Makita VS. Festool - Comprehensive Comparison & Review - Toolsday Track Saw Review

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On this Toolsday Track Saw review, we’re taking a look at the Makita VS Festool 36v Cordless Saws. We do a complete overview of pricing, features, differences, similarities (there are a lot) and I make my high level recommendation at the end. As always, I have never and will never take money for paid reviews. These are tools I have purchased and used extensively. Let me know what you’d like to see next. Thanks for watching! Please like, comment and subscribe. Cheers!
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Support What We Do at The Katz-Moses Store lddy.no/stih
K-M Dovetail Jigs are on sale. USE CODE INLAY10 for an extra 10% off in my store
Cheapest Place I’ve found the Makita (no affiliation) www.toolnut.com/ It also looks like they’re running some good promos on Makita.
Festool requires their vendors to have the same prices and doesn’t allow discounts but you can also find them at the link above for the Makita
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NEW Suizan Flush Trim Saw: bit.ly/SuizanSaws
Stanley Sweetheart Chisels: amzn.to/2mVMTkF
Knew Concepts Fret Saw: amzn.to/2FUDbYZ
Dewalt Planer Package: amzn.to/2thEf6O
Forrest 10” Combo Blade: amzn.to/2Fdaee3
Festool Tape Measure: amzn.to/2oS3cjD
Starrett 6” Combination Square: amzn.to/2oP3dVw
Woodstock 3 in 1 Shoulder Plane: amzn.to/2FgAS1A
Stanley Low Angle Jack Plane: amzn.to/2oV4I4O
Dewaxed Shellac Flakes: amzn.to/2FeqqYh
Abalone Inlay :amzn.to/2rjMTxe
Abalone Inlay Alternate: goo.gl/DHonFy
5 Minute Epoxy: amzn.to/2FijsSa
Triton 3 ¼ hp Router (with built in lift and edge guide incl): amzn.to/2LBw3Go
Kreg Router Plate: amzn.to/2A7oVNC
Triton Bushing Set: amzn.to/2A7pSpa
Bosch 1 HP Colt Router Set With Fixed and Plunge Base: amzn.to/2mHP1wY
Bosch Edge Guide: amzn.to/2uRRKs2
Bosch Bushings Set: amzn.to/2JUNRYb
Centering Cone: amzn.to/2OjgOAf
MY CNC MACHINES (I highly recommend both)
Bescutter Laser’s Website: bit.ly/bescutter
Avid CNCs of all shapes and sizes: bit.ly/3cdKdqA
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[@katzmosestools]

*Support What We Do at The Katz-Moses Store* lddy.no/stih *K-M Dovetail Jigs are on sale. USE CODE INLAY10 for an extra 10% off in my store* *Cheapest Place I’ve found the Makita* (no affiliation) www.toolnut.com/ It also looks like they’re running some good promos on Makita. *Festool requires their vendors to have the same prices and doesn’t allow discounts but you can also find them at the link above for the Makita*

[@yishaicampbell308]

Could you do a video comparing these to the kreg track saw? at least the makita one to kreg?

[@CarlosFernandez-lr3uc]

Jonathan Great speech!! Love your stop Block! Best addition to my table saw. Also o recently purchased the dovetails jig for my son to help him cut dovetails. Thanks again. Carlos

[@brandonwinter1456]

Hey Sir I love your content. You should check out Torch Paste on Instagram @torchpaste You can use it in conjunction with a heat gun and stencil to burn a pattern on any wooden project. I think it would make a great video. Keep up the great work

[@handymadness]

I did! Bought a stop!

[@RedcarWW]

Johnathan the link to Toolnut is broken. Could you provide an updated link in order to help support your work?

[@whiskeywoodworx2854]

In a world with no integrity, there is Katz. I applaud you for not selling out. We need a place we can go for honest reviews we can trust. It’s the only reason I watch your content. You are not afraid to admit your mistakes and I learn so much for your experience. Just like when you injured your finger on the jointer. Please please please DO NOT EVER SELL OUT!

[@steppedon]

It's hilarious that ONLY the reviews that don't have Festool coming out on top are the "honest" reviews. Maybe you can create a playlist of those reviews so you don't have to go out hunting for them too much.

[@Russ0107]

That is some rare integrity.

[@katzmosestools]

I person is only as good as their word. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for the support of my viewers. I could never violate that trust.

[@Sulkanator]

@@katzmosestools Love that JKM.

[@midagedman2719]

Interesting ,if you ask me ,that a tool company is willing to hand over said tool and accessories, plus a disclosed sum just to do a review. Could it be the explanation for said companies prices ? Any chance of seeing the offering from mafell in comparison? Peace ,and cheers.

