Best bang for the buck track saw 2021?

Best bang for the buck has to be the low end (Wen for example). You get 75-85% of the performance for 30% of the price of a Festool. But, you can't option your way up to something that works as well, so once you reach the limit, it's a total loss and start again. The low end track saws really work. The track works pretty much the same way, you get pretty much the same set of functions in the saw, the cut quality is nearly the same, and all the basic things you do with the saw can be done with the low end units. What you don't get is things like the riving knife, the accessories for MFT, etc. The low end tracks aren't made as well so they slide around more, the separate sections are sometimes tricky to get assembled so the saw slides smoothly across the joint, the splinter guard doesn't hold up as well and the dust collection isn't as good. Lots of plastic parts that can break.

I have one, and I use it to break down sheet goods. Works like a champ. I usually don't try to get finished sized pieces out of that, but I could on most materials if I wanted to. If you get a cheap one, upgrade the blade.

I reckon it depends on how much precision you need. Some saws/track combos can arguably rip glue joints while others have undependably straight tracks and may have less precise manufacturing that affects the quality of cut. It's the same question as whether a higher end circular saw cuts the same as a Black and Decker… and the answer would be it depends on closely you look.

I've had 3 track saws and 3 brands of track. I like the Festool HK because I like not having to plunge on a straight cut. It does plunge but it also locks down which most plungers do not. The dust collection isn't as good as the other Festool saws and it lacks the right side chip out control feature. Resale value on Festools is excellent while most brands will have you taking a serious hit if you decide to upgrade or get out of woodworking.

Thanks for that info Andy. I ve been toying with buying a "cheaper" track saw for a while now. I think I ll pull the trigger based on your recommendation. I did look at it on the HD website too, and it looks good to me.

- JRAP

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I thought it was broken when I first got it. I tried to hog through all 8/4 at one time and it kept cutting off. Silly me. Then I realized from listening closely to the vids that guys were making those cuts in 2 or 3 passes. Even my friend with the Festool said he can't do one pass. Once I realized that I was a happy camper and happy with my purchase. The edge was just as smooth as a jointer or table saw with the stock blade that came with it. Never took the 60 toothe out of the wrapper. The WEN tracks fit other brands inc. Festool. Get the tracks and clamps. Like I said, less then $250 for everything.

PS The other benefit of the track saw is that you don't have to muscle big boards on the jointer. The boards stay put. The saw moves.

It's basically a light-duty skill saw that plunges.

I picked up the Makita cordless a couple years back and have been very pleased with it. I was looking for a quality tool but am still unwilling to dive into Festool. At he time I bought there were the low end like Wen's previous models, the Dewalt or Makita, or Festool. Bosch had not come out with there's in the American market. I looked at the Triton but felt it was over priced for what it is. The current Wen saw is probably on par with the Triton but at less cost. I looked seriously at the Dewalt which seems to be a good saw. What tipped the scales for me was the compatibility of the Makita with available accessories. As most accessories are built for the Festool, they generally work with the Makita as well.

I currently have 2 - 55" tracks and one 39". They have handled everything I have neede so far. It would be nice to have the 118" track but I have gotten by with joining the 2-55" tracks for now. Recently I even added on the 39" track for straight edging some 10' 8/4 oak. I keep the 39" track hanging conveniently in the shop for quick cuts and have now found it to be indispensable.

By the way, I have found the Triton track connector kit to be a bargain over the Makita connectors. The screws in the Triton kit are kind of soft so I replaced them with some from the local hardware store. Even adding the minimal extra cost for the hardware, they are half the price of the Makita. Especially if you get them when rockler has the Triton products on sale.