Thanks Peter. I’ve had Festool and Makita tracksaws in my professional carpentry past but get by with a Scheppach in retirement. As you quite rightly say, there is a market for all the different price point saws. Good review as always.
Be careful. I've had good and bad off them and finally won't touch them. I need high accuracy in joinery, and evolution aren't in the game. For very basic woodwork they're alright.
Evolution seem to be upping their game with their new line of tools table saw ect,i recently bought their corded vacuum which i tought was an excellent product considering the price poit !!! well done to them !!!
Fantastic video Peter, the effort to bone up on all that gear is impressive and combined with your breathless delivery makes for absolutely compulsive watching, excellent as always.
Hello Peter, another well produced and well thought out review of a cheaper end saw. Just a comment, always remove the battery or plug when changing the blade despite the saw having a load of built is safety features ( there is always a safety womble lurking amongst your viewers!!)
I'm a satisfied user of the Evolution multi-material blades but didn't realise they're from a British company, which is a nice bonus. They are used on both my cherished(!) DeWalt radial arm saw and (with a little modification) on the TS55. When using the latter I've often wondered whether blade would be better on the other side and was reminded of this when watching your test cuts.
PS Festool should take note of those guide rail joiners. When I bought my rails they sold them with just the one joiner which emphasised the weakness of their method; obviously, I stumped up for a second expensive joiner.
I’ve recently got hold of this saw as well along with the new accessories and will be doing a video with my thoughts on it as a hobbyist woodworker at home. Great video as always Peter and I hope you’re well.
Have to agree with Simon here Peter. While the battery is removed when changing the blade. However you do in fact touch the blade with the battery attached at 8:14, when you are tightening the bolt. So I guess it comes down to whether the tightening of the screws is part of changing the blade or not. When talking workshop safety, I would say it is.
Thanks Peter, I’ll be looking into these rails, joining bars and rail square for my Makita track saw! This looks like a great step towards more compatibility across brands. An update to your rails video could also include the Milwaukee option. Thanks again!
Brilliant video as always. I would like to get the most out of my Erbauer track saw, between your bud and the new evolution rails I might be able to achieve it
Rail review welcome - Amazon are backordered for a while. I've been waiting for Excel rails to come back into stock to buy another, but given up after months of waiting so just placed an order for 2 sets of 2.8 rails, so I can redo the bench and have a full length rail for breaking down sheets without needing to worry about adjusting saw fit and risking rubber strip damage. Hope the rails are as good as you suggest.
I've got a Mafell 55 for "jointed" edges but I doubt these evolutions could compete unless they had a serious blade upgrade? Plus my Mafell can score cut to prevent breakout.
Thanks Peter, I was looking for a cheaper rail which I can cut down to ~110cm. Now I got the 2x 140cm Evolution set today and are actually thinking about selling my 140cm festool. The rails seem nice, festool is a bit "rounder" on the edges, but all acessories seem to fit onto the evolution and the Bosch saw seems to be sliding even a bit smoother on the Evolution. Edit: Small correction to my previous statement: The front pin (and just the pin) of the benchdog hinge does not fit.
Great review. Thank you. It's put me off the saw but I think I'll get the guide rails. Amazon have the new style for £84.99 (you can get the old style for £69.99). Thanks again 🙂
Hi Peter. Had my festool gear for 12 years and bought the new evolution rail to keep as a 2.8m for big rips. Have you noticed that there is some play on the track no matter how tight you tighten the festool knurled knobs. Don't know if it's because my saw is 11 years old. Cheers
Based on your previous recommendations for the best value, I was planning to purchase 150cm Excel tracks for my Makita plunge saw. Now watching this video, do you have now new favourite track deal the Evolution G2 140cm, which includes clamps and joining bars Do you think these new tracks are now a better option than your previously recommended Excel tracks? I also prefer the new G2 design, as it allows for the attachment of other accessories. The Excel/Makita anti-tipping lip seems primarily useful for angled cuts, which I don’t typically make.
There’s an updated ‘which rails work’ video out this week. The excel rails went out of stock soon after that older video was posted and have never come back. The Evolution G2 rails are a better bet all around! 👍👍
Hi Peter, Good review on the Evolution saw and the G2 guide rail, the cut especially the difference between the 20 and 40 tooth cuts on the ply sample. As always a great video Take care
Really like these new joining bars. Im a parkside saw owner and the off-pattern rails have had me side eyeing a makita but i think ill just get some of these new rails and accessories and stick with the existing saw, which for ny occasional use is perfectly fine.
Thanks to this video, i looked up the price of a Makita guide rail out of curiosity. My local hardware store was having a sale. The 3 meter Makita rail was on sale for 150! Apparently i even had some store credit. Paid 110 euro! I was incredibly tempted to buy 2, and cut the 2nd into different sizes.
Another great video Peter. I wish we could get Evolution tools in South Africa, bur nobody is bringing them in. Shipping via Amazon or similar online shops is prohibitively expensive.
Thank you for the review. The new track is a definite upgrade. A couple of questions about your stationay mft table. How is it holding up? I notice some nicks and holes. Also, I notice you use the holes for clamping, would you eliminate the dove tail slots? Any suggestions or upcoming videos on improvements? Thank you.
Thanks! I’ll be replacing the MFT top before too long. I’m in two minds about the slots. Definitely won’t be using the match fit dovetail slots again, considering regular t-track slots instead, or simply none at all. The slots haven’t done the Fibracolour material any favours - I’ll be using something else for the next top. 👍
I love this brand as primarily they bring affordability to my workshop, I have had the corded hybrid saw for a while now, although it's not as polished as the competition and dust extraction is poor, it does the same job equally as well. Just takes a minute longer to set up and if you take the time it is just as accurate. My tracks don't quite line up properly but it doesn't effect the cut quality. I definitely recommend the dust extractor too (wet and dry vac) with blower function, pto and remote start.
