Woodworking tools have improved as more companies are competing for the hard-earned money of DIYers and professionals alike. Power tools can help make jobs go by faster, easier, and with much more precision—which is exactly what track saws are designed to accomplish.
While circular saws and table saws perform similar tasks, the track saw is uniquely designed to bring the best of both worlds together into a single, powerful tool. We talk more about the differences between these saw types later, but for now, let’s go over the specific things you should look for when buying a track saw.
- What to Look for When Buying a Track Saw
- Top 10 Best Track Saws 2023
- 1. Best Overall Track Saw: Makita SP6000J1
- 2. Best Premium Track Saw: Festool 55 Req-F-Plus
- 3. Best Cordless Track Saw: Makita XPS01PTJ Circular Saw Kit
- 4. Best Budget Track Saw: Kreg ACS2000 Saw & Guide Track Kit
- 5. Best Warranty: DEWALT DSC520ST1 Track Saw Kit
- 6. Best All-in-One Track Saw Kit: Kreg ACS3000 With Track and Table
- 7. Best for Occasional Use: DEWALT DWS520K
- 8. Best Basic Track Saw: Shop Fox W1835
- 9. Most Powerful: Bosch GKT13-225L
- 10. Best Track for Circular Saws: Kreg KMA2685 Circular Saw Guide
- Guide to Buying the Best Track Saws
- Bottom Line
What to Look for When Buying a Track Saw
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. This may seem odd, but many track saws are sold without an included track. Missing this key detail may lead to some frustration when you receive the product and go to put it to use right away only to find you have no guide track for it.
Corded vs. Cordless
Another important factor is whether the saw is corded or cordless. Corded track saws offer more power but require that you pay close attention to the cord and keep it out of the way at all times. Cordless track saws, on the other hand, offer more portability but tend to run out of juice fairly quickly. Most cordless tracks saw batteries last for about 1-2 hours so keep that in mind.
Features and Cost
While track saws are fairly similar in design, they can vary drastically in terms of performance and safety or quality of life features. Keep an eye out for the features that matter most to you but remember that more features almost always mean a higher price tag as well. In general, track saws tend to be a fair bit more expensive than circular saws despite looking and functioning similarly.
Our reviews are structured in a consistent manner to make it easier for you to compare and contrast the different products and to find the one that’s right for you much faster. If you just want to scan over each review, we have a brief pros and cons list at the end of each one that recaps the key aspects of that product.
For a more detailed breakdown and recommendations based on use cases, check out the “Who It’s Best For” sections of each review.
Now, without further ado, let’s cut to the chase and get to some product reviews.
Top 10 Best Track Saws 2023
1. Best Overall Track Saw: Makita SP6000J1
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Track Included: Yes
- Type: Corded
- Power: 110 Volts
Overview
The Makita SP6000J1 track saw and guide rail kit offers accurate and splinter-free cuts up to 2 3/16” deep at 90 degrees. The Makita SP6000J1 can be purchased with or without an included guide track so you can opt for the all-in-one package or save some money by buying the tool on its own.
Quality
The Makita SP6000J1 track saw provides variable cutting speeds between 2,000 and 5,200 RPM. It also uses electronic speed control so you can maintain a constant speed throughout your cuts or use the variable trigger to maintain direct control over the blade. The Makita SP6000J1 uses magnesium components to provide durability while maintaining the machine’s light weight.
While the Makita SP6000J1 is available with a guide track and connector kit, the connector doesn’t provide the best experience as the guide tracks don’t always line up perfectly. 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.
Who It’s Best For
While the Makita SP6000J1 isn’t the cheapest track saw on our list, it’s not too far off the price of our budget pick. The price to performance offered by the Makita SP6000J1 is excellent for DIYers and hobbyists, but the reliability and cutting performance isn’t quite up to snuff for more serious users.
Pros
- Available with or without guide track
- Affordable
- Provides accurate and clean cuts
Cons
- Guide track quality control is lacking
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Track Included: No
- Type: Corded
- Power: 120 Volts
Overview
The Festool 55 Req-F-Plus is a powerful and precise track saw that offers great reliability and safety features. With an integrated spring-loaded riving knife to help prevent jamming and forceful ejections, the Festool 55 Req-F-Plus is relatively safe and easy to use.
