Track Saw Vs Circular Saw

Of course, there are a wide variety of saws available. The track and circular saw are two of the most widely used saws with diamond blades. Even though these two instruments are similar, they also have some significant variances.

To determine which of the two you should choose, let's look at them in more detail.

Circular Saw

A circular saw is a basic handheld saw with round-toothed blades that rotate at up to 7,000 RPM. It also has a reasonably powerful engine, often 2 HP or higher. Circular saws can rip and crosscut and are reasonably portable. Additionally, they can cut a range of materials depending on the blade.

Track Saw

In essence, a track saw is a circular saw with the addition of a lengthy track it sits on. This track moves the saw along while sitting on the material being cut. This enables not only excellent repetition but also high precision.

Similarities Between Track Saws And Circular Saws

Let's examine the similarities between track saws and circular saws now that we are aware of what each of these tools is.

Both Are Handy And Relatively Portable

Being portable saws is the first and most fundamental similarity between these two categories. You can often operate these saws with a single hand; they are small enough to carry around and are portable. They don't resemble enormous, immobile cabinet saws that must remain in the workplace.

They Are Both Electric

These two different saws' need for electricity to operate is another similarity. Corded and cordless versions of each are available. But don't expect any track or circle saws driven by gas.

Both Have Circular Blades

Both saws feature circular blades that rotate at excessively high rates while moving continuously, which is another fundamental resemblance between the two cutting tools. With their rapid motion and cutting edge, these tooth blades can cut through a variety of thick and challenging materials.

Both Draw Straight Lines

The track and circular saw are similar in that they are both made to cut straight lines, which is the following commonality. These saws can only cut straight lines because of the size and shape of their blades; neither can they cut curves or irregular shapes.

Both Have Versatile Cutting Abilities

The ability to cut a range of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, tile, and more, is another commonality between the circular and track saw.

Track Saw And Circular Saw Differences

After addressing the commonalities, let's examine the differences essential in selecting the right tool for your requirements.

Circular Saws Are More Portable

One noticeable difference is that circular saws are significantly more portable than track saws. Circular saws can be smaller and lighter than track saws. However, this isn't always the case. However, there is also the matter that track saws need additional parts to operate effectively, which we will discuss below.

Setup Is Required For Track Saws

Circular saws are more portable than track saws, as we previously noted. This is because track saws require a track to work and a dust port connected to a dust vacuum. Because they don't need to be set up before use, circular saws are significantly easier to use and more portable.

With a track saw, you need to set up the track, and it needs to be put up on a broad, level surface. A circular saw requires far less operating room than a track saw. A circular saw is by far the most efficient option in terms of mobility and simplicity of setup.

Circular Saws Cost Less

It's also vital to remember that the cost of these two tools varies somewhat. While a track saw may cost you $500 or more, a circular saw typically costs you between $50 and $200. The fact that track saws have additional parts and components does increase their cost. If you are looking to cut concrete with a circular saw, follow the link to know more.

Accuracy Is Best With Track Saws

Circular saws are fantastic for making long, straight cuts, but they aren't so accurate; in other words, you have to manually guide the blade of the circular saw along the cut line you wish to produce.

The time-consuming work of producing an exact cut is eliminated when using a track saw since the saw is guided in a way you have already set up. With a track saw, you have to switch it on and push it along the track, provided your path is correctly set up.

Track Saws Enable Accurate Repetition

The other benefit of track saws is that you can set up the track along multiple boards and cut them all at once. This is if you need to do a crosscut on various of them. Although a circular saw can also be used to align boards and cut them, a track saw allows for more precise repetition.

In other words, track saws greatly simplify the process of producing the same thing repeatedly with next to no variation from one to the next. This is a task that a circular saw is not particularly effective at.

Track Saws Enable More Modifications

An advantage of a track saw is that you can change the cut's depth, producing very shallow cuts and even essential scoring. You won't be able to set the depth on a circular saw or score anything with one unless you get a specialized and expensive model.

Typically, Track Saws Lack Riving Knives

A significant benefit of a circular saw is that the cutting blade is typically always present. Once the blade has pierced through the wood, these riving knives can assist with proper wood splitting. Track saws often do not come equipped with these riving knives, which may lead to a slightly less precise cut.

Typically, Track Saws Have Dust Ports

Typically, track saws have dust ports where you may attach a dust vacuum. As a result, less mess is created while sawing, and cleanup takes place more quickly. This feature is not present in a typical circular saw. It is essential to choose the right types of circular saw blades for your project to obtain desired results.

Which Of The Two Should You Use: A Circular Saw Or A Track Saw?

A circular saw is viable if you want something lightweight, portable, and simple to operate. A track saw is a way to go if you have the room and money to prepare. This is because it can produce incredibly accurate cuts, allows for depth adjustments, minimizes mess, and enables the same cut to be performed repeatedly with excellent accuracy.