Thanks. I've often posted about my own negative experiences with Evolution quality control. I don't need cordless. The new Evolution stuff is getting very good reviews and, maybe, I'll try again. If I get around to making lots of cabinets (like I intend to do), I'll probably get Makita since I have Makita track for my Makita circular saw that works very well with a track attachment accessory but is slow and clumsy to set up for an individual cut. But the sliding mitre saw and table saw look tempting
Just a thought I have a track saw and a plunge saw… would it work to have the dust extraction on the front as that’s where the dust starts with the blade running upwards anti-clockwise… great vids
The issue is more with the fact that the blade face is entirely open; on a plungesaw this is entirely covered, other than the section of exposed blade that's actually cutting. So worth a try, but really it's just an issue specific to circular saws. 👍
The new rails seem awesome! I've got the previous 2x 1.4m ones, great value price/quality wise but yeah, I felt quite limited when I wanted to add accessories. These are awesome for new comers. For the saw, as a diy I'd pref a corded one. I'm sure they'll make one. Evolution seem's going on a streak since the new tablesaw. A great time for EU diyers 💪
I have recently purchased the Benchdogs Ultra Rail Square thinking it would connect with the Parkside track. I have tried connecting it today and it just doesn't work. After checking Benchdogs website again, every brand is listed, apart from Parkside or Evolution. The Ultra Rail Square is compatible with the Festool track, the Evolution track is almost the same as the Festool track, therefore can I assume that the Ultra rail will connect to this new G2 version? I just need some reassurance before I commit more money buying the G2 tracks. Thanks!
Did you test the accuracy of the angle and depth stops? When it indicates 90 degrees, is it exact? And how stable is the angle setting - is there any flex between the base and the saw blade?
I have the original Evolution 2x1.4m guide rails (bought to go with my Erbauer plunge saw which came with 2x0.7m guide rails). They were good value for money but the new ones with the upward-facing T-slot are very tempting.
Great vid Peter. I used to have a great Wokshop, but I now live in a fifth floor flat.But! I have a Garage. I miss my workshop, So battery is the way to go for me.We don’t have electricity in our Garages.
I got pointed to your channel because I am after my first plunge saw and was looking at the Erbauer ERB690CSW 185mm Electric Plunge Saw with 2 x Rail(s) 240V from screwfix but it only comes with 2 x 700mm tracks with no way to buy further to do a full board .. so i am assuming the evolution tracks will fit the saw perfectly
Thoroughly interesting! Particularly those joining bars and it appears as though they might well fit the Makita rails! I'm slowly losing the grub screws from my Makita bars and annoyingly, I can't find a supplier of only the screws; you'd have a buy a pair of bars with it. But if the Evolution bars are compatible then it would seem like a no brainer!! I've also spotted another comment about a 2.8m rail for under £100! 😱
Thanks! As I say in the video, the bars are 100% compatible with Makita and Makita-pattern guiderails, and the £100 bundle includes 2 x 1.4m rails, the joining bars, a pair of clamps and a rail bag. Bargain! 👍
A carpenter circular saw that is compatible with a track. I haven't thought of that. I might have to have a think before trying to get ahold of a secondhand DeWalt.
Well done Peter. For a lower cost alternative I've found the PowerTec rails are good here in the States. I'd keep away from the Chines ones. I've ordered two and one was ok, but the other, all of the non slip, zero clearance, and slick strips have never staid on the rail. Plus the rail was not as good as a makita or Festool. for tolerances. I need them for start/stop supports or small cross cut setups with a rail square.
Thanks for this Peter, i have the previous mains powered equivalent and like it a lot with one exception, the awful clamps annoyed me every time but i treated myself to the Bessey single handed table clamps and now im very happy. Will be looking at the crosscut accessory though, especially backwards compatibility with my old-style tracks.
Interesting that erbauer and evolution batteries are cross compatible. I have a number of erbauer tools and batteries so good to know. I can't believe the range of erbauer tools now. This is a budget brand that now has cordless mitre saws, framing nailers, paddle mixer and belt sander. They are a bit agricultural in use but it amazes me what is available now.
I nearly bought the similarly priced WEN track saw yesterday on USA Amazon! And now that Evolution looks pretty good. BTW there is an even cheaper corded version.
This is a great video and very thorough review. I wonder if you know whether this is strictly available in the UK? The links in the description take me to the UK site which then directs me to the USA site (my location.) The Evolution saw and rails that are available there do not appear to be the same ones...unfortunately.
Thank you. Yes, the saw, G2 rails, connectors and accessories are all available here in the UK. I’m afraid I have no knowledge of availability elsewhere - that’s a question best directed to the manufacturer, I think. 👍
You are my hero track saw. Aku system Evolution = aku system Erbauer, this is an amazing step for diy. Not for me, but it's a great option. My system Festool + Polish Dedra SAS+ALL 18V
Mine arrived about 4 weeks ago. Not done much with it as yet but ye very similar performance to the mains corded version. Also it 100% works perfectly with the Erbauer 18v EXT platform which I’ve just gone back to after a 4year of Parkside tools to benefit from the brushless motors. In actual fact it was this saw that swayed my decision to jump platforms and go back to the Erbauer tools
I wish i’d waited before buying the old version last year. The added features and compatibility of the new version makes the price premium worth it. Hope the splinter guards are improved, i had to rip those white ones off and replace with makita strip.
The new splinterguards are excellent; I was disappointed to see the same white strip to start with, but it’s an all-new rubbery material, very nice, very good. 👍
A great idea of a definitely useful saw with one flaw: It's not a plunge saw 😁 But the guide rail -> will be on my shopping list as soon as they show up in the shop in Germany!
@@10MinuteWorkshop Seconded. Can't believe they still haven't released one and they seem to have missed a trick, given the wide range of brands that do have them. See Rutland's have just announced one too (looks like Makita compatible rails too).
Has anyone had any chance ordering the g2 new style connecting bars in France ? They seem to be available to ship only in the uk so far ... I tried emailing evolution but they didn't answer.. Thanks for the great review and information Peter !
Good day Peter. I was wondering about the accuracy of the angle settings on track saws ( I have a Makita model). Perhaps it would make an interesting video if you were to test the accuracy of the settings especially as you seem to have a couple of models that you could test. When you showed the cut result I noticed that there was an indentation of the blade in the cut. In saying that, it was where you had stopped cutting as you moved up to continue the cut. I wonder if you didn't;t need to do that, the mark of the blade wouldn't have been there?
