81 – DeWalt Tracksaw Review
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Here is my review of the DeWalt Tracksaw, FINALLY! As much as I tried to focus solely on the Tracksaw, its nearly impossible not to draw comparisons to the Festool TS line of plunge saws. Let me sum it all up by saying you need to be really picky to find distinctions that will make a real difference to the average woodworker. If you are trying to make a decision between these two saws, you will probably need to look at bigger picture things like price, system approach, warranty, and interoperability with other tools. But if you are looking for a saw that makes extremely safe and clean cuts with good dust collection, either saw will fit the bill.
Here are a few other reviews and comparisons that you might want to check out:
Mike Heidrick’s Comparison on Sawmill Creek
Tom Hintz’s Review at New Woodworker
Professional Power Tool Guide Review
Festool’s Tracksaw Site
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Hi Marc,
Well done on the review, i usually spend a lot of time reading reviews and lurking in forums before i go out and buy something, having said that, video reviews of tools? i think i could watch them all day :), and have you seen or heard anything about the Makita clone? SP6000K?
Not yet. I’ll let you know if I do.
hi Marc,
i have the makita version of the plunge saw with two track’s the 1.4 m & 3 m, this was bought together with the plunge saw for i think around £450, this is the only reason why i chose the makita over the festool a saving of around £125 for exactly the same saw package, because makita has blatantly copied the festool like for like.
i know this because one of the blades that i have bought for the makita is a festool blade also i bought the festool quick action clamps that slide into the underside of the track.
When you were comparing the tear out from the cut on both saws across the grain on the birch plywood, were the two blades on the saws identical? and was your feed rate consistent on both cuts?, because as you are aware this can dramatically alter the end result’s, on the makita saw there is a button that you depress that stops the saw at a 3mm cut, this is referred to as a scoring cut, if you make a pass over the cut line with this feature engaged first then a second pass at full depth the end result is outstanding.
i’ve been a carpenter for 23 years and it takes a lot to impress me or tear me away from my favorite tool manufacturer dewalt of which i have many, however the makita is truly fantastic, the only advantage i can see with the dewalt version is the ability to use both sides of the track, with the festool and makita version’s you have to turn the track end for end to cut on the other side of the cut line on the waste piece of material then you have to allow for the blade thickness when you measure out your workpiece, i hop this helps kind regards, lee
i forgot to mention i use my makita track saw to hang doors if there is a lot of material to remove to fit a door to a very bad lining (not one that i have fitted) sod planing the door, use the track saw to remove the bulk of the material, then a light pass with a hand plane to sweeten the edge of the door, removing the saw marks, well time is money, kind regards, lee
Ummm .. wrong link for the High Res video ?
By the way, my girlfriend just give me this for my birthday:
http://www.virutex.com.es/pdf/sri174t_sp.pdf
:D
Another good one, Marc.
I’m glad you did it the way you did. With Festool being very established in this area, I think it’s important to compare the 2 directly. Especially given the price they’re asking for that Dewalt.
Marc,
Hey just a few things that might be worth mentioning. DeWALT does offer a cordless option that festool does not. Also they do have a universal router base that doesn’t require you to be one branded. Also it’s pretty new to the market so chances are good that new accessories will become available in the future. All things said though nice review-as usual.
Thanks for being honest about being biased. That’s rare in this day and age. Both look like great tools. Would you recommend getting one of these tools in place of a contractor grade table saw?
Really depends on the type of work you do. If you process a lot of sheetgoods, you could very well do without the tablesaw. But I tend to do a large variety of things with my tablesaw, including numerous joinery operations, and I wouldn’t be comfortable trying to pull that off with a tracksaw system.
Hi Marc :
thanks for the informative video.
Your view on having to look at the big picture is right on. It is obvious that what Festool brings to the table is a well-thought-out system of tools and accessories that work together in a seamless manner. This is something that its competitors have yet to demonstrate in the marketplace.
However, given the impact that Festool has made thus far, I’m sure that they are fervently working on that as we speak.
Till then, Festool will continue to increase customer awareness in the marketplace, and their presence can only get more pervasive anyway.
Of course, there will eventually come a time when the competition comes up with a similar system / tool interoperability offering. However, I think that unless that offering is lower in cost and perhaps superior in performance, users (new and current) will be reluctant to switch platforms.
As an owner of a TS75 today, I’ll just continue along my merry path of building up my Festool portfolio (if and when I have the cash to do so! :-))
Lastly, I just found out that in Europe, it is common practice for cabinetmakers / remodellers to do the construction of cabinets and built-ins on-site; as opposed to building in a shop and then delivering the full blown products for installation. No wonder portability and field deployability of its tool systems are 2 things are Festool continues to shout about.
Regards
Tim TAN
P.S. : by the way, I am not a marketeer, just a geeky engineer who likes to cut wood.
Once again another great video and review. I have a question from someone who has never used a tracksaw. Can you tell us about the clamping of the track to the workpiece. It seems that the Dewalt model has very little room for a clamp as the saw takes up the whole width of the track.
