Best Cordless Tracksaw

Best Cordless Tracksaw HEad-to-Head Comparison

NOTE -
there was an error in the calculation for the Makita. It should be 180 watt-hours (2 packs x 5 Ah x 18 V = 180). It doesn't effect the final results, but does make Makita win the run-time category.

ARTICLE:

Track Saw Lineup

This cordless track saw head-to-head includes 5 saws from; Bosch, DEWALT, Festool, Mafell, and Makita.

Bosch GKT 18V-20GC
DEWALT DCS520ST1
Festool TSC 55 REB
Mafell MT55 18M
Makita XPS02PTJ
Best Track Saw Evaluation Format

For this evaluation, we broke things into several categories including Precision & Quality of Cut, Performance (runtime/power), Features, Ergonomics, and price. We also point out the “best-value” saw. For each of these categories, we’ll rank the saws and in the end, we’ll name the Best Portable Cordless Track Saw based on all the results combined.

Precision & Quality of Cut – In this category we evaluated the accuracy of the track saws and how easy it is to make adjustments. We also discuss the quality of the cut the saws produced.
Run-time– Lots of Pro’s think run-time is important. The performance evaluation took a very deep dive into the power of the saw motors and how well the saws managed ripping thick plywood material.
Features – An overall comparison of features and specifications.
Ergonomics – Ergonomics are really important to users and an important category to consider when purchasing any power tool. In addition to traditional ergonomics, we also included functionality in this category.
Price – Price is always an important factor in determining which saw is best for a user. We’ve included the current pricing found online for each of the saws “as-tested,” at the time of publication.

Best Cordless Track Saw Features

Before we present the testing results, it’s helpful to set the stage by listing all the features and specifications for comparison. Specific differences in the saws are listed below.

Bosch GKT 18V-20GC

140 mm blade
42 tooth blade
20 mm arbor
5500 rpm
Swiveling dust hose port and a lock-off mechanism
Overload protection
Electric brake
Single pivot-point for both bevel and non-bevel cuts, from -1° (for slight undercuts) to +47° cuts
Easy blade-change system – quick three-step blade swap with spindle lock and on-board hex key
Constant electronics to help maintain speed under load.
DEWALT DCS520ST1

This saw can run on the Makita, Festool, and Triton tracks
6.5” blade
42 tooth blade
20 mm arbor
1,750-4,000 rpm
Electric brake
On-track cut depth: 2-1/8 in. @90 degrees and 1-5/8 in. @ 45 degrees ;
Continuous anti-kickback mechanism and riving knife prevent kickback when engaged
“Straight plunge” linkage mechanism for optimal ergonomics
Dual edged tracks
60-volt Flexvolt battery 6.0 Ah
Festool TSC 55

TSC 55 Li 5,2 REBI-F-Set/XL-FS
160 mm blade
48 tooth blade
20 mm arbor
2,650-5,200 rpm
Electric brake
Cutting depth 2-⅛” at 90° and 1-11/16” at 45°
Depth of cut scale has indicators for use with or without a guide rail
Splinterguards on both sides of the blade
Angular range -1 – 47 °
Dual Voltage 18/36 volt [will cut with one battery]
Comes with a dust bag

Mafell MT55 18M

MT55 18M
162 mm blade
48 tooth blade
20 mm arbor
4850 rpm
Cut capacity – 57mm (2-1/4”) at 90 degrees and 40.5mm (1 -5/8”) at 45 degrees
The saw can run on Makita/Festool/Triton tracks in addition to Mafell and Bosch tracks.
Bevel range = -1 degree and +48 degrees
1mm depth adjustments and depth indicator reverse for on-track or off-track plunge cutting.
Scoring function for cuts that must be tear-free on both sides such as cutting down doors. Scoring cutting depth is 2.5mm and offset slightly from the cut line. Score. Then deactivate the scoring function and then perform the parting cut.
Electronic riving knife.

Makita XPS01PTJ

XPS01PTJ
6.5” blade
55 tool blade
20 mm arbor
2,500-6,300 rpm
1.39 mm kerf
18V X2 – brushless. Drains both batteries at the same time. Will not run off 1 battery
VS setting – 2,500 to 6,300 [5 settings]
Cut capacity – 2-3/16” at 90 degrees and 1 -9/16” at 45 degree
Cut 11/16” from wall
Bevel -1 degree and +48 degrees [2 levers at saw baseplate for -1 and black lever for 48 degrees]
Positive stops at 22.5 and 45. 22.5 positive stop bypass
Line of sight – 90 and 45 detents [off track]
Auto speed change technology – adjust speed and torque
Mode indicator – solid green light at battery gauge in high torque mode. Blinks green when overloaded
Electric brake
Soft start motor
Quick stop scoring button [near handle] – 2-3mm score cut.
An anti-tip lever at the baseplate
2 knobs adjust baseplate in slide
Swivel dust port 1-3/8 ID and 1-3/4 OD. Dust bag extra
Blue tooth auto-start wireless system (AWS™) enables wireless power-on/power-off with an AWS-equipped dust extractor

[kevinbowden]

Best tool reviews around. No nonsense just professionals using the machines and giving their 2 cents. Nice work Rob and rest of the crew

[RenovationsandRepair]

VCG needs to take note...this is how you do tool reviews

[BrianPuccio]

You can save a few bucks if you want the Mafell saw by buying Bosch-branded rails/connectors and Metabo-branded batteries. They’re the same exact product but with different names on them.