TBH any saw blade marks are likely down to my inexperience with a circular saw - I haven't used one in ~20 years, and there's a lot of plungesaw muscle-memory to fight! As for angle settings, I'd never assume any saw - at any price - was accurate; I always set, then test, as there are too many variables that can affect the cut. 👍
Thanks for this Peter, looks like a nice saw system, evolution seem to offer good value, I’ve enjoyed their mitre saw for years. Glad you mentioned the dust problem, as you say, for indoor to me it looks a deal breaker, is there a good reason they can’t enclose the blade housing, to at least mitigate that issue a little?
Looks like new joining bar is going to be Festool owners dirty secret 😂 Edit: silly about label facing inward. As a Bosch owner had a Freud blade backwards for the same reason. Such an easy mistake to make
Honestly it arrived the day I was shooting video so I haven't had a chance to look at it closely; I'll be covering them in a separate video, but as the Evo and Festool rails are so similar, I'd expect them to be compatible, yes, but not so with the Makita-pattern rails because of the lip. Bit as I say I haven't tested them; I think Dean at @woodworkjourney had the accessories for longer and talked about them more in his video. 👍
Thanks for the great video. I imported a 2800 G2 set to The Netherlands from Amazon UK. Sadly, i am not very impressed. The white stip partly came off of one of the rails and i had to reattach it. I hope it stays on now. When connecting the two 140 cm parts, the combined 280 cm rail isn't straight. I have to move it around a bit using another straight edge to get them aligned, then fasten them. But when i grab the rail, it already moves and isn't straight anymore. I'm afraid that if i tighten the connecting strips any more, it will break the thin aluminium. Any tips? Another thing i noticed is that the bar which guides the saw is a tad narrower than the Metabo guide rail i own. I guess it's the same width as the old Bosch FN140 rail, which is also a bit narrower than the Metabo. Luckily my Metabo KS 55 FS circular saw has an adjustable glide rail. Much better than the Bosch GKS 12V-26, which needs electric tape to make it fit a guide rail properly.
Hi, and sorry to hear that; obviously I can only review the rails I have available to me, and mine certainly didn’t have those issues. Normally my response to anyone with a new product that doesn’t live up to expectations is to simply return it, though I appreciate that may be difficult in your case! Regardless of the connector, I always recommend using a level or another guide rail held across the joined rails when moving them - this really does minimise the risk of the connectors and rails shifting. I wouldn’t be concerned about over tightening the connectors in the Evolution rails; with the Festool rails it is possible to turn the cams around completely if you force them, but I’ve never had this with the evolution rails. Hope that helps! Peter
Love the look of those joining bars but £50 a pair is a bit on the steep side just for those. Will have to see if they can be had cheaper anywhere, or maybe put them on the Xmas list 🙂
I am puzzled as to why most (not quite all) track and plunge saws appear to my amateur eyes to be better suited (designed?) for left handed use. It always looks awkward when I see right-handers leaning at an angle with their wrist cocked over while guiding the saw along its path. I'm a rightie, and I just wondered if I'm missing something obvious or if anyone can throw some light on this? Great review as ever Peter - all the best.
Not so much you can say about a rail square, especially in a video that’s already running long. But as I say in the video, it’s simple and well priced. 👍
Great review Peter, I would really love to hear your opinions about Evolutions new table saw the R255tbl+. PS I have had my makita plunge / track saw with two rails for quite a few years now and it has done me well, the only failings have been by the person operating it 😂 also when I first got it I naively presumed it could not come off the rail and god did I get a wake up call. Lesson learned about using new tools you dont fully understand
Drat! I've got the original Evolution guide rails (2x1400mm) and I really can't justify spending another hundred quid for the upgrade! (I don't suppose they do a trade-in?)
Most impressed with the tracks; the saw and blades - not so much (have I gotten uppity in my old age?!). However; eVolution does have a USA web site but it appears the old track is the only choice (Amazon sells it too but dang it appears Wen shares the same track). So I'll just have to wait and see if/when they bring it over here. Especially the joiner. That IS the bee's knee's.
I bought a set of the tracks based on this video. I'm generally pleased with them and they join very well with the tracks one way round (A into B) However when I swap the tracks over to the other way round (B into A) and tighten the bars, they're pulled out of alignment and the saw catches. Would this be indicative of another issue? Should I be concerned?
Hi. No, that doesn’t sound right at all; if you’re happy just using them A-B then you can probably live with it, but I’d be tempted to return them. Only thing I can think of that might cause an issue like that is the internal dimensions on one end of the rail is malformed in some way, causing the misalignment. HTH P👍
I don’t have a DeWalt saw so I can’t say that I’ve tried it, but the DeWalt has the additional groove in the base to fit the Festool rib, and the evo G2 rails are a very close copy of the Festool pattern, so you should be fine. 👍
Those joining bars are great. Priced to kill though at £50, so makes more economical sense to buy a new set of rails too. Probably why they've done it. Only £10 for the rail end guide - oh Stealth Mounts won't be too happy about that!!
I am awaiting delivery of the Evolution F165CCSL corded circular saw - at £60, it looks a real bargain, as I will mainly use it to cut sheet materials to a useable size. Evolution seem to be one of the most reliable companies, giving excellent after-sales help, even for relatively old machines.
Tsk Tsk Peter you should have cut the splinter guard on some scrap wood. Is it a silly bore size so you have to use their own blades? Well done Evolution they have come a long way, how do they compare to Ryobi (there another video for you, as I would have them around the same bracket?)
Do Ryobi do a circular saw that's track compatible? For whatever reason they don't bring their plungesaw to the UK. 🤷♂️ And no, they're on a standard 20mm bore now. 👍
Hi Peter, Would you recommend these alongside the Mac plunge saw for an entry level / novice set up? Seems too good to be true 😃 Another great video, thank you ❤
I think the tracks are probably more interesting than the Saw itself. £100 is a bargain given their versatility, I wonder if they are compatible with the Bosch Professional Track Saw Compatible Saws.
