Woodworker trying to cut a sheet of plywood using a track saw
For any woodworker with a small shop, an accurate track saw is the most important tool you own. It effectively replaces the need for a massive, expensive cabinet table saw by giving you the ability to cut large sheet goods (like 4×8 plywood) quickly, accurately, and with zero tear-out.
We specifically focus on corded track saws because they provide non-stop, consistent power, which you need for smooth, controlled cuts through thick sheet goods and dense hardwoods. Corded models generally deliver better torque than their cordless counterparts.
We evaluated ten of the best corded track saws on the market for power, precision, dust collection, and overall value to help you make this critical investment.
Corded Track Saws Comparison Table
| Track Saw Model | Motor (Amps/HP) | Max Cut Depth (90°) | Bevel Range | Track System Compatibility | Price Range (USD) |
| 1. Makita SP6000J1 | 12 Amps | $2-3/16″$ | $-1^{\circ} \text{ to } 48^{\circ}$ | Festool/Makita Style | $480 – $600 |
| 2. Festool TS 55 REQ | 10 Amps | $1-15/16″$ | $-1^{\circ} \text{ to } 47^{\circ}$ | Festool/Makita Style | $650 – $780 |
| 3. DEWALT DWS520K | 12 Amps | $2-1/8″$ | $0^{\circ} \text{ to } 47^{\circ}$ | Dual-Edge DeWalt Track | $550 – $650 |
| 4. Bosch GKT13-225L | 13 Amps | $2-1/4″$ | $-1^{\circ} \text{ to } 47^{\circ}$ | Mafell/Bosch Track | $500 – $600 |
| 5. WEN CT1065 | 10 Amps | $2-1/3″$ | $0^{\circ} \text{ to } 45^{\circ}$ | Proprietary WEN Track | $120 – $180 |
| 6. Kreg ACS Track Saw | 12 Amps | $2-1/8″$ | $-1^{\circ} \text{ to } 47^{\circ}$ | Proprietary Kreg ACS | $400 – $500 |
| 7. Evolution R185CCSX | 10 Amps | $2-9/16″$ | $0^{\circ} \text{ to } 45^{\circ}$ | Proprietary Evolution | $160 – $220 |
| 8. Triton TTS1400 | 12 Amps | $2-5/32″$ | $0^{\circ} \text{ to } 48^{\circ}$ | Festool/Makita Style | $350 – $450 |
| 9. Grizzly T33300 | 8 Amps | $2-3/8″$ | $0^{\circ} \text{ to } 45^{\circ}$ | Proprietary Grizzly | $200 – $280 |
| 10. Mafell MT55cc | 11.5 Amps | $2-1/4″$ | $-1^{\circ} \text{ to } 48^{\circ}$ | Mafell/Bosch Track | $1,100 – $1,300 |
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Makita SP6000J1 Plunge Cut Circular Saw – Best Value Performer
Overview: The corded Makita SP6000J1 consistently wins the “best value” debate among professional woodworkers. You get nearly all the precision and premium features of the expensive German brands for significantly less money. The saw features a high-power 12-amp motor with variable speed control and an electronic speed change that maintains torque under load. Its exceptional dust collection and smooth action on the rail make it a shop favorite. Critically, you can use the saw on Festool tracks, offering maximum compatibility.
Key Features:
Makita SP6000J1 Plunge Cut Circular Saw-Best Corded Track Saws
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12-Amp Motor: This provides ample power for ripping full 8-foot sheets of plywood or solid hardwood.
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$-1^{\circ}$ Bevel Capability: You allow the blade to tilt slightly away from vertical, ensuring a perfect 90° cut even if the track is slightly off.
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Scribe Mode: You engage a shallow cutting mode that scores the material first, preventing tear-out before the main cut.
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Festool Track Compatibility: You can use the saw with the wide ecosystem of Festool tracks and accessories.
Pros:
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You achieve near-perfect, splinter-free cuts with excellent accuracy.
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The saw’s motor is powerful and quiet for extended use.
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You save money while retaining compatibility with the industry-standard track system.
Cons:
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You must buy the track separately in most bundle options.
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The depth scale uses only metric markings, which confuses some American users.
Best For: Woodworkers who demand professional-grade accuracy and power without wanting to pay the premium Festool price.
2. Festool TS 55 REQ Plunge Cut Track Saw – Best Overall Precision and System
Overview: Festool established the track saw category, and the TS 55 REQ remains the benchmark for precision and fit-and-finish. You experience a smooth, virtually effortless plunge action and best-in-class dust collection. The TS 55 REQ’s power cord detaches, which allows you to quickly swap the saw with a Festool router on the same track. While the price is high, you invest in an entire system of perfectly integrated tools (tracks, clamps, routers, vacs) that maximize efficiency and dust control.
