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Track saws are essential tools for woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts. Choosing the right one can greatly improve the quality of your projects.
Over the last year, several track saws have been put to the test to determine which ones stand above the rest in terms of build quality, power, dust collection, adjustments, features, and compatibility.
In this article, you will learn about the different pros and cons of each saw, ranked from least to most impressive. By understanding these rankings, you can make a better choice for your shop or job site.
Whether it’s the Grizzly, Ryobi, or Milwaukee track saw, we have the insights you need to find the best fit for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Ten popular track saws were tested and ranked.
- Each saw was evaluated on multiple criteria to determine its performance.
- The rankings help you make a better buying decision.
Testing Criteria
Build Quality
The build quality of each track saw was evaluated by examining the sturdiness of the saws, including their tracks.
The focus was on how well the saws and their components were assembled.
Power
Power testing looked at whether these saws had enough strength to cut through various types of wood, including plywood and thicker materials like walnut.
Attention was given to any noticeable bogging down during thicker cuts and bevel cuts.
Dust Collection
Dust collection is crucial for track saws, especially when cutting plywood.
Each saw’s ability to collect dust efficiently was tested, including the ease of connecting dust extractor hoses.
Adjustments
The ease and precision of making adjustments were tested.
This included the mechanisms for depth adjustments, bevel adjustments, and other customizable settings.
Features
Various extra features offered by the track saws were evaluated.
This included anti-tip features, riving knives, and unique components that differentiate one model from another.
Compatibility
Compatibility with different tracks was assessed to see if the track saw could work with tracks from other brands, which is important for users who might have existing systems in place.
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10th Place: Grizzly Track Saw
The Grizzly Track Saw comes in at number 10 on our list. With a price just over $200 and occasional sales, it offers enough track to cut a full sheet of plywood. However, several issues emerged during testing.
First, the tracks were poorly made. The splinter guard was barely attached or not attached at all, with the weak adhesive causing it to fall off straight out of the box.
The handle design felt awkward and upright, making it uncomfortable to use. The dust port was another problem—it required significant force to pivot, unlike other saws that allow for easy turning.
The saw’s fit and finish seemed nice, but it did not translate into performance. The height adjustment felt sticky, and the shoe had noticeable deflection, leading to out-of-square cuts on thicker materials.
Blade changes were cumbersome as the saw does not lock in a blade change position, adding to the frustration.
Performance Ratings
Build Quality: 1 out of 5
The saw’s construction, including the tracks, was disappointing right from unboxing.
Power: 2 out of 5
The saw struggled with thicker cuts, particularly in walnut and bevel cuts.
Dust Collection: 3 out of 5
It was decent for its price range but not outstanding.
Adjustments: 2 out of 5
The height adjustments were tricky to manage, and the deflection issue made it less reliable.
Features:
It does have a track clip with an anti-tip feature and a riving knife, which are nice additions.
Compatibility: 2 out of 5
While it works with tracks from Festool and Milwaukee, it did not fit tracks from WEN.
9th Place: Ryobi Track Saw
The Ryobi Track Saw is a cordless tool in the popular 18V Ryobi platform. This saw has a sturdy build typical of Ryobi products and is suitable for certain tasks. However, there are some limitations to consider.
Compatibility: It uses its own unique tracks, which means you can’t use tracks from other brands. The tracks included are short, preventing long cuts like a full sheet of plywood.
Power: On the positive side, using high output batteries, it cuts through thick walnut with no problem. Lower output batteries, in contrast, struggle with the same task.
Dust Collection: This saw’s dust collection is average. One major drawback is that standard dust extractor hoses do not fit its port.
Adjustments: The depth stop adjustment is tricky and often sticks. This makes it hard to set up for precise cuts.
Cut Depth: When it comes to cutting depth, especially on bevel cuts, the Ryobi Track Saw falls short. It struggles to cut through thicker woods fully.
Performance Ratings
Build Quality: 2 out of 5
The saw’s construction is sturdy, but the tracks are not compatible with other brands.
Power: 3 out of 5
It cuts through various materials well, but it has some issues with battery compatibility.
Dust Collection: 3 out of 5
The dust collection is average, but the hose port is not standard size.
Adjustments: 2 out of 5
The depth stop adjustment often sticks, making it hard to use.
Cut Depth: 2 out of 5
The saw struggles with cutting through thicker materials, especially on bevel cuts.
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8th Place: Wen Track Saw
The Wen Track Saw stands out for its affordability and decent performance for occasional use. This saw falls into the mid-range, making it a suitable choice for budget-conscious users.
Build Quality
- Rating: 3/5
- The Wen Track Saw’s construction feels solid. The materials used are decent, although not exceptional.