@@k.hussain360 Don’t have the Bosch, but the Mafell definitely is as it has the extra slot for the Festool rib; most saws are compatible with the Festool rails. 👍
It does with the one I have here, yes. The distance from the rib to the edge of the rail is the same, the difference is in the upward-facing t-slot on the left of the new rails. 👍
As an occasional plunge saw user i got the old-style evolution rails to go with my corded makita plunge saw and we pretty un-impressed with the quality, poorly cut, not square end of the rails, splinter guard coming off pretty quickly. These new rails look very tempting indeed as I don't want to fork out for high quality rails for occasional use
@@10MinuteWorkshop Thanks Peter. I was about to get a Festool 1.4, but with these I'd get 2 for similar money! Just concerned not to see DeWalt on the Evolution compatibility list.
@@soundman127 If it’s the original Dewalt plunge saw then it definitely had the extra slot to fit the Festool rail, but would be good to hear how you get on, one way or the other. 👍
My DeWalt 720 does have the extra slot. I believe DeWalt were first to copy the plunge saw concept from Festool. I can confirm that the Evolution track works perfectly. Thanks for the video Peter.
Hmmm! Is dust collection on this any/significantly worse than on other makes? I've a big Bosch corded saw that's of unknown age but, while it still works, is heavy, clumsy and .... yes, OK, I'm convincing myself I need something new, smaller and generally better - preferably a track saw. I really like the look of the small blue Bosch that you've reviewed but cut depth on that isn't great. Decisions, decisions! :-)
Circular saws are generally worse at dust collection than plunge saws because of the exposed blade. I dont actually own any other circular saws so I can't compare I'm afraid, but it's definitely work than a plungesaw when cutting thinner eg 18mm plywood or MDF. And these 18v tools are totally different animals to the little 12v saws. 👍
Better quality brand than MacAllister or Titan, but I highly doubt Evolution is a British manufacturer, unless something changed in recent years. Only thing they make in UK is packaging pretty sure
Thanks Peter. I’ve had Festool and Makita tracksaws in my professional carpentry past but get by with a Scheppach in retirement. As you quite rightly say, there is a market for all the different price point saws. Good review as always.
Thanks! Yes, the scheppach have a few proprietary niggles, but works great if you stick with their tracks. 👍
Actually didn't realise Evolution was a British company will be supporting them in the future. 👍
Be careful. I've had good and bad off them and finally won't touch them. I need high accuracy in joinery, and evolution aren't in the game. For very basic woodwork they're alright.
Wow don't think I've ever seen Peter cut a non sheet good!
Made me feel a bit queasy tbh… 😂😂
Evolution seem to be upping their game with their new line of tools table saw ect,i recently bought their corded vacuum which i tought was an excellent product considering the price poit !!! well done to them !!!
Yes, they do! 👍
Fantastic video Peter, the effort to bone up on all that gear is impressive and combined with your breathless delivery makes for absolutely compulsive watching, excellent as always.
Thanks David! I must remember to breathe! 😂👍
Hello Peter,
another well produced and well thought out review of a cheaper end saw.
Just a comment, always remove the battery or plug when changing the blade despite the saw having a load of built is safety features ( there is always a safety womble lurking amongst your viewers!!)
I'm a satisfied user of the Evolution multi-material blades but didn't realise they're from a British company, which is a nice bonus. They are used on both my cherished(!) DeWalt radial arm saw and (with a little modification) on the TS55. When using the latter I've often wondered whether blade would be better on the other side and was reminded of this when watching your test cuts.
PS Festool should take note of those guide rail joiners. When I bought my rails they sold them with just the one joiner which emphasised the weakness of their method; obviously, I stumped up for a second expensive joiner.
I’ve recently got hold of this saw as well along with the new accessories and will be doing a video with my thoughts on it as a hobbyist woodworker at home.
Great video as always Peter and I hope you’re well.
Cheers Ben! Look forward to it! 👍
Naughty Peter leaving the battery in the saw when changing the blade! Safety first!
Watch it again, I really didn’t. 👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop nope look at 8.13 you are doing up the blade with the battery fitted. Please be safe as love the content 😊👍
Pretty sure I was there Simon. I assure you, no blade was *changed* with the battery fitted. Seriously, watch again. 👍
Have to agree with Simon here Peter. While the battery is removed when changing the blade.
However you do in fact touch the blade with the battery attached at 8:14, when you are tightening the bolt.
So I guess it comes down to whether the tightening of the screws is part of changing the blade or not. When talking workshop safety, I would say it is.
@@10MinuteWorkshop
But at 2:32 you can be seen caressing/stroking the bottom plate of the saw while the battery is in.😊
Thanks Peter, I’ll be looking into these rails, joining bars and rail square for my Makita track saw! This looks like a great step towards more compatibility across brands.
An update to your rails video could also include the Milwaukee option.
Thanks again!
Thanks! I always forget about Milwaukee because they're battery-only, but I'll be sure to add them in. 👍
@@markfredericks9892 @10minuteworkshop
Milwaukee wins the aesthetics category with that sexy red anodisation!
Brilliant video as always. I would like to get the most out of my Erbauer track saw, between your bud and the new evolution rails I might be able to achieve it
Thanks 👍
The tracks and clamps package is excellent value.
They are! 👍
Rail review welcome - Amazon are backordered for a while. I've been waiting for Excel rails to come back into stock to buy another, but given up after months of waiting so just placed an order for 2 sets of 2.8 rails, so I can redo the bench and have a full length rail for breaking down sheets without needing to worry about adjusting saw fit and risking rubber strip damage.
Hope the rails are as good as you suggest.
They're excellent, for all the reasons I state in the video. 👍
I've got a Mafell 55 for "jointed" edges but I doubt these evolutions could compete unless they had a serious blade upgrade? Plus my Mafell can score cut to prevent breakout.
Thanks Peter, I was looking for a cheaper rail which I can cut down to ~110cm. Now I got the 2x 140cm Evolution set today and are actually thinking about selling my 140cm festool. The rails seem nice, festool is a bit "rounder" on the edges, but all acessories seem to fit onto the evolution and the Bosch saw seems to be sliding even a bit smoother on the Evolution.
