I greatly appreciate reviews delivered like this one. No showmanship, simply deliver information. A good informative review that helped my purchase decision. Please keep up the good work
Such an excellent, no filler, no no-it-all, self important, flamboyant, yelling review! Well done man! Entertaining and certainly a review from a guy who knows the key points of a track saw. Many tool reviews are filled with unnecessary talk or reviews on obvious things like... Comes with a battery and then elaborate on the battery... Thank you for such a great video
I realize this video is a year old, but I just found it and I want to say that I really appreciate your effort in making it. I like that you didn’t just re-iterate the manufacturer’s specs and details.
John . . . Several years ago I went strickly RED because dealing with 4 different battery types was crazy, and while some of the other tools were very good - none were better than the red tools. Over time I weeded out all the other colors and going with a single battery type has been one of the best tool buying decisions I've made. Now I need to pick up a track saw and I would prefer to stay RED but I had also heard a lot of conflicting information going around YT. Can't thank you enough for doing this video and clearing things up.
Alignment for a perfect bevel cut is frustratingly difficult. The edge of the track doesn’t layout where the kerf is going to be. It’s a major flaw unless you only plan to break down sheet goods into smaller pieces.
I’m bought the same blade cover before I looked on the other side and it’s completely open 🤣 don’t think it will one bit of difference if I’m honest. Like the saw though all in all
You did a great job of demonstrating how every feature works on this saw. I can tell that you have a lot of experience with track saws and I respect your judgement completely. Thanks for sharing this.
John, thanks for taking the time to give us your feedback. I'm not committed to any brand. I just want to spend money on good products that make life better. I am on the M12 platform because I dont do anything heavy duty anymore. I will definitely add this one to my list of wants. Thank you
Great review. I just bought my Milwaukee after owning 2 ts 55s for years and am really impressed. I actually purchased this to cut a bunch of 20step 2x12 stair stringers and it was so helpful being able to lock the saw in to the guide and shift it from cut to cut so quickly and the big deal for me was using the dust bag and cordless to eliminate the cumbersome hose and cord. Now I will be using my festools a lot less as I am mostly onsite rather than in a shop. I might even finally invest in a long track because it’s less than the festool one.
I appreciate the info at 8:56 about adjusting the blade to the splinter guard. I have Festool rails and need to be able to swap saws onto them without changing those VERY expensive splinter strips!
For myself, I’m running the bosch fsn rails with a mafel Mt55cc and a Bosch GKS18V-25GCN. I love that I can use my track saw with all the other major tracks and the fsn rails. I also believe the fsn track joiner is superior to the other brands. It is hard to hate on Milwaukee though. Thanks for a thought out and thorough review.
Hey tell us how the Bosch tracks are doing? Any wiggle from the milwaukee on them? I saw your comment and looked them up, Milwaukee saw deal at acme so reasonable with the jump red code I cannot pass on it, but interested in these Bosch tracks..thanks for the update f you post it
@@thetoolmat8632 Doing very good 2 years commercially. 1.) the extra length is a big plus. 2.) splinter guard replacement is superior in both form and function than any other track 3.) alignment and accuracy is still great. Lastly, a track saw is an investment in you and your production. You really can't go wrong with any of them.
I am really happy with the Milwaukee track saw and I own corded ts 55 , still will keep it for more demanding jobs but realizing that haven't even pulled it out in 9 months , festool is a great saw as well but Milwaukee checked all the boxes for me so either way both are on the top line , actually including the makita 40 v as well , the only thing is missing on festool is the rising knife which is a must for me but they added another safety future which I am still skeptical
Great video friend. Thank you Update I just went to town and purchased the saw at Home Depot with a promotion for a free 6ah battery. There are no tracks in stock so as I looked on line I noticed that Makita is significantly less expensive than milwaukee on the mid to long tracks. I think I have decided Makita due to the prices I could find and what John shows in this video. Makita: 39”-$86 55”-$85 118”-$198 Milwaukee: 31”-$79 55”-$168 106”-$377 Hope it all works out. 😁
I had completely written off the Milwaukee saw when it came out, due to others saying the anti tip feature doesn't work with makita tracks. I have the corded Makita saw along with 3 tracks. While I have no complaints out of the corded saw, a cordless saw would be nice. Thank you for clarifying that.
Thanks for this great review. I'm in the market for my first Track Saw and I've been leaning towards the Makita LXT as I already have multiple tools on the LXT Platform. I'm now reconsidering and may go for the Milwaukee based on this positive review. Thanks!
thanks for the review. I have a corded Festool 55 tracksaw and guide rails. It's nice to know the Milwaukee will fit my rails and able to adjust the saw to line up with the kerf that my Festool has, no need for 2 sets of tracks! -Brian
Thanks for the follow-up review. I'm in the market for a track saw and Milwaukee is on my short list. This review helped to move it to the top of the list.
