I Tested CHEAP vs EXPENSIVE Tracks Saws (Only 1 Winner)
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- čas přidán 7. 07. 2024
- I wanted to find the best track saw for woodworking (for most people). So I put 10 of the most popular track saws to the test to find out who wins!
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Milwaukee Track Saw Review - • Milwaukee Track Saw - ...
Makita Track Saw Review - • The Makita Conspiracy ...
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Tools in this Video:
Grizzly Track Saw- go.magik.ly/ml/2387p/
Ryobi Track Saw - go.magik.ly/ml/2387i/
WEN Track Saw - amzn.to/3KRr7dy
Triton Track Saw - amzn.to/3XpgTIS
Kreg Track Saw - amzn.to/4c7u59A
Kreg Adaptive Cutting System - amzn.to/4b9FhRY
RIDGID Track Saw - go.magik.ly/ml/2387l/
DeWALT Track Saw - amzn.to/3RxvZYQ
Milwaukee Track Saw - thetoolnut.sjv.io/x9eDyy
Festool Track Saw - amzn.to/3xd1XTC
Makita Track Saw - amzn.to/3z8I3K5
Festool Dust Extractor - amzn.to/3KWT7w9
Festool MFT Table - thetoolnut.sjv.io/da60j2
Track Saw Arbor Port Covers - wittworks.shop/search?q=track...
BEST Track Saw Accessoires (guide rails squares and more) - tsoproducts.com/?ref=731WOODW...
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0:00 Best Track Saw for Woodworking
0:48 Grizzly Track Saw
3:54 Ryobi Track Saw
6:48 WEN Track Saw
10:25 Triton Track Saw
13:15 Kreg Track Saw
15:37 RIDGID Track Saw
18:45 DeWALT Track Saw
22:55 Best Budget Track Saw
25:11 Top 3 Track Saws
25:48 Makita vs Festool Track Saw
27:05 Best Features on Track Saws
28:15 What Seperates The Best of the Best
29:45 Ranking the Top 3 Track Saws
31:45 Tie Breaker for Best Track Saw
32:42 Best Track Saw for Most People - Jak na to + styl
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Watch Next: Makita Track Saw Review - czcams.com/video/tVSdxA263QY/video.htmlsi=YpFhH47tJxc98Rvs
Tools in this video:
Grizzly Track Saw- go.magik.ly/ml/2387p/
Ryobi Track Saw - go.magik.ly/ml/2387i/
WEN Track Saw - amzn.to/3KRr7dy
Triton Track Saw - amzn.to/3XpgTIS
Kreg Track Saw - amzn.to/4c7u59A
Kreg Adaptive Cutting System - amzn.to/4b9FhRY
RIDGID Track Saw - go.magik.ly/ml/2387l/
DeWALT Track Saw - amzn.to/3RxvZYQ
Milwaukee Track Saw - thetoolnut.sjv.io/x9eDyy
Festool Track Saw - amzn.to/3xd1XTC
Makita Track Saw - amzn.to/3z8I3K5
Festool Dust Extractor - amzn.to/3KWT7w9
Festool MFT Table - thetoolnut.sjv.io/da60j2
Track Saw Arbor Port Covers - wittworks.shop/search?q=track+saw&options%5Bprefix%5D=last
BEST Track Saw Accessoires (guide rails squares and more) - tsoproducts.com/?ref=731WOODWORKS
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thanks you for sharing
I decided to go ahead and purchase a track saw. Was tired of fighting a straight edge clamp that would shift when I clamped it. I was on the M18 battery platform, and the was a sale for the M18 track saw, included a 55” track and track clamps. Got it in, and I am very happy with the purchase, Adjustments, riving knife, etc.
There isn't a doubt that if I replaced my track saw, that it would be with another Festool but it would not be a cordless. I don't understand the fascination with cordless, then turning around and connecting it to a dust extractor. For one thing, you'd need something like Festool's Bluetooth batteries to turn on the extractor. Do the others have remote control of the dust extractor?
As long as you're dragging a dust extractor hose around, what's the big deal with a power cord? Plug the power cord into the extractor and everything works together. Add some clips around the hose to hold the power cable and you won't even notice the power cord.