[dcl]

I've had the cordless Festool, the corded Makita, and just upgraded to the cordless Mafell in February. If you're a pro dont even bother with the rest, the Mafell is a whole different class of tool and worth every penny. For everyone else, corded or Cordless, the Makita is a fantastic value.

[thelouiebrand]

I’m a sucker for dewalt. ONLY because I have the batteries. But their saws are sub par so I am moving on from the now after decades of use. I am starting to get on board on buying all different brands instead of sticking to one for battery use. Having the tool that best fits the job is more important to me now than sharing battlers. This has by far been the most useful tool video I have ever seen since YouTube’s inception. It not only helped me decide which saw I will buy (Mafell) but it also opened my eyes to a useful change in tool purchases ie having no need to stay faithful to a tools BRAND just for name and sharing batteries sake. Thank you so much.

[barryhaynes]

I bought the Makita about a month ago with a 55” and 110” track ... it has absolutely been an exceptional tool for my needs ... very intuitive as you stated ... loved the comparison test ... outstanding content and commentary ...

[RogueMTRafter]

Thank you, after 3 weeks of trying to figure out my track saw choice... Makita, oddly enough most of my tools are already Makita, I rarely have any problems with them. Awesome reviews!

[charlesli]

The greatest tool comparison I've ever seen! Finally on par with tech reviews. How is it that I'm only now discovering this channel?!?!?

[annoy_ken]

You guys and Project Farm are the best too reviewers around. Great content, you guys are helping many people make better decisions, turn out better work and save money. Thanks for helping us avoid the headache of buying the wrong tools.

[MLLD]

One of the VERY BEST channels on youtube. Polite, pro and with a friendly attitude.

[chipped]

Great review guys!
3 yrs ago I bought the Makita, just for the batteries.
Home depot had it on clearance for 300 with 4 batteries, and the 55' track.
I've since added the 118, and the 39.
Now working at a cabinet shop that has a festool tsc75.
The festool feels more refined, but has the cord which cancels that out.
Having only used corded festool, and cordless makita.
The plunge is softer on the festool, but i love cordless for installing cabinets on-site.

[micahtawney]

I don't think I'll ever need to buy a tracksaw, but I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I love your testing methods and the depth of testing. As always, great work!

[multidinero]

I own a corded DeWalt Track Saw, and I think it’s a solid saw. However, all of the things pointed out here are true of the corded saw as well. It’s a good saw, but if you’re spending your money on a new saw, weigh your options. The DeWalt is finicky when making adjustments.

[Angusmillion]

Great testing, as always. I used a cordless makita tracksaw for quite a while doing higher-end jobsite carpentry and it was so solid. The only downside I could find, after using it for months on end, was the weight of it with the double 6 amp-hr batteries (IIRC). It started to aggravate my wrist and shoulder putting it off and on the track to line up cuts. That would be in the "long-term ergonomics" category, I guess... but I would probably buy it again, and try to run on lower-power batteries for most cuts to keep the weight down. Hope that 2c is useful for anyone out there.

[OhioPowerTool]

Awesome Test as Always!!! Learned a lot and we shared it around with our staff for some of your insights. Only thing not really emphasized that much with Mafell (which we don't sell) is batteries are part of the CAS battery platform which uses Metabo 18V LiHD batteries. Some comments here about not being compatible with anything but there are a lot of great Metabo drill, impacts, vacs, lights and other tool options which mean you can have compatibility with more readily available professional tools. Just something to consider for those really wanting to get a Mafell, again we don't sell it so not sure why I'm trying to make their case but sometimes you just want what you want.

[pnvids]

First of all your comparison is amazing. Really good job!
I recently recieved my Bosch GKT 18V version 3 and agree with most of your rankings. However, Bosch listened to the customers and changed a few things.
For example they stiffened the track adjustment slider and now its not likely anymore to change the adjustment by accident.

Also i realized you used the "old" 6Ah battery pack. I dont know how far this affects the results, but the maximum power (around 1600W) can only be reached with the new ProCore batterys 5.5Ah, 8Ah or 12Ah.

Greetings from Germany!

[rpproductions]

Finally got all my components in today for my new Makita, 2-55” tracks, track soft case, clamps, connector kit, 2- 5ah batteries, dual charger, hard cases.... ready to cut the rubber and start enjoying not having to bring my table saw to my rental properties.

[mconwell]

THIS is how you do a "Best of" comparison. Excellent work!

[julianweiser]

Here´s what the Festool Letters mean:
TSC 55 KEB

TS=Tracksaw
C=Cordless
55=55mm max cutting depth
K=Kickback Stop
E=Electronically adjustable speed, Soft Start
B=Brake that stops the blade quicker

F=Thinner Blades 1.8mm instead of 2.2
Q=Plug-It Cable: One power cable connector for all tools so you only need 1 cable.
R=Optimized for cutting along walls or in edges.
Li 5.2=5.2Ah Battery included
Plus=Comes in Systainer
FS=Guide Rail included, mostly 1.4m
SCA=Quickcharger included

Ordered the wrong saw cuz of that... They dont tell you a thing about those, its just embarrassing.

[tonyioannoni]

Awesome review like always, nobody else on the Tube makes such reviews....about 30 years ago I made a strategic choice, because my uncle was a contractor, and over the years he tested all the tools and he settled on Makita, he must had just in handsaw about 40, plus drills, nail guns... he had 2 trucks loaded with tools...., so I chose Makita, and never regretted it, they might not always be the best on the market, but they are often the best value....I still have the makita tools I bought 30 years ago, and they are still working great!