[@myfinalheaven9590]

@@katzmosestools Ah man. That's so awesome to value your integrity for the sake of your viewers rather than companies hoping to use your platform to sell a product. Subbed.

[@xinixxagnix201]

Makita payed 12k :)

[@bret9741]

When I bought the Makita at ACME tools, it was $499 with 4 batteries, 2 55” one 36” track and of course the cases. The Festool at the time was $1200 similarly equipped.

[@Surmoka]

And the Makita is actually better than the Festering Stool. See: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZbdoWCVeciInck

[@TheBstadz]

Hey man love your stuff but there was one thing that was not accurate about this. You were comparing the cut quality of the off cut, not the keep piece, and if you are worried about a nice clean cut on the offcut, then that little green piece that you weren't sure what it was for, is for exactly that. It's a zero clearance for the offcut side. Just my 2 cents. Overall great stuff :)

[@adamkrtek9004]

I’m coming late to the video but I’m glad to see someone pointed this out. I felt like this was a comparison video of a tool that Jonathan has been regularly using and one where he hasn’t taken the time to understand all the benefits. I own the Festool track saw and I love it and it’s ability to replace my table saw doe 80% oft workflow. I also love my makita cordless tools

[@kirkhamlett]

That's a fair point if it is simply an offcut, but if you're cutting multiple pieces you'd want both sides of the cut to be pretty clean.

[@TheBstadz]

@@kirkhamlett yes and that’s why I mentioned the little green foot that’s for exactly that purpose.

[@PierreJennihey-taxi]

Why do the Festool need this extra piece to be precise ? Just wondering...

[@TheBstadz]

@@PierreJennihey-taxi it’s not about precision it’s a zero clearance piece so there’s no tear out.

[@terrybollenbaugh7622]

Thank you for the review Jonathan. I've used Makita for years and have always loved their products. I've been looking at tracks saws for a long time and I'm glad to see such a well done comparison between the Festool and the Makita. Than you again.

[@terryduprie6313]

Jonathan, I really appreciate your opinions and the fact that you keep it real. That's why I'm a fan. Keep it up and we'll keep supporting your channel. Great job!!!

[@philippseif2855]

Great video! I love your honesty and integrity on your review. You point out the most important features and compare them. Helped a lot.

[@gidgemo1869]

Mad respect. Top 5 favorite KZbin channels. When I’m able to start my woodworking journey, you’ll be my inspiration. Thank you!!!

[@shanemelville]

Thanks for the extensive review, I have not seen anyone that has reviewed these 2 saws/tracks go through all the features that each one has, it helps to purchase them. Most tool comparisons just touch the surface than when you buy the tool you find out all the features some you don't like & you have buyers remorse especially when your dealing with larger amounts of money for tools. Thanks Johnathan

[@jonathanwiggill8242]

Respect your commitment to objective reviews. Thank you Jonathan.

[@reverandbigshow8171]

The first Tracksaw I ever used was a workmates Festool, I was sold on it but couldn't afford it at the time but Makita came out with their affordable version shortly afterwards, So I purchased it. I have never been let down by my Makita and have always been able to produce work at the same quality that Festool saws deliver without any feeling of being held back by some small inconvenience in the way the mechanisms work. In fact, My Makita has always powered through cuts that I've seen Festools stall and ruin a cut due to its inability to push on. Value for money? Makita by a long Margin!

[@JkCanvas]

Thank you for the review and your honesty. When I make a big purchase especially tools, I look for reviews from content creators I trust.

[@dannysan1272]

Possibly the most honest, and true display of integrity I’ve ever encountered in a KZbin video. Subscribed.

[@SlaviJordanov]

Very good review on both of the saws. I have had both and the Makita is great. I have also read somewhere that you can adapt it to use a standard 5/8 arbor blade. I have other cordless Festool tools and a vacuum with bluetooth, that's why I switched to the Festool one. Also Festool makes a rail with 32mm spacing for shelf pin holes, if you need that feature later on.

[@cornflake73]

Nice breakdown of comparable features of these two track saws. Every tool has its place in a shop setting, and cost typically dictates budget constraints. Over the years component tools for specific tasks were being sought, but that gets expensive and takes lots of space. Today, space is more valuable, and compactness is now being sought.

[@TheGlobalMind]

I have the corded Makita, bought it about 2 years ago and love it. For the money, I find it to be an awesome addition to the shop and for my small space, it's been incredibly valuable. I certainly looked at the Festool but couldn't justify the extra cost. So far I haven't regretted my decision. I've recently added a hose for dust collection, which without any modification otherwise sucks up nearly everything. The bag was ok, the hose is even better.