The Makita (same looking but different model number) has Bluetooth built in the tool not batteries and works with Makita dust extractors. And Makita has a cordless dust extractor so can be completely disconnected on jobsite.
As a cabinet guy that is handy in houses that have power hundreds of feet away
@@MP99. Festool has the same. I guess the battery/tool Bluetooth connection doesn't matter so much. The Bluetooth battery allows all cordless tools to work. Bluetooth in the tool makes it battery independent. My Festool batteries are old enough that they don't have Bluetooth. I don't really care because I don't see a reason to use dust extraction with them.
These are special cases (that I hadn't considered). The demos never show this aspect, just the fact that the little tail isn't needed, ignoring the elephant in the room.
@@kwilliams2239 Does festool have a cordless extractor? Very helpful on a jobsite in large homes where power is not closeby or on sites with no power at all. Bring a generator with you type of jobs
@@MP99. Yes, they have two. One is a systainer, so can be stacked with the tools/supplies. The other is a midi format extractor.
I've had a Wen 7&1/4" corded saw for a few years. At the time it was the cheapest track saw around. Thought I wouldn't use it too much, but I've ended up using it A LOT. Built two kitchens with it. Running it on Powertec tracks it works fine for breaking down sheet goods. I'm perfectly happy with it.
I just purchased the 7 1/4 " Wen track saw. IMHO it can't be beat for it's value. I just can't justify the money for those top 3 choices. By the way, want to save money on track? Buy WEN, their track works with all 3 of your top choices.
I second the Wen. Been working great for me.
I picked up the Milwaukee about 6 months ago and it quickly became one of my favorite tools to use. Glad to see it’s getting some love.
I have the corded Festool. Since I'm only using it in my shop and I'm always going to have the dust hose attached anyway I don't see any benefit to cordless.
Another FANTASTIC review video! One of the best reviewers on CZcams now! Keep going!!
While I'm not needing a tracksaw, had to mention this was a very well-done and thorough review; Bravo!
Thank you for the reviews, Matt! It's always a pleasure hearing what you have to say. 🙂🙂❤❤
I'm a DIYer and really liked your review. I live in Australia so power tools are much more expensive. The lowest priced locally available track saw is AU $229. But it looks inferior to the Grizzly, Our Ryobi system is $499 for the basic with 1400mm track. The Makita 18v x2 (skin only) is AU$845. I have made my own track system using the cheapest Makita cordless saw and plywood tracks. They have served me well.
This is a fantastic review and I think you really got it completely right. The big 3 are at the top for a reason. I have an erbauer which is almost a carbon copy of the triton ( just a different colour) and I get some fantastic cuts from it. No issues and I find it very accurate , but it could b better. If I could justify the price I would buy Milwaukee. At work we use various Milwaukee tools ( grinders, nut guns, drills , impact drivers, saw-saws , battery grease guns and impact ratchets ) for the past few years now and they have proven to be bullet proof. They have been dropped , partially driven over , submerged in water and been left outside in all types of weather conditions....but they never break or fail. I'm looking to buy the Makita soon , as I think that when price is considered it is without doubt the best bang for your buck on the plunge saw market. And the reliability is very close to Milwaukee. A lot of tradesmen that I know are now turning hair back on Dewalt. Their reliability and usability issues are becoming a bad reputation for the company. A major fall from grace in the recent years.
I run that Makita and love it. This is a fair review (finally!). The Milwaukee did not exist when I bought mine. If I were starting from scratch, I think Team Red would just barely scrape out ahead of the competition. Go with whatever battery platform you'd rather be on. If you have both, go with whichever is on sale. The Makita goes on sale about every 18-ish months at Home Depot. I suspect the same will happen with the Milwaukee.
Same boat as me - if the Milwaukee had existed when I bought my Makita, I would have gone team red. Such is the world of tool buying.
Milwaukee makes good tools(unless you get one of the couple models of impacts that kill themselves right out of the box) but their batteries don't last. My OG Makita LXT 18v drill and impact driver are over 10 years old and still using the original batteries from over 10 years ago, and they still outperform the Milwaukee batteries. All the other guys at work are team red and they go through batteries like crazy and I've never had a Makita battery go bad, and I've got about $8k worth of makita tools and batteries.