Hey David. The clamps actually hook into the track from below. So when clamping, you never have to worry about the clamp getting in the way. And fortunately, I rarely, if ever, use a clamp with either system.
Really good review. I apppreciate the honesty with which you approached it. Quite honestly, if the review came out with the Festool leaps and bounds ahead, I would have definitely been suspect. Very even handed, therefore very reliable.
FYI, regarding tearout on the offcut piece, ,I found this on another forum:
Dewalt rep recommended doing a very shallow scoring cut first, then a through cut if tearout on the offcut piece is problematic
ONe guy tried it and reported that this method worked better ON HIS FESTOOL than the zero clearance ‘green thingy’. Anecdotal, of course, but interesting anyway.
Hey Marc, nice review. I appreciate your real world advice. 99% of woodworkers I know want to know if the tools does what the manufacturers say it’s going to do and what, if any are the differences with other similar products.
The DeWalt saw looks like a great tool but you didn’t mention the one thing that would have really made it stand out, the price. I was very disappointed in DeWalt’s pricing for this saw, it’s within range of the Festool which is already a great saw. Why would I buy a saw that costs the same when there is already a saw out there with a proven track record and, according to Mr. Woodwhisperer himself, makes a superior cut?
Nice review, especially the part that I consider to be a spoof of Wayne’s World when Garth has all the Reebok stuff on, hehe.
Truthfully though, when will someone make one of these that is made for RIGHTIES? I have a TS 55 and I see the Dewalt is the same in that it is seemingly made for Lefties. The saw is made so the track is on the workpiece and the cut off is outside the track, now, usually you are cutting a small piece off of a bigger piece, so it is usually more comfortable and sensible to stand on the cut-off side, and the direction of travel of these saws make it so you really need to operate them with your LEFT hand.
This is very well illustrated at 10 minutes into the video, you can see that it is a little awkward, and that he is forced to use his left hand.
Also the way Marc refers to going half way into a long cut and then pulling back, that has to be due to his desire to try to use his right hand but not being able to reach far enough. If these saws we exact mirror images they’d be perfect.
Who’s with me???
-Jer
HI Marty :
well said. Festool has 2 things going for it.
a) good tools that are impressive in their own right (the Domino, track saw, their line of routers, MFT, dust extractors)
b) tools that inter-operate as a system
Dewalt has managed to achieve (a) with the introduction of their track saw. (b) is a lot harder to achieve, as it requires the availability of an existing portfolio of tools and inter-working accessories.
Add the fact that pricing is similar, it does not make too much sense either for either a current Festool user or even a new track saw user to buy the Dewalt.
However, Dewalt, having been a US player for longer, does have a much larger distribution network, and stronger vendor-customer relationships, so their track saw product might work for the larger customers.
Hobbyists just occupy a small portion of their customer space anyway.
It will be interesting to see how this product will compete…
Regards
Tim TAN
Great Video. One question though, how did you acquire the DeWalt saw? Did DeWalt give it to you, lone it to you, or did you buy it?
I guess your sponsorship with Festool doesn’t prevent you from using competitors tools which I think is great.
Chris
The saw was actually given to me. If it was a loaner, they haven’t asked for it back yet.
And although I have the tool in the shop, don’t count on seeing it in an episode of the show any time soon. :) Its certainly a capable saw, and I tried to be as “fair” as possible in my presentation. But I definitely have a strong personal preference for the Festool system.
Your review seemed fair. I’m just surprised they would give you the saw knowing you are sponsored buy Festool; seems risky for them.
So can we look forward to seeing the DeWalt Track saw in a future Wood Whisperer Giveaway? :D
I think the DeWalt should be in the next giveaway! I am a loyal DeWalt Customer and would love to have a chance of adding that to my vast collection of yellow items lol
Nice job Marc. Thank you for demonstrating the 45 degree cuts on both saws. My TS75 is great but I found it to be unstable on the track guide making bevel cuts. Interesting that it looks like the Dewalt is too and I noticed you steadied both saws on the track with your left hand on the base. I’ll try that next time, but it would be great if the manufacturers could come up with a mechanism to lock the base onto the track to keep it from tipping.
Is that a pink feather boa in the background of the intro?
Why, yes it is Nolan.
Fair enough.
Marc,
Just a heads up! Dewalt has come out with a router attachment that can be used with the tracksaw track. The attachment works with both Dewalt routers and Porter Cable routers. I understand your point about maybe looking toward the Festool line if you are building your tool collection. But, if you are like me and already have several other brands of tools like Porter Cable routers you may lean toward the Dewalt. A tool that plays well within it’s own family is great but a tool that is versatile enough to play well with several brands may also have to be a consideration.
The Dewalt demo guy in TWW Episode 61 about 10:20s into the vid talks and shows the router attachment. (yes ive watched them all :) )
You have a better memory than I do, lol. And I was the one filming the damn thing! lol
Great timing on this video. I always thought these track saws were better left to the domain of the contractors. But I am currently building a slant-front secretary, and am stuck trying to cut the angled sides. The panels are just too tall for my SCMS or TS miter gauge. But with a plunge saw track clamped to the work piece on the right angle, I could easily solve that problem. I just hope my wife understands this dilemma as clearly as I do!