[@jasongregory89]

Great toolsday comparison, thanks! The tracks are quasi interchangeable. The saws will run on either, but I found some of the Festool router accessories won’t attach to the Makita track. The T-tracks are different widths.

[@dustinvinci345]

Please make more videos like this. Always interested in real, true, unbiased opinions on tools because I can’t afford to make mistakes buying the wrong tools.

[@user-qv1pu5rr8x]

Extremely in-depth and honest review. The festool's bluetooth is for connecting it to a vac with bluetooth technology. Meaning that when it turns on the vac will kick on as well

[@stevenbalaz8308]

I don’t normally comment on KZbin videos, but to stumble upon your channel & have such a clear & to the point review makes it incredibly convincing as someone invested in the makita lineup. But most importantly it’s the integrity that’s got me hooked & for that I have to subscribe

[@als4817]

Same 1st time here, and the intro was very gratifying to view. Love the integrity and honesty, I subbed for that alone.

[@ArpadBuildsThis]

I have been looking at both of these track saws and have been deciding on which one to get! Thank you!

[@edwardwilson990]

The distance from the Festool splinter guide and the blade is adjustable to you can set it up to run several different saws on the same tracks. Also the Festool bevel feature is designed so that when it's used, it cuts on the same line and doesn't re-cut the splinter guide. The pivot point was designed specifically to address that issue.

[@EdwardT9]

The Makita does the same on the bevel, it cuts on the same line.

[@mitchOrr1]

@@EdwardT9 Are you sure about this? I have the Makita and when beveling it actually does cut off more of the rubber strip. Rendering the 90 cuts inaccurate afterwards.

[@johndonson1603]

@@mitchOrr1 I've got both, I use the Makita on a Festool track, I don't find that after 45s the 90 degree cut is affected on either machine.

[@nafitron]

Great intro... And because your honesty in tools....that's why I bought my flush cut saw from you last night! Thanks man!!

[@RedcarWW]

This was a timely and valuable vid. I originally purchased the Accu-cut from Kreg to go along with my Makita circular saw. Almost 9 months later, and while I still use the Accu-cut, I am ready for a system. I purchased the Makita circular saw based on the recommendation of the local hardware store and that they were always a favorite of my dad's. My current router is a Bosch. While I like Bosch, today I purchased the Makita XTR01T8J cordless router. The fact that Makita's track system also works with their routers is a major plus. Now I can leave the Bosch router in my router table. The one thing you didn't touch on was the lack of integration between the vacuum systems and the cordless track systems. I guess there really isn't a need as it's obvious. Thanks for this comparison.

[@martinruszkowski9152]

Thanks for the honest take on this matter...bought the corded Festool but then realized I like the "freedom" of cordless...going with the Makita as it is significantly less expensive and certainly offers an accessible and versatile cordless tool platform.

[@scottbrader-kd9vyy225]

Thanks! Great timing on this one. I am currently evaluating a track saw purchase.

[@fk6536]

Jonathan, the markings with hare, turtle and x is the position where the battery is and how the expected functioning of the saw will be. Both in --> full power, bottom one in --> slow or half power, top one in --> not functioning. Keep the independent opinions, hugely appreciated!

[@JustTony72]

Jonathan great video as always. Few things to add, because I'm a festool nut. The Bluetooth is to connect to festool Vac, wireless Auto start stop. Makita also have a similar system but both systems only work with their own brand vac. The tracks aren't 100% interchangeable. The Makita T slot is a fraction smaller which means a festool saw dialled in for a festool rail will have slop on the Makita rail. Peter Millard did a really long comparison for this and I've also tested it on mine. Having said that, The slop is usually acceptable for most applications. The piece at the front is cut though. So the first time you install the little green zero clearance you should run it on some scrap to score it can create the zero clearance. Not sure on the Makita but the festool has a blade offset adjustment which let's you line two saw up to use the same rail. This means that if you have established a zero clearance with one saw, Makita, Bosch or another festool, you can match that zero clearance with a new saw. Dialling in multiple saws for one track. And finally if I'm not mistaken both saw are design to pivot around the track when making beveled cuts. By that I mean cutting at 0 and 45 back to back will not change the zero clearance on the track.

[@jxk7712]

Thanks, I almost drool looking at the Festool but the battery range of the Makita tools makes the choice for me. I have the trim router and the ability to swap out the batteries is nearly priceless in the moment. Thank you

[@vlmiele]

You don’t have to install a new splinter guard on the Festool when cutting a 45 degree bevel. It’s engineered to line up perfectly with the existing 90deg cut.

[@bourkey07]

This comment is 100% spot on.

[@forestrall3454]

Same goes for the Makita as well.