For me Makita would still edge out, the red tools are not as common here where I live and the repairability and reliability of Makita edge out over the red tools which is important in my book, which isn't covered in the review for obvious reasons.
One big difference (for me) between the Makita and the Milwaukee is that the Milwaukee uses only one battery - So all things being equal, I don't need to bring a double charger (although I do have a Milwaukee double charger, came with my mower) or two more batteries if I'm doing a simple remodel. I can bring one battery in the saw and one in my bag, if I really need it I could toss in the single port 18v charger. So that's quite a 'bulk' savings, imo.
You didn't say much (anything) about the tracks of the 'big three'. I bought a 55" Milwaukee from a local big box, got another free when I bought the saw (with the free clamps). I bought the connectors and one track was thicker or wider than the other. So even before the tracks were joined, the saw slid well on one track but would not move on the other. I don't know how common that is but it eliminates the ability to use the two tracks together. Long and short, I called Milwaukee and they sent me a 106" - So now I have two 55's and the 106! I considered buying the Makita track, but in the end I lucked out and I gained the anti-tip which would be lost with the Makita track, but I lost the transportability of using the two 55's for longer cuts.
The Milwaukee is priced lower (349.00?) than even a corded Makita, if you have the batteries and use Makita track you have a pretty well priced kit.
I completely agree, I have the Ridgid and Milwaukee track saw. I love both of them, I really think they are very comparable, especially running the Ridgid 12 AH and the Milwaukee Forge. Good job !!
I got the Milwaukee M18 since I was already on their battery system... For my projects a track saw is a game changer for my home DIY. It's fun to watch a video about the best, but for me the best one is the one that works for me in my shop... So far, loving it as it speeds me along my project and I can break the sheet goods down quickly. I tried the circular saw and the table saw can't make the cuts safely if I'm by myself... Fantastic saw and I'm using it almost all the time now.
As usual, honest and independent testing.... Milwaukee always comes out at or very near the top. Just honestly wish I had Milwaukee money to buy their tools.
Agree that they have great tools. I went with Ryobi. No regrets at all. They do everything that I need to do as a DIYer, I've never had one of their tools fail, and a reasonable pricing allows me to get a lot of specialty tools that I could never afford with a contractor brand like Milwaukee or DeWalt.
@@sociopathmercenary
I standardized on Ryobi as well, and wish I felt the same way. The more I learn, the more it seems that Milwaukee doesn't make Contractor-grade tools. They just make quality tools. The type of tools grand-pa could easily afford when he was a younger man; for maintaining his home. The type of tools that were the standard for DIYers back then. Nowadays, if you want affordable tools around the house, you have to get lesser quality ones.
@@NGMonocrom I can afford Milwaukee but just don't see the point. It's like buying a Corvette to commute to work.
@@sociopathmercenary
True, but why not? 😂
@@NGMonocrom If it gives you joy, go for it! I budget myself wherever I can so I can splurge a little when I want.
I work from home so I have a 15-year-old car that I keep maintained but only gets a thousand miles a year on it. Hard to justify spending more and it let's me get my wife something nicer with no complaints about the handful of motorcycles in the garage.
I budget myself on tools but probably have 50 firearms and a pallet of ammo.
We can take vacations whenever we feel like it.
I got laid off a few months ago and I just shrugged and have been enjoying the time off. Money doesn't make you happy but it gives you options. However, probably about time to start looking for a job again. LOL
For years I saved and saved thinking of buying the Festool track saw. Then... Milwaukee has a track saw.... and everyone has a "decent" track saw offering. I went with Milwaukee since I already have Packout and M18 batteries. Then again, I also have Systainer as I do have a Festool sander and a Festool dust extractor. Ah well, I love the Milwaukee track saw. It adjusts accurately, it cuts precisely and it has decent storage and works with accessories. Thanks for doing all this work, Matt. Your videos are great at explaining the details that are so important in these tool purchase decisions.
Decent reviews there ⬆️ 👏🏼 I’m usually a DeWalt user… However I went for a Festool track saw as I needed precision and preferred the plunge action. Kit here comes with batteries so not an issue.
