DEWALT VS Makita Cordless Track Saw [Full Comparison]

Do you know what a Track Saw is? Do you have a clue how useful this power tool is? Or perhaps you’re now on the hunt for the best cordless track saw out there.

Well, if that’s the case then we proudly present you this in-depth review of two of the most prominent brands when it comes to tracking saws, namely: DEWALT and Makita.

Now, without further ado, let’s see how useful track saws are and how these tools can help you with your projects, and also which brand to choose for your hard-earned money. Stay tuned!

What Is a Track Saw?

A track saw is not totally similar to a circular saw which is used with a fancy straight edge. Track saws slide along a unique track that guides them.

Also, compared to a straight edge, track saw’s guide keeps the power tool on a straight path. It can’t wander off the cut line which is the case for a circular saw with a straightedge can.

The underside of the track is also rubberized, so it won’t slip easily. This implies that most cuts can be done without any hold-down clamps. You simply align the edge of the track to the line, place the track saw on the right track, and then cut.

Compared to a regular circular saw, the blade guard of a track saw is secured to the base. The saw is hinged to the baseplate, and you simply press it down to cut. Also, the track saw doesn’t need a spring-loaded blade guard that closes the cutting half of the blade.

When resting, the saw blade will be raise, and the blade edge will sit above the base of the power tool. In addition, the blade is entirely retracted and won’t put you in danger. Its blade guard edge is really close to the work surface, that’s why it has the advantage of removing almost all the accumulated sawdust.

Furthermore, some users call it a plunge track saw or just a plunge saw. When using it, you press down on the saw, and the blade will plunge down to your pre-set cutting depth.

Because of the design, it’s the best kind of saw to cut an opening in a panel. Aside from marking the cutout, no preparation will be needed.

DEWALT vs. Makita Cordless Track Saw Review

1. DEWALT DCS520T1 Flexvolt 60V MAX 6-1/2″ (165mm) Cordless TrackSaw Kit

The DEWALT DCS520T1 Flex Volt 60V Max utilizes 60 volts capacity of its battery pack which operates a brushless motor. A variable speed dial chooses between no load revolution per minutes of 1,750 and 4,000 in order to make cuts up to 2-1/8 inch thick.

It also bevels to 47 degree and can do a cutting depth of 1-5/8 at 45 degrees. One minor issue here is that there’s no 45-degree stop. It may also take a few tries to get accustomed to its straight plunge mechanism which you push rather than pull down since you might have done with other track saws or plunge.

Its clamps can run along the entire length of the track which makes you clamp very short pieces all the way to the length of the track.

At first, obviously, it is easy to visualize only cross as well as rip cuts parallel or perpendicular to the material’s edge. However, it is crucial to remember that the track can be clamped to any cutline angle across the place.

By doing this, it will be more versatile than a table saw on which the fence can only be parallel to the blade. In addition, you can also utilize a miter gauge but you can imagine that would be more awkward compared to the track guiding the blade down a straight long cut.

All in all, the DEWALT Flex Volt 60V Max track saw is particularly helpful for inside tasks since the dust collection system works really well.

Cutting with a table saw or circular saw can reveal any little shake or hiccup in the line. However, with the track clamped securely to the work, you would be hard-pressed to make anything but an ideal straight cut with the saw.

It is the perfect solution of making a perfectly straight cut.

Pros:

• Enclosed low profile guard provides a 90% dust extraction capability
• Straight plunge mechanism for maximum ergonomics
• Continuous anti-kickback mechanism and riving knife preclude kickback when engaged
• For use with Track Saw dual edged tracks for perfectly straight cuts
• Zero clearance Track Saw cutting system that delivers precise, straight, and splinter-free cuts

Cros:

• Kind of useless without any track

2. Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2″ Plunge Circular Saw Kit, with Stackable Tool case and 55″ Guide Rail

All thanks to the included connector kit and guide rail that comes from this kit, it can help you make cuts that are perfectly level and straight.

This guide rail allows you lay a piece of wood down inside and follow through the edges using your saw blade. Also, the extra kit can work with boards of various sizes.

Its 12 amp motor is one of the most powerful and strongest motors that we came across as it generates all the horsepower you want for cutting through a thick piece of basic board or wood with ease. Using its guards will let you cut boards without splintering the edges.

In addition to that, a variable speed motor allows you to adjust the revolutions per minute generated by the motor based on the task at hand.

A dial gives more control over the revolution per minute too and allows you to pick between a revolutions per minute level of 2,000 up to 5,200. This variable system also keeps the equipment’s motor from overheating.

In fact, the saw itself features the iconic Makita blue color located on its outer case. An attached handle allows you to push down on the top and pulls the trigger in order to power the saw. With the rubber added to its handle, it improves your comfort when working on much larger projects.

Aside from that, Makita added a plunge gauge that allows you to easily decide on the depth you want to cut. This depth gauge utilizes the metric system, but you can easily convert those sizes based on the depth you want to utilize.

To sum it up, the most ideal way of deciding if this product is actually the right track saw for your needs is to review what verified purchasers actually think of the unit itself.

However, most consumers don’t really have the time to do this. But that’s the very reason why we wrote this review.

Pros:

• Very easy to use and well-made
• Changing blades is really fast and easy
• The saw is light when compared to other saws of this type
• The dust collection when linked to a vacuum is extremely good
• Can easily rip full sheet tougher woods with considerable precision

Cons:

• Quite expensive compared to other saws
• The guide rail seems a little bit warped

What Are the Difference between DEWALT vs. Makita Cordless Track Saws

You’ll observe that DEWALT DCS520T1’s blade is almost totally enclosed in a metal shroud in contrast to the power tool body and blade guard of a regular circular saw.

The advantage of this is two-fold. The means, a less exposed blade is surely safer and DEWALT claims the shroud lets a 90% dust extraction capability when attached to a dust accumulator.

For the most part, this will be certainly helpful to carpenters working in a finished spot. Just remove the shroud to change its blade. Moreover, you’ll also observe the riving knife plunges down with the blade.

Also, the namesake feature that provides the consumer the ability to make straight, clean cuts is its dual-edged track. The saw can sit on the track in both orientations which lets you cuts in both directions.

Once the track is raised rails are aligned with the track saw’s grooves, and a convenient turn of the continuous anti-kickback mechanism dial keeps precludes the track saw from deviating from its cutline.

On the other hand, the Makita SP6000J1 setup is a good pick for anyone working with sheet goods. There are certain options of these in the market like the Festool brand range.

Nonetheless, this is the offer from Makita that surely sells the best. In fact, purchases use this to do beveled or straight cuts on laminated materials, melamine, and plywood.

It can also be used on any kind of sheet or for making different styles of cabinets and more. 

Recommendation

With a number of manufacturers getting into the field of track saws, it’s quite a daunting task to decide which one to buy. In fact, to add more confusion, the Li-ion battery-powered track saws are hitting the market and actually taking it by storm.

The thing here is, there are various factors that must go into picking a track saw, and the good thing is we covered them above.

DEWALT and Makita track saws certainly differ in various aspects, however, both of them are still worth the price and are highly valuable. Well, these two brands are very prominent in the power tool industry so that’s a given.

Now, if you’re still confused about which one to choose, here’s a tip. Remember your needs, and ask yourself what projects do you currently have. Are they light or heavy tasks? All these essential questions will certainly play a role in picking the right track saw for your needs.