[@pau1phi11ips]

@@forestrall3454 Yeah, was thinking that. "I'm sure I've made bevelled cuts and not replaced the guide!?". Thanks for the sanity check.

[@mitchOrr1]

@@forestrall3454 I've found that the Makita does end up cutting more off the splinter guards when cutting bevels. Really frustrating.

[@chrishopper7588]

but the back bevel on the splinter guard would create a cavity for blow out to occur. at least that's what I think he was saying

[@driftwood4625]

We just got the Makita track saw at work, works like a charm. We also got the Makita battery HEPA vacuum to go with it, the static shocks are insane! I just plug it to a regular shop vac now.

[@jonathanfemenella8662]

Awesome video! I have the Makita and absolutely love it. This video will help a great number of ppl on deciding which saw to buy!

[@crill3682]

You forgot to talk about how makita track saw has a scoring option which comes in handy. A lot of people don’t know about that.

[@Hoodalump]

Just set the depth stop on the Festool to 1/8 inch or so and you have the same thing. I know, not really Festool-ish, but it works.

[@jacobbrown1690]

Yep

[@ericolejkowski8748]

I prefer corded version due to a fact that it will trigger the vacuum. Also Festool has this clip that attaches itself to their track and prevents the saw going backwards,great when doing plunge cuts. Also it has a guard that attachés itself to the back of the track and it prevents the hose or the cord being caught on the sharp edge ( minor thing but it works) Also you said Makita copied Festool, but the truth is Festool copied Mafel first. So long story short I use corded Festool saw with Makita tracks , and have tons of Makita cordless tools.

[@danielscott4514]

@@ericolejkowski8748 As the rails are the same (apart from a small lip on the top T track of the makita rails), you could very likely use the festool stops with a makita rail and saw (and if the stops didn't work out of the box, then provided you've got a second rail or a straight edge then you can run your track saw down the makita rail and cut off the offending lip ... which you would need to do if you want to use makita rails with some of Festool's Jigsaw and Router attachments I believe). That said. The small lip on the makita rails is something to stop the saw tipping over when it's bevelled: as the owner of a festool TS55 which tips very willingly when bevelled, I think it's actually a superior design to the festool rail and a feature you'd probably want to keep on at least one of your rails if you were the owner of a makita saw and rail combo.

[@ThekiBoran]

@@danielscott4514 The anti tip feature on the Makita is nice but if you need a perfect miter it's still possible to booger it up a bit if you let it tip as the track will flex a smidgen.

[@NitFlickwick]

One feature you missed (among the many you taught me) on the Makita is the scoring setting. There is a little knob you can push in that limits the cut to just a millimeter or two for scoring, and, with that cut done first, you can get absolutely perfect cuts. On particularly brittle material, you could use that and pull the saws backwards to climb cut, similar to a scoring blade on an industrial table saw. An advantage to not having a riving knife? I’d still rather have one.

[@espressomatic]

Festool has eliminated the knife on their new saws. I've used the same Makita for about 3 years. It doesn't have a riving knife and I've never had one instance of kick back - you can also use its anti-tip lock which will prevent the saw from coming up off the track. On the other hand, I used a Kreg saw yesterday for the first time and TWICE I forgot to set its anti-kickback knob and both times it kicked back and nearly screwed up the cut - it damaged the track both times. If you watch this video how Moses plunges the Makita on the first cut - this is impossible on the Kreg without kickback on everything except maybe particle board. Needless to say, I'm sending that POS saw and track back to Kreg ASAP.

[@Ashton351]

@@espressomatic Why do you think you got the kickback on the Kreg? Was the wood binding up on the back of the blade?

[@bwhite220]

You’re a legend, JKM! Thank you for this, and all of your videos!

[@wildtwindad]

I luv tracksaws. Found my first Makita sp6000 at the repair shop with track for 240$. It paid for its 2 replacements.....and save me so much time.

[@capti443]

I applaud your professional integrity for refusing sponsorship and maintaining your independence. Bravo! That is why I have and enjoy a set of your dovetail guides and apron (so far)! ... Plus, they really are great products.

[@mattywho8485]

As far as Makita blades, I have a corded 10" compound sliding miter saw and the Makita factory blade cuts smoother than any other blade I have ever bought !!!

[@markr1142]

The makita efficut blades are awesome, they come stock it most higher end tools.

[@HarlyGuy13]

Great timing. I’ve decided I need to step up and get a track saw. Really appreciate your advice. Now I’m going to look for a Mikita vs DeWalt and go from there.

[@HeadBroski]

I have never heard of this channel and I follow several woodworker channels, but that opening segment earned my subscription.

[@michielvandorsser7691]

The Bluetooth is for when you want to use a cordless tool with a shop vaccuum. The tool can be linked to the vaccuum using bluetooth which then automaticly switches on when you start cutting.