Too bad you didn't include Bosch. Their track Saw has been amazing for me. Never had one complaint. Great video, thank you!
Strongly agree. I also have the Bosch and it is a beast. Powerful, accurate, and great dust collection. The guide rails are also excellent and they have the best track connector of any system. In his defence, the Bosch TS doesn't get a lot of love in the US and Canada because Bosch does a terrible job of marketing it here. Bosch/Mafell is very popular in Europe because they actively market and support the product over there. It's also much harder to buy aftermarket accessories compared to Festool, Makita etc. because companies like TSO completely ignore Bosch. Fortunately European companies like Benchdogs make great accessories for it such as rail squares, rail hinges and parallel guides. I've never understood why Bosch doesn't market their track saw system better because they push all of their other power tools quite aggressively in North America. Any Bosch reps out there listening?
bosh usually more expensive in the usa
@@JohnJohn-nh2rl They're in the middle from what I can see. Slightly more expensive than the other top saws from Makita and Milwaukee. But much cheaper than Festool.
@@ogwoodworks on the other side, Default and Milfookee cost about 2x more in Europe, and there is a limited selection. Still better than like 10yrs ago when they weren't available in EU at all.
And, to add salt to the wound, the dark grey Flex lineup is completely non-existent in Europe. All I can do is watch the reviews of them and envy. I'd build up my collection from them for sure.
The Bosch GKT55 is basically a Mafell. Don't know if there's any relation between their battery powered options, but yeah, Bosch is strong with these.
I agreed with every placement except for one. I'd put the Ridgid #4. Plenty of power for 99% of work. I don't see the downside on compatibility because the tracks are reasonable priced anyhow. Power doesn't outway the lack of anti-tip, cumbersome blade change, cumbersome track adjustment, and most importantly, the Jabba/Ursula indicator...For the $ I just don't see a lot of negatives? IMHO of course🤜🤜🤜🤜
Thanks for the vid!
I got very confused when I came to "outway". I read fast so that was mostly my bad as I had to try to understand what was being said. (Literacy is very overrated)
Lol "outweigh". My bad! Nice 'ketche'😉
I looked at all these saws and some others. I have quite a few Rigid and a couple Milwaukee tools. Just picked up the Rigid, with the 8 Ah battery and tracks. Didn't feel the need to spend more on the others as I will be using mine on the occasional home project and felt this would be a good fit. Also hard to beat the warranty as long as you register your tool.
I've had the cordless Festool for about four years now, and it is a great tool, but if I was buying now, I'd go for the Milwaukee. For one thing, I prefer a riving knife over Festool's new kickback protection mechanism. Paradoxically, I suspect you're going to get more kickbacks from which you need protection with the kickback protection system. You can't really go wrong with any of your top 3 saws, though. They're all much better than what you could get when I started out.
I have used my Ridgid track saw on several occasions (just a DIYer). The track saw is a solid middle of the road tool-no complaints.
You should really try the 40v Makita track saw. It has a kickback function and has replaced the 18v version imo. One battery, one charger, less weight, more power than dewalt, longer battery life, better design, and the 40v Makita platform is starting to expand, making it worth the investment.
Agreed, I don't care if he calls me a makita fanboy!
Makita is definitely a win. Even the 36v is better than most if not all other saws.
Yep almost Festool precision/capability at better price with >Dewalt power
I'll be buying the 40v Makita at some point this summer. Already invested in the Makita 40v battery system.
Great review, thank you for putting in this work
I'm proud of you for bringing in Makita to the mix of your tool reviews. I've been using them for 20+ years and have never looked back. Thanks for sharing your opinions and for explaining all the features.
Their batteries have no rivals, or even peers. They just outlast everyone else ha ds down.
Awesome video! May never purchase a track saw, but I appreciate the insights. Had an opportunity to purchase the Makita but did not have the funds available at the time.
Great video. I think you absolutely nailed it with your rankings.
Great work as always. Thank you for your reviews.
Thank you for this review, very helpfull. I am going for the thewalt for jobsite straight cutting, and the festool for fine woodworking. The possibillity to adjust the rating based on things I find iportant, makes an good review in my opnion.
