CHEAPEST CORDLESS Track Saw on the Market: First Cuts & Impressions of the Wen Cordless Track Saw
Vložit
- čas přidán 4. 06. 2024
- ✅ SHOP NOTES: Wen now sells the cheapest, cordless track saw you can buy on Amazon! Is it any good? Let's find out! Amazon and other affiliate links are found in the description below and they help support this channel.
🎬 If you'd like to see those earlier videos and see how they compare to the Kreg Track Saw, check out the playlist here: • Non-Festool Track Saws...
If you don't already know, the WEN saws are sold as the Titan and the Mac Allister by Screwfix in the UK. As always, I look forward to your Questions, Comments, and Cheap-Shots in the follow-up Q&A vid, so be sure to leave something for me below.
Here are links to a few of the products I used or discussed in this video:
🟢 This is the NEW 6 1/4" WEN 20691 20V Max 6.5-Inch Cordless Brushless Plunge Cut Variable Speed Track Saw with Two 4.0 Ah Batteries and Charger (Note that the track is sold separately): amzn.to/3IlDA92
🟢 This is the 6 1/4" WEN "Sidewinder" Track Saw WEN CT1065 (Note that the track is sold separately): amzn.to/3xOj6Op
🟢 Here's the 7 1/4" version of the WEN WEN CT1272 "Sidewinder" Track Saw (Note that the track is sold separately): amzn.to/3isntZ8
🟢 This is the two-piece, 100" WEN Track (AKA: Guide Rail): amzn.to/2VVegRp
🟢 Though I'm happy with the Wen track, a BUNCH of people who have purchased the Wen saw swear that the PowerTec rails/tracks are superior. Since they are sold separately, it might be worth considering these rails: amzn.to/3EfE6li
🟢 The 4'X8' Centipede is just the tip of the iceberg of cool tools you should explore from Bora: amzn.to/3xPvNZl
🟢 This is the 16' flexible hose that I purchased to control the dust on my track saw. This one fits the standard port and comes with a couple hose ends: amzn.to/3wKoKQ9
✅ Visit www.MyGrowthRings.com and join the conversation by becoming a FREE Channel Member! Details under "Explore Channel Membership".
💡 Here's an idea: If you aren't ready or able to join the channel, you can always support the channel by watching, clicking the thumbs-up, commenting, sharing, and by clicking through the provided links whenever you are shopping on Amazon or eBay. You don't even need to purchase the items these links lead to, but by going through these links they'll reward us with a small "finders fee". Thanks in advance for the support!
Visit www.MyGrowthRings.com
Follow on Instagram @MyGrowthRings
I also blog at www.tool-hunter.com/shopsmith-...
and shopsmith-tool-hunter.blogspot...
A few viewers have requested I provide affiliate links to help them find the products I use and as a way of supporting the channel through commission. For example, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through the links I provide. If you purchase a product or service through these links, there is NO additional charge to you. I always recommend shopping around for a better price. Thank you for supporting My Growth Rings!
#WENTrackSaw #WENPlungeSaw #CheapCordlessTrackSaw
![[柴犬ASMR]曼玉Manyu&小白Bai 毛发护理Spa asmr](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/0TsXQ7z2Dh4/mqdefault.jpg)
🟢 This is the NEW 6 1/4" WEN 20691 20V Max 6.5-Inch Cordless Brushless Plunge Cut Variable Speed Track Saw with Two 4.0 Ah Batteries and Charger (Note that the track is sold separately): amzn.to/3IlDA92 More links in the “Shop Notes” (video description) above. Scott
As a DIYer I break down around 4 to 5 sheets of plywood per year. I bought the WEN corded saw and POWERTEC tracks. For my use, I couldn't be happier.
Don’t miss the action and the EXCELLENT cinematography at 14:00
The -1° is for getting a very tight fit when you are joining pannels. It ensures that the pannel face can completely contact along the edge, since that is what matters visually. The panels are secured to a backing so edge contact is unimportant, but you don't want too large a gap behind the joint which will weaken it. It is much nicer to have a positive stop at -1° than try to hit +1° accurately. It is also more convenient for when you are breaking down prefinished panels because those are cut face down. So you can get your bevel with the weight of the saw still on the track side and consistently the same angle. Hope that helps.