Edit: Small correction to my previous statement: The front pin (and just the pin) of the benchdog hinge does not fit.
Yes, they’re very good. 👍
Great review. Thank you. It's put me off the saw but I think I'll get the guide rails. Amazon have the new style for £84.99 (you can get the old style for £69.99). Thanks again 🙂
Picked up the corded previous version just for cutting out floorboards and decks good kit may look at the new rails though
New rails are a real game changer. 👍
Hi Peter. Had my festool gear for 12 years and bought the new evolution rail to keep as a 2.8m for big rips.
Have you noticed that there is some play on the track no matter how tight you tighten the festool knurled knobs.
Don't know if it's because my saw is 11 years old. Cheers
Based on your previous recommendations for the best value, I was planning to purchase 150cm Excel tracks for my Makita plunge saw.
Now watching this video, do you have now new favourite track deal the Evolution G2 140cm, which includes clamps and joining bars Do you think these new tracks are now a better option than your previously recommended Excel tracks? I also prefer the new G2 design, as it allows for the attachment of other accessories.
The Excel/Makita anti-tipping lip seems primarily useful for angled cuts, which I don’t typically make.
There’s an updated ‘which rails work’ video out this week. The excel rails went out of stock soon after that older video was posted and have never come back. The Evolution G2 rails are a better bet all around! 👍👍
I wonder when the updated connectors will be available in continental europe, as I'd happily get them for my makita tracks.
Hi Peter, Good review on the Evolution saw and the G2 guide rail, the cut especially the difference between the 20 and 40 tooth cuts on the ply sample. As always a great video Take care
Thanks Shaun! 👍
The rails are £84.99 for 2800 mm and £66.99 for 1400 mm on Amazon right now.
Amazing value for money.
Yep, quite exceptional. 👍
I’m thinking of buying a tracksaw, very helpful video. Thanks !
Thanks! 👍
Thanks Peter - whilst I don’t need the circular saw I do need to replace one of my Makita rails, so this video is super timely! Thanks.
Glad to help - and timing is everything! 👍
Really like these new joining bars. Im a parkside saw owner and the off-pattern rails have had me side eyeing a makita but i think ill just get some of these new rails and accessories and stick with the existing saw, which for ny occasional use is perfectly fine.
Yep, these rails are a huge upgrade for anyone with the Parkside/Einhell/Rutlands/Lumberjack saws. Genuine game-changer 👍
@@10MinuteWorkshopSurprisingly the new style Festool joining bars are cheaper!
also just ordered the Track square ,Hose & cable guide ,Guide Rail End Stop then added 'PMILLARD for the discount thank you Peter
Nice, thanks! 👍
Thanks to this video, i looked up the price of a Makita guide rail out of curiosity.
My local hardware store was having a sale. The 3 meter Makita rail was on sale for 150!
Apparently i even had some store credit. Paid 110 euro!
I was incredibly tempted to buy 2, and cut the 2nd into different sizes.
If you space to store them, it’s hard to argue against a long rail! 👍
They don't seem to have the G2 guide rails in the U.S. online store yet.
Another great video Peter. I wish we could get Evolution tools in South Africa, bur nobody is bringing them in. Shipping via Amazon or similar online shops is prohibitively expensive.
Thank you for the review. The new track is a definite upgrade. A couple of questions about your stationay mft table. How is it holding up? I notice some nicks and holes. Also, I notice you use the holes for clamping, would you eliminate the dove tail slots? Any suggestions or upcoming videos on improvements? Thank you.
Thanks! I’ll be replacing the MFT top before too long. I’m in two minds about the slots. Definitely won’t be using the match fit dovetail slots again, considering regular t-track slots instead, or simply none at all. The slots haven’t done the Fibracolour material any favours - I’ll be using something else for the next top. 👍
I love this brand as primarily they bring affordability to my workshop, I have had the corded hybrid saw for a while now, although it's not as polished as the competition and dust extraction is poor, it does the same job equally as well. Just takes a minute longer to set up and if you take the time it is just as accurate. My tracks don't quite line up properly but it doesn't effect the cut quality.
I definitely recommend the dust extractor too (wet and dry vac) with blower function, pto and remote start.
Thanks! Yes, the vac does look interesting!
Thanks. I've often posted about my own negative experiences with Evolution quality control. I don't need cordless. The new Evolution stuff is getting very good reviews and, maybe, I'll try again. If I get around to making lots of cabinets (like I intend to do), I'll probably get Makita since I have Makita track for my Makita circular saw that works very well with a track attachment accessory but is slow and clumsy to set up for an individual cut. But the sliding mitre saw and table saw look tempting
@@cuebj Yes, the new table saw (orange one not the green one) is very good. Check out review Summary builds.
thanks Peter, looking to get a track soon so might well be getting one of these
They’re very good! 👍
Just a thought I have a track saw and a plunge saw… would it work to have the dust extraction on the front as that’s where the dust starts with the blade running upwards anti-clockwise… great vids
The issue is more with the fact that the blade face is entirely open; on a plungesaw this is entirely covered, other than the section of exposed blade that's actually cutting. So worth a try, but really it's just an issue specific to circular saws. 👍
Looks like you need some of that Evolution grip strip on the soles of your shoes Peter!
😂 That's actually a pretty good idea!
The new rails seem awesome! I've got the previous 2x 1.4m ones, great value price/quality wise but yeah, I felt quite limited when I wanted to add accessories. These are awesome for new comers.
For the saw, as a diy I'd pref a corded one. I'm sure they'll make one.
Evolution seem's going on a streak since the new tablesaw. A great time for EU diyers 💪
I have recently purchased the Benchdogs Ultra Rail Square thinking it would connect with the Parkside track. I have tried connecting it today and it just doesn't work. After checking Benchdogs website again, every brand is listed, apart from Parkside or Evolution. The Ultra Rail Square is compatible with the Festool track, the Evolution track is almost the same as the Festool track, therefore can I assume that the Ultra rail will connect to this new G2 version? I just need some reassurance before I commit more money buying the G2 tracks.
Thanks!