[@Silky_boi]

Nice work Jon! Keeping integrity and doing a damn good review!

[@christopherdekonstrukt444]

Love your dedication to staying faithful to your own channel.👍

[@liedjesvanjelle]

9:12 Well that’s the game changer for me. I have the ts55 now for 4 years and there are many moments where I switch between the depth while working on a project. It is very very nice to be able to put the saw on the lowest depth and switch back to the dept I’m working on. And what the promotion video shows isn’t a joke, you can actually fine tune so precise, that your blade won’t even hit the desk you’re sawing your piece on. I have also used the saw to make joints in timber frames, I make multiple cuts next to each other to cut away to a certain dept. I just need to know that 30mm is exactly 30mm and I want to be able to come back to that same setting when I’m continuing the job the next day. I never would have thought, but that knob is gold!

[@petermartucci6534]

Great review. Very helpful in making a decision between the two.

[@Siderod]

Great content as always, Jonathan! Peter Millard over at The 10 Minute Workshop is an avid Festool user, and has done a few videos comparing it to cheaper saws - they're really spoiled for choice in the UK, with several available for right around 100 pounds. I also appreciate the honesty, made even more genuine by the fact you bought the Festool, admit that it's better in several ways, but would still rather have the Makita because its a better fit for you. Thumbs up all round!

[@chrisdemeglio7983]

Great integrity and honesty. When the Festool guys looked this video I bet they cringed when you recommended Makita!!!

[@JARMade]

I literally just got my Makita track saw last month, and put it to use last weekend. i love it so far.

[@stephenverderese9411]

Thanks so much for this review. Just discovered your channel and it is awesome!

[@tonyimperial5323]

Two videos in two days. This makes me so happy.

[@danielgeiger7739]

Great review. Came to the same conclusion before you said it, particularly re batteries. Don't quite have your collection, but a few Makita tools in my line up. Soon one more ... Getting tired of measuring the set-off of the the guide track when using a skill saw. Did not think about plunge cuts, but that is another great feature of a track saw.

[@thetallcarpenter]

First 1 minute and 45 seconds was great to hear.😎 I have just got the Makita for pretty much all the reasons you mentioned. Everyone knows how good the Festool gear is, but it also needs to fit in with the stuff you already use. Cheers.

[@hallowed45]

i decided to buy a track saw little over a year ago. i read plenty of reviews and watched plenty of videos.i bought a corded Makita and love it. dust collection is awesome put some blue tape over side hole and hook up a hose and it get rids of almost all the dust. i didnt need a cordless saw and i really saw no reason in spending alot more money on a saw thats almost the same.

[@Ham68229]

I went the Kreg track saw, love it, it does everything I need it to. Cheers :)

[@kizzjd9578]

You can buy 3d printed dust covers for them

[@bertaboy]

The window is super helpful when not using the track, like using the plunge saw with a speed square because the track is too long to use when lopping off a 2x4

[@zacharyyoung1083]

I do the same. Don’t see the point of a cordless track saw for my purposes. I use my track saw regularly and exclusively to break down sheets in my shop and it’s always tethered to the vacuum anyway, just zip tie the cord to the hose and save yourself a couple hundred bucks 🤷🏻‍♂️. Festool stuff is great, extremely well engineered and designed. Take advantage of the Makita clone that is 90% as good and costs 40% less.

[@littlejackalo5326]

@@Ham68229 really? I just got through writing a long reply to another comment, about how bad the Kreg track saw sucks. It's possibly the worst took I've ever used. The "shoe" attaches to the base plate of your saw with metal clamps that are screwed into the PLASTIC shoe. So you can never get the plastic Kreg shoe to tighten to the baseplate of your saw, because the plastic just deforms. There is so much slop in that system that it defeats the purpose of it. It's just a poorly designed, engineered, and manufactured tool.

[@danielscott4514]

