Milwaukee Cordless Track Saw

[Pat Germain]

I recently saw an initial review for the Milwaukee cordless track saw on YouTube. The creator complained at the beginning of the video that Milwaukee had him, "Really pissed off". Turned out he was pissed because he was so endeared to his Makita corded track saw and, by golly, he had to admit the Milwaukee saw was better in multiple ways.

I've never owned a track saw. I would like to pick one up for building shop cabinets. The Milwaukee track saw is expensive, but it appears to me any of the really good track saws are pretty expensive. If they're going to be expensive, I might was well get a really good example. (I'm not positive, but I think the Milwaukee track saw costs less than a Festool track saw.) The guy in the YouTube video I saw said he really wasn't impressed by the lower cost saws from Kreg, Grizzly or WEN, but that is just his take. (He did own all of those examples.)

Would I be wasting money on a cordless track saw if it's just for my shop and I won't take it to job sites? The YouTube video compared the Milwaukee cordless saw to a corded Makita and I was surprised to see there was no difference in performance. (Recharging being the exception.)

I have a Milwaukee cordless drill that absolutely runs circles around, spanks all over and sets fire to the DeWalt drill it replaced. I think the batteries are interchangeable? Not sure if that's a factor at all.

I know folks here love to talk about power tools, so I'd really like to talk about the Milwaukee track saw. Your thoughts and opinions will help me to decide.

Thanks!

[Jim Becker]

The new Milwaukee track saw is a very good tool. I do think that cordless is more helpful to the contractor out on sight than folks in a shop doing fine woodworking, largely because in the shop, we're going to want to use a dust extractor and that means there still will be a "tail". But if you already have the M18 battery setup, it's certainly a solid choice to compare against the Festool, Mafial and Makita track saws. (corded or cordless) I watched Kyle from RR Buildings discuss the Milwaukee pre-release and I was pretty impressed. It has a nice feature that it can "stick" to the track (requires the Milwaukee track for this feature) which adds the utility that Festool has with their construction type saws and only recently embraced on the latest "fine work" track saw. But the red tool is still completely compatible with Festool, Makia and Mafial tracks. If I was in the Milwaukee eco-system, I'd probably have that new saw in my arsenal already.

I will mention that the Kreg saw that you brought up does have one feature that some folks might prefer and that's having the blade on the left instead of the right compared to the other track saws.

[Pat Germain]

Thank you, Jim.

[Jim Dwight]

I own a corded DeWalt track saw and use an Evolution track saw at church sometimes. I've never used the Milwaukee cordless or the other track saws but I look at the reviews. I think the Wen and presumably the Grizzly are like the Evolution saw my church has. They work but do not have all the same features as the better saws. I see them as a totally reasonable choice if that is what fits into your budget. But you seem to be able to get a better saw. I am not sure where to place the Kreg but my impression is it may be a bit better than these basic saws. I think the Makita and DeWalt are similar in capabilities but the DeWalt requires a unique track which doesn't work in it's favor. They are not quite as nice as the Festool but give up nothing in power or quality of cut. The Milwaukee cordless seems to have fewer differences from the Festool than even the DeWalt or Makita. I see it as a great choice if you already have other Milwaukee tools. Track saws don't require dust collection but they are set up for it and it is nice to use because they spew a good volume of dust (like a circular saw). If you are already attaching a vacumn hole (I use a Bosch 6 meter hose on my Rigid shop vac) it isn't a big deal to also attach a power cord, especially in my shop. I've copied the Festool idea but using computer connectors so I have a power cord on the vacumn hose so I can just move both from my sander to my track saw to my domino as I work. So I'm not sure how much hassle reduction would come from a battery operated saw if you also use a vacumn but I don't see that it would hurt anything either. If I were to buy a battery powered track saw any time soon it would be the Milwaukee.