Quality
The Festool 55 Req-F-Plus is the Cadillac of track saws. It offers fantastic accuracy and smooth cutting power that can slice through just about anything you put in front of it. The materials and build quality of the Festool 55 Req-F-Plus are top-notch, which is good because this is not a cheap tool.
The main drawback of Festool is the price of not just their tools but also the accessories. Festool makes quality machines and components, but you can expect to pay more for the privilege of owning them compared to their competitors.
Who It’s Best For
Festool is a trusted brand known for its top of the line track saws. The Festool 55 Req-F-Plus is one of the most expensive but also most capable track saws on the market. 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. This track saw is ideal for professionals and perfectionists that don’t mind spending more money for higher quality.
Pros
- Most likely the best track saw you’ll ever use
- Capable and easy to use
- Excellent safety features
Cons
- Festool’s track saws and accessories are quite expensive
3. Best Cordless Track Saw: Makita XPS01PTJ Circular Saw Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Track Included: No
- Type: Cordless
- Power: 36 volts (two 18V batteries)
Overview
The Makita XPS01PTJ offers variable speed control with automatic speed adjustment technology that optimizes its torque while you cut. Its use of batteries allows you to be more mobile and gives you the ability to perform cuts without having to drag out an extension cable or power source to the job site.
The Makita XPS01PTJ can be purchased as a kit with included batteries and case or as a bare tool for some nice cost savings if you already have compatible batteries.
Quality
Makita makes durable and capable machines, and the Makita XPS01PTJ is no exception to that rule. 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”. The Makita XPS01PTJ offers precision and power with batteries that last for roughly 1-2 hours of constant cutting.
On the downside, the Makita XPS01PTJ is a bit on the expensive side, especially considering it doesn’t come with an included track. It also tends to throw out a lot more dust compared to other track saws, even when attached to a vacuum.
Who It’s Best For
The Makita XPS01PTJ is an excellent choice for carpenters and DIYers that find themselves hampered by corded power tools and want the flexibility to cut anywhere. It performs excellently while it’s got the juice, but don’t expect to get much more than an hour to two of cutting performance per charge. For jobs that require constant cutting for long periods of time, a corded track saw might be a better choice.
Pros
- Provides excellent cutting power and precision
- Cordless for easy setup and portability
- Quality materials and build
Cons
- Tends to produce more dust than other track saws
4. Best Budget Track Saw: Kreg ACS2000 Saw & Guide Track Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Track Included: Yes
- Type: Corded
- Power: 120 Volts
Overview
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. The included guide track provides a strong grip to help keep your cuts straight even without the use of clamps. The Kreg ACS2000 also has standard safety features like kickback and binding protection.
Quality
Capable of cutting up to 2 ⅛” deep, the Kreg ACS2000 provides excellent cutting power. The Kreg ACS2000 track saw offers straight, smooth cuts without tear outs. The overall build quality of the Kreg ACS2000 track saw and guide track is solid, but the materials aren’t.
To keep costs down, Kreg used a fair amount of plastic in the housing of the track saw and the guide track itself. While this doesn’t impact the performance of the saw, it is likely to cause the tool and track to wear out faster than more expensive track saws made from sturdier materials.
Who It’s Best For
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. We think the Kreg Adaptive Cutting System 2000 is the perfect track saw setup for hobbyists and DIYers that are looking to expand their collection of tools without breaking their bank.
Pros
- Guide and track saw in one package
- Very well priced for value
- Provides excellent cutting performance
Cons
- Plastic construction offers less durability than more expensive materials
5. Best Warranty: DEWALT DSC520ST1 Track Saw Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Track Included: Yes
- Type: Cordless
- Power: 60 Volts
Overview
The DEWALT DSC520ST1 track saw kit comes with an included 59” guide track so you can get started right out of the box. Capable of cutting to depths of 2 ⅛”, the DEWALT DSC520ST1 track saw offers variable speeds between 1750 and 4000 RPM. The kit comes with the track saw, a 60V battery and charger, a tool box, blade, and the 59” track.