Hi there ... nice review. A few comments I would add ... As someone who owns the corded version of this Festool saw, I think Makita's additional lip on the top-side T track of their rails to stop the saw tipping over when it's bevelled is a really great idea. The corded festool definitely wants to fall over when it's bevelled at 45 and you really need to have a hand on the base plate while you're making those kinds of cuts. Secondly, the green consumable "splinter guard" on the festool is actually a really important feature if you plan on using the offcut side of any brittle material you might cut. The gold standard is whether or not you can make a cut in a sheet of Melamine and be happy to use that finished cut in a piece of cabinetry. Those green splinterguards (and a blade that's kept free of gunked up resin and glue from previous cuts) are *critical* to being able to cut melamine well. You buy the green splinterguards in packs of 5, and I tend to label mine by maximum depth I'll use them for - so there's some zero clearance across the blade teeth as well. Surprised to see that the makita saw doesn't have that feature - it's really important if you work with fussy material. Finally, the riving knife on the festool is also useful for keeping the saw on track if you're working with slippery material (pre-finished plywood, or melamine) and you are using the rail without clamps. Generally they're pretty good at staying in place, but if you're not careful it is possible to have the rail slip a little mid-cut and the riving knife helps prevent that to some degree. Plus if you've ever tried making a bevelled rip cut in hardwood timber with one of these saws ... well ... I wouldn't want to do it without a riving knife on the saw (not with the festool's less forgiving design for bevel cuts anyway .. the makita probably does a better job of keeping itself upright on those cuts). Moderately interesting story ... I had a secondhand TS55 EBQ for a while, before stumping up to buy a brand new saw ... the rail it came with (which I still have) came to me with a really nice set of teeth marks across the rail where the last owner had obviously had a decent kickback. I'll wager it was on a bevel cut ... I've had mine kick at me on a cut like that - even with the riving knife ... would have been a lot worse without one.

[@maisummarceneiroumdemuitos8037]

Makita uses a different system to melamine material, you make a small first non through cut in first run and a second cut through to main material. Here in Brazil most of high quality cabinets ate made in MDF with melamine tops so 99% of portable saws are Makita ones. You can't get a perfect finish with one way cut, this is why industrial precision saws have two saws, on in top and another one in bottom so the saw is always entering the material and never leaving the material so you get absolutely absence of splitters. Local market here differs from USA where I saw a lot of plywood being used for cabinets. Interesting differences!

[@jamesrichards3000]

Hi, the little plastic tab that you didn't use on the Festool prevents tear out. The Bluetooth batteries sync to the Festool dust extractors and turn them on and off when operating . Too bad you didn't show a cut with the anti tear out feature on the Festool.

[@KevinBrown-xo7jr]

It’s always really nice when you see a fellow carpenter that you respect come to the conclusion that you were hoping they would. After much deliberation and back and forth in my crazy-tiny-mind I’m going with the Makita for all the reasons JKM mentioned at the end. Thank you

[@TimberBiscuitWoodworks]

Great video Jonathan! That was a really comprehensive review of both products. I like that you kept it unbias throughout the video, and good on you for being honest about your reviews! I have the corded Festool track saw and it does cut super clean into walnut ply which is where I use it most.

[@AndrewSzeto]

love this and juuuust what i needed. going with the makita!

[@izzychen7537]

This is exactly why I love your channel :) Visited your store yesterday, wife is not going to be happy. Great content, thank you!

[@thegloriousretardmagnet4257]

The Festool bluetooth batteries can be connected to a Festool vac with Bluetooth module. When the battery senses power draw, it then sends a signal to turn on the vac. So you have the same automatic start feature that you usually only get when you hook up a corded tool to a vac, but with a cordless tool. There is also a separate button to attach to a hose to turn on the vac. This is perfect for remotely turning it on when using it with a drill or something like that. Pretty cool system actually

[@MCsCreations]

Pretty interesting, Jonathan! Fantastic comparison! 😃 Thanks a lot! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@ur_pore]

Earned a sub and new viewer by having that level of integrity within 2mins of the video.

[@davetynan561]

My comparison was with video reviews only, and I selected the Makita track saw system about 3 years ago. Factoring in the range of tools that use the same batteries, Makita is IMHO, the best value out there regarding cordless tools. Your video did explain some features that I was not aware of also. Thanks.

[@DenHvideHund]

Perhaps a bit late on the show, but I did enjoy the comparison and being a Makita multiple tool owner myself I can safely order that tracksaw to my collection, after watching this. I applaud your honesty and integrity not to fall into the easy "sell off scheme".

[@mpmacd]

Haven’t even finished the video. Complete respect. Even if the Festool turns out to be the better of the two, the honesty is appreciated.

[@convictguard155]

These tools day reviews are so very under appreciated

[@sinsofvorador]

I've got one of your aprons. Got to say I love it. Want to pick up a dove tail jig next.

[@albarden-pd2dn]

Hi thanks for the great review, I have all majors cordless tools and love then however there is one feature that sets the festoon apart and I use this saw almost everyday on site and that is the dust bag! It means I don’t need to drag the vac around or the hose over the edge of the work, the bag catches 90% of the dust which for me is the big winner

[@alyssajohn3746]

Loved the email signature “Chief Sawdust Maker”

[@espressomatic]

Most channels will say they're un-sponsored but then state that they were sent the tool free of charge (and the tools can range in price anywhere from $50 to upwards of $10000). When someone send you something and you don't have to send it back, whether they have a say in the content or not, that's a sponsored production. I wish more creators were forthcoming about that instead of trying to brush it aside. I like the situation in New Zealand now, where creators have to state openly and plainly that the content is considered a paid advertisement whenever they've been given any product by a supplier.

