What To Consider Before Buying A Track Saw
Before you head out to buy one for yourself, take a closer look at what a track saw is, why youd use one, and when to use it.
What Is A Track Saw?
You may initially think that a track saw is remarkably similar to an ordinary circular saw.
There are some key differences.
First, a track saw’s blade stays in its shroud until it is time to start cutting. When its time to start a cut, the operator engages the saw, and the blade plunges into a material. A circular saw’s blade must be engaged before it is time to cut.
This makes a track saw safer to use, and it also means that your cuts are more uniform, smooth, and professional.
Track saws are essential for DIY enthusiasts, flooring contractors, remodelers, general workers, and general woodworkers.
What Are The Benefits Of A Track Saw?
There are several benefits associated with using a track saw, including:
Clamp-Free Operation
The track of the saw has a non-slip bottom. This non-slip bottom allows you to quickly position your saw to make cuts without the need for clamps. Although it feels like you’re flying without a parachutist at first, you soon get used to it and it is a time-saver.
Instant Set-up
A track saw has many advantages. You can cut your material as soon as your material is measured and marked. Align the track’s edge with your cutting line. You are now ready to cut! This allows you to cut without the need for test cuts or re-checking your measurements.
There is less mess
The shroud for your track saw blade also acts as a trap for sawdust, so they generate a bit less mess than a circular saw. You’ll be amazed at how little sawdust gets on the floor if you hook up your track saw to a dust collection device.
Perfect for Tight Spaces
Sometimes, you need the functionality of a table saw, but the space youre working in doesnt allow you that luxury. A track saw eliminates the need for material clearance. So you can make cuts in tight quarters that youd never dream of with a table saw.
Highly Portable
Even the most powerful table saws for job sites are heavy and cumbersome. Meanwhile, a track saw provides the same functionality as a table saw without having to worry about lugging around over a hundred pounds of additional equipment.
Cleaner, Smoother Cuts
Track saws are able to plunge into wood instead of ripping through it. This creates beautiful edges on your finished product. They produce the best cuts, making them ideal for finishing work.
Long Cuts? No Problem
The length of a track saw’s track is the only limit. If you need to make exceptionally long cuts, you can buy multiple tracks. You can attach them, assuring yourself of a perfectly straight cut through the full length of your material.
Features To Consider
This is how a tracksaw can be one of your most valuable tools. Let’s now discuss the features that you should consider before purchasing a track saw.
Power
Any power tool should have a motor that is powerful enough to power it. You may decide that a stronger saw is worth the investment, depending on how often you use it and what types of projects you are planning to tackle.
As a rule of thumb, any track saw with a motor about nine amps will have plenty of power for most jobs. If you need more power, you might consider buying a saw with an even more powerful motor.
Capacity for Bevel
The most affordable track saws can only tackle straight cuts or cuts at a 90-degree angle. More expensive models are capable of bevel cuts. Bevel cuts allow you to cut on an angle, for tasks like cutting crown molding. A track saw that makes bevel cuts is instantly more versatile and will let you to tackle a broader range of jobs.
Cord Length
While it may seem like an afterthought, the length of your power cord is a critical feature to look at. Most saws come with an eight-foot power cord. This is quite short considering that youll be walking the saw through the length of a cut. Meanwhile, some models have longer power cables. The range is approximately 4.3 meters. These are better suited for larger jobs.
Of course, you can always reach for an extension cord if need be; make sure that the cable youre using can handle the demands of your saw.
Track Length
Track length is another feature to consider. This determines how long you can make cuts. The length of the track varies depending on the manufacturer. Most manufacturers also offer extension tracks that allow you to cut longer lengths. Before you decide on a saw, you will want to ensure that you have a variety of track lengths.
Dust Collection
We mentioned earlier that track saws inherently do an excellent job at reducing the mess associated with woodworking. A dust collection port is a great feature to have, as it will allow you to connect your shop vac to the saw, virtually eliminating dust from your workspace.
Durability
One of the most important things to consider is the build quality and durability of the saw. You may be able to save money today with a cheaper saw, but will it be worth it in the long run if the more inexpensive saw doesnt last? Regardless of the saw you choose, be sure to go with a brand you can trust; one thats known for their durability.