Quality
Overall, the DEWALT DSC520ST1 track saw is a sturdy machine that performs admirably. The 60 volt battery provides great power for slicing through thick materials, but its runtime is a bit lacking. One of the biggest drawbacks of the DEWALT DSC520ST1 is its price point.
The performance of the DEWALT DSC520ST1 track saw is solid, but its lack of features combined with its rather low battery runtime makes for a lower price to performance ratio. However, the 3-year limited warranty may be the deciding factor for buyers that want to make sure their money is well spent.
Who It’s Best For
The DEWALT DSC520ST1 track saw is a sturdy machine that offers solid performance, but the price is rather high all things considered. DEWALT offers a 3-year limited warranty that helps make the price easier to swallow. The DEWALT DSC520ST1 track saw kit is a solid and powerful cutting tool for people who prefer going cordless. Owners of compatible DEWALT batteries will be able to overcome the short battery life with replacements ready to go.
Pros
- Cordless but powerful
- Offers low dust cutting, with vacuum attached
- 3-year limited warranty included
Cons
- Expensive
6. Best All-in-One Track Saw Kit: Kreg ACS3000 With Track and Table
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Track Included: Yes
- Type: Corded
- Power: 120 Volts
Overview
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. 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. This kit even comes with an included dust collection bag for easy cleanup.
Quality
The Kreg ACS3000 track saw kit includes a quality track saw capable of cutting to a maximum depth of 2 ⅛”. The track saw has great safety features such as a fully shrouded blade, kickback protection, and an electronic brake to help keep you protected during operation. The Kreg ACS3000 track saw is a solid machine that provides accurate and smooth cuts.
The included guide track and project table are also quality pieces of equipment. The track is 62” long and has anti-slip and anti-chip strips to make working with it easy and safe. The tabletop offers a 55” by 29 ¾” work surface and the base is made from heavy gauge steel. There is some plastic used throughout to keep the price down, but the overall build quality is pretty great.
Who It’s Best For
The Kreg ACS3000 track saw kit is the perfect purchase for DIYers and hobbyists that want to dive headfirst into the world of track saws. Being able to buy everything at once and knowing that it’s all designed to work together is really convenient. While it may not be the most powerful tool on the market, it’s hard to deny the value provided by this great kit.
Pros
- Everything you need to get started with track saws
- Solid build quality
- Excellent cutting performance
Cons
- Plastic used throughout, reducing overall durability
7. Best for Occasional Use: DEWALT DWS520K
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Track Included: No
- Type: Corded
- Power: 120 Volts
Overview
The DEWALT DWS520K track saw is a solid performer that offers great cutting power and accuracy. Capable of cutting depths up to 2 ⅛”, the DEWALT DWS520K track saw uses a low-profile blade guard so you can get right next to the action. At roughly 18 lbs., this track saw is a bit of a honker and can be a pain to lug around. While the DEWALT DWS520K product is called a “kit,” it doesn’t come with a guide track so you’ll need to shell out some extra clams if you want one.
Quality
The DEWALT DWS520K offers solid performance at a reasonable but not great price. More expensive than equally capable machines, the DEWALT DWS520K track saw relies pretty heavily on its brand name. There is a fair amount of plastic used in the construction of the DEWALT DWS520K track saw, which is a bit of a drag considering the price they are asking; however, this saw does a great job nonetheless.
The primary drawback of the DEWALT DWS520K track saw aside from its price are some issues with its design. The blade lock can be a bit of a chore to figure out, and some users have reported that it doesn’t seem to work at all. This machine also tends to vibrate quite a bit, causing hand fatigue faster than its competitors.
Who It’s Best For
The DEWALT DWS520K track saw comes with a 3-year limited warranty and a 90-day money-back guarantee for a worry-free purchase. This saw cuts well with accuracy but can also cause a fair bit of vibration during use. The price is reasonable and DEWALT’s excellent warranty makes this an easy recommendation for DIYers that have the occasional need for a track saw.