That does help, but what is the application? Are we talking about flooring?
@@MyGrowthRings I mostly use it on walls. I don't really do much in the way of flooring with panels, and it doesn't matter for underlayment. But it would probably work well if you were sheeting a floor.
An easy example is joining something like a Santa Fe panel which needs to be joined on the pattern and very tightly. Even a very clean cut at 90° can have issues fitting without any visible join. Thin panel like Santa Fe can be a bit persnickety. But with a negative relief angle it will join cleanly assuming no issues with the material or supporting material.
The other place it is useful is butting a pannel into a perpendicular surface when you won't be trimming the joint. Cutting a relief when doing that has pretty much always been done. I've pulled down walls from 100 years ago that did it. The positive stop just makes it easier and more consistent. Hope that helps.
@@MyGrowthRings One other thing i just remembered. Plywood edges shift a bit, and they may gap if they aren't compressed a bit at the edge. It's tiny, 1/64" or so, but it is super visible in some circumstances. So having the relief on both sides allows a bit of compression which will stop that. Again, only matters for cosmetics.
@@jsmxwll That does help. Thanks for adding some clarity to this.
All this info is interesting and tends to explain the inclusion of the negative bevel. I didn't find that feature in the manual for the corded version of the saw, although that alone wouldn't justify the extra $100 in price to me all by itself. Still, the performance of this saw reported here makes me think more about using either the corded or battery version for some sort of minimal panel saw configuration.
Been wanting to finish off my basement shop, frame walls where blanket insulation is now. Framed out one wall, and was ready to put up luan paneling, decided to take the plunge after watching Scott here. I got the Wen cordless track saw, did get the Powertec tracks. All I can say for me as a hobbyist, I was impressed. Easy set up, smooth cuts. $300 sure beats the 500-800 of the others.
Thanks for sharing, Dennis.
Thanks for the great video, Scott. An interesting subject.
I have the 7 1/4 Wen track saw and love it. My issue is having to drag out the 50ft extension cord as I do my sheet break down outside of my shop, so with the cordless version it would be much more convenient. I will be ordering one to add to my Wen arsenal this week. I have had a little trouble with a couple of Wen tools, however their customer service is outstanding and as a result I will order a Wen tool without any hesitation. I order directly from Wen and they replaced the the tool I had trouble with without any hassle. Wen is a great company IMHO... Cheers.
You are right about the cord. About two weeks ago I used it on an expansion of our deck and without a cord or hose it was a wonderful experience.
I own the Wen cordless track saw. I love it. It comes with a 48 tooth blade.
Could. have used this review about 9 months ago, may have changed my decision!. However, I don't regret getting the Kreg track saw and ACS table system. I don't have a miter sled or miter station but with the ACS system was able to retrofit some replacement shelving to a kitchen cabinet needing an exact fit and also able to place a nice bevel on a coffee table for a Christmas gift. The track saw may be an item that gets used off and on so I felt a corded version was a better option. I have a battery charged orbital sander and it's anoying having to wait when both batteries are dead!
Thanks Scott. Great info.
Thanks for watching and commenting, Paul.
Oddly enough... I have plenty of space to rip 4x8 sheets on my table saw, but it is located in my basement workshop. The huge issue is wrangling those sheets trough the kitchen and down the stairs... not an easy task and why I finally pulled the trigger on a track saw to break them down in the garage.
After a ton of reviews (including yours), research and careful investigation of the cheaper options like the WEN and Ryobi, I just could not accept their inability to maintain a cut without plate flex. I also could not justify the insane cost of a Festool, so I picked a middle of the road option... a 2x18V (36V) Makita cordless and matched it with a set of Powertec guides (2x 55"). The cost really was only about $220 more when you work out the system and all parts needed, yet it has a much better build. It will come in very useful and make things so much easier for me.
That’s all we can ask. I’m glad you are happy with your educated choice. Scott
That was fun and informative.
Thank you, John. Scott
Great job Scott!
Thanks, Larry.
Scott,
You kinda hit my thoughts on the head when you said you are a DIYer like me and use track saws occasionally. With my luck, when I would need to use a cordless one, the batteries would be dead and I’d have to put a project on hold until the batteries were charged.