[@jonasf4065]

Thank you . Just confirms why I am a Festool fan and will continue buying from them.

[@Jeremysoccer45]

Use to have the corded Makita SP6000J and upgraded to the Festool TS75. The power, cut quality, ease of use, and cutting depth are all significantly improved on the festool. Cut a slab >2" with both and you'll see/feel the difference. Also, the TSO GRC-12 are hands down the best rail connectors.

[@maisummarceneiroumdemuitos8037]

I never get a perfect results with connector on long wood pieces I only solve this issue buying a 3m makita rail.

[@lorenzoucce3903]

so is it ok to cut hardwood with these saw?

[@Weirdusername01]

Beginner Budget Friendly me went with the Kreg Accu-cut with a corded Makita saw and it's be pretty reliable thus far.

[@BradsWorkbench]

Nice overview 👍 I feel the exact same way. I will accept a tool to review but never money and won't allow a company to dictate what is said. Well done!

[@1589cam]

Great review. Best on KZbin. One thing: I believe the Bluetooth function on the Festool saw pairs with the Festool vacuum, so that you can can have wireless auto-start/stop. Great Video, Thanks!

[@troyqueen9503]

Saves a lot of steps.🌴🇨🇦

[@marcuskarlsson5330]

Great video, this helped convince me to get the Festool plunge saw, although corded.

[@murphymmc]

Good review Johnathan. I'm with you on the weapon of choice. You can buy a bunch more accessories right out of the gate with the Makita and just get to the baseline cost of the Festool. So many Festool products I can live without. I'm discovering more and more products from your store that I am deeming "necessary".

[@elkaddouriismail5591]

beautiful video! festool is just great !! and as far as the Bluetooth is concerned, eh is to connect to your festool vacuum cleaner every time you use your TS55 or use a festool machine with Bluetooth battery then your vacuum cleaner will start automatically!

[@alsacs3635]

Great review. Thanks for posting.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

Excellent review/comparison! I have used Makita's lxt 18-36volt system since its introduction well over 10 yrs ago. Makita's motors seem to be some of the smallest best balanced in the industry. I own and use about 25 of their tools, mostly 18v, However, I don't own the track saw but I have bought 3 sections of track, the track connector and the Makita track adaptor for my 18volt 6.5" saws! (a poor mans/homeowner version of a track saw ) It works spectacular. I just purchased the XSH06PT , 7 1/4"- 36v saw with 2 xtra 5.0ah batteries totaling 4, from the Home Depot, for 249.00! this week. I will check to see if it will work with the system perhaps, or if Makita makes a track adaptor for it. The lack of plunge, and a few other features I give up, but its been really great for Baltic birch, and other veneer plys and just regular cdx. Hopefully we will get some lumbermills built this year to replace all the burned down ones and be able to buy 2 by wood and plywood again. Until then I'm not building a lot sadly. New Sub!

[@boogiedahomey]

I bought the exact same kit from HD with the four batteries for $249. It does not work on the rail but you can replace the base plate and other parts and make it a true track saw. If you print out the schematics for the XSH06 and the XSH08 you can identify the parts you need and order them from a parts warehouse. You have to replace most of the tiny screws and washers on the base and it is laborious identifying them all (I think there are around 40 separate items you need to order) but for under $150 you can upgrade the saw you got from HD into a dedicated 7 1/4" 36V cordless Makita track saw. It's a fun project. The newer 40V saws are now more commonly available with a rail ready base but they don't offer them as a promo kit with free extra batteries.

[@matzad747]

Thanks for the review. Yes, the range of Makita is a good selling point. Being able to use the same batteries for the makita Garden tools.

[@rjh6037]

I have a lot of Makita stuff. But when it comes to tracks saws and vacuum cleaner/dust removal Festool was the best choice for myself. Pay the extra 20-30% for the quality the Festool offers.

[@scottbertrand2057]

I appreciate the review on makita.. just purchased a corded version.anxiously waiting for tool to arrive .. after purchasing the saw ur review appeared on my feed .. good thing I just subscribed thanks

[@brucewilson3170]

Very nice work. I have a corded Makita track saw and love it. I don't recall you saying much about the scoring cut, which helps a lot with making clean edges. When working with plywood, I pretty much always make a scoring pass first. I also have a 4x8 work surface and I lay down a sheet of 1" foam insulation under whatever I'm cutting. Using that and the scoring cut, I get great, clean edges. Powertec also makes rails that work with these rail saws, and I like the way the Powertec pieces join together better than I do on the Makita rails. I also have the Dewalt clamps for track saws, which work well and were less expensive than many other options.