I think the Milwaukee is the nicest one, but I'm on the DeWalt platform, and already had a couple of 60 volt batteries so I choose that one. I do have the Milwaukee Packout storage system.
Nice video, as always. I appreciate your real world experience in evaluating these saws, especially since I’m looking at buying one soon.
One plus to your review vs Project farm is it doesn't sound like it's in 3x speed lol. It's nice to be able to see reviews like this 👍
I got the Ryobi track saw for $130 from Direct Tools. I’m pretty happy with it. I just use it from breaking down plywood and making angle rips. With a 6ah HP battery, it does well. I cut two 3/4 inch pieces of plywood on top of each other yesterday 🤷♂️
I'm waiting for that DTO sale again...or for Ryobi to come out with a new version that fixes some of the shortfalls
Matt, good stuff as always man... I appreciate your approach and dive on this topic. Thanks man!!
Amazing review ❤.
Can't wait for similar ones for all of the woodshop tools
I agree Milwaukee based on price and battery system, last time the Milwaukee won with you on battery options. Great review should of had prices on all models.
Great reviews, Matt. Thank you. Makes me feel better about eventually buying the Dewalt tool, as I've been in that battery system for a while now. God bless, brother!
Fantastic and very helpful for review! I do suggest you make the thumb icons on your ratings a different color because on the phone we can't tell the difference with the bold
Great video as always Matt I bought the Ridgid track saw after watching your review when it came out and then you had it on your tool deal and being on a budget I took advantage of the deal and it a great track saw for me. Thanks for sharing Matt .
Nice, objective analysis. Good video for those looking at track saws. Personally using the corded Makita track saw and it's been a wonderful tool.
I’d like to see a battery/longevity shootout between the Makita and Milwaukee. How much cutting can you do before having to recharge?
I truly enjoy my corded Makita! Never looked back on the purchase thinking I could do better. Accuracy has exceeded my expectations.
Great overall review!! I’m probably going to go for a track for my corded circular saw.
(FYI- the boxes to watch the Milwaukee and Makita reviews didn’t pop up.)
REALLY GOOD Evaluation !!
i picked up the corded Wen with 2 55" tracks for $160 all in. i only got it to break down plywood. put some epoxy putty in the bevel adjustment once i had it dead set at 90° so there is no movement or flex. works great for the one purpose i got it for. the depth adjustment has slipped on me a couple times so i removed it and 3d printed some clip in stops for specific depths. for the money, i'm happy with it, but i wouldn't recommend it to most people.
This review was excellent. Thanks for doing this video. They don't make them much better than this.
Great review. We're all fan boys of some tool line & it's really hard to turn it off to be objective. My kudos to you as you were able to do what most of us couldn't!
Thanks 👍
I use a corded Dewalt saw. Works great. No batteries to charge. I was on Festool platform years ago. Convenient yes especially if you are outside a shop. I sold all my Festool products overnight. They do hold their value but I knew the continuing cost of the batteries was not worth it to me. Obviously I’m a hobbyist so my needs are different from a production guy.
First of all great comprehensive view of track saws. I have two track saws and I am interested in the Kreg saw because it cuts in the opposite direction (for cutting stair skirting to risers - probably the only time I will use this feature) plus the corded Kreg is easily adapted to the CT dust extractors. As far as dust extractors go, I will always recommend the Festool CT MIDI I, easy to transport, already has BT and easy to install the $50.00 BT switch.
The Milwaukee would take an edge over Makita for their storage (Makita boxes are garbage) BUT one thing to consider is that Makita caters more to carpenters, whereas Milwaukee caters to electricians and plumbers. The only exception I can see is the Milwaukee nailers are top tier. Makita has really shit the bed when it comes to their nailers which is why I decided to add another battery pack to my 18/40v Makita lineup. Got tired of waiting and am very pleased with their trim/framing nailers. They’re amazing. In conclusion, turquoise for carpenters (mostly), and Milwaukee if you’re a sparky that likes to cut plywood real nice….?
FYI I have the 6.5” and 9.25” Makita track saws. They’re amazing but wish I would’ve waited for the 40v to come out because the 40v is the next level. Every 40/80v tool of theirs I have is insane. Far superior to anything out there.