Maintaining your home is easy
A quality track saw should last for decades, and that probably means youll need to perform some basic maintenance to keep your saw running at its best. Replacing the blade is one of the most frequently performed maintenance tasks, and a saw that allows you to quickly and easily change the blade will save you plenty of future headaches.
Warranty
Finally, take a look at what kind of a warranty the manufacturer offers. Is their warranty as strong or better than the industry standard? If not, that may be a red flag to consider. A strong warranty gives you security and protection in case something happens.
Festool TS 55 REQ-F-Plus-FS Overview
This saw combines the functionality of a table saw, panel saw, and miter saw, with the portability of a circular saw. Loaded with impressive features like a spring-loaded riving knife, the FastFix blade change system, triple motor bearing, and micro-adjustment depth controls, the TS 55 REQ-F-Plus-FS is arguably the finest track saw on the market.
Things We Like
- Incredibly clean cuts
- For miter cuts, bevels up to 47
- Easy blade changes
- Strong warranty with free repair shipping
The TS 55 REQF-F-Plus FS Track Saw Has Many Features And Benefits
This Festool track saw certainly isnt short on features. Festool’s track saw is one of the most feature-rich on the market. Here are some highlights:
Precision Guide Rails
Festool is known for its laser-straight guiderails. While the other components of the saw are essential, a quality guide rail is what will ultimately determine the quality of your cuts, and the included guide rail ensures perfectly precise cuts every time.
MMC Electronics
This saw’s variable speed motor allows you to match power and material to achieve professional quality cuts. The electronics also maintain constant speed under any load, which not only helps performance but also helps extend the life of your saw by protecting against thermal and current overload.
Rotating Dust Port
You won’t have to worry about getting your dust port caught in the way of your shop vacuum hose. Festools BlueTooth controlled dust collector systems are compatible with this saw. These systems provide tool-triggered dust collection to help keep your work area clean.
FastFix Blade System
The FastFix system is truly innovative in blade systems. It allows you to change blades much faster than ever before. The system locks the arbor bolt and power switch when it is engaged.
The saw itself is also locked into a position that makes it easier than ever to remove and replace blades.
Bearing For Triple Motor
Triple motor bearings provide a smooth cutting experience that will make you swear your miter saw is a high-end model. You’ll be amazed at how smooth the saw operates, whether you make straight or mitered cuts.
Depth Micro-Adjustments
Setting the depth of cut is exceptionally easy thanks to the saws depth micro-adjustments. Two cursor lines are used to adjust the depth of cut, whether you’re working on the guide rail or not.
Spring-Loaded Riving Knife
The patented spring-loaded riving knife of the TS 55 REQ-F-Plus-FS keeps the cut kerf open, which holds your material away from the backside of the blade. This results in consistent, almost kick-back-free cuts every time.
Dual Splinter Guards
Both the guide rail and the saw itself are equipped with replaceable splinter guards which help to ensure tearout-free cutting. These splinter protectors help to reduce rework and save time as well as material costs.
Accessory Options Abound
If you don’t have the right accessories to make your saw work for the job you are doing, all the features will be meaningless. Festool manufactures thirteen different kinds of blades to suit different materials, and they also have additional tracks available.
This saw is versatile with so many blades and extensions tracks that you can do more work with one saw.
You Might Also Be Interested In These Other Products
Although the Festool tracksaw is the most powerful and feature-rich on the market today, it doesn’t mean that it’s the best. You may find a better fit for your needs in one of the many popular models.
They also come in a few hundred dollars cheaper than the Festool saw weve covered today.
The DeWalt DWS520 and the Makita SP6000 are both powerhouse track saws that are trusted by veteran professionals and experienced homeowners alike. You may find each of these saws a little cheaper than the Festool, so it is worth taking a look at before you make your final decision.
With that said, youll be hard pressed to find a more impressive or feature heavy saw on the market. The Festool TS 55 REQ-F-Plus-FS is the industry standard for track saws. It won’t replace your circular saw, table saw or miter saw but it will simplify your life and allow you to improve the quality of your woodworking.
