Do I REGRET not buying the Festool? Makita Track Saw 1 year review || The Recreational Woodworker

I've now had my Makita XPS01PTJ Cordless Brushless 36V LXT 6-1/2" Track Saw 5AH Kit for over a year. This is my long term review of the Makita Track Saw. The biggest question is "Do I regret that I didn't spend more on the Festool Cordless Track Saw instead?

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[alexjames]

I've had the Festool TS 55 for more than a decade. I've done things I would never have thought of with it. It was expensive, as is almost everything in the UK, but I estimate it paid for itself in three jobs. I had 2 1400mm tracks and got a 2400mm track. I then cut down the 1400mm into 600mm and 800mm. These sizes are really useful for in situ countertop plunges and door trims. I run three blades so I'm always sharp have two guide rail clamps which can be very useful. Now there's choice but at the time it was practically only Festool and I've never regretted the purchase for a millisecond.
Now I might think a lot more because if the variety.
Thanks for the after use update.

[Elconbrioso]

The plunge /track saw - what a brilliant tool . It's like having a v accurate table saw, and being able to take it to your work - not the other way round. My first one was a corded Makita, coming with two tracks and all the trimmings (minus the clamps which I found I didn't really need anyway). This was 12 years ago, in the UK.
The first task for my new saw was to shape a 2" oak door blank, half prepared by a joiner shop - "The mugs on site can do the tricky bit" kind of scenario. The rectangular door blank had to have the top half shaped to fit a Gothic ( bullet) door frame. The saw, with it's new blade glided through the stuff, with no burn marks. I made two cuts to each side, and faired the rest with a belt sander. The coolest trick that this tool performs - is to remove 1/8"to 0" from the top of a polished, veneered door - with a perfect 90-degree cut, with zero spelch.
In short, this is a must have. Does it have to be made by Festool ? Well yes - you could spend a load more £'s and get a few more bits and pieces - but basically it does the same thing.
If I have one proviso, it is this - watch out for kick back . Squeeze the trigger and wait a second for the motor to get to maximum speed - before pushing the saw forward.

[ES-mqox]

I just got off a conference call with Red Green, Larry the Cable Guy, and Tim Taylor (Home Improvement Guy) and we all agreed that your saw's dust collection can be improved (see 10:53 ) by utilizing an ingenious little device (no 3D printer required) called drum roll a piece of DUCT TAPE!!!..lol.

[abelgerli]

I do have the corded version.
I my opinion one of the best options people don't talk about often is that the Makita can do a 3mm fibre breaking cut before doing a full cut. Doing so you get a total perfect cut without any splintering of fibers at the top.
When you have cuts where you want to have flawless cuts even on the top surface.

[MrGarryJames]

I have the plug in variety Makita track saw. It is a constant source of joy. It is so smooth and quiet. So incredibly precise. Controlling routinely to a 1/64th". I have two tracks. One 9' for ripping sheet. and a 53" for cross cuts. Don't have to disconnect the two piece long track.

[HarlyGuy]

Just ordered mine today and I can’t wait.

[johnjensen]

I’ve owned and used a Festool track saw heavily since 2001. Very nice saw and produces a beautiful cut. A couple of years ago I bought a cordless Makita track saw and I love it! I like it better than the Festool and highly recommend it. I sold the Festool saw to help offset the cost of the new Makita. The hose from the Festool vacuum fits the Makita perfectly and the tracks and clamps are interchangeable. I also like the anti tip feature of the Makita for 45 degree cuts. I also have the TSO track square and highly recommend it.
John Jensen from British Columbia.

[y_zass]

How have I never seen a track saw before??? This thing is genius, it is like bringing the table saw to the wood, rather than the wood to the table saw. I can't cut straight to save my life, I need this.

[TCM]

I have had the Festool TS55 for quite some time and have loved it but saw a need for a cordless one. All the research led me to the same conclusion as you, Makita. I actually had a lot of Makita cordless tools so for me it was the logical choice. I waited for it to go on sale and got 4 batteries and a track.