Yep, I can see that happening too. I’ll have to be vigilant about keeping it charged but not to leave the batterie on the charger, which can have a detrimental effect.
Nice overview Scott. I think I would stay with corded. Got a few Bauer battery powered tools but seems like a busy day and I run out. Long sanding or or sawing projects just go better with cords.
I agree with Kevin, I can't justify buying one . . . yet. :) Scott, do you like the Bora Centipede?
Hey Steve. Yes, I do like the Centipede, but I go back and forth on wishing it were smaller and wishing it was slightly larger!
@@MyGrowthRings The one you have now is 4x8?
@@StevenG1955 Yes. If I had a do-over I might opt for two 4x4s
@@MyGrowthRings Thanks! I've been looking into getting one but not sure what size. You comment makes sense, as always!
@@StevenG1955 If you get one, take a look at the DIY worktop: czcams.com/video/7WiZGzxP9Wk/video.html
Scott, battery powered is a great feature when your vehicle can't handle 4x8 plywood or the 49"x97" MDF.
That’s a very good point!
Thanks for sharing this review. I would really like to have a track saw, but I can't justify buying one at the moment. I'm sure when the funds are available and the need is greater, I'll get one. Personally, I'd rather have the corded version since you have the dust collection hose to deal with anyway. That plus having the same power constantly.
I’m with ya, but this thing is growing on me a bit. Scott
My understanding is Neg. 1 Deg is for cutting next to a wall when doing flooring.
Interesting. I’m not sure how that would work, considering you typically cut with the good side down. Perhaps that cut is made prior to installing the flooring? Thanks for chiming in! Scott
Did you mean like a toe-kick saw? The manual talks about flush cutting, but with a 5/8" distance from a wall, so not really flush, and doesn't mention the -1° bevel there.
@@edmalin7359 I can’t imagine using it as a toe kick saw. We’ll figure it out!
WEN now makes a 55 inch track. They discontinued their 50 inch tracks.
Great video, makes me realize that I might want to get one. Although I use my circular worm drive for breaking down sheet good. Not perfect but pretty good. It didn't look like you had the cords on the scale so if that is true then 12 would be accurate.
That’s a good point about the cord. Yes, when I used a standard circular saw I always cut oversized and recut to final size on the table saw, and I was unexpectedly surprised to learn that with the track saw I was able to cut to my final size
Nice review and good info about the cordless track saw. I can't justify the purchase of yet another circular saw. There are likely a lot of DIYers that are using tools that have some age on them. In my case, I have my Dad's 5.5 inch Skil circular saw that I think is perhaps at least my age (70) and a Craftsman 7.25 1.75hp Circular saw that is now 45 years old. Made lots of saw dust with 'em.
Nice video
Thanks, Glenn.
Interesting. I have an old (maybe 4-5 years old) track made by Kreg used for their plate that you mount your own saw on. Is it compatible with the Wen saw?
No, unfortunately Kreg is one of the few who made a proprietary shape. The WEN track has the same shaped track as Festool, Makita, Milwaukee, DeWalt, and almost everyone else.
About the charger situation: at first I thought no big deal, then realized the saw uses two batteries at the same time and needs a dual charger! BUT, can it run on one battery? The WEN 20 volt Max system does not seem to have a dual battery charger, but a lot of dual chargers only charge one battery at a time. BTW, the WEN website lists the bare saw, without batteries for only $126.59! And a second charger for about $20.
I’m not sure about it’s ability to run on one battery, but I’ll be checking it out. For sure a second charger and perhaps a second set of batteries are in my future. Scott
I just got a confirmation from the manufacture that no, it cannot run on one battery alone.
@My Growth Rings that makes the single charger a problem. How long does it take to charge 1 battery..... from say 1 led (out of 3). And then you have to wait for the second battery. I'm glad to see that a second charger doesn't break the bank
@@jgmallin7080 I totally agree and I don’t have that answer yet.
Hey thanks for the review, I could use this track saw for occasional cuts with out breaking the bank. I'm heavily invested in the Dewalt platform, curious if I could use a DeWalt battery adapter on this WEN saw to power it?
