If you’re in the market for a track saw, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will be comparing three popular track saws – the WEN, the Kreg, and the Festool. We will examine their features, performance, and value for money, so you can make an informed decision when purchasing a track saw that fits your needs and budget.
Breakdown of Features
Each track saw comes with its own set of features and warranty, so let’s break it down:
WEN Track Saw
- Cutting capacity: 0 to 45 degrees
- Maximum cutting depth: 1 5/8 inches at 45 degrees, 2.3 inches at 90 degrees
- Motor power: 10 amp brushed motor
- Warranty: 2 years
Kreg Track Saw
- Cutting capacity: 0 to 45 degrees
- Maximum cutting depth: 1 1/2 inches at 45 degrees, 2 1/8 inches at 90 degrees
- Motor power: 12 amp brushless motor
- Warranty: 2 years
Festool Track Saw
- Cutting capacity: 0 to 47 degrees
- Maximum cutting depth: 1 11/16 inches at 45 degrees, 2 8/8 inches at 90 degrees
- Motor power: Brushless motor
- Warranty: 3 years, all-inclusive
Pricing and Additional Accessories
When it comes to pricing and what you get with each track saw, here’s the breakdown:
WEN Track Saw
- Price (with track): $179
- Additional accessories: Track and cardboard boxes
Kreg Track Saw
- Price (with track): $419
- Additional accessories: Carry bag
Festool Track Saw
- Price (with track): $800
- Additional accessories: Batteries, charger, and sustainer box
Build Quality and Ergonomics
The build quality of each track saw is an important consideration. Here’s what you need to know:
- WEN Track Saw: Despite its lower price point, the WEN track saw offers decent build quality. However, there is some blade deflection when beveling or cutting at angles other than zero.
- Kreg Track Saw: The Kreg track saw has a robust build quality and offers excellent grip with its slightly larger handle.
- Festool Track Saw: Known for their high-quality tools, Festool provides a track saw with top-notch build quality and ergonomics.
Key Features and Accessories
Each track saw comes with unique features and accessories that enhance functionality:
- All three saws have an anti-kickback feature to ensure safety during use.
- The Kreg and the Festool have tool storage in the handle for easy access during blade changes.
- The Festool track saw has an electronic block brake that stops the blade within two seconds.
- The Kreg track saw features a riving knife that prevents board pinching during cuts.
- Depth stops are available on all three saws, with the Festool offering the easiest adjustment mechanism.
- The Kreg track saw has markings for three-quarter inch plywood, making accurate cuts easier.
- The bevel gauges on the Kreg and the Festool are superior, offering better visibility than the WEN.
Comparison of Tracks
When comparing the tracks of each track saw, here’s what you should know:
- The WEN track is 50 inches long, and two tracks are included in the package, allowing for a total length of 100 inches.
- The Festool track is 55 inches long, providing a good balance between portability and cutting capacity.
- The Kreg track is the longest at 62 inches, allowing for full-depth plunge cuts and ripping through multiple sheets of plywood.
Performance on Different Materials
To give you a better idea of how these track saws perform, let’s look at their cutting performance on plywood and hardwood:
- In a test with three-quarter inch plywood, all three saws performed well. However, the WEN track saw required backing up off the track to cut the very end of the plywood.
- When it comes to cutting hardwood, all three track saws handled the task with ease, offering clean and accurate cuts.
Conclusion and Recommendations
After examining the features, pricing, and performance of the WEN, Kreg, and Festool track saws, it’s clear that each one has its strengths and weaknesses. Here are our recommendations:
- If you’re on a budget and looking for a reliable track saw, the WEN is a great option.
- If you value build quality and excellent grip, the Kreg track saw is a solid choice.
- If you’re willing to invest in a top-of-the-line track saw with superior performance and a longer warranty, the Festool track saw is the way to go.
Remember, this article provides an overview of the features and performance of each track saw. For a more detailed analysis, check out the individual track saw reviews linked in the description.
Don’t miss out on your chance to win a free Craig or WEN track saw. Stay tuned till the end of the video for details on how to enter the giveaway.
In conclusion, choosing the right track saw ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. Take all factors into consideration and make an informed decision to ensure you get the best track saw for your woodworking projects. Happy cutting!