- The tracks are fairly robust. However, they might require some tweaking to ensure straight cuts.
Power
- Rating: 3/5
- The saw provides enough power to handle plywood and other thin materials with ease.
- For denser woods, the motor struggles somewhat but is manageable with slower feed rates.
Dust Collection
- Rating: 2/5
- Dust extraction is just okay. The port fits standard hoses, but it can be inefficient at times.
- Users will notice more dust around the work area compared to higher-end models.
Adjustments
- Rating: 2/5
- Adjusting the cutting depth and bevel angles can be a bit tricky. The knobs and levers aren’t the most intuitive.
- Users might need to spend extra time ensuring precise settings.
Features
- Rating: 3/5
- It includes some extra features like an anti-tip mechanism, preventing kickbacks.
- The safety features are adequate but not the most advanced compared to top models.
Compatibility
- Rating: 3/5
- The Wen Track Saw works with various track systems, although it’s not universally compatible.
- Users with other Wen tools will find it integrates well within the ecosystem.
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7th Place: Triton Track Saw
The Triton Track Saw comes in 7th place for several reasons. One of the first things noticed about this saw is its impressive build quality. The saw feels sturdy and well-made, which is a big plus.
The aluminum track is durable and helps in making accurate cuts, though the splinter guard on the track could be better.
Power and Performance
This track saw has decent power for most tasks. It handles plywood and other common materials without much issue.
However, when cutting through thicker woods, the motor may struggle a bit. It’s not the most powerful saw on the market, but it still does an adequate job for standard cutting tasks.
Dust Collection
Dust collection is another important feature. The Triton does a fairly good job of keeping dust under control.
The dust port is conveniently located, and it works well with most standard dust extractors. You won’t have a completely dust-free experience, but it makes a noticeable difference in keeping the work area cleaner.
Adjustments
Adjusting the saw is relatively straightforward. The depth adjustment works smoothly and the bevel adjustment is easy to use.
These features make the Triton user-friendly, even for those who are new to track saws.
Features and Compatibility
Some of the notable features include a riving knife, which adds a layer of safety.
Additionally, the saw includes an anti-kickback mechanism, which is a useful feature for preventing accidents.
Compatibility-wise, the Triton works well with its own tracks and is also compatible with some other brands, which adds versatility.
| Categories | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | 3 |
| Power | 3 |
| Dust Collection | 4 |
| Adjustments | 3 |
| Features | 3 |
| Compatibility | 4 |
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6th Place: Kreg Track Saw
The Kreg Track Saw manages to take the sixth spot among the ten track saws tested. This saw showcases solid build quality with durable materials that promise longevity.
One standout feature is its dust collection system, which is quite effective. It does a commendable job of keeping the workspace clean, which is essential when cutting a lot of plywood.
| Category | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | 3 |
| Power | 3 |
| Dust Collection | 4 |
| Adjustments | 3 |
| Features | 3 |
| Compatibility | 3 |
In terms of power, the Kreg Track Saw performs satisfactorily, handling most woods without much trouble. However, it does face some challenges with thicker cuts and denser materials.
Adjustments are fairly easy to manage, but there is room for improvement to make them smoother. When it comes to additional features, the saw includes useful extras like a reliable anti-tip mechanism.
Compatibility with different tracks is decent, making it a versatile option for various setups. This track saw is a good choice for those who need a reliable tool without breaking the bank.
5th Place: Ridgid Track Saw
The Ridgid Track Saw stands out for its solid build and durability. It’s built tough and has a nice heft.
The grip design is comfortable, making it easy to handle. The saw also offers reliable power, performing well on most hardwoods.
Build Quality: 4 out of 5
The saw feels sturdy, and the parts fit well together.
The track also aligns nicely, ensuring straight cuts.
Power: 4 out of 5
It has enough power to handle various wood types, even thicker cuts.
It cuts smoothly without much slowdown.
Dust Collection: 3 out of 5
It’s decent, but not the best. Dust collection works okay, but it could be better at capturing finer particles.
Adjustments: 3 out of 5
Adjusting the depth and angle can be a bit tricky. However, once set, it holds well.
Features: 4 out of 5
The anti-tip feature on the track is very handy, and it also has easy blade changes.
Compatibility: 3 out of 5
It works well with most tracks from other brands but may not fit perfectly with every track out there.
Pros:
- Strong build and durability
- Comfortable grip design
- Solid power for a range of cuts
- Handy anti-tip feature
Cons:
- Dust collection could be better
- Adjustments can be tricky to make
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4th Place: DeWalt Track Saw
The DeWalt Track Saw stood out in a range of tests for its durability and precision. This saw is known for having a very solid build, well-made tracks, and a powerful motor.