Very impressive!Again, great video. Really like the tracks.
Thanks, yes, they’re very good. 👍
Did you test the accuracy of the angle and depth stops? When it indicates 90 degrees, is it exact? And how stable is the angle setting - is there any flex between the base and the saw blade?
Nope.
I have the original Evolution 2x1.4m guide rails (bought to go with my Erbauer plunge saw which came with 2x0.7m guide rails). They were good value for money but the new ones with the upward-facing T-slot are very tempting.
They’re excellent! 👍
Great vid Peter. I used to have a great Wokshop, but I now live in a fifth floor flat.But! I have a Garage. I miss my workshop, So battery is the way to go for me.We don’t have electricity in our Garages.
I got pointed to your channel because I am after my first plunge saw and was looking at the Erbauer ERB690CSW 185mm Electric Plunge Saw with 2 x Rail(s) 240V from screwfix but it only comes with 2 x 700mm tracks with no way to buy further to do a full board .. so i am assuming the evolution tracks will fit the saw perfectly
Yes. I did a video on the Erbauer and larger Triton here - ua-cam.com/video/ZCVPNFeHAQ8/v-deo.html
Thoroughly interesting! Particularly those joining bars and it appears as though they might well fit the Makita rails!
I'm slowly losing the grub screws from my Makita bars and annoyingly, I can't find a supplier of only the screws; you'd have a buy a pair of bars with it. But if the Evolution bars are compatible then it would seem like a no brainer!!
I've also spotted another comment about a 2.8m rail for under £100! 😱
Thanks! As I say in the video, the bars are 100% compatible with Makita and Makita-pattern guiderails, and the £100 bundle includes 2 x 1.4m rails, the joining bars, a pair of clamps and a rail bag. Bargain! 👍
have you tried the hikoki track saw? would be keen to see a review and any suggestions for extras that you can add
No, I’m afraid not, but I’ll look out for one. 👍
A carpenter circular saw that is compatible with a track. I haven't thought of that. I might have to have a think before trying to get ahold of a secondhand DeWalt.
Great to see another video hope your well !
Thanks! And all well here, thank you! 👍
Well done Peter. For a lower cost alternative I've found the PowerTec rails are good here in the States. I'd keep away from the Chines ones. I've ordered two and one was ok, but the other, all of the non slip, zero clearance, and slick strips have never staid on the rail. Plus the rail was not as good as a makita or Festool. for tolerances. I need them for start/stop supports or small cross cut setups with a rail square.
Good to know, thanks! 👍
Maybe you can use shims on the inside of certain blades to set the kurf at the edge of the guide rail for all blades. Nice review.
Thanks! Shouldn’t need to shim the blades though, should you? Companies have been making different blades with a consistent kerf for years and years 👍
Thanks for this Peter, i have the previous mains powered equivalent and like it a lot with one exception, the awful clamps annoyed me every time but i treated myself to the Bessey single handed table clamps and now im very happy. Will be looking at the crosscut accessory though, especially backwards compatibility with my old-style tracks.
Interesting that erbauer and evolution batteries are cross compatible. I have a number of erbauer tools and batteries so good to know. I can't believe the range of erbauer tools now. This is a budget brand that now has cordless mitre saws, framing nailers, paddle mixer and belt sander. They are a bit agricultural in use but it amazes me what is available now.
I nearly bought the similarly priced WEN track saw yesterday on USA Amazon! And now that Evolution looks pretty good. BTW there is an even cheaper corded version.
Well done, Peter. I always enjoy your tool review videos. Cheers 😊
Thanks Steve! 👍
This is a great video and very thorough review. I wonder if you know whether this is strictly available in the UK? The links in the description take me to the UK site which then directs me to the USA site (my location.) The Evolution saw and rails that are available there do not appear to be the same ones...unfortunately.
Thank you. Yes, the saw, G2 rails, connectors and accessories are all available here in the UK. I’m afraid I have no knowledge of availability elsewhere - that’s a question best directed to the manufacturer, I think. 👍
You are my hero track saw. Aku system Evolution = aku system Erbauer, this is an amazing step for diy. Not for me, but it's a great option. My system Festool +
Polish Dedra SAS+ALL 18V
Mine arrived about 4 weeks ago. Not done much with it as yet but ye very similar performance to the mains corded version. Also it 100% works perfectly with the Erbauer 18v EXT platform which I’ve just gone back to after a 4year of Parkside tools to benefit from the brushless motors. In actual fact it was this saw that swayed my decision to jump platforms and go back to the Erbauer tools
Good choice!👍
Nice review. Personally, I remove the battery when changing the blade on a cordless tool .
Watch again; no blade was changed with the battery in. 👍
I wish i’d waited before buying the old version last year. The added features and compatibility of the new version makes the price premium worth it. Hope the splinter guards are improved, i had to rip those white ones off and replace with makita strip.
The new splinterguards are excellent; I was disappointed to see the same white strip to start with, but it’s an all-new rubbery material, very nice, very good. 👍
A great idea of a definitely useful saw with one flaw: It's not a plunge saw 😁 But the guide rail -> will be on my shopping list as soon as they show up in the shop in Germany!
Yes, I would love to see a plunge saw version of this saw. 👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop Seconded. Can't believe they still haven't released one and they seem to have missed a trick, given the wide range of brands that do have them. See Rutland's have just announced one too (looks like Makita compatible rails too).
Excellent review, thanks Pater.
Many thanks! 👍
Thanks Peter. I wonder if they are available on our side of the pond?
They have a US store - follow any link in the description, go to the home page and scroll all the way down to the bottom left. 👍
Has anyone had any chance ordering the g2 new style connecting bars in France ? They seem to be available to ship only in the uk so far ... I tried emailing evolution but they didn't answer.. Thanks for the great review and information Peter !
Hey Pete do those rail gaurds fit the makita rail..??
Yes, they do - I’ve just checked! 👍
Great review for us diy guys.
