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Is getting more accurate and precise cuts in your woodworking projects a challenge for you? Don’t worry; all you need is the best track saw.
Track saws are well-known for their precision and simplicity of use. They also enable you to customize the saw to suit your specific cutting requirements.
Choosing the best track saw for DIYers and pros may be difficult, particularly if you are making your first purchase.
This list includes the finest track saws so that you can make an informed decision.
- 12 AMP motor with variable speed control dial (2,000 - 5,200 RPM) for optimum performance in a variety of materials
- Large cutting capacity (2-3/16" at 90° and 1-9/16" at 45°). Power Type- Corded
- Bevel capability (-1 to 48°) with positive stops at 22.5° and 45°
- Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2" Plunge Circular Saw Kit, with Stackable Tool case and 55" Guide Rail
- Powerful 12.0 AMP motor for optimum performance in a wide variety of materials
- Zero clearance TrackSaw(TM) cutting system delivers straight, splinter-free, precise cuts
- For use with TrackSaw(TM) dual edged tracks for perfectly straight cuts
- Continuous Anti-Kickback mechanism and riving knife prevent kickback when engaged
- Straight plunge mechanism for optimal ergonomics
- Enclosed low profile guard gives a 90% dust extraction capability
- Track saw with plunge action – provides fast, easy setup for one-step clean finish cuts in wood and wood-based sheet goods such as laminated particle boards and plywood
- Plunge mechanism – allows for precise plunge cuts with accurate depth of cut
- Single bevel pivot point – when sawing using a track (sold separately), the track can be positioned in the same way for bevel cuts or non-bevel cuts
- Constant electronics – helps maintain speed under the load of more-demanding applications
- Overload protection – protect the motor from overheating
- Max. cutting depth2.165 in
- Premium Home Improvement Tools: The plunge saw and saw guide combine into an adaptive cutting tool
- Woodworking Plunge Saw: Left-bladed circular saw has a retracting blade that can start cutting anywhere on materials
- Straight Edge Guide: The aluminum saw guide track ensures precise, straight, and splinter-free cuts
- Secure Workshop Accessories: The anti-slip strips on the track saw guide secure material without clamps
- Kreg Tools: We offer products that help woodworkers close the gap between idea and outcome
- Zero-Clearance Anti-Splinter Edges - Edges indicate actual cut location. Provides splinter free cuts.
- Dual Edge Track System - Provides perfectly straight cuts. Dual edge design works in both directions.
- Straight Plunge Mechanism - Non-pivoting, parallel-link mechanism for optimal ergonomics.
- Continuous Anti-Kickback - Prevents kickback when engaged.
- Flat Blade Guard - low profile blade guard allows saw to be used in confined spaces.
- Ditch the table saw: rip boards up to 2-1/3 inches thick with clean, splinter-free cuts
- Create 45-degree bevel cuts in boards up to 1-5/8 inches thick
- Perfect for ripping boards or for performing internal plunge cuts
- Includes a 6.5-inch 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade (165 mm) with a 20 mm arbor
- Compatible with the WEN CT9502 100-Inch Track and the WEN CT992F Track Saw Clamps
What Is The Purpose Of A Track Saw?
Although a track saw resembles a circular saw track, it enables you to create cuts that a circular saw would not be capable of.
If you think it’s simply a fancy-looking circular saw, you’re mistaken. It’s much more. It’s a saw that can create cuts that would usually be done on a table saw or a panel saw.
A track saw’s primary function is to produce lengthy, precise rip cuts.
This is due to the fact that it has a slide or guide rail that enables it to glide smoothly and precisely on a straight path when cutting.
Because you may put it flat on the material and the blade will protrude from the bottom, diving into the material to produce the cut, it’s called a plunge-cut saw. You can’t do it with a circular saw.
You might ask, “Why should I buy a track saw when I already have a table saw and a circular saw?” Well, you should buy it since it allows you to create lengthy rip cuts more easily.
Unlike a table saw, you don’t have to bring the material to the saw to be cut; instead, the saw may come to the material.
That means you can rip-cut and break down exceptionally big boards that would be impossible to cut or handle with a table saw.
Things To Consider When Buying The Best Track Saw
Before purchasing a track saw, there are a few things to think about.
A basic purchasing guide may make a big impact when it comes to making purchases. I hope that this advice will make it simple for you to choose the best track saw.
Anti-kickback Mechanism
It’s one of the most crucial features of a DIY track saw. You may move the saw forward and backward on the track as you slide it along. Cutting backward, on the other hand, may be hazardous. This may result in a kickback effect.
