tests we ran. We have written about track saws in the past, and you'll find one of those articles here. Yes, the Makita track saw is powerful, easy to use, high-quality, and accurate. Again, not a fatal difference, but one worth noting, and tips in favor of Festool tracks for a Festool saw. It's not a fatal difference, but it is a difference that you might want to avoid by simply using all Makita tracks or all Festool tracks, rather than mix and match. The tools are multi-purpose and work with various materials thanks to the strong blades, blade size options, and blade change support. I don't care for the pivoting motion of the others and how your wrist moves. It has a nice kit box, a soft-ish start, and easy electronic brake, and we felt it when cutting super-dense composite decking. The saw plate is coated with Non-Stick Orange PTFE to prevent overheating, protect against corrosion and rust, reduce resin build-up, reduce blade drag, and improve performance and cutting life. Once again, a non-fatal difference and one simply noted as mostly a wash.