Key Features:
Festool TS 55 REQ Plunge Cut Track Saw-Best Corded Track Saws
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Riving Knife: This built-in safety feature prevents material from pinching the blade, reducing kickback.
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Integrated Anti-Kickback: The saw engages a mechanism that stops the saw from running backward on the track.
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Detachable Cord: You allow quick connection and disconnection, simplifying tool swaps and storage.
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Micro-Adjustable Depth: You dial the cut depth in with absolute precision, accounting for the track and splinter guard thickness.
Pros:
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You get the most refined plunge mechanism and highest-quality components.
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The saw offers the best dust collection, keeping your shop cleaner.
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You access a full ecosystem of interchangeable tools and accessories.
Con:
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You must pay a significant premium for the brand and the accessories.
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The maximum cut depth is slightly shallower than competitors.
Best For: Professional cabinet makers and dedicated enthusiasts who prioritize the ultimate system integration, precision, and dust control, viewing the purchase as a long-term investment.
3. DEWALT DWS520K Track Saw Kit – Best Riving Knife Design
Overview: The DEWALT DWS520K is a beast of a saw, boasting a powerful 12-amp motor and a smooth, consistent cutting action. Its most unique feature is the dual-edge track, which allows you to use the guide rail for cutting from either side, simplifying setup. The spring-loaded riving knife retracts when you plunge the saw, ensuring smooth plunge cuts while retaining the safety benefits when you rip solid wood. You find the controls easy to use and the depth scale clear, which makes this an excellent choice for job site or shop use.
Key Features:
DEWALT DWS520K Track Saw Kit-Best Corded Track Saws
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12-Amp Motor: This motor delivers sustained high torque for cutting dense engineered materials.
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Unique Plunge Mechanism: The saw features a linkage that maintains hand position on the rail as you plunge.
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Dual-Edge Track: You cut from either side of the track without moving the splinter guard, saving time.
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Anti-Kickback Feature: You engage a mechanism that prevents the saw from riding up the rail toward the operator.
Pros:
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You benefit from the safety and stability of a functional, spring-loaded riving knife.
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The track system is robust and simple to use on large sheet goods.
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You maintain a high level of power throughout the cut, even in thick material.
Cons:
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The plunge mechanism feels less intuitive than the pivot action of Makita or Festool.
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You cannot easily use the saw with the wider ecosystem of Festool/Makita-style accessories.
Best For: General contractors and woodworkers who require a powerful, job-site-ready saw with excellent safety features.
4. Bosch GKT13-225L Plunge Saw – Best Power and Track Versatility
Overview: The Bosch GKT13-225L is a high-power track saw, featuring a 13-amp motor, the largest in this comparison. This saw provides a smooth, low-effort cut through even the thickest materials. A major benefit is its track compatibility: while Bosch offers its own high-quality tracks (often re-branded Mafell), the saw’s base allows you to use it on Festool/Makita tracks as well, offering you flexibility. You enjoy the convenience of a robust, easy-to-read depth scale and positive stops for common bevel angles.
Key Features:
Bosch GKT13-225L Plunge Saw-Best Corded Track Saws
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13-Amp Motor: This delivers the highest power output for the most challenging cuts in hardwoods.
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Variable Speed Dial: You adjust the blade speed to match the material, which reduces heat and prevents burning.
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Depth Scale with Dual Readings: You can read the depth of cut both on and off the track.
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Track Compatibility: The saw works with Bosch, Mafell, and, with minor adjustment, Festool/Makita tracks.
Pros:
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You get the most raw power and high cutting capacity.
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The saw offers excellent compatibility with multiple popular track systems.
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You benefit from the electronic speed control that automatically boosts torque on demand.
Cons:
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The tracks can be expensive and sometimes difficult to find outside of the official Bosch network.
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You must make fine-tuning adjustments to the baseplate for optimal zero-slop cutting on some non-Bosch tracks.
Best For: Power users and woodworkers who cut a variety of thick materials and want maximum power and platform versatility.
5. WEN CT1065 Plunge Cut Track Saw – Best Budget Choice
Overview: WEN continues its dominance in the budget tool category with the CT1065. This track saw provides a functional plunge saw experience at a price point that is accessible to every woodworker. While the fit and finish do not match Festool, the WEN saw delivers surprisingly accurate and clean cuts, especially when you pair it with a high-quality, aftermarket blade. It is an ideal saw if you primarily cut plywood and sheet goods and want to avoid the high cost of the major brands. You will find this a worthy upgrade from a standard circular saw and straight edge.
