Milwaukee Track Saw Review

Milwaukee 6-1/2” Track Saw 2831-20
Purchase Link: imp.i284638.net/YgErYP
Article Link:
www.toolboxbuzz.com/cordless-...
The saw had zero issues cutting any of these hardwoods and its motor didn’t bog or slow dow, cutting the material with ease.
I was curious how the Milwaukee M18 track saw power compared to our ¬¬¬cordless Makita track saw when cutting so we did some side-by-side cutting to compare.
We also used the corded Festool TS 55 FEQ track saw as a benchmark
For this comparison we installed a new 40 tooth blade on all three saw and made a series of cuts through ¾” Purpleheart and 1-1/2” Poplar. Purpleheart wood is rated 1,860 on the Janka scale. Poplar has a rating of 540 but was double the thickness.
We ran each saw though the Purpleheart, using the sound of the motor to guide our push rate.
The corded TS 55 FEQ Festool saw was clearly the more powerful saw when cutting the ¾” material but not in the 1-1/2” material.
When cutting 1-1/2” inch Poplar there was no discernable difference in motor strain or resistance between the corded Festool and M18 Milwaukee saw.
Both saws cut at the same rate and resistance.
We did notice a difference between the 36-volt Makita and the 18-volt Milwaukee with the Milwaukee being slightly more powerful in the Purpleheart and clearly faster when cutting the 1-1/2-inch Poplar.
Precision
We found the Milwaukee track saw accurate out of the box at 90 and 45 degrees.
Additionally, the saw blade lines up perfectly on the splinter guide track strip at both settings. We’ve seen other saws cut into this strip when set to 45 degrees.
Track and Blade Compatibility
Milwaukee was smart; they designed their saw to be compatible with other manufacturer tracks [i, e., Festool, Makita] and put a 6-1/2 blade with a 20 mm arbor to be consistent with all the other tracks saw blades.
Milwaukee tracks come in three lengths:
• 31” Guide Rail
• 55” Guide Rail
• 106” Guide Rail
Depth of Cut
• 90 degrees 2-1/4”
• 45 degrees 1-5/8” [comparison e.g., Festool cuts 1-7/16]
• Bevel range -1 to 48 degrees
Dust Collection
The dust port has the most common port which is 1/7/8” and fits their vacuums as well as standard compatible vacuum hoses. My Festool hose fits inside the dust port nicely.
The blade viewing window guard and splinter guard did seem to help with dust collection and we used it quite a bit.
Electric break
The electric brake safety feature on the Milwaukee track saw is super-fast. Not much more to say about that; I’ve seen a few saws go around a bit, but not this one.
Riving Knife
Another safety feature on the Milwaukee track saw is its spring-loaded riving knife. The riving knife is designed to maintain a gap between the board and cut off board. It prevents the kerf gap from closing, and causing pinching on the blade, which can sometimes initiate a kickback.
The hole just above the riving knife exposes a star-drive screw that allows you to adjust the riving knife or remove it for plunge cutting.
Mystery Hash Marks
If you look closely there is a unique feature that many tool reviewers missed on the M18 track saw.
There are four hash marks near the riving knife, as well as at the front of the saw. These marks also appear on the clear dust guard, and black splinter guard.
The hash marks are designed to let you see where the saw blade starts and stops to prevent overcutting or if plunge cutting.
To use the hash marks, you need to line up the front and rear blade position indicators with your cutting line.
These lines show where the blade will cut when plunged.
1. The two inner hash marks are set for ½” depth
2. The next two are set for ¾” depth
3. The next two are for 1-inch depth
4. The outer most has marks are set for full depth of cut.
The build quality on the saw is robust and if I had to use one word to describe it, I’d say “outstanding.”
Milwaukee Accessories
o 3 tracks
o Guide Rail Bag (Only fits the 31” and 55” rails)
o Clamps
o Track joining bars
o 5 different sw blades
Milwaukee Track Saw Blades
o 24T General Purpose Track Saw Blade
o 40T Finish Track Saw Blade
o 48T Fine Finish Track Saw Blade
o 4T Fiber Cement Track Saw Blade
o 52T Laminate Track Saw Blade
Price
The Milwaukee track saw sells for $399.00 as a bare tool and $859.00 kitted.

