Track saws are the perfect tools for a wide variety of fine woodworking projects. They have great bevel capacity and depth capacities, and they can be used to rip plywood or make long, precision cuts.
The best track saws provide superior kickback protection, either by incorporating a riving knife (Grizzly), a rib-riding antikickback/backslide mechanism (Triton), or both.
What Is a Track Saw and Why Do You Need One for Fine Woodworking?
A Best track saws is a specialty tool for making precise, accurate, and splinter-free cuts on large sheet goods. It’s ideal for mitering carcass sides, cutting angles, and cross-cutting considerable sections to the correct length.
Unlike circular saws, which have their blades exposed in the front, track saws plunge their blades deep into the wood and are capable of internal cutouts. That makes them great for scribing baseboards, countertops, and doors.
Our Plunge Saw and Guide Track make it easy to get straight and precise cuts, without having to worry about offsets or wavy lines. The edge of the track lays flat on the material you’re cutting and the sticky base holds it in place to guide the saw along your measurement.
The splinter guards along the track and sometimes on the right side of the saw also help to prevent wood tear out when you’re cutting. These splinter guards wear out gradually as you use the saw, so replacing them regularly is recommended to keep your cuts clean and splinter-free.
How We Chose the Top 5 Track Saws for Fine Woodworking: Our Criteria and Methodology
Over the last 10 years, track saws have become a go-to tool for finish carpenters and remodelers. They combine a plunge-cutting circular saw with an aluminum guide rail that can hold the saw in place even during angled cuts.
They are a great choice for cutting veneer plywood, hardwoods, and melamine sheets. They can also be used to trim doors and cut off overhanging deck boards.
A high-quality blade is essential for a smooth and accurate cut, but it’s also important to make sure the saw has good splinter-protection capabilities. Some models come with an anti-splinter edging, while others feature a slip-clutch and riving knife that prevent kickback if the saw binds.
Another thing to consider is the rpm range of a track saw’s motor. You want to keep the speed lower than you’d use with a table saw, as higher speeds can increase dust and wear and tear on the blade.
Track Saws for Fine Woodworking: An Overview of Our Picks
Whether you’re an experienced woodworker or a beginner, the right track saw can make your work easier. It can help you make accurate and splinter-free cuts on different materials, so you won’t have to worry about making mistakes or wasting time.
A track saw is similar to a circular saw, but it has a track that moves while you cut your material, allowing for straighter, more precise cuts. It’s a great tool to have on hand when working on large pieces of wood that won’t fit on a table saw.
The Dewalt DWS520CK is a heavy-duty track saw with a wide range of features that will give you the performance you need for your projects. It has a riving knife, adjustable speed control, and an anti-kickback mechanism that keeps the saw running at a constant speed to achieve splinter-free results.
The DeWALT DWS520CK is a solid tool that won’t break the bank. Its robust build quality and easy-to-use features make it a good choice for professionals and hobbyists alike.
The Best Budget-Friendly Track Saw for Fine Woodworking: Features and Performance
Track saws are an excellent choice for cutting plywood, wood panels, and other large sheets of hardwood. They are also a great alternative to table saws for making longer rip cuts and crosscuts on framing timbers.
The TS55 REQ model from Festool is one of the most popular track saws on the market for a reason. It’s a cordless track saw that is capable of making long rip, plunge, and flush cuts on really hard wooden boards with exceptional accuracy.
This cordless model features a 13 amp motor that spins the blade at variable speeds from 2000 to 5500 RPM. It can cut materials up to 2-1/8 inches thick at 90 degrees and 1-1/2 inches at 45 degrees. The saw comes with a riving knife that prevents binding and kickbacks, and an electronic brake that stops the blade rotation once you’re finished cutting.
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