I agree. What blades do you recommend or are the Milwaukee blades sufficient. I will be purchasing to cut cabinet panels and hoping for zero tear out. Thanks Ron
@@RonHutcherson-hj3rx I’ve actually been really impressed with the Milwaukee blades. The Fine Finish blades are a little thicker, which I prefer, and have been great
My man, excellent analysis of the Milwaukee track saw. Thank you for sharing the features in a no-nonsense manner and following up after real-world experience. I was on the fence between this and the Makita for the last couple of years. I was for sure going to get a makita, but it looks like Milwaukee has surpassed them. There are other videos and reviews that have made me like the Milwaukee better, but yours is one of my favs for sure. Thanks again, and I'm a new subscriber.
Great review. You did a fantastic job of pointing out it's features. I did my homework and it's the best for the price. You can go cheaper and far more expensive. This will give me good use and value for years. Keep up the great work.
Great review! I’m sold! I’ve been a builder and then cabinet/furniture maker since 1969. Milwaukee has been my tool of choice since the early days. Kind of retired now but thinking of getting a track saw cause who can really retire.😂 I’ve used the Festool but too steep for me. I don’t even know the prom the Milwaukee but after watching you, I’m sold. Thank you!!
I went w/ the MKE once I finally decided that I needed a track saw. I love the saw and the fact that it uses the same battery platform as all of my other cordless tool (-1). Also like you, I’ve found that the “original” TSO track square works just fine. Thank you for doing the long term test. It matches my experience w/ this saw.
@@chingonbass I bought the MKE track saw package. It same with two 55” tracks that can be connected. Instead of the TSO Parallel Guides, I opted for the TSO GRS-16 PE Guide Rail Square, and the Woodpeckers Parallel Guide System (I’ve heard good things about the TSO Parallel Guide system - see Jason Bent’s youtube review). The folks @ TSO said that the GRS-16 PE wouldn’t fit the MKE track, but it’s worked fine for me. TSO has recently made a slightly different Guide Rail Square that they say IS compatible with the MKE track. You might want to go with the new TSO Square if you don’t have a rail square for your MKE Track Saw. Hope this helps.
Great review. No gimicy or Hollywood stuff, just honest insights. I already bought mine after loosing my Festool stuff in a wildfire here in Nova Scotia. So, was a little nervous about moving to a battery platform from as corded festool 75. While the Milwaukee will obviously not cut at the depth that my 75 did, it is every bit as solid if not more for 98% of what I do. Thanks
If this saw was out earlier I would of bought it but I have the makita 40v they are both nice saws. the dust collection on makita with the AWS is a nice feature I think the makita has a bit more grunt or power but the milwaukee is nicer saw alll around more user-friendly adjustment and the fact it has a splinter guard like festool saws. My next saw will likely be a festool TS 60
I’m surprised the Bluetooth hasn’t been a standard feature on the newer gear. I have it on my Festool battery sander with the larger hepa Festool vacuum. I gotta tell you….its extremely handy. I like the saw. I’m happy Milwaukee finally made one and I knew it was going to be a quality saw. I have a Makita track saw and like it very much. If I decide to upgrade or buy a new one it will be the Milwaukee for sure. Great video sir 👍
My first track was Kreg tool. Bought it with their table. Worked ok but this Milwaukee is killing me. Most of my stuff is Dewalt but wow this was a great review. Thanks
Thanks for the information. I have a Makita Track saw and recently picked up the 118 inch track for it after needing to rip plywood by myself in my garage. It is good to know that it is compatible with Makita's tracks as the 118 inch one was super expensive.
Excellent review and learned a few things about a saw I already own and enjoy using! Confirmed my own opinion. I am a festool/ dewalt platform shop and dipped into Milwaukee just for this saw.
Superb review. Thanks! I have the (corded) Festool setup, and (cordless) Mafell/Bosch, both of which I'm very happy with for their uses. I was curious about this saw, especially since my workshop seems to be filling with more red tools every month or so, and the batteries too. Looks like Milwaukee did a great job. I do wish it had the LED lights at the blade as the Mafell does, because a cordless track saw is most useful at the jobsite, and jobsite lighting is usually less than great.
Great review. I just got the Milwaukee track saw and it has taken a little getting used to. Thanks for the info on the adjustment screws, I couldn’t find that info in the manual. The only problem I am having is with the riving knife. It doesn’t follow the blade and gets hung up when I make angled cuts. Is there a way to adjust it to follow the blade?
Is the milwaukee track anti slip? I didn't see you put a clamp on it. I'm leaning towards the milwaukee. In my region, local stores don't carry it so I need to order. No hands on at the stores. thx
Thanks for this, and particularly for the detailed information on compatibility with Makita tracks. The saw itself is slightly dearer than a Makita (and I've got Milwaukee batteries and chargers already) but Makita tracks, at least here in the UK, are a LOT less money and I'll probably equip myself with a few of those.