Glad you liked it, thanks! 👍
Good day Peter. I was wondering about the accuracy of the angle settings on track saws ( I have a Makita model). Perhaps it would make an interesting video if you were to test the accuracy of the settings especially as you seem to have a couple of models that you could test. When you showed the cut result I noticed that there was an indentation of the blade in the cut. In saying that, it was where you had stopped cutting as you moved up to continue the cut. I wonder if you didn't;t need to do that, the mark of the blade wouldn't have been there?
TBH any saw blade marks are likely down to my inexperience with a circular saw - I haven't used one in ~20 years, and there's a lot of plungesaw muscle-memory to fight! As for angle settings, I'd never assume any saw - at any price - was accurate; I always set, then test, as there are too many variables that can affect the cut. 👍
Thanks for this Peter, looks like a nice saw system, evolution seem to offer good value, I’ve enjoyed their mitre saw for years. Glad you mentioned the dust problem, as you say, for indoor to me it looks a deal breaker, is there a good reason they can’t enclose the blade housing, to at least mitigate that issue a little?
Thanks! Yes, coming from a plungesaw background it's quite revealing how poorly the dust collection compares, on circular saws generally. 👍
Is it work with benchdog?
Looks like new joining bar is going to be Festool owners dirty secret 😂
Edit: silly about label facing inward. As a Bosch owner had a Freud blade backwards for the same reason. Such an easy mistake to make
I agree. It almost caught me out until I realised!
@@10MinuteWorkshop I found out due to the smoke. Harder to see blade mistakes on enclosed track saw 🙈😁🙈
Hi Peter. Thank you for video. Does the rail square work on the festool rail?
Honestly it arrived the day I was shooting video so I haven't had a chance to look at it closely; I'll be covering them in a separate video, but as the Evo and Festool rails are so similar, I'd expect them to be compatible, yes, but not so with the Makita-pattern rails because of the lip. Bit as I say I haven't tested them; I think Dean at @woodworkjourney had the accessories for longer and talked about them more in his video. 👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop thank you so much for answering my question. I look forward to seeing further videos on these.
Nicely done Peter, and thank you for a very informative video. I must say Michael Jackson would envy your moonwalk. 😊
Thanks! 😂👍
Thanks for the great video. I imported a 2800 G2 set to The Netherlands from Amazon UK. Sadly, i am not very impressed. The white stip partly came off of one of the rails and i had to reattach it. I hope it stays on now. When connecting the two 140 cm parts, the combined 280 cm rail isn't straight. I have to move it around a bit using another straight edge to get them aligned, then fasten them. But when i grab the rail, it already moves and isn't straight anymore. I'm afraid that if i tighten the connecting strips any more, it will break the thin aluminium. Any tips?
Another thing i noticed is that the bar which guides the saw is a tad narrower than the Metabo guide rail i own. I guess it's the same width as the old Bosch FN140 rail, which is also a bit narrower than the Metabo. Luckily my Metabo KS 55 FS circular saw has an adjustable glide rail. Much better than the Bosch GKS 12V-26, which needs electric tape to make it fit a guide rail properly.
Hi, and sorry to hear that; obviously I can only review the rails I have available to me, and mine certainly didn’t have those issues. Normally my response to anyone with a new product that doesn’t live up to expectations is to simply return it, though I appreciate that may be difficult in your case! Regardless of the connector, I always recommend using a level or another guide rail held across the joined rails when moving them - this really does minimise the risk of the connectors and rails shifting. I wouldn’t be concerned about over tightening the connectors in the Evolution rails; with the Festool rails it is possible to turn the cams around completely if you force them, but I’ve never had this with the evolution rails. Hope that helps! Peter
Thanks Peter. Definitely a tool on my radar now. Take care & stay safe.
Thanks, you too! 👍
Love the look of those joining bars but £50 a pair is a bit on the steep side just for those. Will have to see if they can be had cheaper anywhere, or maybe put them on the Xmas list 🙂
I thiunk they're 'strategically' priced to make it a no-brainer to buy the 1.4metre rail set for just £20 more... 👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop Yes I did wonder, sounds entirely plausible
I am puzzled as to why most (not quite all) track and plunge saws appear to my amateur eyes to be better suited (designed?) for left handed use. It always looks awkward when I see right-handers leaning at an angle with their wrist cocked over while guiding the saw along its path. I'm a rightie, and I just wondered if I'm missing something obvious or if anyone can throw some light on this?
Great review as ever Peter - all the best.
How is the rail square? what is the price? Will there be separate video?
Not so much you can say about a rail square, especially in a video that’s already running long. But as I say in the video, it’s simple and well priced. 👍
Great review Peter, I would really love to hear your opinions about Evolutions new table saw the R255tbl+. PS I have had my makita plunge / track saw with two rails for quite a few years now and it has done me well, the only failings have been by the person operating it 😂 also when I first got it I naively presumed it could not come off the rail and god did I get a wake up call. Lesson learned about using new tools you dont fully understand
Thanks! Yes, very interesting that table saw. I know someone who's doing a comparison between that and the Rutlands saw, should be worth a watch! 👍
Great demo as ever Peter, wish they did a 'holey rail' too given the price of the Festool one.
Cheers Danny! Yes, a ‘holey rail’ would be a good option to have! 👍
Drat! I've got the original Evolution guide rails (2x1400mm) and I really can't justify spending another hundred quid for the upgrade! (I don't suppose they do a trade-in?)
I doubt it, but no harm in asking? 👍
Most impressed with the tracks; the saw and blades - not so much (have I gotten uppity in my old age?!). However; eVolution does have a USA web site but it appears the old track is the only choice (Amazon sells it too but dang it appears Wen shares the same track). So I'll just have to wait and see if/when they bring it over here. Especially the joiner. That IS the bee's knee's.
I bought a set of the tracks based on this video. I'm generally pleased with them and they join very well with the tracks one way round (A into B)
However when I swap the tracks over to the other way round (B into A) and tighten the bars, they're pulled out of alignment and the saw catches. Would this be indicative of another issue? Should I be concerned?
Hi. No, that doesn’t sound right at all; if you’re happy just using them A-B then you can probably live with it, but I’d be tempted to return them. Only thing I can think of that might cause an issue like that is the internal dimensions on one end of the rail is malformed in some way, causing the misalignment. HTH P👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop thanks for your help Peter. I've contacted Evolution directly, will see what they say.