The Japanese just build everything superior.
Matt, you continue to impress with your balanced reviews, great advice, and your focus on the common person and their wallet. Thank you!
I appreciate that!
Would you ever compare all the corded track saws? I always prefer a cord over a battery.
Yeah corded for a trackball seems the way to go in a shop
The tools are very much starting to exceed corded tool performance in many instances 36v 40v and even some 60v performance compared to corded is very much surpassed whats available in plug in offerings. I never thought such a day would come but it very much has. Heck high torque impact greatly surpass their phnematic counter parts . I would have not believed it if someone had said that a makita 18v would out perform in every way my trusty old saved many a day Mac ugga dugga!
@@williambrodmanvi5944 yeah at this point just making cordless versions and offering a plug in adapter makes a lot of sense.
I'm leaning towards a corded one, probably Kreg or maybe the plug in Wen. My brother just got the corded Wen and has been pretty happy with it, and it's a lot cheaper than the Kreg. I have Ryobi tools and have been pretty happy with them. I'm a little disappointed in the reviews of their track saw though. I'm also hesitant to get a tool in a different battery platform, so I'm thinking a cord won't be that big of a deal and I should just do that.
The best part about a corded track saw IMHO is the ability to plug it into a dust collector and have it come on automatically when you start the saw.
You are spot on for the Ryobi. I only use mine to break down plywood. Works well for that, certainly much better than the circular saw and a straight edge. But I have a table saw for final cuts in plywood and everything else. If I didn’t have the table saw, I would invest in something better, like the Milwaukee or Makita.
Really nice overview of all the saws
As always an awesome video. I am in the market for a track saw and I’m in all the TTI battery platforms. I was surprised to see the Dewalt ranked above the Ridgid as aside from the power it sure seems the Dewalt leaves much to be desired. What I’m curious about is if you could get either the Milwaukee or Ridgid and money was/is a thing to be concerned about, which would you pick? Bare in mind I’m just a home gamer just getting started in woodworking.
I think you should do a comparison on corded track saws. Cordless tools are great for a lot of reasons, but I still have heavy-duty corded tools. If you have a vacuum hose on it, a cord is not really any more inconvenient, and lighter. More power. No dead batteries.
Agree....
If you work only in a shop environment, then Makita or Festool systainers are superb. If you need more rugged storage, then the Milwaukee is a no-brainer and the best option. Of course, if you are already on a battery platform, that is the foremost choice, unless you are looking to “step up” from Ryobi as I did (went Milwaukee).
It's interesting that the Makita uses the two-generation old Festool systainer. I've had my Festool (corded, obviously) track saw for almost 15 years. At the time the only two were Festool and Makita. They were essentially the same price, so I went with the Festool.
What's the deal with Milwaukee's Pack Outs? I was looking at them at the BORG a few days ago. When I opened one it smelled like something died in it. It really was that putrid. I had a Ridgid case do that too. It was a couple of years before could even use it. I haven't because it sat so long, unusable, that I wend another way.
Pretty decent review, timely too. I've been considering one for a while and you get an extra tick as my platform is mostly Makita. Thanks for the vid, interesting and informative.
Based on your's and other woodtubers recommendations I have been absolutly impressed with how clean the Milwaukee is/has been. One specific note to mention, there are a number of people who complain about it's "non-standard" arbor size (20mm). They litterally use this complaint to drive the saw down because they can't run cheaper/alternative blade options on it. Which fair enough, the problem is I believe this was a very specific and calculated engineering FEATURE to prevent injury. The 20 mm will make you less likely to use blades whose kerf is less wide than the riving knife which could create a dangerous situation and almost garantee kickback. Futhermore, I am of the opinion the kerf is so wide because it give the riving blade more ridgitity. It would be nice to know what the caliper readout is on each with a riving knife to confirm this small detail.
I’ve got the 40v xgt makita track saw Great saw haven’t had a problem with it.
The Dewalt does have another small feature that some might find useful. It is fitted with square to the blade runners on the blade guard side. If you are happy with the clearance, this can make it possible to trim off the bottom of a door parallel to the floor without taking it off the hinges.