No doubt Milwaukie has some great tools. I purchased my Makita tracksaw a couple years ago and it has been great to use but if I didn't have one yet I would definitely need to give some consideration for this one too
Hello great video. One of the most Informative I have seen. I have two questions the depth guide I am confused on where exactly I use. The top of the two lines the middle? Also does the guide connector plates go bevel side up or down? Also I have made the mistake of putting g just a little to much pressure when tightening and dimpled the track. I say this to avoid anyone else from doing it. Happened very easily. Thoughts
Hey great video - can I ask what size battery you use with the track saw? I’ve got a couple of 5ah batteries but can’t seem to find info around what performance I can expect?
Hi, Thank you so much for all information, it was excellent explaining everything. I am first time viewer and really appreciated your details. What was the Bessey clamps you recommended?
Great vid, much appreciated. With blades - what tooth do you run for cutting cabinetry boards? Is the standard blade ok for this? And could you please put a link to the right angle guide? Great addition to the track. Thanks again 👍
Have you had any issues with the brake not working to stop the blade after a cut? Mine was fine for 4 or 5 cuts (only mdf) and then next cut, it kept spinning. I’ve searched as much as I can and the only thing that I can find is to ‘get it serviced’. I’ve only used it for one other project and don’t want to send it away if there is something I can do. Thanks!
are the track connectors cumbersome to install and accurate when lining up? i used the bora track a long time ago and getting that connector to line up accurately was a pain in the ass
I don’t think so, they’re just hex set screws. Same on the Makita and Milwaukee. A lot of tracks don’t come cut perfectly square on the ends so that usually needs trimmed, but after that it’s easy and accurate
Can someone expect glue ready edges on hardwood rips with this track saw? I do a lot of slab work and I don’t have a jointer big enough and have no desire to get one that big. I was thinking the track saw may be able to fill the gap?
Great video as always! I might have missed it. But what vac hose do you use with your track saw. That looked supple and easy to work with vs the hard rigid hoses.
I’ve read some that say the blade doesn’t line up with the anti-chip strip when beveled to 45 degrees. Is this true? Also, would a different company’s track make a difference in this same regard?
This is an excellent video!! This is probably a dumb question, but when cutting a rough-sawn board where both edges aren't square, how do you measure from the edge to align the track when it has no square reference surface? Because one end could be at 2" with the other at 2 1/4" if that makes sense. Due to the expense, I would be using the track saw to get jointed edges without having a jointer or table saw. Thanks in advance!
you could simply "make" a square edge by marking a 90 at one end and then laying down the track to make at least one straight edge (the one you cut). with that 90 and one straight edge you could square off of that doing things the same way for the other sides
@@srchubz So, I would square up the end with my miter saw, then hook my square on the end and mark it? That will definitely make everything easier. Thank you for the help, I really appreciate it!
@@chris-C8 and technically you don't even need to square the cut with the miter saw. Just make a straight cut (due to the wood it might not sit flush against the fence, ya know?). With THAT cut you have your reference points for 90 off of that. Then just make the long straight cut
I am brand new to woodworking, just buying a few tools. I was planning on getting the 6 1/2” circular saw, but then I’ve seen some videos on the track saw. Can a track saw do the work of a circular saw? Can I just buy the track saw and skip the circular saw? So far a I have a compact table saw (Dewalt) and a 10” Ridgid compound miter saw. Good video.
I just upgraded from my plug in Makita to the Milwaukee, but was worried about my TSO guide rail square not working. Thanks for showing the TSO guide rail square works and why they say it “doesn’t”. Saves me from buying a new one when I get my 106” long Milwaukee rail 👍🏻👍🏻
@1975oldschool Where did you purchase your 106" rail? Acme has it, but it cost an arm and a leg for the "handling" because it is so big. I am having a hard time finding a store who has it and I prefer not to join two 55" rails. I would love to purchase it in a store and save a few hundred dollars.
@@drewfellows8573 I got mine from HD, no special shipping. That was my issue with getting the 8 foot version for Makita, special handling fee was almost as mich as the rail 😮
@1975oldschool thanks for the reply! HD does not have the 55 or 106 inch versions to ship right now. I will keep watching to see if it becomes available again. Thanks again!
Hi John , i noticed that over a 1.4M rail the Milwaukee was heavier and more rigid than the other rails. Thank you for the other illuminations like the adjustments in the base and the anti tip working in the Makita rail too. Not feverously speeding through the different points is really apreciated. When i tested one, i found that it was well balanced 😊and secure on the rail. On looking at the protrusion on the rail i noticed that it was not as heavily rounded on the top as other rails. The new cordless router looked great on the rail. Are you able to compare it with other rail adaptors? Is it just as secure as the saw? Needless to say, i bought a red Milwaukee rail.
Thanks for the follow up video, I may be mistaken but it’s the first one I’ve seen on the Milwaukee, there may be more but not on my subscriptions 👍 I just wish they would sell the European version track over here.