Thanks Peter
Is it possible to buy the joining bars separately and any idea on price?
Yes, but I believe they’re £50/pair. Might as well go for the £70 bundle and get rails, clamps and a bug as well. 🤷♂️👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop thanks but I'll pass at 50 notes the saw looks good though
Does the benchdog square fit this?
Yes; the G2 rails are as close to the Festool rails as you can get. 👍
please could you tell me if this evolution track would be compatible with a dewalt track saw ? thanks
I don’t have a DeWalt saw so I can’t say that I’ve tried it, but the DeWalt has the additional groove in the base to fit the Festool rib, and the evo G2 rails are a very close copy of the Festool pattern, so you should be fine. 👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop ok thanks peter :)
Those joining bars are great. Priced to kill though at £50, so makes more economical sense to buy a new set of rails too. Probably why they've done it. Only £10 for the rail end guide - oh Stealth Mounts won't be too happy about that!!
'Strategic pricing' I'm told. 👍 You can get the end guide for free - there's a code and link in the description.👍
Have you seen rutlands have just released a track saw. I've had a few tools from rutlands they seem to be okay
They’ve had a tracksaw for a while, just released a cordless one; I have it on pre-order. 👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop be interesting to see what it's like
I am awaiting delivery of the Evolution F165CCSL corded circular saw - at £60, it looks a real bargain, as I will mainly use it to cut sheet materials to a useable size.
Evolution seem to be one of the most reliable companies, giving excellent after-sales help, even for relatively old machines.
Good to know, thanks! 👍
Tsk Tsk Peter you should have cut the splinter guard on some scrap wood. Is it a silly bore size so you have to use their own blades? Well done Evolution they have come a long way, how do they compare to Ryobi (there another video for you, as I would have them around the same bracket?)
Do Ryobi do a circular saw that's track compatible? For whatever reason they don't bring their plungesaw to the UK. 🤷♂️ And no, they're on a standard 20mm bore now. 👍
Hi Peter,
Would you recommend these alongside the Mac plunge saw for an entry level / novice set up?
Seems too good to be true 😃
Another great video, thank you ❤
The guiderails? Yes, absolutely - they’re excellent. 👍
Well, both really 😂 birthday next week 😉
Many thanks 👍
Looks excellent value....but why not enclose the blade to improve dust collection, this really lets the deal down
Nice overview mate
Cheers Dan! 👍
I think the tracks are probably more interesting than the Saw itself. £100 is a bargain given their versatility, I wonder if they are compatible with the Bosch Professional Track Saw Compatible Saws.
@@k.hussain360 There's an official compatibility list on their site. It says: Bosch GKS55GCE and GKT 18V-52GC have been tried.
@@k.hussain360 Don’t have the Bosch, but the Mafell definitely is as it has the extra slot for the Festool rib; most saws are compatible with the Festool rails. 👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop I'll have to do some digging. I'm leaning towards the Festool cordless at the moment, I blame you entirely for that leaning 😂.
@@k.hussain360 I find I’m blamed for all manner of Festool purchases Khuz! 😂😂
@@10MinuteWorkshop 😂 - get yourself some cards that say "Peter made me buy it"
Pity about the dust collection, as this is a very smart unit otherwise. Hopefully Evolution will bring out a cordless tracksaw version.
It is a cordless tracksaw, but not a plunge saw. And yes, I'd very much like to see a version of this saw as a plunge saw. 👍
@@10MinuteWorkshophere is a tea ☕️
I'll take seat and wait with you. Hope they'll develop a plunge saw!
Does the new rail work with the original corded Evolution saw?
Should just have checked the website! It does indeed!☺
It does with the one I have here, yes. The distance from the rib to the edge of the rail is the same, the difference is in the upward-facing t-slot on the left of the new rails. 👍
The UK store lists the new Cam Track Bars, but not the US site. The UK price is shocking.
I’m told it’s ’strategic pricing’ - why spend £50 when you can get a bundle with rails for £70. 🤷♂️
I told you someone inventing something better than those outdated double bars with grubs screws was well over due! 😜
As an occasional plunge saw user i got the old-style evolution rails to go with my corded makita plunge saw and we pretty un-impressed with the quality, poorly cut, not square end of the rails, splinter guard coming off pretty quickly. These new rails look very tempting indeed as I don't want to fork out for high quality rails for occasional use
They’re a very different proposition. 👍👍
Very interested in these tracks but I'm never certain if other tracks work with my old DeWalt 520 tracksaw.
Pretty much every plungesaw will work with Festool rails, and these are the closest I've seen to Festool OEM rails. You should be fine. 👍
@@10MinuteWorkshop Thanks Peter. I was about to get a Festool 1.4, but with these I'd get 2 for similar money! Just concerned not to see DeWalt on the Evolution compatibility list.
Evolution were unable to officially confirm DeWalt. I've ordered in any case. I'll get back here if I have any problems.
@@soundman127 If it’s the original Dewalt plunge saw then it definitely had the extra slot to fit the Festool rail, but would be good to hear how you get on, one way or the other. 👍
My DeWalt 720 does have the extra slot. I believe DeWalt were first to copy the plunge saw concept from Festool. I can confirm that the Evolution track works perfectly. Thanks for the video Peter.
Hmmm! Is dust collection on this any/significantly worse than on other makes? I've a big Bosch corded saw that's of unknown age but, while it still works, is heavy, clumsy and .... yes, OK, I'm convincing myself I need something new, smaller and generally better - preferably a track saw.
I really like the look of the small blue Bosch that you've reviewed but cut depth on that isn't great.
Decisions, decisions! :-)
Circular saws are generally worse at dust collection than plunge saws because of the exposed blade. I dont actually own any other circular saws so I can't compare I'm afraid, but it's definitely work than a plungesaw when cutting thinner eg 18mm plywood or MDF. And these 18v tools are totally different animals to the little 12v saws. 👍
Better quality brand than MacAllister or Titan, but I highly doubt Evolution is a British manufacturer, unless something changed in recent years. Only thing they make in UK is packaging pretty sure
Interesting.