That’s a great question. I know that there are folks who are offering 3D printed adapters on eBay, but I have no personal experience with them. Could be worth a look.
hey thx for the idea definitely will take a shot. Ill let you know if it works. @@MyGrowthRings
@@azwooddesign7431 Please do!
I told you it was awesome!
Yes, you did! Thanks for the heads-up!
SOP is a one degree bevel the carpenters book refers to back bevel use when close tolerance is in use. 1% is enough, any more will cause hardware conflict. Door Hardware has a 1% flex built in.
Makes sense.
I have the corded Makita paired with the Kerg ACS project table. It’s a great combo for a small shop. Battery powered is not for me with a saw. Batteries would near be charged when I need it. The Wen mini lathe you purchased did you ever get the lathe chuck?( for making bowls)
Yes, we have a WEN chuck and several jaws, including the pen drilling jaws.
@@MyGrowthRings do you like them? Would they work on the Shopsmith with a adapter?
@@chadwilson673 I do like them. They are similar to the PSI and yes, with an adapter they could be used on a SS.
@@MyGrowthRings sounds like a good video to me. I have a mini PSI lathe, very similar to the Wen. I would like to use the chuck on both of them. Thanks for the advice.
Interesting tool. My table saw is big enough to handle 4x8 sheet goods, but I would still need help ,moving the stock around. I think when the wood weighs more than the saw you should move the saw, not the wood. Corded would be fine with me also, but it would make a huge difference if those batteries turn out to be compatible with the B&D batteries I have for yard tools. That -1° bevel seems weird. Did they add parts to the saw just for that purpose? Is it an issue with clearance from the track?
Yes, they did add parts just to gain that one degree. There must be some secret purpose that I have yet to unlock.
If you plan to cut lots of plywood-maybe a wall mount panel saw could be a good option. Some panel saws allow you to take the saw off the machine and mount a router instead. You see these machines at lumber yards and larger commercial wood shops-millwork shops. I remember a school shop that had one of these-crosscuts were you move the saw carraige up the panel to crosscut. To rip lock the carraige-and turn the saw around on it to rip-you push the panel thru the machine the lower rails had rollers to help in pushing and positioning the panel for for crosscuts.
I wonder if there is some kind of router base that would fit on those tracks. The tracks are an additional necessary cost for a track saw, it would be nice to get other uses from it.
@@edmalin7359 I know that festoolians has accessories that run on a identical track that has a few additional holes board through it such as for use with a 32 mm system, so it shouldn’t be difficult to fabricate, even if there isn’t one available off the shelf.
@@edmalin7359 years ago I found a panel saw with the router attachment in a sign supply catalog. You could cut sign panels to size with the saw and rout the letters with the router. Sign shops also liked the vertical panel saws.
What’s your preferred method for squaring the track to your workpiece?
I’ve purchased one of the many squares sold on Amazon: amzn.to/47n65gM They are all pretty much the same. I opted for one that is 90 degrees only, because the adjustable squares are just too fiddly. How about you?
I love my Wen track saw but I don't know if I'm willing to add ANOTHER set of batteries to my shop. Don't get me wrong, I love cordless tools, but I already have 5-6 Ryobi batteries, 2-3 Milwaukee batteries, and a few Festool batteries. Not to mention I never use a track saw without dust collection so dragging along a cord isn't a big deal.
Exactly. Good call.
I have a Wen clone of the Tormek grinder and obviously the fit & finish is nowhere near as nice as the tormek but it works just fine and is about an eighth of the price. Wen seems like a reasonable brand doing clones of quality tools that are compatible with the good accessories.
I have found that exact thing as well.
Will the cordless Wen saw run from one battery?
I had the same question and every reference to the batteries in the manual always implies that both of them are in use, but I’ll have to do some playing. It would be nice if it could run on one, but then why would it accept two? Good question, Rex. Scott
It appears the saw has a blade break? Also the blade in the video is the 42 tooth version which I have found produces a very good cut on the corded version of the saw. Is that the blade that came with this saw?
@@rodburns3466 It felt that way to me too, but I’m not yet sure if that is the case or if that’s just a virtue of the brushless motor. Yes, that’s the blade that came on it and it did a fine job. Scott
Sounds like the saw can run from 20V(if I understand right)so both batteries are in parallel-giving more current out from the batteries than just one. If so one battery would be fine if cutting a thinner piece of plywood as opposed to squaring up a 2-3 in thick hardwood slab to be used as a table or bench top.-Then both batteries would be used for the slab deep cuts.