[@als4817]

Great comment and information, thank you for posting !!

[@Coug1982]

Nice review. You did a good job being unbiased. thanks!

[@SSBailey77845]

Great review Jonathan. I have learned to trust your opinions because, well, they seem honest....and your explanation at the outset was very important to me. I have to say I was surprised about your recommendation of the Makita. A lot of the wood working content creators I watch are “all Festool, all the time” but dang...that’s a daunting price point for most of us. What I also see is some creator that has a shop full of the top 1% of tools..12” jointers, $5,000 CNC machines...and they are all because of paid product placements. But not Mr. Katz-Moses, no sir. You’ve made restoring an old machine or buying on a budget cool...so thanks for that. I thought for sure you’d go with the Festool because of the riving knife if not just for the “Festool mystique” thing. Thanks for your integrity my friend.

[@als4817]

I too have seen all the Festools users posted videos, and did not realize the company was paying so much money to these KZbinrs to review, and a free tool !!?? Pretty shocking how much money they are making, just doing the video and being given a free tool. Thanks for posting !! I'm buying makita.

[@SSBailey77845]

@@als4817 You won’t be disappointed. I own several Makita tools along with DeWalt, Bosch, Jet, PowerMatic and SawStop….not a Festool - or Woodpecker for that matter - in the whole shop and I don’t think I’m missing anything. I’ll pay for quality when I can see that it’s there but I don’t need to pay for a PR campaign!

[@als4817]

@@SSBailey77845 Thanks for your comments !

[@SteveC38]

That Was an Awesome Comparison/Review! Bravo My Friend👍

[@maxbabich20]

This is the video I needed, I was pretty sure I was going to get the Makita (I use the cordless tool line as well) and now I’m sure about it

[@DirtbikeXpeditions]

For my budget and application, I went with the Kreg Accu Cut and use my old skil saw.....I know it’s not the same thing but it allows me to breakdown sheet goods just fine and then do the final cut on the table saw. I realize it is nowhere close to the same league as any dedicated track saw, but it works for me at the moment and it was only $80......just throwing this out there for any new woodworker who might not realize there is this option. Another great video by the way! Thanks for your expert opinion. Love my Katz-Moses apron and jigs!

[@thomasarussellsr]

I have the clamp on straight edge from harbor freight and it only requires the extra math of adding/subtracting the offset of the base-plate of your skill saw. Under $20 including a pair of 2" c-clamps. Same thing, processing sheet goods, then table saw. All of us can not afford the track saw, just yet. So this is my affordable option at the moment. I sure would love to get the track-saw at some point though. Guess I need to add another coffee can to the "special savings" shelf in the shop. (A lazy susan with labled cans for each tool I am saving to buy.) Rotate each week the subsequent can gets something added. With a running total lable on the can so I know when that goal has been met.

[@jaxwagen4238]

Totally agree about the Kreg Accu Cut. Maybe he will cover it in his $1200 workshop series

[@ryanlangan1060]

I love people with integrity! Keep up the great work!

[@arth.4196]

Thanks Jon. Great Video.

[@Jawg16]

Jonathan, check out the Mafell dust bag for that makita. I have it and it’s amazing, no dust unless you’re hitting the edge of your piece.

[@gd5043]

I just bought the Kreg version after doing some research and talking it over with the reps from my favorite local wood store. Note sure I'm sold. I have a Festool dust extractor for my sanders and of course the port is a different size than my Festool hose. Also, the first cut on your Kreg it tells you to plunge cut on scrap plywood or MDF to cut the plastic guide, so I did. Wow....what a mess, now I have little plastic shavings all over the place and a rough edge guide. Not real happy about that part, but once I got it dialed in and tuned, I was happy with the quality of cut.

[@thomasalison6188]

Thanks for the great review!!

[@danielluke4123]

Thanks for the review and integrity!

[@cariboocustomwoodworks6528]

Nice review. I just grabbed a corded Makita with the 10' track at an estate sale for $300 CND. Great saw.

[@jerrystark3587]

Very good review. Thanks!

[@aaronkromhout6091]

Excellent review!

[@maximillianzorn6085]

The Bluetooth connects to Bluetooth nodes on the dust extractors. Allows you to only have to deal with the hose. Saw turns on, extractor turns on.

[@katzmosestools]

Good to know. I think Makita has one of those as well. That would be a huge benefit! I need one.

[@woodpecked3D]

what hes trying to say is that why is the bluetooth on the batteries and not on the saw itself