Great comparison as always! I’m glad you mentioned the case differences between the Milwaukee & Makita. I’m surprised Makita still hasn’t changed that bottom tray out with a piece of molded foam or something else.
Yeah, it's a bit lacking!
Thanks for sharing
I greatly appreciate your effort and investment in all those tools to give us a fair comparison. I will remain a Milwaukee guy and I'm not sorry for that. I already have the platform and the Packout and I'm more than happy to see it performs amazingly. I know, the price is not so friendly, but you get what you paid for.
Many blessings!
Great review, I’ve been struggling with all three of these and trying to select one. Festool first no.. accessories too expensive and limited battery tool options. Milwaukee is a close 2nd only because I don’t have a bunch of their battery operated tools.. Makita, I’m buying primarily because I have a ton of Makita battery tools and chargers. Thank you! ❤❤
Great review. I have the Makita, and it works brilliantly. Depth of cut might be a criteria to consider in track saws, especially at 45 degrees. Since I always use a dust extractor, I really could go with a corded if I bought again. Then considering the Festool TS60 which is corded solves the battery platform issue. As an option then use Makita tracks and save. The TS60 also has a greater depth of cut. I did not realize how important that could be on some projects. My conclusion, to do again it would be either a corded Makita or corded Festool, track saws are so important to me now, I would prioritize a track saw budget over table saw or even miter saw budgets.
First I bought was the Grizzly and I did not like it at all. I replaced it with a cordless Makita. I agree with a lot of what you said about the Grizzly one.
Really appreciate you making this video and doing such a deep dive. Too bad the festool doesn't have anti-tilt, that's surprising. I bought the red one, even if it didn't end up on top I'd still have purchased as I'm so deep into the m18 platform I really don't want to deal with other batteries and chargers at this point. Thanks for going into such detail sir
I have a Triton and a Kreg Adaptive Cutting saw. I've had the Triton for my "Traveling" track saw and of course, the Kreg for shop use. The Kreg has burned out already. I did like the saw but for what I paid and how little I used it..... It should have lasted much longer. I will stick with my Triton but wish I could find a hinge system to replace the Kreg system on my adaptive table. Loved the review...My next will be a Milwaukee for sure.
Great review! Very helpful. Here’s my question for you.
I’m using the old plywood board with straight edge homemade “track saw” that we all use at the beginning. I want you upgrade to a track saw. I see myself eventually getting the Makita because im already in that battery platform.
My question is …. Are the the cheap options worthwhile? How much better are they than the diy board with a straight edge?
I got Milwaukee m18 stuff already so easy to go that direction.
I just picked up the Kreg. Can't wait to use it
I have it, and I think you'll love it. I got the full ACS system, and it's been perfect for my needs. Everything in this video is on point, though. I actually prefer the direction it goes compared to the other brands, but I also always used to buy left-handed saws, so I'm sure I'm in the minority on that.
I got a Makita track saw recently, based in part on your reviews. I have a lot of Makita tools, and I really like them, even if they aren't the most powerful. But I also have some m18 and m12 stuff, and I really like my packout boxes - I almost got the Milwaukee just for the box, but in the end I decided to get another teal tool. (I have SO MANY of those batteries.)
Fair review! I have kicked about going with either the Makita or Milwaukee. I have a ton of Milwaukee batteries, but Im not opposed to buying into a saw that comes with enough batteries like the Makita. I may end up buying the corded Makita simply because its less pricey, but time will tell.
You'll be more than happy with the Makita; and you'll be blown away by the Makita batteries in comparison to the others(batteries are an expensive part of cordless tools and the Makitas last FOREVER. I've got two 3aH batteries that are going on 11 years old and they still work like new, charge quickly, hold a charge properly, operate as expected, gets hard use everyday in a shop environment, and have outlasted every other cordless tool batteries I've ever tried(including all the guys at work).
@@smnkm4ehfer I've been watching for the corded version of the Makita to go on a decent sale. I run dust collection already so what is the difference if I pull a cord and a hose, or just the hose? Almost nothing in the grand scheme.
I have not used Makita enough to give a fair assessment of the battery platform, but I do like Makita corded tools. My choice many years was to go to the M18 platform, and I haven't looked back. For what I use my cordless tools for, it was the best route at the time and I haven't regretted it
Good raking that I can support!
