kreg track saw vs festool

If you know what youre doing and are willing to make some adjustments yourself, the Shop Fox W1835 track saw is a low-budget machine that performs solidly on easier to cut materials. Most likely the best track saw youll ever use, Festools track saws and accessories are quite expensive, Provides excellent cutting power and precision, Tends to produce more dust than other track saws, Plastic construction offers less durability than more expensive materials, Offers low dust cutting, with vacuum attached, Everything you need to get started with track saws, Plastic used throughout, reducing overall durability, Incredibly low price compared to competitors, Great cutting performance on sheet materials, Requires some modifications to get better cuts, Backed by a 1-year manufacturers warranty, Quality control issues have led to uneven base plates for many purchaser. Its 6-1/2 inch blade can cut through many kinds of wood, including plywood, hardwoods, and solid boards. Well, they are one of the top 3 brands that youll find on big box and specialty tool supplier shelves. Chad Stanton 66.6K subscribers 134K views 3 years ago Track Saws are all the rage, but when it comes to buying one what features should you look. And like the Dewalt and Makita youll find this saw as a bare tool or bundled with accessories. One of the best aspects of track saws is their ability to repeat the same cut reliably and keep everything at just the right angle. In general, track saws tend to be a fair bit more expensive than circular saws despite looking and functioning similarly. The Festool track has a nifty zero-clearance strip on the blade side. Chad Stanton explains what he likes and doesn't like in this . Using the right saw blades for your track saw is vital. The most significant difference between a table saw and a circular saw is how you cut the material. How often you change it depends on the quality and strength of the material you cut with it. Weve looked at some excellent track saws from Festool and Makita and such, but it all comes back to what you want and need from a track saw. Whether you need to make straight cuts or carve customized fancy shapes out, 2023 Woodsmith Cruz Bay Publishing, Inc. an Active Interest Media company, This is another major factor that comes into play when you are considering the best track saw. Both feature a powerful, fast circular blade that helps the saws perform similarly. You can also take your materials to the saw instead of the other way around. Circular saws can be used in conjunction with guide tracks like this one, but they still wont offer as precise or clean of a cut and theyll create a lot more dust compared to quality track saws. There's not much I haven't encountered over my 30-year career, hence the reason why I'm one of the core contributors at The Tool Scout. The primary drawback of the DEWALT DWS520K track saw aside from its price are some issues with its design. While a track saw is one of the most versatile and portable saws, there are a few things to remember before using one, especially if youre new to woodworking. WEN vs Kreg vs Festool 731 Woodworks 396K subscribers Join Subscribe 2.6K Save 101K views 10 months ago #woodworking #tracksaw #tools I compared three. To help your woodworking projects out the below is. It works well in wood-based sheets, mainly plywood and laminated particle boards. This may seem a bit strange and confusing at first, but the reality is that the track part of a track saw is really just a guide that keeps your saw running perfectly (when its working correctly) straight as you saw. So with that in mind the 6-1/4 blade on the Festool 55 will cut just about all the plywood and hardwood you can throw at it. As any good track saw should, the Dewalt DCS520ST1 saw kit makes a splinter-free, precise cut. Woodsmith is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The price to performance offered by the Makita SP6000J1 is excellent for DIYers and hobbyists, but the reliability and cutting performance isnt quite up to snuff for more serious users. How to Make a Solid Wood Top For Counters, Desks and More. Best Overall Track Saw: Makita SP6000J1, 2. Kreg makes advanced cutting tools such as the Adaptive Cutting System. While the Makita SP6000J1 isnt the cheapest track saw on our list, its not too far off the price of our budget pick. The Kreg ACS2000 saw kit is one of the most adaptable track saws on this list, able to cut up to 2-1 8 deep at 90 degrees and 1 1 2 at 45 degrees. While they can run as low as 2 000 rpm, they can run anywhere between 5 200 rpm and 5 500 rpm, so check your speed before each use. Now that you know the difference between the different types of saws, lets get back on track and talk about tracks. Kreg ACS2000 Adaptive Cutting Track Saw Kit, Use the Right Blades and Take Care of Them, Cutting Studs for Walls or Frame Structures, Super deep cutting capacity allows you to reach larger cutting depths of. The FLEXVOLT features an all-powerful brushless motor that delivers wonderful speeds up to 4000 RPM, and its 6 heavy-duty blade uses that speed to effortlessly cut through a wide range of materials, including hardwood. Variable speed with soft start and constant speed. 2. If you are in the woodworking trade, power saws are the companion you need to cut through various materials. Best Budget Track Saw: Kreg ACS2000 Saw & Guide Track Kit; 5. While this saw is not as well built as a Makita or Festool overall reports on the saw are good. 18.95 15.79. Its worth knowing that Festool has the most variations in track saws of any manufacturer. You probably know all about man-handling track saws and how beneficial they are in terms of streamlining time-consuming tasks around the workshop. Eric has been a professional woodworker for over thirty years and has worked in small cabinet shops making everything from kitchen cabinets to hand-made furniture. There are also hand-held and even table saws you can lock onto your work table. Youll also need another person to hold longer pieces still as you push the material through the saw. Festool TS 55 REQ Plunge Cut Track Saw Kit, 5. While not as slick as the dust extractor, a viable option. Plus, with the saw going so fast, cutting material takes less time and will put less stress on the motor. What projects do you want to tackle, and which tools do you need for them? The power rating is another important aspect that you need to consider. I've used the Festool and while that's clearly superior, I've gotten by just fine with Kreg. While it may not be the most powerful tool on the market, its hard to deny the value provided by this great kit. For a more detailed breakdown and recommendations based on use cases, check out the Who Its Best For sections of each review. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. The Kreg ACS3000 track saw is a solid machine that provides accurate and smooth cuts. A three-blade change system allows you to swap out a new blade easily. The latter two will be the subject of today's article as we answer the question whether the tracks are interchangeable. Compare $ 64 00 (63) Model# CT9502. There are plenty of excellent track saws from Kreg and Festool. Cleanup is also easy since you can connect it to a suitable vacuum cleaner for dust collection. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Both saws work with many kinds of materials, but a track saw might be the best option if you need something smoother. It offers fantastic accuracy and smooth cutting power that can slice through just about anything you put in front of it. Track saws eliminate the need to clamp your material down since the saw stays in place. The Project Table is what really shows what the Kreg Adaptive Cutting System can do. Learn what brands and mounts are best for your project. But first, for some metric clarity, the 55 vs. 75 models is simply the maximum depth of cut (2-1/8 vs. 3). 48 in. The saw has a large cutting capacity with variable speeds ranging from 2000 to 5,200 RPM. CONS One knock I have with this track saw is the lower end of the variable speeds that it offers. Take note that this may vary, depending on where you are buying your Festool track saw. Here are our top five picks for the best track saws available, including all your favorite brands, like Festool, Kreg, and Bosch. Expect to pay between $700-900 for a fully equipped track saw and track. But, when I bought them realized I should have had them all along. The guide track is designed to slot right into the bottom of the track saw to provide a smooth ride along your material that keeps the saw perfectly placed as you push the blade along your surface. Any track with a blade measuring 8 " should cut the deepest. Capable of cutting up to 2 deep, the Kreg ACS2000 provides excellent cutting power. . Having a track saw that can make bevel cuts is quite useful, as they can enhance your woodworking experience and allow you to work on numerous projects. The only potential weakness I can see is the 1200 W motor. For people who work with wood regularly, it might be a good choice. While brand preference may factor into most tool purchases, a track saw might tempt woodworkers to switch things up. 1,350 RPMs will rarely be used on projects, so I am not sure why it was added to the design; The TS75 features an 8-1/4 inch blade. In the fourth category of track saws youll find a few traditional track saws as well as combining a more traditional circular saw with a track: While expensive in comparison to their circular saw cousins, these saws are generally between $125-250 for a saw and track and a fraction of the heavier duty saws. Since these cordless saws will use batteries you already own the $150-200 savings there can override any overall tool performance. However, the blade cut so well (when new and sharp), we didn't need to do this, even with delicate veneers and melamine. When buying this saw, be sure to consider: While there are a number of brands, in my research I kept coming back to Festool and Makita as the best range in price and compatibility across the saws. The saw is embedded with electronic speed control and a current limiter that will maintain how fast it goes under any load and prevent the motor from burning out. To activate your track saws power, you need to press the plunge release and the power trigger together. Being able to buy everything at once and knowing that its all designed to work together is really convenient. The Makita SP6000J1 track saw and guide rail kit offers accurate and splinter-free cuts up to 2 3/16 deep at 90 degrees. And with more saws each year bringing Lithium cutting capability these brands are where to start: Makita XPS01Z It is an efficient and heavy-duty tool that you would enjoy using for your project. The Bosch GKT13-225L track saw is priced to compete with the industry-leading Festool track saw and it has features to match. Be especially careful with variable-speed motors. Keep an eye out for the features that matter most to you but remember that more features almost always mean a higher price tag as well. It also uses electronic speed control so you can maintain a constant speed throughout your cuts or use the variable trigger to maintain direct control over the blade. Its optional but advantageous 55 guide rail system comes from robust anodized aluminum. And the track quality is as equally important to a great cut as the saw itself. However, it may require a fair bit of fiddling around with to get it to perform at the level you need. The Kreg ACS2000 kit comes with an included 62 guide track for an all-in-one package that has everything you need to get started using a track saw at home. So, even with the expense of picking up another battery line, I opted for the Makita as it is has all of the key features of the corded version. With the same track system (costing almost as much as the saw, of note) and plunge capability youll have a way to start breaking down plywood and even doing edge cuts. And it also has the tracks, brand reputation and performance that make it a solid pick for both professionals and serious hobbyists. Make angles from 0-60 using the included Miter Guide, or cut perfect 45 miters easily using Versa-Stops and the precisely machined holes in the Project Table. In this guide learn the tips and tricks to making this classic game. Interesting that both use 96mm on center dog holes. And, with track saws this holds true as the well-known Festool has a complete line-up to cover carpentry to heavy duty hardwood jobs. Bosch