I have heard people say in different reviews that the tracks tend to have the anti splinter strip fall off on its own whether it's used a lot or lightly used, and have also heard people complain about tracks not lining up well with each other when connecting two tracks whether it be two 55" or two 31" etc etc. How has your experience been with those two situations ?
I bought the long track so I actually haven’t joined any of the short Milwaukee ones together. In my experience with both Makita and festool tracks though, they both needed trimmed to square up the ends so they went together straight
I've had repeat problems with mine. The trouble I've had seems to revolve around the track and how the saw sits in the track, and that it's not that accurate. It will sometimes pull one direction or the other. Have ruined several tracks because it will start to pull into and cut into the track. I think the problem is more the tracks than the saw, but not sure. Idk if i just got a bad one or what
So the one thing keeping me on makita, as I am a Milwaukee platform kinda guy. Is the ability to flip over the arbor nut on the makita and use 5/8" arbor blades you know your typical circ saw blades which are cheaper and specifically the "demo demon" which I'll use on different types of materials. I have tried to play with the milwaukee arbor at the home depot, but I don't see the ability to flip it. Can you tell me is that the case?
Nice review, thanks for that. I have a Milwaukee track saw on order. But what I really want to know is how's that Laguna jointer and planer holding up?
I’m thinking about buying a track saw, one question I have is do they take a standard 6 1/2 inch blade or do you have to buy a track saw specific blade that cost a fortune.
If your Milwaukee and Makita tracksaw fell off the bench and into an alternate universe and you had to buy a new one......would you buy the Makita or Milwaukee? I run mostly Milwaukee and have a Makita tracksaw that I love, but it's getting time to replace it, debating if I should switch over to Milwaukee and dump my makita batteries or stick w/ what I know and keep going w/ the Makita.
I greatly appreciate reviews delivered like this one. No showmanship, simply deliver information. A good informative review that helped my purchase decision. Please keep up the good work
Such an excellent, no filler, no no-it-all, self important, flamboyant, yelling review! Well done man! Entertaining and certainly a review from a guy who knows the key points of a track saw. Many tool reviews are filled with unnecessary talk or reviews on obvious things like... Comes with a battery and then elaborate on the battery...
Thank you for such a great video
I realize this video is a year old, but I just found it and I want to say that I really appreciate your effort in making it. I like that you didn’t just re-iterate the manufacturer’s specs and details.
Thanks for watching!
John . . . Several years ago I went strickly RED because dealing with 4 different battery types was crazy, and while some of the other tools were very good - none were better than the red tools. Over time I weeded out all the other colors and going with a single battery type has been one of the best tool buying decisions I've made. Now I need to pick up a track saw and I would prefer to stay RED but I had also heard a lot of conflicting information going around YT. Can't thank you enough for doing this video and clearing things up.
Glad it helped!!
festool is better, way better! but not the same price
Alignment for a perfect bevel cut is frustratingly difficult. The edge of the track doesn’t layout where the kerf is going to be. It’s a major flaw unless you only plan to break down sheet goods into smaller pieces.
@@lnz971yep. If you want/need the absolute best, and have unlimited tool budget… but dang the red tools have done everything great lately.
I’m bought the same blade cover before I looked on the other side and it’s completely open 🤣 don’t think it will one bit of difference if I’m honest. Like the saw though all in all
You did a great job of demonstrating how every feature works on this saw. I can tell that you have a lot of experience with track saws and I respect your judgement completely. Thanks for sharing this.
I appreciate that, thank you!
John, thanks for taking the time to give us your feedback.
I'm not committed to any brand. I just want to spend money on good products that make life better.
I am on the M12 platform because I dont do anything heavy duty anymore.
I will definitely add this one to my list of wants.
Thank you
I agree, I’m the same way 👍🏽
Great review. I just bought my Milwaukee after owning 2 ts 55s for years and am really impressed. I actually purchased this to cut a bunch of 20step 2x12 stair stringers and it was so helpful being able to lock the saw in to the guide and shift it from cut to cut so quickly and the big deal for me was using the dust bag and cordless to eliminate the cumbersome hose and cord. Now I will be using my festools a lot less as I am mostly onsite rather than in a shop. I might even finally invest in a long track because it’s less than the festool one.
I appreciate the info at 8:56 about adjusting the blade to the splinter guard. I have Festool rails and need to be able to swap saws onto them without changing those VERY expensive splinter strips!
Excellent review. I've been going between Festool and Makita but after seeing this, I'm actually looking at the Milwaukee track saw now. Thank you.
Great review. I like your style. Direct, honest, to the point, clear. I look forward to watching more of your videos.
Thank you!!
For myself, I’m running the bosch fsn rails with a mafel Mt55cc and a Bosch GKS18V-25GCN. I love that I can use my track saw with all the other major tracks and the fsn rails. I also believe the fsn track joiner is superior to the other brands. It is hard to hate on Milwaukee though. Thanks for a thought out and thorough review.