Key Features:
WEN CT1065 Plunge Cut Track Saw-Best Corded Track Saws
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10-Amp Motor: This motor provides sufficient power for all standard sheet goods.
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High Cutting Depth: You get a $2-1/3″$ maximum depth, rivaling the performance of premium saws.
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Adjustable Base Plate: You can adjust the baseplate to eliminate play on the track.
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Includes Track: The kit often includes two short track sections and a connector, providing you with an immediate 55-inch cutting capacity.
Pros:
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You purchase a capable track saw system for a fraction of the cost of premium models.
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The saw provides accurate, clean cuts on plywood and MDF.
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You receive a working track system right out of the box.
Cons:
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The included blade is low quality; you must replace it immediately for best results.
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Dust collection is mediocre compared to the premium brands.
Best For: Beginners, DIYers, and woodworkers who need the functionality of a track saw but have a strict budget for breaking down sheet goods.
6. Kreg Adaptive Cutting System (ACS) Track Saw – Best for the Kreg System
Overview: The Kreg ACS Track Saw represents Kreg’s full-system approach to cutting. The saw itself is robust, featuring a smooth plunge and solid controls, but its true value lies in its integration with the Kreg ACS system. You can use the track with the Kreg clamp table, crosscut sled, and router table, making it a highly modular system for the small shop. The saw’s track is proprietary and features a unique tooth system for anti-kickback control, but this means you cannot use it with Festool or Makita tracks.
Key Features:
Kreg Adaptive Cutting System Track Saw-Best Corded Track Saws
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12-Amp Motor: This motor delivers strong, consistent power for ripping all common materials.
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Non-Slip Track Control: The track features a unique anti-kickback mechanism that locks the saw onto the track.
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Integrated Micro-Adjustment: You easily dial in the track fitment for zero-slop performance.
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System Integration: You use the saw seamlessly with the full line of Kreg ACS tables and jigs.
Pros:
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You gain access to a complete, highly integrated cutting system for the small shop.
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The saw provides excellent squareness and high accuracy.
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You benefit from Kreg’s reputation for simple, effective joinery solutions.
Cons:
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The proprietary track system forces you to buy Kreg brand tracks and accessories.
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You must buy the saw and track in a system bundle, increasing the initial cost.
Best For: Woodworkers who want a high-performance track saw and plan to build a complete, modular, space-saving cutting system around the Kreg ACS platform.
7. Evolution R185CCSX Multi-Material Track Saw – Best Multi-Material Capability
Overview: Evolution is famous for its multi-material saw technology, and the R185CCSX delivers on that promise. The saw comes with a unique blade designed to cut wood, aluminum, steel, and plastic with minimal sparking and heat. This versatility makes it an excellent addition for the builder or contractor who needs a single tool to handle diverse job-site materials. While the track is proprietary and the dust collection is average for wood, the core multi-material cutting ability makes this saw a unique value.
Key Features:
Evolution R185CCSX Multi-Material Track Saw-Best Corded Track Saws
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Multi-Material Blade: You cut through steel, aluminum, and wood without changing the blade.
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Powerful Motor: The saw features a high-torque motor for challenging metal cuts.
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Deep 90° Cut: You achieve a very deep $2-9/16″$ maximum cut, useful for thick stock.
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Adjustable Guide Track: You use the clamp assembly to quickly set up and secure the track.
Pros:
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You eliminate the need for multiple specialized saws on the job site.
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The saw offers one of the deepest cuts in its class.
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You receive exceptional value for the multi-material functionality.
Cons:
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The cut quality on veneer plywood is not as fine as the cuts from a Festool or Makita.
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You must purchase a specialized Evolution track, limiting accessory options.
Best For: Builders, remodelers, and general contractors who need a versatile saw to accurately cut metal studs, aluminum, and wood in a single package.
8. Triton TTS1400 Plunge Track Saw – Best for Tight Budgets with Pro Features
Overview: The Triton TTS1400 is often considered a “step-up” from the ultra-budget WEN, offering a high-quality build and a powerful 12-amp motor at a very attractive price. This saw boasts a bevel range of $0^{\circ} \text{ to } 48^{\circ}$ and a smooth plunge action. A key feature is its Festool/Makita-style track compatibility, allowing you to use it with the wide array of accessories from those larger brands, maximizing its usefulness. You find this saw a great balance of budget and high-end feature integration.
Key Features:
Triton TTS1400 Plunge Track Saw-Best Corded Track Saws
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12-Amp Motor: This motor delivers strong, consistent performance in demanding applications.
