Thread: track saw reviews

My only suggestion would be look at a battery option, makes it a lot easier and convenient. I have a makita one that takes 2x 18v batteries, went makita because it was much cheaper then the festool.

Havent had an opportunity yet to use it though but it was pretty favourable on most reviews

I gave my track saw away once I acquired a decent table saw it became redundant.

like your thinking China, my new table saw is just such a pleasure to use but big sheets of ply etc become fun handling, but ..... but......

Don’t bother with the Kreg Accucut which turns a normal handheld circular saw into a track saw; while the tracks are good quality and solid the saw mounting plate is flimsy plastic that flexes when you mount the saw and has side-to-side play in use which is unforgivable. I only use mine for roughing out leaving it 2mm oversized. The only reason I keep it is because it only takes seconds to set up and I have two extra tracks so I can use it to rip down full 8’ long sheets.

The Craftright saw guide from Bunnings is more accurate, MUCH cheaper at $25 and also works with routers but takes 2-3 minutes to set up between cuts. If you’re only wanting to crosscut wide boards or sheets of ply this is excellent value.

I use a cordless 18v AEG circ saw on both of the above items.

Originally Posted by Tonyz

toying with a track saw in place of the circular saw.

By circular saw, do you mean table saw? If so, I reckon you want both. A track saw is great for breaking down 8x4s, but it won't replace a TS.

Regarding battery over 240V, I don't see any advantage if you plan to use dust extraction. The hose on my Festool is a much bigger hindrance than the power cord. If you do your cutting outside, battery would be better.

Hi T. I assume you don't have enough room to cut sheets directly on your tablesaw? If you do I would make a couple of infeed and out feed table/platforms/benches that can support the sheets. I have a Scheppach and with some modifications, have found it to be very useful. Mine is corded which is handy to plug into a power activated vacuum.

Love my Festool track saw. With dust extractor quick clean cuts with minimal work-site clean up. Parts and accessories are reasonably available. Only downside might be the initial outlay.

Ultimately depends on what you make and your finances. Yes there is some overlap with the tools, but each has their intended usage. Eg a roof carpenter will choose a circular saw anyday. Whilst someone who breaks down sheet goods and doesn't have a panel saw will opt for a track saw. In a perfect world you'll have one of everything (at least). But in a world with limited finances/ storage space choose whatever you'll get the most use out of and make jigs/fences etc to make do with what the comprises the tools you have.

Sold my festool TS75 as I was consistently picking up the cordless Makita over it. The blade makes a big difference, iI like the blades from Key Blades and Fixings plus the postage from the UK with DHL is so quick, faster than Aus post.

Sigh. I've answered this several times before but here we go again, different day same answer.


First those of you advocating specific solutions need to remember everyone is in a different situation.


The piece of advice that really gets me though is breaking down ply on a table saw. Seriously have any of you actually tried to rip an 8x4 into 8x2 or 8x1 on a table saw ? I can do it sure, but I've got an array of work supports along with my TS. Clamping an 8' guide and ripping it with a circular saw is SO MUCH EASIER!


As I have said before my TS is the center of my shop. It's got a router wing and an incra fence. Magic machine for makeing furniture etc. Next to useless for guitars or carving for example.


I bought several guides years ago but the brand is gone now. Mine are aluminium extrusions, they don't clip lengthwise as some of the newer systems do. They store easily on the wall or top of cupboard and set up break down in no time.


I know nothing of the clip together versions.


If I needed to do it again I might just get some suitable lengths of timber and make a guide groove. Making a mating slide and mounting plate is trivial and you can make it all to suit your existing tools and requirements. Obviously use stable timber, it's useless if it warps.


Then you need to clamp it. Again there are all sorts of options. It could be a fun design project.


Alternatively I expect any of the good name brand systems will work well. I just don't know what's out there anymore, and it depends on how much building and customising you want to do, and if you anticipate using it with a jigsaw router etc.


You won't use a track saw to trim a sliver off a drawer front, but they have their place.

I have the corded Festool TS55 tracksaw and it is brilliant, I have also used the battery version a lot which is better not having the lead in your way but I didn’t want to get another battery platform started.
I believe the Makita version is quite good too but have not actually used one. Regardless of brand I would lean towards a battery version if you are happy to go down that path, not having a lead to contend with is so much better particularly when you are working with full sheets

As I said in an earlier post, cordless is only an advantage if you aren’t using dust extraction. The hose is a much bigger PITA than the power cord.

I have the corded TS55, one of the best tools I have ever bought, I really love it. Add an MFT to the tracksaw and maybe a few other accessories and it goes to the next level.

I also have the hammer K3 sliding table saw with 1250 slider. As far as sheet goods go if I had to choose only one, it would be the tracksaw every day of the week and twice on Sundays. If I had a much larger slider then the tracksaw would be less attractive.

As to the original question, I went the Festool based on quality, reputation and efficient dust extraction. That was based on research and not first hand experience as the Festool is the only one I have ever used, and even then only after I purchased it.

Cheers Andrew

appreciate all the comments, good to see where your coming from and thinking behind it.

Ive now reverted back to the circular saw and improving the saw track I made couple of years ago.
Cutting full plywood sheets means doing this outside on the gravel, Ive seen several youtubers doing outside cutting using foam as a 'safe' foundation without embedding the blade into the dirt. otherwise its pieces of timber always placed in strategic positions.

Thoughts?