Both these power saws look quite the same and have similar applications. The only real difference observed lies in the accuracy of these saws. In case you’re wondering which one to buy, we have provided a detailed comparison on track saw vs circular saw to help you choose the saw of your need.zzz
As the name suggests, a circular saw consists of a blade in the shape of a circle. It carries the ability to cut through a variety of materials from stones to bricks and from wood to plastic. These saws were invented in the late 18th century and by the mid- 19th century were commonly utilized in sawmills in the United States. This handheld power tool is pushed across the material piece, and the rotator blade cuts through it.
The disc comes with teeth spines around the arbor. The material piece is kept stationary while using this tool. The saw can be corded or cordless (which comes with rechargeable batteries). The circular saw is suitable for cutting plywood, softwood, hardwood, laminates, etc. It also can make cuts soft metals like aluminum, copper, or bronze. Not only this, but it can also be used to cut plastics and polymer sheets. Also, it finds its application in cutting aluminum metal sections.
Characteristics
An abrasive wheel or teeth present at the metal blade edges are responsible for producing the required cuts.
Cuts are straight and relatively accurate, but they are not as precise as the cuts performed by a track saw.
The setting of the saw must be done before working with the aid of geometrical tools.
These are commonly powered by electricity. These, however, can also be powered by a gasoline engine or a hydraulic motor, which provides an ability to it to be fastened to much heavy machinery, removing the need for another energy source.
In addition to handheld circular, different saws that use circular saw blades include: Abrasive saw, Biscuit joiner, Brushcutter, Carbide saws, Cold saw, Concrete saw, Flip over saws, miter saw (chop saw, cut-off saw), Multi-tool (power tool), panel saw, Pendulum saw or swing saw, Radial arm saw or table saw, Sally saw, Swing blade saw, mill Table saw, track saw, or plunge saw.
Things We Like
It is compact and flexible.
This tool is cheaper and easy to use.
It is an adaptable tool that comes with the advantage of choosing the type of blade to cut through a variety of materials.
Crosscut and rip cut can be made with ease.
It operates quite fast and is easy to use.
Different models allow both left-handed and right-handed individuals a chance to easily make use of the tool.
If you’re sawing wood on a roof, a track saw would not be the best option for that kind of job, and hence, circular saw gains the upper hand over track saws in situations like these.
Things We Don't Like
Cuts made by circular saw are not smooth when compared to the cuts made by track saw through the same workpiece.
Low accuracy cuts are made while working with this tool. Making long, perfectly straight cuts is practically impossible.
Does not have a dust extractor. The fan in the motor does a bit of dust blowing.
Another issue is that you are forced to cut from the end of the material piece, reducing the applications of the tool.
The blade side is open, and these tools produce a significant amount of dust and debris.
The final major drawback of circular saws is that they are not capable of making a smooth, splinter-free cut.
Track Saw
It is a type of circular saw with an attached metal track (a rectangular rail). The track enhances the stability of the saw and provides accuracy to the cuts made. The German power tool manufacturer ‘Festool’ released the first guide rail in 1962, and after patenting, it released the first track-cut saw in 1980. The metal track is attached to the workpiece, particularly plywood, wood, or a metal sheet.
The circular blade is then pushed forward through the workpiece. The riving knife present produces a smooth cut behind the saw blade, which removes the kickback. Accurate and longer cuts are made as the circular saw slides on the rails. Track saws are utilized to make precise and longer cuts through the workpiece faster and smoother than the circular saws. This tool does not need clamps. One benefit of the track saw is its super accuracy due to its capability to attach to a straight rail, which aids in guiding the cut.
There exists no room for worrying about creating a mistake with an off-center or jagged cut. Track saws are also believed to deliver some of the finest cuts among all the saws available in the commercial world. Track saws are a trusted tool and are preferred by professional handymen.
A track saw may not be as portable as a circular saw. Nevertheless, the track saw can be utilized on a larger range of workpieces when compared to a than the table saw, making it a superior option to add to your garage. Some handymen working with different types of wood find that a track saw can also serve the role of circular, panel, and miter saw, as well. This means that you don’t need to buy different types of saws, buy a track saw and it will help you save money and storage.
Things We Like
It is easy to use.
It has the ability to make angle cuts along with the crosscut and rip cut.
The track saw comes with a provision to collect dust in a cloth bag. This helps to keep the sawdust away from the workpiece, and the workstation remains clean.
It doesn’t occupy much space since the tracks can be stacked up.
Angle cuts can be made with this tool, which is not possible with a circular saw.
Due to the absence of a blade guard, no anti-kickback effect takes place, and cutting becomes easier.
Blade depth of the cut can be set up with the help of this tool.
The saw is powerful enough to cut through various types of wood and metal sheets.
It does not allow errors to occur from the sideways movement.
Track saw makes clean cuts and does not leave rough edges and hence is used by professionals. No matter how long or steep the angle is at which the cut is to be made, track saw is an amazing tool that gets the work done.
Track saws, unlike handheld circular saws, plunge into the workpiece to a pre-determined depth while making a cut. It increases operator safety and allows a lowered splintering and tear-out.
Things We Don't Like
It is less portable when compared to the circular saw.
It is a little time consuming because dust collectors must be attached to the saw, and pencil marks must be made prior to the cut to help align the track.
It is relatively costly when compared to a circular saw.
It takes time to set this tool.
It is possible that a few track saws do not come with an attached riving knife.
Track Saw Vs Circular Saw: Must Keep These Things In Mind While Buying
The speed of the track saw should ideally be around 2000 RPM (revolutions per minute). Track saws that come with speed adjustment can help cut through different workpiece materials at a different rate.
The motor power is one criterion you must check while buying the saw. It refers to the ability of the saw to cut through the wood or any other material at a quicker rate. The motor power of the track saw must be optimum. It must have a motor strength of at least nine amps. If motor power is low, the saw is unable to give perfect cuts.
Checking the bevel capacity of track saw before buying is a must. A bevel cut is a cut made at an angle that is not 90 degrees and is made along with the wood’s thickness. Bevel capacity refers to the ability of the saw to make bevel cuts. Make sure to check the max angles to which the base can be bent with respect to the axis.
Length of the track and available extensions serve as other measures to help you choose a better track saw.
Fine depth setting in a track saw gives the handyman a better control of the type of cuts to be made. Depth setting refers to the amount of depth the blade plunges into a material piece, be it metal or wood.
Conclusion
When we compared track saw vs circular saw, track saw is definitely a better tool when compared to circular saw in terms of accuracy. It has the upper hand because of its ability to make three different types of cuts – angle, rip, and crosscuts. Its relatively higher price seems reasonable when we look at the various advantages of this tool over circular saw. Given the pros of having a track saw, it would certainly be wise to consider adding one to your garage. However, in case you’re looking for a cheaper and much portable alternative, circular saw maybe the best for you.
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