@@rodburns3466 its a 48t blade that comes with it. Cuts smooth so far
On Amazon it says the motor is a 40v motor so the 2 20v battery run together to make it a 40v track saw
It clearly states that on the Wen website as well 🤷🏻♂️
I can’t imagine sheet goods ripping angles on the shopsmith without help. 😮
I agree, it’s crazy-talk!
Answer. No, they shouldn't be nervous at all. The plastics that Wen use are either garbage or they aren't using enough. I have the 7.25" corded tracksaw and honestly, it's garbage. You can cut a decent 90° cut but good luck trying to cut an angle. The plastic frame on mine has broken at the angle adjust stops. Anymore, I just use it for rough cutting sheetgoods. Festool has absolutely nothing to worry about. They still have a better tool.
Thank you for responding to my most. Clickbaity title ever! I agree, of course not.
Annoys me that, except for the Kreg, every track saw seems designed for left handed use.
I know! What’s up with that?
@@MyGrowthRings I assume the Bauer batteries don't work in it?
Is it a metal base plate....?
It might be, but I’m not certain. It feels to me like it might be aluminum or zinc, but then again, it could be some form of plastic. It looks feels in sounds just like the Festool.
Yes its metal. This saw is way better than the corded version. Everything is metal except the handle and adjustment knobs. This one does not wobble like crazy on a bevel cut like the corded does. Very solid saw i'm pleased with it
On the Wen website it clearly states that it’s a 40 volt motor 🤷🏻♂️
That may be the case now.
On Amazon Australia its like $800 😂 certainly not cheap here. Could buy a makita one for basically the same price
That’s crazy!
Interesting that it takes 2 batteries but you can only charge one at a time.
For sure.
Nice review; I realize that part of your "job" is to review tools ?including non-Shopsmith items, BUT..I hate to add a cheap shot.... If the Makita is the circular saw of your dreams, but is too expensive for you, then are you still "ahead" with the less expensive models? You now have 3 Wens! I try to abide by the recommendation to buy the "best" tool that your budget allows. Sorry about the cheap shot. Personally, I would like to see more of your Shopsmith reviews and hints. jim
I accept that cheap shot and actually I share that opinion to some extent. If you were to go back and review my first track saw video I talked about how I never saw the need for it, but as they gained popularity I became more and more convinced of their utility, but most of my woodworking is with real wood, so I just couldn’t justify spending $500+ on a tool I would only occasionally need. The WEN appealed to me and I only purchased the 7 1/4” version out of curiosity, and I knew that either my son, or my son-in-law would be interested in it someday. The cordless saw was purchased on a lark, and mostly because the other tracks all videos have performed quite well here on CZcams, and I figured, why not?
@@MyGrowthRings I agree some type of track is an extremely useful addition to our shop, especially since most of them adapt to a variety of circular saws which most of us already have. An additional crucial "upgrade" to any saw isa high quality circular saw blade. A shop made guide is also an alternative to the $$$ tracks....jim
Since posting this Matt, over at @731Woodworks has done an excellent, yet “Ruthless” review of this saw. I encourage you to check it out: czcams.com/video/9kIaqxi1xqo/video.htmlsi=noyY3H71a6tCehbL
what 3D printer would you suggest for a beginner?
My son and I each own an Ender 3 and are pleased with it. He has owned two other similar printers, including an earlier model of the Ender and believes that the Ender 3 is the clear winner. Scott
@@MyGrowthRings how big of a item can you print with it?
@@seymourwrasse3321 I’m not sure. The stats should be here: store.creality.com/collections/ender-series-3d-printer?gclid=Cj0KCQjwn9CgBhDjARIsAD15h0AoUYlEG476fvHNKnLBme3u5HL_ppnTn3zwO7pBua72DWujdZBxG8kaAlUFEALw_wcB The version I own is the $160 version. Just this week I saw a guy who was printing the skull of an elk with it, but he was printing it in several segments. Still, it was impressive.
@@MyGrowthRings thanks, it sound like what I'm looking for, thanks for the info
@@seymourwrasse3321 You are welcome.