Buying a Track Saw: What features are important?

Buying a track saw is an investment and it’s helpful to know what to consider before you start shopping.

Sure, all tools are. But unlike general purpose tools that do all kinds of things like a miter saw or impact driver, track saws are dedicated tools for crucial cuts. And, like all tools, there are all kinds of saws to meet varying needs.

To help you sort through the category, here’s what I look for when I’m buying a track saw.

Carpenter Mark’s track saw buying checklist:

• The trigger release/plunge needs to be sensible and smooth

• The amount of track that comes with the tool is a huge factor. Some jobs only require short cuts, say across a sheet of plywood. Others, much longer, like for composite decks. General rule: the more track, the better

• Saw-to-Track: All track saws ride a rail, usually about 3/4-inch wide. It can be finnicky to line up. A super thin rail, like the Bosch, is easy to line up

• A simple, smooth depth gauge

• A good rail bag

• A “cubular” saw box

• A long, supple cord

When using your track saw–especially on long cuts like composite decks–make sure the rail doesn’t move off the line. Be sure you’re watching it as you cut. The saw goes where the rail goes.  Good luck. Happy cutting.

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