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Multi-Function Guard: The saw allows for easy blade changes and clean-out.
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Track Compatibility: You use the saw with widely available Festool and Makita tracks.
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Variable Speed Control: You can adjust the speed for cutting plastics, softwoods, and hardwoods.
Pros:
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You get a saw that is compatible with the industry-standard tracks, increasing versatility.
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The saw provides a very smooth and controlled plunge action.
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You purchase a saw with high-end power at a mid-range price point.
Cons:
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The dust collection system is adequate but not as efficient as Festool’s.
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You must check the saw for slop on the track and micro-adjust the settings when new.
Best For: Value-conscious woodworkers who want high power and require compatibility with the Festool/Makita track ecosystem.
9. Grizzly T33300 Track Saw – Best Deep Cut Budget Option
Overview: The Grizzly T33300 targets the budget market but delivers an impressive $2-3/8″$ maximum cut depth, which is fantastic for deep bevel cuts. While its 8-amp motor is the least powerful in this group, the overall value and capability make it a worthwhile consideration for the hobbyist. Grizzly often bundles the saw with multiple track sections and clamps, providing a complete cutting solution right out of the box. You will find this a rugged, no-frills tool for basic sheet good breakdown.
Key Features:
Grizzly T33300 Track Saw-Best Corded Track Saws
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High Cut Depth: You achieve a superior maximum cut depth, ideal for thicker stock.
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Complete Kit: The saw often includes multiple track sections, connectors, and clamps.
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Variable Speed: You can adjust the blade speed for different materials.
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Affordable System: You buy the entire kit for the price of a bare premium saw.
Pros:
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You get a very high cutting capacity for a low price.
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The kit provides all the accessories necessary to begin cutting immediately.
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You benefit from Grizzly’s reputation for manufacturing rugged, basic woodworking machinery.
Cons:
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The 8-amp motor struggles when you rip thick, dense hardwood.
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You must use proprietary Grizzly tracks.
Best For: Hobbyists and small shops that require a complete, deep-cutting track saw system for a minimal investment.
10. Mafell MT55cc Plunge Track Saw – Best Professional Splurge
Overview: The Mafell MT55cc, often co-developed with Bosch, represents the pinnacle of track saw technology and serves as the ultimate professional “splurge” option. It boasts a high-powered 11.5-amp motor and the fastest, most refined blade change mechanism in the industry, which allows you to swap a blade in seconds with a single lever. The saw offers unmatched smoothness, precision, and electronic control. While the price is extremely high, you invest in a saw that delivers true table-saw-quality cuts with zero compromises.
Key Features:
Mafell MT55cc Plunge Track Saw-Best Corded Track Saws
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Blade Change System: You change the blade with unmatched speed using a single push of a lever and a locking mechanism.
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11.5-Amp Motor with Control: This motor features constant speed control and a soft start.
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Integrated Scribe Function: You set the saw to score the material first, ensuring perfect, chip-free veneer cuts.
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High Precision: You use a micro-adjustable depth stop for extreme accuracy.
Pros:
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You achieve the highest standard of precision and fastest operation.
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The blade change system saves significant time on the job.
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You benefit from the ultimate quality and durability in a track saw.
Cons:
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The cost makes it prohibitive for most hobbyists and small businesses.
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You need specialized Mafell tracks and accessories to maximize the system.
Best For: Professional cabinet makers and custom furniture builders who require the best possible cut quality and operational efficiency, regardless of price.
Buying Guide for Best Corded Track Saws: How to Select the Right Corded Track Saw
You must consider the features that directly impact the quality and speed of your sheet-good breakdown. You buy a track saw to replace the precision of a table saw, so accuracy is paramount.
1. Track Compatibility: The Ecosystem is Key
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Festool/Makita Style: You choose this system (used by Makita, Festool, Triton) if you want the largest selection of tracks, clamps, parallel guides, and specialized accessories. This is the most popular, most flexible choice.
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Proprietary Tracks: You must buy the brand’s own tracks for Kreg, DEWALT, and WEN. This limits your future accessory purchases but often means the saw and track are perfectly tuned to each other.
2. Power and Blade Size
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Corded Power: You should look for a corded saw with 10 Amps or more to ensure you maintain blade speed through long rips in thick plywood or solid wood. You avoid any saw under 10 Amps if you plan to cut 2-inch material.
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Blade Diameter: Most track saws use a 6.5-inch (165mm) blade. This size provides a good balance of cutting depth and the ability to find high-quality, fine-toothed blades for veneer cutting.
3. Essential Features You Must Have
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Riving Knife: You must look for a saw that includes a riving knife (like Festool, DEWALT). The knife prevents the wood from closing up on the blade, which is the main cause of dangerous kickback.