[Pat Germain]

I own a corded DeWalt track saw and use an Evolution track saw at church sometimes. I've never used the Milwaukee cordless or the other track saws but I look at the reviews. I think the Wen and presumably the Grizzly are like the Evolution saw my church has. They work but do not have all the same features as the better saws. I see them as a totally reasonable choice if that is what fits into your budget. But you seem to be able to get a better saw. I am not sure where to place the Kreg but my impression is it may be a bit better than these basic saws. I think the Makita and DeWalt are similar in capabilities but the DeWalt requires a unique track which doesn't work in it's favor. They are not quite as nice as the Festool but give up nothing in power or quality of cut. The Milwaukee cordless seems to have fewer differences from the Festool than even the DeWalt or Makita. I see it as a great choice if you already have other Milwaukee tools. Track saws don't require dust collection but they are set up for it and it is nice to use because they spew a good volume of dust (like a circular saw). If you are already attaching a vacumn hole (I use a Bosch 6 meter hose on my Rigid shop vac) it isn't a big deal to also attach a power cord, especially in my shop. I've copied the Festool idea but using computer connectors so I have a power cord on the vacumn hose so I can just move both from my sander to my track saw to my domino as I work. So I'm not sure how much hassle reduction would come from a battery operated saw if you also use a vacumn but I don't see that it would hurt anything either. If I were to buy a battery powered track saw any time soon it would be the Milwaukee.

And another thank you, Jim.

[Michael Schuch]

It has a nice feature that it can "stick" to the track (requires the Milwaukee track for this feature) which adds the utility that Festool has with their construction type saws and only recently embraced on the latest "fine work" track saw. But the red tool is still completely compatible with Festool, Makia and Mafial tracks. .

A Mafell track saw has allowances to run on a Festool track but its native track system is Bosch. To have the anti tilt (stick to the track) feature with the Mafell saw it requires the use of the Mafell / Bosch track. On a Festool track there is no lip for the saw to lock under and the saw can accidentally tilt just like a Festool saw. The lip / anti-tilt is really only needed when cutting at a pretty steep (near 45 degree) bevel with the motor way up in the air. On square (90 degree) cuts the extra lip doesn't really do anything to improve the saw or the cut.

[Jim Becker]

Michael, as I mentioned previously, the new Milwaulkee setup has the "clip to the track" feature. It's true that it's not available on the regular Festool and Makita tracks, but Festool does have a clip to track feature on their HKC saws and the new TS 60 KEB-F can also clip onto the FSK cross cutting tracks.

[Rich Engelhardt]

Makita also has clips to hold it to the tracks.
It's been a welcome change for me with the Makita cordless I bought to replace the Festool corded saw I had.
The Festool was a bit adventurous to use for 45* cuts - the Makita is quite tame.

It's good Milwaukee included that feature. It's also nice to see a riving knife on the Milwaukee.
If I weren't as heavily invested in Makita tools/batteries, I would get the Milwaukee cordless saw.

(or Ridgid - I see Ridgid has the track lock feature also. All around, Ridgid has a very nice looking track saw also)

Added weight on a track saw is a positive since it allows the momentum of the saw to work for you, not against you.
Since the saw rides on solid tracks and it has it's side to side thrashing eliminated, the added weight just makes the saw go straight down the track easier.
For non-track use, I absolutely agree - nothing beats light and handy. I seldom, if ever, use my Ryobi 7 1/4" circular saw. I grab my Makita 5 1/2" cordless circular saw instead or my 3 1/2" 12V Makita trim saw.

[Alex Zeller]

I don't have a track saw yet but it's on the Christmas list. For decades I have been using an 8' Lufkin wooden straight edge clamped to the sheet with quick grips. Then I just run my circular saw against it. After using a cord for all these years I would only get a cordless one. The cord just seems to find a way to get caught on something no matter what I do. A dust collection hose is much larger so it's never been an issue. But that's me. Since I got sucked into the Milwaukee M18 ecosystem it's the only one on the list. I just don't work with a lot of sheet goods so I haven't jumped in...yet.

[Michael Schuch]

Jim.