Pros
- 3-year limited warranty
- Solid cutting performance and accuracy
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Excessive vibration during operation
- Plastic used throughout
8. Best Basic Track Saw: Shop Fox W1835
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Track Included: No
- Type: Corded
- Power: 120 Volts
Overview
The Shop Fox W1835 track saw provides reasonable performance with some minor adjustments. The stock blade is quite poor, and the saw has some play that makes getting precise cuts a bit difficult if you don’t know what you’re doing. The low cost of this unit is its main selling point and if you aren’t too worried about getting things perfect, the Shop Fox W1835 track saw may be right for you.
Quality
The Shop Fox W1835 track saw is definitely a budget offering compared to its competitors. But it’s also not quite good enough to warrant being placed as our top budget pick because it has some noticeable drawbacks that make it less than ideal for those who are newer to track saws.
Who It’s Best For
The Shop Fox W1835 track saw is a solid performer that gets the job done without too much fuss, and it’s offered at an incredibly low price. However, it may require a fair bit of fiddling around with to get it to perform at the level you need. The stock blade is quite cheap and should be replaced immediately for more serious users. The motor is also quite loud and doesn’t deliver as much power as its competitors.
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. If you know what you’re doing and are willing to make some adjustments yourself, the Shop Fox W1835 track saw is a low-budget machine that performs solidly on easier to cut materials.
Pros
- Incredibly low price compared to competitors
- Great cutting performance on sheet materials
Cons
- Requires some modifications to get better cuts
- Stock blade is cheap
9. Most Powerful: Bosch GKT13-225L
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Track Included: No
- Type: Corded
- Power: 120 Volts
Overview
The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw is on the more expensive side of the track saws on our list, especially considering it doesn’t come with an included track like many of its competitors do. However, its cutting performance and safety features are top of the line.
The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw uses overload protection to prevent the motor from overheating during operation. It also maintains a constant speed while cutting to provide clean, straight cuts.
Quality
The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw is built solidly from quality materials. The swiveling hose port is particularly nice for allowing for easy dust management without letting the vacuum hose get in the way of operation. The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw also comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty.
On the downside, there have been some reports of quality control issues with many customers receiving the track saw with an uneven bottom plate. Since the point of using a track saw is getting accurate and straight cuts, an uneven base is obviously a big problem as it can cause the blade to have play and be uneven.
Who It’s Best For
The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw is priced to compete with the industry-leading Festool track saw and it has features to match. However, issues with quality control have left a bad taste in many customers’ mouths when they received this track saw with a warped base plate. The 1-year manufacturer warranty should help ease your nerves when making the purchase, however.
Pros
- Excellent cutting power and performance
- Great safety features
- Backed by a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- Pricey
- Quality control issues have led to uneven base plates for many purchaser
10. Best Track for Circular Saws: Kreg KMA2685 Circular Saw Guide
Editor’s Rating:
Overview
The Kreg KMA2685 is a universal circular saw guide that works with most circular saws on the market, including left and right bladed saws. The edge guide is reversible and allows for left- or right-handed use, making this an excellent and versatile option for circular saw owners that want to get more precise cuts up to 24” in length without breaking the bank for a new tool.
Quality
Kreg appears on our list multiple times thanks to the excellent job they do of balancing cost and performance with their tools and accessories. The Kreg KMA2685 circular saw guide is sturdy and smartly designed to be easy to use and work with most circular saws. It uses a combination of aluminum and plastic to keep the weight and price down without sacrificing much in the way of effectiveness.
Who It’s Best For
If you’re looking for a cheap track saw and you already own a circular saw, the handy Kreg KMA2685 might be a better option for you. While it won’t have the features or performance of a true track saw, combining your circular saw with the Kreg KMA2685 circular saw guide provides you with an inexpensive way to get clean, even cuts.
Pros
- Very budget-friendly
- Works with most circular saws
- Sturdy and lightweight
Cons
- Requires a circular saw
Guide to Buying the Best Track Saws
Track saws also called plunge saws, are a reliable tool for getting accurate and clean cuts of wood and sheet materials. While other tools like the table saw and circular saw do a similar job, the benefit of a track saw is straight, repeatable cuts on the go. There are two main alternative tools to the track saw: table saws and circular saws.