Have heard nothing but good things about the Mafell
Hey tell us how the Bosch tracks are doing? Any wiggle from the milwaukee on them? I saw your comment and looked them up, Milwaukee saw deal at acme so reasonable with the jump red code I cannot pass on it, but interested in these Bosch tracks..thanks for the update f you post it
@@thetoolmat8632 the Milwaukee doesn’t work on the Bosch rails. He uses the Mafell saw on his Bosch rails
@@thetoolmat8632 Doing very good 2 years commercially. 1.) the extra length is a big plus. 2.) splinter guard replacement is superior in both form and function than any other track 3.) alignment and accuracy is still great. Lastly, a track saw is an investment in you and your production. You really can't go wrong with any of them.
A great honest review of the tool and answered a lot of questions others have about them. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!!
This is the best straigt fwd video i have seen on the saw. Good job!
Really appreciate your reviews - thorough and trustworthy. Keep it up!
Thanks for watching!!
I am really happy with the Milwaukee track saw and I own corded ts 55 , still will keep it for more demanding jobs but realizing that haven't even pulled it out in 9 months , festool is a great saw as well but Milwaukee checked all the boxes for me so either way both are on the top line , actually including the makita 40 v as well , the only thing is missing on festool is the rising knife which is a must for me but they added another safety future which I am still skeptical
Great video friend.
Thank you
Update
I just went to town and purchased the saw at Home Depot with a promotion for a free 6ah battery. There are no tracks in stock so as I looked on line I noticed that Makita is significantly less expensive than milwaukee on the mid to long tracks. I think I have decided Makita due to the prices I could find and what John shows in this video.
Makita:
39”-$86
55”-$85
118”-$198
Milwaukee:
31”-$79
55”-$168
106”-$377
Hope it all works out. 😁
I had completely written off the Milwaukee saw when it came out, due to others saying the anti tip feature doesn't work with makita tracks. I have the corded Makita saw along with 3 tracks. While I have no complaints out of the corded saw, a cordless saw would be nice. Thank you for clarifying that.
Great review John, and I agree with everything you covered. I bought the saw a few months ago and have had nothing but great results.
Good to hear!
Thanks for this great review. I'm in the market for my first Track Saw and I've been leaning towards the Makita LXT as I already have multiple tools on the LXT Platform. I'm now reconsidering and may go for the Milwaukee based on this positive review. Thanks!
Thanks for watching!! Both are great saws
Same here, was even thinking about the 40v track saw
thanks for the review. I have a corded Festool 55 tracksaw and guide rails. It's nice to know the Milwaukee will fit my rails and able to adjust the saw to line up with the kerf that my Festool has, no need for 2 sets of tracks! -Brian
Thanks for the follow-up review. I'm in the market for a track saw and Milwaukee is on my short list. This review helped to move it to the top of the list.
Thanks for watching!
I agree. What blades do you recommend or are the Milwaukee blades sufficient. I will be purchasing to cut cabinet panels and hoping for zero tear out.
Thanks
Ron
@@RonHutcherson-hj3rx I’ve actually been really impressed with the Milwaukee blades. The Fine Finish blades are a little thicker, which I prefer, and have been great
My man, excellent analysis of the Milwaukee track saw. Thank you for sharing the features in a no-nonsense manner and following up after real-world experience. I was on the fence between this and the Makita for the last couple of years. I was for sure going to get a makita, but it looks like Milwaukee has surpassed them. There are other videos and reviews that have made me like the Milwaukee better, but yours is one of my favs for sure. Thanks again, and I'm a new subscriber.
I appreciate it! Thanks for watching!
Great review. You did a fantastic job of pointing out it's features. I did my homework and it's the best for the price. You can go cheaper and far more expensive. This will give me good use and value for years. Keep up the great work.
Great review! I’m sold! I’ve been a builder and then cabinet/furniture maker since 1969. Milwaukee has been my tool of choice since the early days. Kind of retired now but thinking of getting a track saw cause who can really retire.😂 I’ve used the Festool but too steep for me. I don’t even know the prom the Milwaukee but after watching you, I’m sold. Thank you!!
Thanks for watching!!
I went w/ the MKE once I finally decided that I needed a track saw. I love the saw and the fact that it uses the same battery platform as all of my other cordless tool (-1). Also like you, I’ve found that the “original” TSO track square works just fine. Thank you for doing the long term test. It matches my experience w/ this saw.
Good to hear, thanks for watching!!
Do the TSO parallel guides work fine? Does the Milwaukee offer a super long track yet?