I have the Mafell MT55cc 6 1/2" track saw with a cord.

P.S. I saw your post about the Festool clip to track feature on their new saws and thought found it very interesting. I haven't cut any bevels with my track saw and I don't know how bad the saws without this feature are to control? But I knew I had to have this feature when I read about it in their marketing material... LOL!

[Jim Becker]

P.S. I saw your post about the Festool clip to track feature on their new saws and thought found it very interesting. I haven't cut any bevels with my track saw and I don't know how bad the saws without this feature are to control? But I knew I had to have this feature when I read about it in their marketing material... LOL!

Yes, it was very nice of Festool to add the FSK crosscut track capability to the new track saw model since there are conceivably a lot of situations where having a captive track for repeated crosscuts (including on angles) with a "finish" type saw could be nice to have, such as for finish carpentry. No harm in adding additional utility! Think of it as being able to take a "miter saw" to the material instead of moving the material to the miter saw.

[Dave Sabo]

Here are some more of my thoughts/musings/clarification after being away for a bit:

A Mafell track saw has allowances to run on a Festool track but its native track system is Bosch.

Actually the "native" track system is from MAFELL. Bosch use the same profile and the connectors are interchangeable. Metabo also uses the same profile , but the connectors are not interchangeable. Bosch's version is available with holes to use a router jig to make 32mm spaced holes. I don't think Mafell ffers that.

Michael, as I mentioned previously, the new Milwaulkee setup has the "clip to the track" feature. It's true that it's not available on the regular Festool and Makita tracks,

For the sake of accuracy, the Makita DOES have an anti-tip feature.

Additionally, there are numerous sources for aftermarket anti-tip devices that will mate to Festool's TS55 line. I've seen the included (used to be anyway) Festool Limit Stop used to do the same thing. That's you feel you even need it.

I've never felt the need for such a gizmo. I rarely do bevel cuts and have just used my left hand to stabilize the plate in 45deg mode. It was sorta natural. I'll wager 99% of track saw users are making their bevel cut incorrectly anyway- which is prob. hy they fell the need for a gizmo.

After using a cord for all these years I would only get a cordless one. The cord just seems to find a way to get caught on something no matter what I do. A dust collection hose is much larger so it's never been an issue.

To each his own, but have you considered why your cord snagged but not your vac hose ? Secure your cord to the hose and your issue will go away. Use an rail edge protector and thinghs get easier too. The Mafell/ Bosch rails have them built in already !

I already had a Makita track (also purchased some while back for an experiment). The Makita is near-identical to the Festool, as well made, and half the price.

By coincidence, this review of the Milwaukee, and comparison with the Makita, came up on YouTube. The presenter is Scott Brown,

Have to disagree with this. They are cheaper, but not by 50%. They are also not as consistent (not straight) especially in the longer lenghts. Precesion + consistent manuf. cost money.


SB had some good thoughts on the saws. ALso had some out there conclusions. Plus I seriously question why the bottom of an already installed window needs trimming ?
Bluetooth is certainly nice for cordless tools...................BUT....... unless you're full cordless it's a minor convenience in my view. Few Cordless vacs out there and their run time is abysmal. Makita was the first to offer BT pairing and they have a battery vac too. Neither are big sellers from the folks I've talked to and jobsites I visit. Festool was next up with an add on module and has just now brought a battery vac to market. Thing is the BT modules add A LOT of expense to the equation. Scott seems to prefer that the cost be lumped in with the purchase price , but I find that unsophisticated view wasteful and not cinsumer friendly. His Metabo add on is much more versatile, and costs no more at the end of the day when the final accounting is done. SUre it's not as pretty as the OEM built in solutions, but gosh, those red milwaukee tracks sure are purrdy. So, I won't be lookin at the vac trigger system anyway !

Jim.

I have the Mafell MT55cc 6 1/2" track saw with a cord.