The track saws include an anti-kickback feature to prevent such an unwelcome issue. It’s a small addition that has a big impact. On the saw, there may be a tiny key or knob that stops it from moving backward when sliding in a track.
Similarly, even if you pull it back by accident, you won’t be able to create the kickback problem.
Simple Adjustment Settings
A track saw requires many modifications. A track saw allows you to measure the required angle of your cut, as well as the depth of your cut, as well as linear measures.
You must manually adjust your saw to the necessary measurement. If the tool’s adjustment mechanism is complex, you’ll spend half of your time simply adjusting it. And it is something you do not want to happen.
As a result, it is critical that you choose a saw with basic settings and a simple adjustment mechanism.
Depth Capacity
It’s crucial to understand the plunge saw’s depth capability. The saw’s operating capability is determined by its depth capacity. Saws with a low penetration capacity will not perform like those with a greater capacity. The greater the cut depth, the better.
Various saws may have different depth scaling systems. Some are in imperial units, while others are in metric. It is preferable to choose the one with which you are most acquainted.
Different depths of cuts are required for different tasks. You should ensure that your saw offers a broad variety of functions.
Bevel Capacity
Track saws are capable of bevel cuts and provide a broad variety of angles from which to select. Both sides of these saws feature bevel locks. You may scale the angle on each side and lock the door on either side. Such measures provide the most precise results in each cut.
Track saw bevel capacity typically varies from a full 90 degrees angle to approximately 45 degrees. For various saws, this may vary somewhat.
After hitting the 45-degree angle limit on certain saws, it may deflect a second time to approximately 47-degree angle. Negative bevel capacity is also a possibility with such saws.
On Track Smooth Movement
A track saw’s ability to glide smoothly down the track is critical. If the saw can’t travel freely on the track, it won’t make clean cuts. The more friction it encounters while traveling, the worse the cuts it makes. Smooth cuts are ensured by smooth movement.
Most saws include plastic strips in their tracks to provide the greatest performance. This lowers the amount of friction created when sliding. The saw slides along with the cut thanks to the frictionless action, resulting in chip- and splinter-free cuts.
The Benefits Of Using The Best Track Saw
The track saw is the saw that ensures safe and precise cutting. If you’ve never used a saw before, we strongly advise you to get a track saw. When compared to other kinds of saws, this one has the simplest functionality.
The benefits of having a track saw are outlined for you, along with some little-known facts about the equipment you’re about to purchase.
Safe Cutting
Because the blade is only open in one section of the machine, the track saw offers all-around safety during cutting. The rest of the machine is encased in protective handling components. As a consequence, you won’t need to wear as much safety gear while cutting with this equipment.
Accurate Cuts
The fact that a track saw only cuts along the track is a huge benefit. It cuts perfectly and smoothly without any issues. The primary goal of this machine is to cut precise lines that go in the direction you choose.
No Experience Needed
Unlike other saws, which take considerable practice to master, operating a track saw efficiently is simple. Set the tracks and slowly move the saw over them to make the cut you want. To achieve a high-quality finish, you don’t need to learn how to balance or utilize various methods.
Sawdust Protection
Saws are notorious for producing a large amount of sawdust when in use. Inhaling sawdust may harm your health, and if it gets into your eye, it can blind you. When you use a track saw, though, the sawdust falls straight to the floor rather than flying into your eyes. This is due to the machine’s operation, which prevents the majority of sawdust from flying outdoors.
Angular Cuts
Making precise angle cuts using saws like electric saws or table saws is almost difficult. The procedure requires a high level of skill and understanding, and the chances of cutting smoothly are little to none.
This is where a track saw comes in handy since it allows you to customize the angle, depth, and direction in which you want to cut the item. After that, just move the saw over the track to get the desired cut.
Conclusion:
The Makita SP6000J1 Plunge Circular Saw Kit offers all of the features a professional track saw needs. A 55-inch track is included in this package, with extra tracks available if required. The saw, on the other hand, is where the kit truly shines. This plunge saw features a 12-amp motor, bevels ranging from -1 to 48 degrees (w/ positive stops at 0, 22.5, & 45 degrees), and a cutting depth of 2-3/16 inches. It also includes a depth-stop function that activates with the flip of a lever, allowing the operator to make a fast pass over the material while only cutting 1/16 of an inch deep. This gives the material a score and prevents splintering. Best of all, a dial on the handle allows users to change the speed between 2,000 and 5,200 RPM.
The Makita is an excellent saw that excels in all areas. An 8 1/4-inch blade might help it muscle through heavier materials, if there is one criticism.
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