@@chingonbass I bought the MKE track saw package. It same with two 55” tracks that can be connected. Instead of the TSO Parallel Guides, I opted for the TSO GRS-16 PE Guide Rail Square, and the Woodpeckers Parallel Guide System (I’ve heard good things about the TSO Parallel Guide system - see Jason Bent’s youtube review). The folks @ TSO said that the GRS-16 PE wouldn’t fit the MKE track, but it’s worked fine for me. TSO has recently made a slightly different Guide Rail Square that they say IS compatible with the MKE track. You might want to go with the new TSO Square if you don’t have a rail square for your MKE Track Saw. Hope this helps.
Great review. No gimicy or Hollywood stuff, just honest insights. I already bought mine after loosing my Festool stuff in a wildfire here in Nova Scotia. So, was a little nervous about moving to a battery platform from as corded festool 75. While the Milwaukee will obviously not cut at the depth that my 75 did, it is every bit as solid if not more for 98% of what I do. Thanks
Thanks for sharing!
If this saw was out earlier I would of bought it but I have the makita 40v they are both nice saws. the dust collection on makita with the AWS is a nice feature I think the makita has a bit more grunt or power but the milwaukee is nicer saw alll around more user-friendly adjustment and the fact it has a splinter guard like festool saws.
My next saw will likely be a festool TS 60
I was about to check out the Makita 40v when it came out too. But gosh that’s still basically buying into a whole separate platform haha
I’m surprised the Bluetooth hasn’t been a standard feature on the newer gear. I have it on my Festool battery sander with the larger hepa Festool vacuum. I gotta tell you….its extremely handy. I like the saw. I’m happy Milwaukee finally made one and I knew it was going to be a quality saw. I have a Makita track saw and like it very much. If I decide to upgrade or buy a new one it will be the Milwaukee for sure. Great video sir 👍
Thanks for watching!!
great review without trying to sell something Thank You
Nice like how easy to use and get job done in no time and saves time
Thank you, didn't have enough money for the milwaukee track saw rail but now I know I can dip into the makita since it's cheaper lol. 😊
Thank you for your honesty
Thanks for a concise review. Very much appreciated.
Thanks for watching!
Great video! I will buy one this week. Thank you.
Excellent review and I really appreciate the heads up about the Milwaukee bluetooth solution. My saw will arrive tomorrow.
Nice!!
My first track was Kreg tool. Bought it with their table. Worked ok but this Milwaukee is killing me. Most of my stuff is Dewalt but wow this was a great review. Thanks
Thanks for watching!
Great honest review, thanks John!!
Excellent review with all the right info. Thanks!
Thanks for the information. I have a Makita Track saw and recently picked up the 118 inch track for it after needing to rip plywood by myself in my garage. It is good to know that it is compatible with Makita's tracks as the 118 inch one was super expensive.
Thanks for watching!
Excellent review and learned a few things about a saw I already own and enjoy using! Confirmed my own opinion. I am a festool/ dewalt platform shop and dipped into Milwaukee just for this saw.
Awesome thanks for watching!
I like the foamboard as the protector.
Great review!
Superb review. Thanks! I have the (corded) Festool setup, and (cordless) Mafell/Bosch, both of which I'm very happy with for their uses. I was curious about this saw, especially since my workshop seems to be filling with more red tools every month or so, and the batteries too. Looks like Milwaukee did a great job. I do wish it had the LED lights at the blade as the Mafell does, because a cordless track saw is most useful at the jobsite, and jobsite lighting is usually less than great.
Light would definitely be nice!
Great review. I just got the Milwaukee track saw and it has taken a little getting used to. Thanks for the info on the adjustment screws, I couldn’t find that info in the manual. The only problem I am having is with the riving knife. It doesn’t follow the blade and gets hung up when I make angled cuts. Is there a way to adjust it to follow the blade?
Nice knowledgeable video and super-informative. For an amateur carpenter like myself this track saw looks like a real winner.
Excellent, thorough review!
Great Review John, Thank you
Great honest review..appreciate your video
Is the milwaukee track anti slip? I didn't see you put a clamp on it. I'm leaning towards the milwaukee. In my region, local stores don't carry it so I need to order. No hands on at the stores. thx
Yea there’s strips underneath. Works great. I rarely use the clamps for straight 90° cuts
Great review! Detailed, careful, etc. Keep it up!
Thank you!!
Thanks for this, and particularly for the detailed information on compatibility with Makita tracks. The saw itself is slightly dearer than a Makita (and I've got Milwaukee batteries and chargers already) but Makita tracks, at least here in the UK, are a LOT less money and I'll probably equip myself with a few of those.
No doubt Milwaukie has some great tools. I purchased my Makita tracksaw a couple years ago and it has been great to use but if I didn't have one yet I would definitely need to give some consideration for this one too
The Makita is still a great saw too!
Hello great video. One of the most Informative I have seen. I have two questions the depth guide I am confused on where exactly I use. The top of the two lines the middle? Also does the guide connector plates go bevel side up or down? Also I have made the mistake of putting g just a little to much pressure when tightening and dimpled the track. I say this to avoid anyone else from doing it. Happened very easily. Thoughts
Hey great video - can I ask what size battery you use with the track saw? I’ve got a couple of 5ah batteries but can’t seem to find info around what performance I can expect?