Users often find it reliable, making it a popular choice for both casual and professional woodworkers.
Key Features:
- Powerful Motor: This saw easily handles thick pieces of wood thanks to its strong motor. It slices through hardwoods with ease.
- Accurate Cuts: The DeWalt Track Saw provides clean, precise cuts. The tracks ensure you can follow a straight line without deviation.
- Easy Adjustments: Adjustments are straightforward and simple. You won’t spend much time fiddling with settings.
Dust Collection:
This model excels in dust collection, keeping the work area cleaner. The dust port efficiently collects most of the sawdust, helping you maintain a tidy workspace.
Compatibility:
The saw is compatible with other DeWalt tools and tracks. This makes it a flexible option if you already own DeWalt products.
Ratings (out of 5)
- Build Quality: 4
- Solid construction and durable materials.
- Power: 4
- Strong motor suitable for a variety of cuts.
- Dust Collection: 4
- Effective system that keeps the workspace clean.
- Adjustments: 4
- Simple and effective adjustments.
- Features: 4
- Includes helpful features for enhanced performance.
- Compatibility: 5
- Works well with other DeWalt products and tracks.
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3rd Place: Festool Track Saw
The Festool Track Saw impresses with its solid build and reliable performance. Crafted with precision, it offers durability and high quality.
The power it delivers ensures smooth cuts through various types of wood. Users can trust this saw for consistent and straight cuts.
Dust collection on the Festool Track Saw is among the best. It efficiently captures dust, keeping the workspace clean.
This feature is highly valued, especially when working with plywood.
Adjustments are easy and intuitive. The saw allows for precise settings, making it user-friendly.
The handle is ergonomically designed, offering comfort during extended use.
In terms of features and compatibility, Festool excels. It includes useful extras and works well with other Festool products.
The anti-tip feature adds safety, and the riving knife provides additional support during cuts.
Pros
- High build quality
- Powerful and reliable
- Excellent dust collection
- Easy adjustments
- Good compatibility with Festool products
Cons
- Higher price compared to some competitors
Ratings
| Category | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Built Quality | 5 |
| Power | 4 |
| Dust Collection | 5 |
| Adjustments | 4 |
| Features | 5 |
| Compatibility | 5 |
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2nd Place: Makita Track Saw
The Makita track saw stands out for its impressive build quality. Made with durable materials, the saw feels solid in hand.
Its track is well-designed and slides smoothly, making straight cuts easier.
Power: The Makita track saw has a strong motor. When tested, it cut through thick wood effortlessly, only slowing down slightly on the densest materials.
Dust Collection: One of the main highlights of the Makita is its efficient dust collection system.
By connecting the saw to a dust extractor, it managed to keep the workspace much cleaner.
Adjustments: Adjusting the Makita track saw is straightforward. The controls are simple to understand and operate.
This ease of use makes it ideal for both beginners and experienced users alike.
Features: The Makita includes useful features such as a depth stop, which is accurate and easy to set.
It also offers bevel cutting, adding to its versatility on the job site.
Compatibility: The saw’s compatibility is another winning point. It works well with tracks from different manufacturers, making it a flexible addition to any tool collection.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | 4/5 |
| Power | 4/5 |
| Dust Collection | 5/5 |
| Adjustments | 4/5 |
| Features | 4/5 |
| Compatibility | 4/5 |
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1st Place: Milwaukee Track Saw
The Milwaukee Track Saw outshines its competitors for several reasons. It boasts impressive build quality, which means it is sturdy and reliable.
The saw feels balanced in hand and operates with precision, which makes it great for various tasks.
Power is another strong point for this saw. It cuts through even the toughest hardwoods effortlessly, demonstrating its strong motor’s capability.
Users can rely on this saw to handle tough cuts without power loss.
One cannot fail to notice the effective dust collection system. This feature keeps the workspace clean and minimizes health risks.
Whether cutting large sheets of plywood or making smaller cuts, the dust collection does its job well.
When it comes to adjustments, the Milwaukee Track Saw shines here as well. Features are simple to use and allow for quick and precise setups.
Adjusting the cutting depth and angles is straightforward, making the saw user-friendly.
In terms of features and compatibility, this saw is rich in useful functions. Accessories attach easily and work well with other tools, enhancing the overall efficiency.
This makes it a versatile choice for various woodworking projects.
Ranking Table
| Category | Score (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | 5 |
| Power | 5 |
| Dust Collection | 5 |
| Adjustments | 5 |
| Features | 5 |
| Compatibility | 5 |
This track saw is an excellent investment for anyone in need of a reliable, powerful, and user-friendly tool.