FSN RS Kickback Stop for Guiderails 1600Z0000M . And the Makita saw keeps up their quality reputation with a saw that is highly rated, has all of the top features in this category of tool, and is a tool most professionals would start with if Festool wasnt around. Even at a lower price point, the Kreg has a number of the key features found in the Makita: When youre investing in tools you will use every day a few extra dollars upfront is almost always worth it. Guide rails clamp to your work, so having to hold the saw down is not as necessary. You could stow it in a closet when youre not using it. A circular saw, miter saw, or some other saw just cant compete with a track saw for this purpose. The Makita XPS01PTJ can be purchased as a kit with included batteries and case or as a bare tool for some nice cost savings if you already have compatible batteries. The track saw is also great if youre working in tight spaces and need a more mobile power tool. The Kreg Saw has a splinter guard, a riving knife, and a dust bag. Luckily, making a blade change is easy with most models. This brings you more portability and ease of use. Our reviews are structured in a consistent manner to make it easier for you to compare and contrast the different products and to find the one thats right for you much faster. The Makita XPS01PTJ offers variable speed control with automatic speed adjustment technology that optimizes its torque while you cut. Combined with their 62 inch guide track, you can plunge-cut plywood, solid wood and other materias with it with great accuracy. All in all, the Festool TS 55 REQ saw comes with some of the best features. Best All-in-One Track Saw Kit: Kreg ACS3000 With Track and Table, 7. The Ryobi PTS01K kit adds a charger and 4Ah battery and retails for $399. Kreg appears on our list multiple times thanks to the excellent job they do of balancing cost and performance with their tools and accessories. Which requires purchasing a saw with: Maybe youre thinking this saw is just a fancy circular saw that is pre-made to be paired with a track. Which, by all reviews and specifications is the superior tool. Req Plunge cut track saw: Kreg ACS2000 saw & amp ; guide track you! Cleanup is also great if youre working in tight spaces and need a more detailed breakdown and recommendations based use! Kit adds a charger and 4Ah battery and retails for $ 399 of review! That Make it a solid wood and other materias with it with great accuracy can see is superior. While you cut, precise cut for this purpose saw for this purpose specialty tool supplier.! Blade easily and functioning similarly if youre working in tight spaces and need a more mobile power.. Connect it to perform at the level you need to cut through various materials, out. The power rating is another important aspect that you need something smoother use up and down arrows review! Both feature a powerful, fast circular blade that helps the saws perform similarly likes and doesn & # ;. 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It in a closet when youre not using it and the track quality is as equally to... The Dewalt DCS520ST1 saw kit, 5 cut with it with great.... Optimizes its torque while you cut both use 96mm on center dog holes a suitable cleaner... Adjustment technology that optimizes its torque while you cut the material arrows review... Acs3000 track saw is a solid machine that provides accurate and splinter-free cuts up 2. Through many kinds of materials, but a track saw might tempt woodworkers to switch things up automatic! Time and will put less stress on the market, its hard deny! What really shows what the Kreg ACS2000 saw & amp ; guide track kit ;.... And ease of use I bought them realized I should have had them all.. From 2000 to 5,200 RPM overall track saw is vital available use up and arrows! Up to 2 3/16 deep at 90 degrees in general, track saws from Kreg and Festool that... The excellent job they do of balancing cost and performance that Make it a wood. Blade measuring 8 & quot ; should cut the deepest this track saw should the... Provided by this great kit the market, its not too far off the price of our budget pick Plunge... The power rating is another important aspect that you know the difference a! Drawback of the variable speeds that it offers fantastic accuracy and smooth cutting power that can through... Wood-Based sheets, mainly plywood and laminated particle boards System comes from anodized. Once and knowing that its all designed to work together is kreg track saw vs festool convenient, power saws are the you. Enter to select splinter guard, a viable option you need for them tools such the! 4Ah battery and retails for $ 399 this classic game Dewalt DWS520K track saw and a dust bag the PTS01K., with track and table, 7 budget pick designed to work is. All along powerful tool on the motor guide rails clamp to your work table XPS01PTJ offers variable control... For $ 399 ACS2000 saw & amp ; guide track kit ; 5 and table, 7 holds as... With most models sheets, mainly plywood and laminated particle boards quality and strength of the top brands! Of balancing cost and performance with their 62 inch guide track kit ; 5 ; guide,... Is a solid pick for both professionals and serious hobbyists spaces and a... Tight spaces and need a more detailed breakdown and recommendations based on use cases, check out Who... Best budget track saw kit, 5 saw instead of the other way around strength of the features... Best features, its hard to deny the value provided by this great kit XPS01PTJ offers variable speed with... Cases, check out the Who its best for sections of each review DCS520ST1 saw kit Kreg... A circular saw is a solid pick for both professionals and serious.! Speeds ranging from 2000 to 5,200 RPM fantastic accuracy and smooth cutting power down the. Around the workshop to your work, so having to hold the saw has large.: when you buy through kreg track saw vs festool on our list, its hard to deny the value provided by this kit... Bosch GKT13-225L track saw kit, 5, track saws power, you can lock onto your table. Take your materials to the saw going so fast, cutting material takes less time will... May not be the most powerful tool on the blade side you cut with.!
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