I’ve pretty much only used the 6.0 high output in it
Hi, Thank you so much for all information, it was excellent explaining everything. I am first time viewer and really appreciated your details. What was the Bessey clamps you recommended?
Great vid, much appreciated. With blades - what tooth do you run for cutting cabinetry boards? Is the standard blade ok for this?
And could you please put a link to the right angle guide? Great addition to the track.
Thanks again 👍
The fine finish blade is my favorite 👍🏽
Have you had any issues with the brake not working to stop the blade after a cut? Mine was fine for 4 or 5 cuts (only mdf) and then next cut, it kept spinning. I’ve searched as much as I can and the only thing that I can find is to ‘get it serviced’. I’ve only used it for one other project and don’t want to send it away if there is something I can do.
Thanks!
No not with the track saw. My blade brake did go out on my Milwaukee miter saw though recently
Great video. What is the material that you use under the material you are cutting. Looks like it holds up well and you are protecting your workbench.
Just a sheet of foam insulation 👍🏽
How well does the Festool vacuum fit in the dust port? Thanks for the review
It fits, same size as the festool 👍🏽
Super excellent video. Great stuff.
Thank you!
Excellent, informative video. Thank you.
Thank you!’
Great review. Thank you
are the track connectors cumbersome to install and accurate when lining up? i used the bora track a long time ago and getting that connector to line up accurately was a pain in the ass
I don’t think so, they’re just hex set screws. Same on the Makita and Milwaukee. A lot of tracks don’t come cut perfectly square on the ends so that usually needs trimmed, but after that it’s easy and accurate
Can someone expect glue ready edges on hardwood rips with this track saw? I do a lot of slab work and I don’t have a jointer big enough and have no desire to get one that big. I was thinking the track saw may be able to fill the gap?
Yep I do it all time on long pieces👍🏽
Thanks for the informative review
Do you use the same line for 90 and 45?
Great saw, Great review! You cleared up a few myths
Good! Thanks for watching
Great video as always! I might have missed it. But what vac hose do you use with your track saw. That looked supple and easy to work with vs the hard rigid hoses.
amzn.to/423DQl0
We’ll done sir!
Is the milwaukee track Saw compatible with the track rails for their circular Saw?
I’ve read some that say the blade doesn’t line up with the anti-chip strip when beveled to 45 degrees. Is this true? Also, would a different company’s track make a difference in this same regard?
Mine barely, like 1/32, cut into the bottom edge of the strip when beveled. I’m not sure about this on other tracks
This is an excellent video!!
This is probably a dumb question, but when cutting a rough-sawn board where both edges aren't square, how do you measure from the edge to align the track when it has no square reference surface? Because one end could be at 2" with the other at 2 1/4" if that makes sense.
Due to the expense, I would be using the track saw to get jointed edges without having a jointer or table saw. Thanks in advance!
you could simply "make" a square edge by marking a 90 at one end and then laying down the track to make at least one straight edge (the one you cut). with that 90 and one straight edge you could square off of that doing things the same way for the other sides
@@srchubz So, I would square up the end with my miter saw, then hook my square on the end and mark it? That will definitely make everything easier. Thank you for the help, I really appreciate it!
@@chris-C8 and technically you don't even need to square the cut with the miter saw. Just make a straight cut (due to the wood it might not sit flush against the fence, ya know?). With THAT cut you have your reference points for 90 off of that. Then just make the long straight cut
@@srchubz Thank you again for the help.
Don’t worry about the ends until afterwards. Rip your parallel straight edges first, then do the ends 👍🏽
How do you compare this saw verses the Makita? if you have to choose one, which would it be?
If I’m picking one it’d be the Milwaukee
I am brand new to woodworking, just buying a few tools. I was planning on getting the 6 1/2” circular saw, but then I’ve seen some videos on the track saw. Can a track saw do the work of a circular saw? Can I just buy the track saw and skip the circular saw? So far a I have a compact table saw (Dewalt) and a 10” Ridgid compound miter saw. Good video.
Really just depends on what kind of work you do and your budget! Personally I need both. I’d say start with just a circular saw 👍🏽
Amazing info, thanks.
Thanks for watching!
Nice review, does the riving knife get in the way of plunge cuts, or is that what spring operated means that it does not come down? Thanks
Nope it’ll just spring up into saw on plunge cuts, doesn’t get in the way 👍🏽
Thanks
can you remove the driving knife? excellent video and informative notice another video YT love makita so much they can blinded lol
I own this saw and bought the WEN 55" tracks. They are certainly not as nice as the milwaukee tracks but at 40% the price I like them
So the question is, can my adaptor that I already use on the superb nail guns fit a 5Ah powerstack on this thing? I will find out in a shop.
