Comments on: 81 – DeWalt Tracksaw Review

By: thewoodwhisperer

thewoodwhisperer — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:38:54 +0000

I don’t really have any feedback on that. I only used the saw for a limited time for the review and haven’t really put it through long-term testing. During my tests though, I saw nothing that indicated the track would be a problem in any way.

By: Jon M.

Jon M. — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:30:10 +0000

Marc,

I both enjoy and find your reports educational. A follow on question regarding the DeWalt track. Several reviewers were critical of the sturdiness of the DeWalt track. What is your opinion on this? I’m interested in using the DW tracksaw in the shop. (I’m not a pro carpenter)

Keep up the good work.

Thank you. Regards, Jon M.

By: Mo Theron

Mo Theron — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 03:06:45 +0000

I have contemplated between the dealt and the Makita track saw. Festoon was way out out of my price range. I ended up getting the Makita one on a deal at internationaltools.com. Have not hade a chance to use it yet but will post a update as soon as I have. I arrived last week just before I hade to depart to the lovely below freezing Flagstaff AZ, must say the snow is nice now and then.

By: johannes rygh

johannes rygh — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:50:47 +0000

Thank you for a neutral test. I have a Dewalt and im very happy with it. I bought it for two reasons; One it had to be tough- I would be able to cut metals with it. And two its cheaper.
Im using it for a variety of materials: Wood, MDF, Aluminium AND STEEL :-)
I found out that PANASONIC actually has blades that cut steel and has a diameter of 165mm- the same as the dewalt track saw. Its nice to be able to cut thick steel beams precise without special tools.

By: Greg Smith

Greg Smith — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 02:22:02 +0000

I am in the market for a track saw. Your video was easy to watch, and very helpful in terms of helping me to decide which way to go. Well done, and thank you.

By: thewoodwhisperer

thewoodwhisperer — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:18:10 +0000

I would imagine the manufacturer has an “ideal” setting published somewhere. But generally speaking, I think the riving knife could be as much as 1/4″ away from the blade and still be effective. But I usually like to have it a little closer than that. And if set up properly, there should be no risk of having the blade make contact with the knife.

By: Adrian

Adrian — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 05:01:13 +0000

Hi Robert,

In response to your last post, I replaced the saw the same month. The replacement saw sounds a lot better, the original “ice in a blender” sound is slightly noticeable, however this has never gotten worse and is most likely the normal sound of this saw, but it is considerably less than the saw originally purchased. The saw works great.

I have one question for Marc, how close is the riving knife supposed to be to the blade and is there a chance for it to be caught on the blade? Thanks.

By: thewoodwhisperer

thewoodwhisperer — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:02:03 +0000

Nope, never received an update or any further information Robert. Sorry.

By: Robert Fillier

Robert Fillier — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 20:12:44 +0000

Hi Marc, Great review. Just wondering if you received a reply back from Adrian or Dewalt (Adrian, June 5 comment). on the saw and the grinding noise. I have the same noise from my saw (new saw), it sounds like ice in a blender at start up and on cuts. I currently have it in the repair shop. The technician did not like the sound from it and was not sure if it was normal or not. He said it sounds like gear wash. There was not a big amount of play in the blade when he moved it around. He will have a better look at it this week and get back to me. Looking for some info. on the Internet about this and other people have experience the same sound and returned the saw for a replacement. Any info. from anyone on what causes the noise will be appreciated. thanks Robert

By: Steve Smith

Steve Smith — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 00:58:17 +0000

Thanks for the review. use of the metric system really has me leaning towards Dewalt.