Let’s look at the main differences between these tools to help you decide if track saws are the right tool for your needs.
Track Saw vs. Table Saw: What’s the Difference?
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. Using a table saw can be a real pain in the neck in comparison—especially if you’re working on your own.
Table saws need a lot more room to be used effectively and can often necessitate having a person on hand to help hold and feed the materials through as another person guides the cut. 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.
Table saws and track saws are both good at quickly repeating the same cut over and over, but table saws require a lot more room to operate optimally. The main benefit that table saws have is the ability to cut much deeper than typical track saws.
Track saws, on the other hand, are better at making cuts at different angles aside from 90 degrees. The track saw is also a lot easier to use on your own than a table saw is. Track saws take up a lot less space too. And track saws tend to be a fair bit safer thanks to their covered blades and the fact that your hands are kept on the saw instead of on the material as you feed it through.
Track Saw vs. Circular Saw: What’s the Difference?
Track saws and circular saws can be difficult to tell apart. They both look so similar and seem to do basically the same thing, so why do circular saws tend to cost so much less than track saws and what benefits do they provide?
Circular saws and track saws may look very similar, but they are designed for different tasks. The circular saw uses a retracting guard that moves out of the way as you cut into your material. This offers some safety while using it, but also necessitates that you begin cutting materials from their ends.
In addition to that, the design of the blade guard on circular saws prevents you from being able to control dust very well as you operate. This is an especially troublesome issue if you are working indoors as fine particles of sawdust floating through the air cause a huge mess and can get into your airways.
Track saws can get closer to walls thanks to their flat blade guard design and they offer much better dust collection. They can be used in combination with dust collectors or with vacuums to pull in the dust as the blade cuts through the material. Track saws also offer more precision and cleaner cuts thanks to their guide tracks that keep them on the straight and narrow during operation.
Circular saws can be used in conjunction with guide tracks like this one, but they still won’t offer as precise or clean of a cut and they’ll create a lot more dust compared to quality track saws. They also aren’t designed to cut into the middle of materials like track saws are—allowing for more flexibility with a track saw in that regard.
Ultimately, whether you want to buy a track saw, a table saw, a circular saw, or all three of them comes down to the specific needs you have for your tools. The work you do and your need for accuracy and precision comes down to your preferences and expectations from your tools.
Check out this great YouTube video from the WoodWorkers Guild of America for more information on the various benefits provided by track saws. Now that you know the difference between the different types of saws, let’s get back on track and talk about tracks.
Tracks for Track Saws
As you may have noticed while browsing our list, not all of the track saws come with included tracks. This may seem a bit strange and confusing at first, but the reality is that the track part of a track saw is really just a guide that keeps your saw running perfectly (when it’s working correctly) straight as you saw.
The guide track is designed to slot right into the bottom of the track saw to provide a smooth ride along your material that keeps the saw perfectly placed as you push the blade along your surface. The tracks themselves have a gripping material on the bottom to keep the track in place without needing to use any clamps (though clamps are an option if you want to be extra safe.)
Tracks can also be connected together using track connectors to allow you to increase the length of your track and cut any length of material with the guide track helping you through the entire job. However, be aware that not all tracks are compatible with all track saws. Though many manufacturers have stuck to standards, not all tracks or saws are compatible with one another.
While you can buy multiple lengths of track and connect them together, sometimes the joins can be a little unreliable. Make sure you connect everything firmly and take it slow for your first few passes to make sure everything is staying in place.
Bottom Line
Track saws are incredibly versatile and powerful tools that can help ease the burden of work for DIYers and professional woodworkers alike. 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.
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. One of the best aspects of track saws is their ability to repeat the same cut reliably and keep everything at just the right angle.
The best way to guarantee clean, even cuts is to line everything up just right before getting to work. Like they always say, “measure twice, cut once.” Track saws offer excellent dust collection to keep the job site tidy while also offering incredibly accurate and smooth cuts.
Equipped with the proper tools, you can tackle any job that’s set in front of you. The track saw might be just that tool for you. Good luck and stay safe.