Dewalt TrackSaw Review – Model Number DWS520K

We just finished our review of the Dewalt TrackSaw.  Wow, what an amazing product.  We are just wondering why Dewalt didn’t introduce it to the states earlier.  Actually, this saw was being sold in Europe for awhile, but now it is being sold in the U.S.  If you are trying to figure out what the next power tool should be to add to your collection, take a serious look at this TrackSaw as you won’t be disappointed.

Dewalt makes two versions of the TrackSaw, a corded and cordless saw.  The cordless version runs on a 28VLithium Ion battery.  Both saws have a 47 degree bevel capacity and use a 6.5″ saw blade.  The Cordless version has a no load speed of 3500, while the corded version has a no load rate of 1750-4000.  In regards to weight, both are extremely light.  The cordless version weights 12.3lbs and the corded weights in at 11.5lbs.  The depth cut for both versions are 2-1/8″ @ 90 degrees and 1-5/8″ at @ 45 degrees.  Some of the other features both saws have are the dust post which you can hook up to your dust collector, keeping messes at a minimum, and an anti-kick back and riving knife feature for protection from kick backs.  There is also a low profile blade guard which allows the saw to be used in confined spaces.

For our review we tested the corded version, model number DWS520K.  The TrackSaw has plenty of power and we never felt the need for more as it sliced through even a 1″ piece of plywood with ease.  We pushed the saw at a faster than normal rate.  The power is produced by a 12 Amp 1300W motor.   Now, for those of you who are not familiar with a Track Saw system, it is a very simple concept.  As the name implies, it is a circular saw that travels along a track to make a straight cut.  Oh yeah, splinter free.

When we first found out about the TrackSaw we couldn’t wait to test it.  Actually, we were like Ralphie checking the mail every day for his Red Ryder BB gun, we just couldn’t wait.  Well, the day came and there it was, not the BB gun, but the TrackSaw and the track.  Once we opened everything up, we did have to set up the saw, which was very easy.  It took us about a minute to set up.  All you have to do is loosen two screws, insert the saw into the track and adjust the saw for the track.  Then you use a piece of scrap wood and make a cut going one way down the track and then cut on the other side.  All this does is cut the anti-splinter strip so your track and saw now work together to make a splinter free cuts.

The Track

The track is made out of aluminum and is very light weight.  We were working with a 59″ track, although we would recommend getting at least the 102″ so you can cut a piece of plywood long ways.  If you want, Dewalt also offers the feature of attaching one track to another.  Another nice feature Dewalt implemented with the track system is the ease of replacing the items that receive wear and tear, such as the Anti-splinter strip, Glide strip (which is on top, and the saw glides over) and the Friction strip (which is on the bottom of the track, and helps the track stay in place).  One of the best benefits of the TrackSaw is the time it will save.  No longer do you have to take the wood to a table saw, or set up a 2×4 across a piece of plywood to get a straight cut with a circular saw.

Once our system was set up,we could have some fun and do some cutting.  We were able to do a lot with the saw and as Dewalt claims, everything was splinter free and very easy.  The first thing we did was cut a 1″ piece of plywood.  We ran the saw through rather quickly to try and get it to bog down, but it ran through with ease.  Actually, we think the saw was laughing at us and wanted something more.   The saw produced a nice clean, straight cut.  We then cut some chipboard.  Anyone who has ever cut Chipboard knows what a nightmare it can be.  We thought for sure we would get some chip or rough edges, but nope, everything was nice and smooth.  We were actually having so much fun cutting, we ended up cutting up all the chipboard and plywood and forgot that we needed to take video.  So we ended up grabbing a 3/4″ piece of plywood and 1/4″ board from the rafters and used those for the videos.  As you can see, when we cut the plywood, the saw ran through it with no problem and the cut was straight and best of all, clean.  On the 1/4″, which usually breaks and chips with a circular saw, we got the same results, very clean.

The plunge feature is great.  This allows the user to start anywhere on the board and make a clean cut.  In the video we only showed one example, but we were making a lot of cuts with the 1″ when we were playing around with the saw.  We didn’t have a problem cutting a nice clean square or rectangle.

Final Thoughts

Bravo Dewalt.  All in all, this is a great saw and we would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a new one.  The Dewalt TrackSaw puts the fun back in work, even though it’s not really work with the TrackSaw.

Accessories

Dewalt also offers a Dewalt Track Bag DWS5025, TRACK CLAMP – DWS5026, TRACK T-SQUARE – DWS5027, TRACK MITER GAUGE – DWS5028, Dewalt TrackSaw Router Attachment DWS5031.  If you are rough with your tools, we would suggest buying the Track bag to protect your track.

Once the weather clears up in Chicago, we are going to work with a roofer and let him get a run with this saw.  We also have plans to work with a cabinet maker and a carpenter who will be hanging some doors soon.

What are you thoughts, we would like to hear from you.

Related Articles

• Dewalt’s New TrackSaw
• Makita LXT Circular Saw Review – BSS611
• Skil 18V Circular Saw Review
• Power Tool Buying Guide for Reciprocating Saws
• Power Tool Buying Guide for Jig Saw

 

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