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Trevor Raab

1

Best Overall

Festool Plunge Cut Track Saw TS 55

1

Best Overall

Festool Plunge Cut Track Saw TS 55

Pros
  • High-quality construction
  • Extremely smooth cuts
  • Includes rail and storage case
Cons
  • Metric sizing is confusing for some

I used Festool track saws while working as part of a carpentry crew and found their rock-solid reliability and accuracy-focused design to be worth the high price tag. This model has twice the speed of previous units and provides the torque necessary to perform extremely quick and—more importantly—laser smooth cuts. A built-in riving knife also helps avoid kickbacks, boosting control even more. A handy splinter-guard helps reduce tearout, and the flat housing allows for cuts that are nearly flush against walls. This saw is also impressively well-built and durable, so it can withstand heavy use day after day on a busy jobsite.—Alex Rennie

Key Specs

Track Size 55 in.
Power Corded
Blade Size 6.25 in.
Speed 2,000–5,800 rpm

2

Best Value

Evolution Multi-Material Cutting Circular Track Saw Kit

2

Best Value

Evolution Multi-Material Cutting Circular Track Saw Kit

Pros
  • Large blade
  • Affordable price
Cons
  • Short, multi-piece track
  • Not as fast as other models

If you’re the type that doesn’t need something fancy to get the job done, consider this track saw from Evolution. Its large 7.25-inch blade makes cuts as deep as 2.5 inches, though its maximum speed might leave something to be desired. The kit includes a track, which makes it a great deal for the price. However, some Amazon customers felt the track was too short and didn’t like that it comes in three individual pieces.—Alex Rennie and Bobbi Dempsey

Key Specs

Track Size 40 in.
Power Corded
Blade Size 7.25 in.
Speed Up to 3,700 rpm

3

Best Track Saw Kit

Makita SP6000J1 Plunge Circular Saw Kit

3

Best Track Saw Kit

Makita SP6000J1 Plunge Circular Saw Kit

Now 33% Off

Pros
  • Durable and reliable
  • Low-profile blade guard
  • Includes 55-inch rail system
Cons
  • Non-brushless motor

With a saw, 48T carbide blade, storage case, and 55-inch guide rail, this Makita kit has everything you need to get started right away. I’m a huge fan of the rubberized handles on Makita power tools like this one, ensuring that you always maintain a solid, sturdy, and comfortable grip during operation. The electronic speed control helps keep those cuts smooth and splinter free. And with a -1 to 48-degree bevel capability, the SP6000J1 is well-suited for a range of projects. A lock-lever gives the saw a sturdy hold on the rail, which is important for performing those bevels properly. Thanks to the 11⁄ 16-inch wall clearance, this machine is also convenient for use in tight spaces.—Alex Rennie

Key Specs

Track Size 55 in.
Power Corded
Blade Size 6.5 in.
Speed 2,000–5,200 rpm

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4

Most Affordable

Wen 10-Amp Sidewinder Circular Track Saw

4

Most Affordable

Wen 10-Amp Sidewinder Circular Track Saw

Despite its low price, this 6.5-inch Wen saw doesn’t compromise on functionality, featuring 45-degree bevel and plunge cut capability. With a cut capacity of up to 2.33 inches, you can easily tackle a wide range of projects, and the 10-amp motor is still capable of 5500 RPM. Weighing roughly 13.5 pounds, this saw is also convenient to take wherever you need to go, whether that’s into the backyard or to a remote jobsite. For about $100, this saw is relatively inexpensive—but factor in the additional cost of tracks, clamps, and any other accessories you want. None are included with your purchase.—Alex Rennie

Key Specs

Track Size Not included
Power Corded
Blade Size 6.5 in.
Speed Up to 5,500 rpm

5

Best Cordless Track Saw

Makita XPS01PTJ 18-Volt Cordless Plunge Circular Saw Kit

5

Best Cordless Track Saw

Makita XPS01PTJ 18-Volt Cordless Plunge Circular Saw Kit

Pros
  • User-friendly controls for maximum accuracy
  • Comes with two batteries and a charger
  • Two hard-sided storage cases
Cons
  • Track isn’t included

I’ve been using cordless Makita tools for years—from drills to circular saws—and this track saw is a great example of why they’re so great. First of all, you’re getting two 18-volt batteries instead of just one, which is always a huge plus. Not only do they combine to provide 36 volts of power for the saw itself, but if you already have other Makita power tools, you can beef up your collection even more. A variable speed control dial adjusts the rpms from 2,500 to 6,300, making it useful for a wide range of tasks and materials. I also appreciate the white lettering and black background of the depth adjustment scale, as opposed to other machines without contrasting numbers. Two hard cases ensure all the components of the kit are safe and organized when not in use.—Alex Rennie

Key Specs

Track Size Not included
Power Cordless
Blade Size 6.5 in.
Speed 2,500–6,300 rpm

6

Fastest Cutting Ability

Bosch 6.5-Inch Track Saw with Plunge Action

6

Fastest Cutting Ability

Bosch 6.5-Inch Track Saw with Plunge Action

Pros
  • Includes carrying case
  • Extremely fast, accurate cutting
  • Easy-to-use plunge action
Cons
  • Track not included

If your priority is ripping through cuts extremely quickly—without sacrificing quality—this Bosch saw and its 6,250 rpm is a great choice. A variable speed dial adjusts the speed if you need to crank it down for dense woods, and the handy plunge action lets you start in the center of a surface—like a wood floor or countertop. Features like a single bevel point (so you don’t have to reposition depending on cut type) and a swiveling dust collection port that keeps your vacuum hose out of the way make this saw especially user-friendly.—Alex Rennie and Bobbi Dempsey

Key Specs

Track Size Not included
Power Corded
Blade Size 6.5 in.
Speed 3,600–6,250 rpm

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7

Best Compact

Bosch GKT18V-20GCL14 Profactor 18V Track Saw Kit

7

Best Compact

Bosch GKT18V-20GCL14 Profactor 18V Track Saw Kit

If your priority is mobility and portability over raw power and blade size, consider this compact Bosch model. At only 9 inches high and 7.9 inches wide, it’s perfect for use in tight or awkward areas and, thanks to the .4-inch clearance, is especially convenient for those close-to-wall cuts. Even though its 5.5-inch blade is smaller than those on the other saws on our list, it’s still able to achieve 2 inches of cut depth, and it plunges and bevels just like the big boys. An eco-mode helps extend the runtime of the 8.0-Ah battery, and two rubberized handles ensure you always have a sturdy, safe grip.—Alex Rennie

Key Specs

Track Size 55 in.
Power Cordless
Blade Size 5.5 in.
Speed Up to 5,500 rpm

Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider’s Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.

Bobbi Dempsey is the former owner of a construction and property maintenance business and a die-hard DIYer whose main project these days is her 100-plus-year-old home that’s a never-ending series of home improvement challenges and adventures; she has written reviews, product roundups, and shopping guides about drain snakes, all manner of saws, nostalgic toys, and more. She’s an economic justice fellow at Community Change and a reporting fellow at Economic Hardship Reporting Project. In addition to Popular Mechanics, she has written for a range of publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Muscle & Fitness, and Parade

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