[chrisgrubisa]

Makita is grossly underrated they are not owned by some other company or come out of the same Factory as several brands of tools they are innovators in cordless technology inventions not to mention paved the way with battery efficiency pound for pound in dollar for dollar Makita is a safe bet on any tool

[mjrwey]

Ive had my cordless Makita Tracksaw over a year now. I started with the corded because I run Milwaukee and didn't want to add a 2nd battery platform. But I quickly went cordless and love it. Added a few Makita cordless routers to my line up since. I got a deal where a i got two 55" fences, 9 ft fence and 4 batteries. I cut one 55" fence in half to use with the square edge thing that clips on. Install wide plank pine floors with it.

[Selandry]

Speed control is needed for cutting PVC and composit so it does not burn/melt the material. Nice video. I love Makita and Festool.

[ddruckmu]

I absolutely love my Makita corded and 3 tracks for last 3 years, replaced my table saw almost completely!

[simonzhang]

The Bosch vacuum hose will fit perfectly with the Makita and Festool

[reverandbigshow]

I've had the Makita saw for ten yrs and it has never let me down. I've also used the Festool and while it's easier to make depth adjustments, I am convinced the Makita is a much better value for money tool.
The Festools I have used have always cut out with a fraction of pressure on the brought on by unstable material that my Makita will cheerfully cut through, I think that is due to Festool trying to protect the longevity of the tool (which is always a pain in the ass when you're in the middle of an important cut because you're always left with an imperfect cut and have to do it again).
But as I said my Makita has given me ten yrs of constant use and isn't showing any signs of tiredness (That is good longevity for any power tool these days).
If you're not in a dedicated cabinet type workshop I honestly think the Festool track saw is an extravagance and definitely not worth the extra money!

[mikecrook]

Your unsolicited testimonial for the Makita track saw and guide comparing them to your dependable and expensive table saw sold me on the Makita track saw and guide. Thanks, great video.

[camino]

I bought one in April of 2019... I was already in the platform and a huge fan of Makita, but I’ve felt 100% satisfied with my purchase, every time I use it. It has saved me on odd jobs multiple times. The only thing that annoys me about it is setting the plunge depth. I just find it finicky to loosen the wing nut and slide the stop to the precise depth I’m looking for. From what I can tell, Festool did a better job on that feature... The great thing about Makita is that once you get 2 or 4 batteries, there are just so many excellent tools that become practical to purchase, which are reasonably affordable and tend to come with more and more batteries. I think I have around 16 Makita batteries at this point and I’d just rather have those than a couple Festool batteries and maybe a couple tools. Makita just makes tools that are smooth and comfortable to operate in my opinion... I also have the x2 Makita miter saw and I love that as well... And the chainsaw... First time seeing your channel. I enjoyed the video.

[peterdunne]

I think your review has sold the Makita for me. Thanks for a great review 👍. Love Makita cordless tools.

[georgemuff]

I have had my Makita cordless track saw for about 2 years. I went through a similar selection process and ended up at Makita for the reasons you stated. I wanted the flexibility to integrate with Festool if I go that direction in the future. Also like you it was my gateway into the Makita cordless world since they had a promo giving two extra batteries with purchase. I have since added the impact, hammer drill, trim router, and reciprocating saw, all brushless. Regarding track lengths my experience is opposite of yours. I started with 2-55" tracks thinking it would cover me for working sheet goods. I added the 39" track as I was looking for a little more flexibility for making shorter cuts. I have found this smaller track to be invaluable, especially on a recent stair remodel. It was awesome for cutting out skirtboards as well as cutting the hardwood treads to length. I found I use the track saw much more by leaving the 39" track hanging handy in my shop. I am now contemplating splurging for the 118" track. I get good results joining the 2-55" tracks but sometimes need to make both crosswise and lengthwise cuts in full sheets and it can be a bit of a pain to take them apart and make sure they are straight again when re-joining. I would either sell one of my 55" tracks or cut it into smaller pieces. I have often seen the need for shorter tracks during remodel work. I don't regret buying my Sawtop PCS but on some projects the track saw makes the majority of cuts.

[chrisnicholls]

I started off with the corded Makita track saw a few years ago, then thought I would add the cordless version to make things easier when getting power might be an issue - I very quickly stopped using the corded version as I think the 36v saw is better - I can't fault it in any respect. Just about to purchase the Makita 36v mitre saw.