P.S. I saw your post about the Festool clip to track feature on their new saws and thought found it very interesting. I haven't cut any bevels with my track saw and I don't know how bad the saws without this feature are to control? But I knew I had to have this feature when I read about it in their marketing material... LOL!

See previous comments - I don't think bevels are as big a deal as the marketing boys would have you believe. And lots of aftermarket solutions for systems that don't have an OEM feature.

The good thing about Milwaukee is they have good sales all the time at HD. There are also good deals with Black Friday. I doubt they will have the cordless saw and tracks on sale.

Yup..........this volume means there will certainly be more opportunity for discounted gear.

[Rich Engelhardt]

FWIW - the "Festool Limited Stop" is/was an aid to reduce the chance of kickback, not for securing the saw to the track for 45* cuts.

As I mentioned above - I really like the track holding feature on my Makita. (might want to try one before knocking it)

[Dave Sabo]

FWIW - the "Festool Limited Stop" is/was an aid to reduce the chance of kickback, not for securing the saw to the track for 45* cuts.

As I mentioned above - I really like the track holding feature on my Makita. (might want to try one before knocking it)

I know what it's "for" Rich................................I'm telling you and anyone else interested that it "can" be used for another purpose.

I've also tried all of the systems (most anyway) and was one of the first people in the country to own a tracksaw and have 1000's of hours of use with em, so I have a bit of knowledge . I wasn't knocking Makita's anti-tip feature; I actually applaud them for coming out first with a feature that many find useful. I am knocking their manufacturing and distribution process for their guide rails ! They are not as straight or consistent as Festool's .

It should be noted that no one is perfect, even Festool rails come out of tolerance sometimes AND they had a short lived debacle where they thought they'd produce the rails themselves in the USA. They soon found out that their "local" extruder couldn't produce to specs even at the higher price point.


I also question the "need" for an anti-tip gizmo or feature in the first place. Same as I question the "need" of a guide rail alignment jig, and a host of other gee wiz stuff that crops up. If you like it , fine. But I see too many folks get all knotted up cause the tool they're considering doesn't have this feature or that.

That being said it would be nice not to constantly worry about the cord getting hung up on something when breaking down expensive plywood.

WIth "expensive" plywood aren't you using a vacuum to give a better and cleaner cut ?
Aren't you worried about that hose getting hung up ?
There are many gizmos and techniques that will eliminate that iissue.

[John Kananis]

Jim, the dewalt doesn't require a special track. I use mine with both the dewalt tracks and the festool tracks. The dewalt tracks give you two sides to cut on (so you either don't have to flip the track or can use two different blades) and the festool allow you to use jigs and fixtures (like parallel and angle guides).

I own a corded DeWalt track saw and use an Evolution track saw at church sometimes. I've never used the Milwaukee cordless or the other track saws but I look at the reviews. I think the Wen and presumably the Grizzly are like the Evolution saw my church has. They work but do not have all the same features as the better saws. I see them as a totally reasonable choice if that is what fits into your budget. But you seem to be able to get a better saw. I am not sure where to place the Kreg but my impression is it may be a bit better than these basic saws. I think the Makita and DeWalt are similar in capabilities but the DeWalt requires a unique track which doesn't work in it's favor. They are not quite as nice as the Festool but give up nothing in power or quality of cut. The Milwaukee cordless seems to have fewer differences from the Festool than even the DeWalt or Makita. I see it as a great choice if you already have other Milwaukee tools. Track saws don't require dust collection but they are set up for it and it is nice to use because they spew a good volume of dust (like a circular saw). If you are already attaching a vacumn hole (I use a Bosch 6 meter hose on my Rigid shop vac) it isn't a big deal to also attach a power cord, especially in my shop. I've copied the Festool idea but using computer connectors so I have a power cord on the vacumn hose so I can just move both from my sander to my track saw to my domino as I work. So I'm not sure how much hassle reduction would come from a battery operated saw if you also use a vacumn but I don't see that it would hurt anything either. If I were to buy a battery powered track saw any time soon it would be the Milwaukee.