I just upgraded from my plug in Makita to the Milwaukee, but was worried about my TSO guide rail square not working. Thanks for showing the TSO guide rail square works and why they say it “doesn’t”. Saves me from buying a new one when I get my 106” long Milwaukee rail 👍🏻👍🏻
You got it 👍🏽 thanks for watching!
@1975oldschool Where did you purchase your 106" rail? Acme has it, but it cost an arm and a leg for the "handling" because it is so big. I am having a hard time finding a store who has it and I prefer not to join two 55" rails. I would love to purchase it in a store and save a few hundred dollars.
@@drewfellows8573 I got mine from HD, no special shipping. That was my issue with getting the 8 foot version for Makita, special handling fee was almost as mich as the rail 😮
@1975oldschool thanks for the reply! HD does not have the 55 or 106 inch versions to ship right now. I will keep watching to see if it becomes available again. Thanks again!
Wonder how Bosch's plunge saw is in comparison?
Hi John , i noticed that over a 1.4M rail the Milwaukee was heavier and more rigid than the other rails. Thank you for the other illuminations like the adjustments in the base and the anti tip working in the Makita rail too. Not feverously speeding through the different points is really apreciated. When i tested one, i found that it was well balanced 😊and secure on the rail. On looking at the protrusion on the rail i noticed that it was not as heavily rounded on the top as other rails. The new cordless router looked great on the rail. Are you able to compare it with other rail adaptors? Is it just as secure as the saw? Needless to say, i bought a red Milwaukee rail.
That red rail is awesome! And yea the router adapter is tightened to the track exactly like the saw. It has 2 anti tip tabs on it as well
Thanks for the follow up video, I may be mistaken but it’s the first one I’ve seen on the Milwaukee, there may be more but not on my subscriptions 👍
I just wish they would sell the European version track over here.
The red track? That thing does look awesome haha
I have heard people say in different reviews that the tracks tend to have the anti splinter strip fall off on its own whether it's used a lot or lightly used, and have also heard people complain about tracks not lining up well with each other when connecting two tracks whether it be two 55" or two 31" etc etc. How has your experience been with those two situations ?
I bought the long track so I actually haven’t joined any of the short Milwaukee ones together. In my experience with both Makita and festool tracks though, they both needed trimmed to square up the ends so they went together straight
I've had repeat problems with mine. The trouble I've had seems to revolve around the track and how the saw sits in the track, and that it's not that accurate. It will sometimes pull one direction or the other. Have ruined several tracks because it will start to pull into and cut into the track. I think the problem is more the tracks than the saw, but not sure. Idk if i just got a bad one or what
Are you adjusting the knobs on the saw so it snugs up along the rail?
So the one thing keeping me on makita, as I am a Milwaukee platform kinda guy. Is the ability to flip over the arbor nut on the makita and use 5/8" arbor blades you know your typical circ saw blades which are cheaper and specifically the "demo demon" which I'll use on different types of materials. I have tried to play with the milwaukee arbor at the home depot, but I don't see the ability to flip it. Can you tell me is that the case?
No, not as far as I can tell
Thanks. Nice shop. Nice content.
Nice review, thanks for that. I have a Milwaukee track saw on order. But what I really want to know is how's that Laguna jointer and planer holding up?
Love em! Bigger would always be better of course but no other complaints from me at all
I’m not knowledgeable about these kinds of saws, what would you use these for over a regular circular saw
traditionally a nice, straight cut over distance. some folks have a hard time making a circular saw cut straight
What type of surface is the black work table?
Melamine
Nice review, do you like it better than the Makita saw you showed in the video? Can you use one of the larger capacity batteries?
Yea I do. Any M18 battery will work
Does the Milwaukee have a light on it while in use?
No
Good to know!
👍🏽👍🏽
I’m thinking about buying a track saw, one question I have is do they take a standard 6 1/2 inch blade or do you have to buy a track saw specific blade that cost a fortune.
Yea they’re different blades, different size arbor holes compared to regular circular saws. They’re not that much more expensive though
@@JohnBuildsIt Thanks for the feedback I appreciate it
@boogiedahomey Thanks for the input. I knew the thickness of the blade would be important, wasn’t sure about the arbor. Thanks again
What is the difference in power of this one vs the Makita? I am looking at cutting 2” slabs.
Milwaukee definitely feels more powerful
❤ hey 👋
Is that a foamboard under track for cutting?
Yea!
Great video, thanks.
Thanks for watching!
If your Milwaukee and Makita tracksaw fell off the bench and into an alternate universe and you had to buy a new one......would you buy the Makita or Milwaukee? I run mostly Milwaukee and have a Makita tracksaw that I love, but it's getting time to replace it, debating if I should switch over to Milwaukee and dump my makita batteries or stick w/ what I know and keep going w/ the Makita.
I’d go for another Milwaukee personally 👍🏽
thanks
Some people are way too passionate about platforms lol
I love all power tools equally lol
For sure lol