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Anti-Splinter Strip: The track must have a rubber splinter strip. You run the saw along the track on the first cut to trim the strip to the exact kerf width. This thin edge supports the wood veneer right up to the blade, virtually eliminating tear-out.
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Depth Control: You need a clear, accurate scale that shows the cut depth while the saw is on the track, saving you time and guesswork.
FAQs on Best Corded Track Saws
Q1: What is a corded track saw, and why is it better than a standard circular saw for precision?
A track saw (often called a plunge saw) is a specialized circular saw that runs on a precisely manufactured guide rail (track).
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Precision: The track ensures perfectly straight cuts and acts as a zero-clearance system to minimize tear-out, especially on delicate sheet goods like plywood and melamine.
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Plunge Action: The blade plunges into the material, allowing for mid-panel cutouts (like sink holes) that are difficult or impossible with a standard circular saw.
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Corded Advantage: Corded models typically offer more consistent, continuous power (measured in amps, usually 10-15A for top models) compared to their cordless counterparts, making them ideal for long, deep, or repetitive cuts in dense hardwoods without worrying about battery life.
Q2: What key features should I look for in a top corded track saw?
Look for these critical features to ensure precision and ease of use:
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Motor Power: A high-amp motor (12-13+ amps) for cutting thick or hard materials.
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Variable Speed: Allows you to adjust the blade speed (RPM) for different materials (slower for plastics/metals, faster for wood) to prevent burning or chipping.
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Bevel Capacity: The ability to tilt the saw for angled cuts, usually up to $45^\circ$ or $48^\circ$, often with positive stops at common angles like $0^\circ$ and $45^\circ$.
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Dust Collection: Excellent dust port design, often with a swiveling hose port, for connecting to a shop vacuum. Track saws generally have superior dust control to circular saws.
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Riving Knife/Anti-Kickback: A safety feature that prevents the material from pinching the blade, reducing the risk of dangerous kickback.
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Guide Rail Compatibility: Check if the saw is compatible with other brands’ tracks, or if the manufacturer’s tracks are high-quality (e.g., Makita, Festool, Bosch tracks are often interchangeable).
Q3: Is the track included when I buy a track saw?
It varies by manufacturer and retailer. Some of the best-value options are sold as a “Kit” which typically includes the saw, one or more guide rails (tracks), and a carry case. More affordable “tool-only” options may require you to purchase the track separately. Always check the product description.
Q4: How do track saws prevent splintering and tear-out?
High-quality track saws use two main mechanisms:
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Splinter Guard/Rubber Strip: The edge of the track has a rubber strip that the saw blade cuts into on the first pass. This strip then acts as a zero-clearance insert, firmly holding down the material fibers right next to the cut line to prevent chipping on both the workpiece and the track.
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High-Quality Blade: Track saws typically come with fine-tooth, thin-kerf blades (e.g., 48-tooth) specifically designed for clean, finish-quality cuts.
Top Corded Model Comparisons (Based on 2025 reviews)
Q5: What are some of the top-rated corded track saws for precision in 2025?
Based on high ratings for power, precision, and features, top models often include:
| Brand | Model (Example) | Key Feature Highlights |
| Bosch | GKT13-225 | High-power (13 Amp), excellent dust collection, dual-scale depth adjustment (in/mm). |
| Makita | SP6000J/J1 | Great value for the money, very smooth plunge action, high precision, but sometimes has metric-only depth stops. |
| Festool | TS 55 FEQ | The “gold standard” known for extremely high precision, advanced features (like scribe mode), and an integrated system approach (but is also the most expensive). |
| DEWALT | DWS520K | Heavy-duty build, excellent anti-kickback features, often sold in a complete kit. |
Q6: What is the main difference between an entry-level corded track saw (like WEN) and a premium model (like Festool or Mafell)?
The difference is usually in the refinement of the features and the long-term reliability:
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Plunge Action: Premium models have ultra-smooth, bind-free plunging.
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Adjustments: Precision of depth and bevel stops, micro-adjustment knobs for track fit, and the consistency of the cutting line are generally superior on premium saws.
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Components: Better motors, higher-quality blades, and superior rail construction that resists warping or damage over time.
Q7: Do I need a special blade for bevel cuts on a track saw?
No, you typically use the standard blade. However, the bevel capability is a key advantage of a track saw. Most models are designed so that the saw’s cutting line remains precisely aligned with the rubber splinter guard on the track even when the saw is tilted for a bevel cut. This ensures your angled cuts are just as accurate as your straight cuts.