Solid review, that's for sure.
I recently purchased a makita track saw kit. Its a nice machine, cuts are very smooth. I was slightly disappointed with max depth of cut. Also, you have to be very careful when running your first cut on the track guide. The rubber edge on the track gets trimmed on the first cut so you need to ensure that saw runs straight and true along the whole length of the track. Measurements for cutting are made between the rubber edge of the track and the edge or line established on the material that you are cutting. Having to use the rubber edge of the track is disappointing. I purchased a couple of accessories for the saw. 1. an offset indicator to attach to the depth guide to account for the depth/thickness of the saw faceplate. 2. some 2.2mm measuring guides to account for the thickness of the blade for performing certain measurements associated with certain types of cuts. Accessories purchased on ebay.
i picked up a makita corded saw at a amazon auction for only 130$ about a year and a half ago love it!! but need to pick up the track to go with it just using a cheap hf trac it works But! good review have fun
Nicely done.
I'd recommend to any non-professionals to just get a decent corded saw. It'll outlast any battery system in terms of power and also 'future proofs' it against battery/tech changes. It's no difference if you're using a vaccum hose anyway.
Got a second hand Makita and it's razor clean on all materials including laminates. The anti tip feature is a must so avoid the Festool even if you can afford it.
I went with makita corded, i will always use a vacuum so cord can be attached. As well no battery. If i need to breakdown ply at hd i will get them to do it or use my cordless circ saw
I got the Triton, it was between the Kreg and the Triton and the track compatibility was the difference. Also, I would have definitively purchased the Ridgid if it was corded.
I have only one track saw, festool corded. The blue track saw reminds me of old people colors, good thing I guess is they didn't use the Pepto Bismol color. The Grizzly color is a close second for old people color too, some of their tool are okay, I have their cabinet saw with a 5 HP motor.
I think the Festool is superior for dedicated cabinet makers and custom flooring installers due to all of their other tools focused on the finish work industry, for everyone else just get yellow, blue, or red depending on the battery system you are on.
One word, in-depth
You should do a video on blades for track saws. I have the makita even tho I’m a dewalt fanboy and I love it.
Thanks a lot. Very helpful. I think makita makes the most clean, smooth and neat cut
Love to see the kreg adapter track compared to dedicated track saws
thanks for information
Right now Home Depot has the Milwaukee track saw with 55” track and clamps no battery for $399.99. If you are in the Milwaukee platform all ready.
I am a contractor and I’m a bit unusual. I absolutely hate all the batteries. Other than drills, I avoid cordless like the plague.
Try Makita 40/80 volt systems someday and you’ll be eating your own words. I promise you. 😂
thanks brother!
I bought the grizzly track saw but I didn't think it gave me enough fasteners to hook them together how many were supposed to be per track
I love my dewalt I won last quarter and has definitely been used a lot. I have to agree for someone buying with no budget in mind that makita or Milwaukee takes the cake. That being said I still love festool green🤣
Bought a new track saw this week . had an old Festool from the 80s. have used friends ts55 saws . and they all lack a bit of power. and when i went to my shop asked for a new one he was like you should have the TS60... and im like but i would be fine with a TS55.. but i got a awesome price and walked away with a TS60 and damn . Daaaaaaayumn . it do not even notice when i saw thru 15mm plywood . its like butter.
Got my Ryobi track saw for $200 on sale, bargain with a 4Ah HP battery. For that money, it was a no brainer since I am invested in the platform, and yes, agree proprietary track and adjustments are the biggest complaints. But great fit for me since I only use it for breaking down sheet goods, the wonky riving knife and finicky depth adjustment are no problem. Would not have paid retail on it.
Started in the 70s and finished in the 2000s . Milwaukee has never failed me as a carpenter. Used a lot of makitas and Dewalts also. Never even touched a festooned. Milwaukee was always a bit higher in the price. But if I had the money, it was my choice . Thanks
I'm curious if you've used a Forge platform battery on the Milwaukee track saw and if you noticed any difference in power if so.
Does the Default run on a 20v 8ah? Or just the flexvolt?
Makita without a doubt…very happy with my purchase!