Marc,
I think the pink boa goes well with the stylish coffee mug. Are you going to do a demo on the boa next? Just kidding. Great review, even handed and the disclaimer humorous yet honest. No wonder we keep coming bact to TWW for knowledge and entertainment.
I liked the review and I would like to have either saw. I do have a few questions. You go to some leangth to compare the cuts made by both saw on same track. This compares the saws, but not the tracks. What makes a track better than a streight edge (wood or metal)? Why would you get a cleaner cut with a track than with a streight edge? Is there something inherently better about a track? Would a standard circuolar saw with a good blade give you just as good a cut? As you can see, your review was very thought provocking.
There are two things that make the track better than a straight edge. First, the track has a zero clearance strip at the bottom. The blade cuts through this strip on the first fun and provides a nice clean and splinter-free cut. Also, a track stops the saw from drifting and keeps it moving along a perfectly straight line. With a standard saw and straight edge, the saw has a tendency to pull away from the straight edge and you have to continually apply pressure toward the straightedge. And finally, because the saw rides so smooth with so little vibration, the cut quality is really tablesaw quality.
Marc, I’m wondering if you did the cut quality comparisons using the same kind of blade in each saw. If not, then wouldn’t the results depend as much or more on the blade as on the saw itself?
The tests were done using the stock blades provided by the manufacturer. If one company supplies a smoother-cutting blade with their saw, that would certainly be something to keep in mind with your purchase since that last thing you want to do with a brand new saw is spend another $80 on a high quality blade.
From what I recall, the DeWalt runs a 48 tooth ATB blade. Since I used the TS75 for comparison, I was running a 36 tooth ATB blade. Conventional wisdom would dictate that the 48 tooth blade would cut smoother (all things being equal). So the fact the Festool blade with only 36 teeth cut smoother than the DeWalt at 48 teeth, is at least something to think about. Again, I am the first to admit my lack of in-depth details in my “review”. What’s the bottom line? The Festool cut was smoother.
Con-tro-versial….
Great review Marc. For me, it confirmed my decision. I don’t want a tracksaw! ;) The EZ Smart system is more than enough to knock down plywood for me and has the same quality of cut. So I’m glad I didn’t splash out on Festool or DeWalt.
Marc,
I think i will wait for the next DeWalt release.
P.S My wife seen the video she said that your
“Mug looks masculine” I had to point out that
You were talking about the coffee cup.
Marc, another great video/review. You say your bias??? If that is the case you give one of the most unbiased opinions I’ve seen. Which in my opinion is the norm for you. Thanks for the great info. By the way that’s a nice pink boa you have hanging on your coat rack. :-) Pat
Hi, nice review.
There are some new kids in the block, and DeWalt isn’t only one.
I’m not sure is this on USA market now, but if it is, I’m sure it deserve review (it is on market in Europe):
http://www.mafell.de/produktka.....amp;xtree=
I see at least one thing that is done better compared to both TS and DeWalt. Changing blade is much easier if you can open the case
They also have some other nice products, like flexible guide rail, or portable panel saw system
By the way. As I look you ripping the board, I finally figured what is this that bothers me every time I use my saw.
All saws are made for lefthanders!
Imagine if saw is mirrored. Then you will be able to cut in natural position, with material on your right side, and your right hand on the saw.
Reply to Mbole: I suggest the manufactures make the front handle adjustable from left to right: spring loaded flip over, or screw in a threaded end of the handle?????
JJ.
Hey Marc:
This one was really helpful (Actually, they all are!). I’ve been considering purchasing one of the track saws. Festool was the only one I was aware of. However, I’ve had great luck with my Dewalt circular saw (a real workhorse). I think I’ll check this one out! Keep up the great work. tf
hello, do you have a video download option, I teach high school woodworking, would love to show how to videos to students but filters block your site, thanks
Hi Allen. All of our videos are downloadable via the download links right above the video player.
Hey mark thanks for the great review.I like the way full discloser was played out.I think you may have missed an important part of the review.The fact (as far as I could tell)that dewalt has a 102” track and festool does not.In the “big picture” as you put it that would be very important to me.But as I said I could be wrong,I only looked at festool’s web page for a minute,and might have missed it.Thanks for the great videos and web site.
Festool actually makes their track in all kinds of sizes: http://www.festoolusa.com/products/guide-rails
Thanks for watching man and I appreciate the kind words.
I stand corrected.thanks for the fast reponse.always nice to know that you do read these things.
I’d love to see you give review of the EZ-Smart guide rail system in comparison with these two guide saws.
it took me a while to get used to, but my dewalt track saw has really grown on me.
How is the dust control on the dewalt compared to the festool. I’m actually looking into both of these right now, but the plunge capacity has me siding with the festool.
Pretty comparable Simon. But if you are planning on getting any other Festool products in the future, I think you are far better off staying in the Festool family. That way your dust collection is easily adaptable. And not to mention, it seems like the engineers at Festool have dust collection on their minds from day 1, across their entire tool line.