[@kevinhilton8683]

Rob I'm aware this track saw has been reviewed almost ad-nauseum by a lot of reviewers, but your review was top notch and very thorough. I was impressed. Very useful information and opinion.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thanks

[@PistonHonda87]

We need a new track saw showdown with Milwaukee and the Makita xgt

[@glennirwin4710]

Always the gold standard in tool reviews.

[@OhioPowerTool]

Rob you just do such great reviews, thought we knew everything about this saw, and still learn more every time you post a video. Great Job!

[@colcolrichardson]

I was waiting for this review. So many of the features/ergonomics seem identical to makita or festoon, probably the right places to be copying from.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

agreed

[@dcharnas2592]

This is the BEST review I have seen so far about this tool! Great job!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

WOW thanks!!

[@johnsanchez1619]

Thanks Rob! I always look forward to your reviews, and I appreciate your knowledge and take on tools.

[@brucecorman7304]

Trusted and in-depth review…that’s why I am here and subscribed. Thanks Rob 🙏

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thanks Bruce

[@CanItReallyBe]

Very thorough and well organized. Thanks!

[@btan4209]

Great review, yet again. Thank you for no unboxing here it is ,looks good review. You hit all of the important points and adjustments very well. My saw kit arrived today. You have given me a huge jump ahead in setup and use. Your insights are right on the money.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

I appreciate that!

[@lazswart2698]

Excellent review. As a tradie choosing which tools to buy it's great to find reviews by a tradie who know what tradies want. Thank you.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

thanks LAZ!

[@dmitriyk.7461]

I saw other reviews but I was waiting for this one because he gives more details and compares to the other ones that I was looking for. Because I was deciding on Fasttool or Makita but now definitely will get Milwaukee because I'm on Milwaukee platform. Thanks for the review.

[@phillipmoody710]

Very thorough review, keep up the good work.

[@britt6561]

Excellent, very thorough review. Been on the fence of which brand but I think I found my baby! Much appreciated!

[@TonyAiuto]

Another awesome review. It covers the strong points, but also is very clear about the few things you don't like.

[@DrPaladium]

I'm just a DIY guy and on the M18 platform...I just got this saw and love it!

[@surfdogvacationrentals5207]

As always a thoroughly well done honest review...Thank You.

[@1975oldschool]

Nice catch on the hash marks that indicates where to place the saw for plunge cuts 🔥🔥

[@viralprimenetwork]

It's a great review, and very detailed, something to look forward to! Thanks for sharing such an informative video. Great Job!🤩

[@raysydnor3234]

always enjoy your analysis and tool comparisons, very thorough and unbiased.....I'm heavily invested in the Milwaukee platform and have never been disappointed with any of their product line; they seem to consistently offer superior performance. Just purchased the track saw and happy to see that my instincts were apparently correct based on your review. I had/have a good amount of Festool and DeWalt corded tools but have been systematically replacing all of them with Milwaukee cordless, just works better for me....thanks again for sharing your experience. Ray

[@CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

Important note: when you said “Milwaukee vs makita, Milwaukee vs festool” that was a helpful addition

[@Samlol23_drrich]

Stayed from the first word to the last. Well done review as always.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

wOW you rock! thanks Sam

[@LeoDodier]

Thanks for the great review, I have a Makita cordless and a corded Festool, I think I will stick with these. Milwaukee was just too late coming out.

[@_.Mike.__]

Gonna have to get one of these!

[@2chipped]

Great review Rob! Unfortunately I've been using the Makita for 3 years now,and using 2 batteries is no hardship for me. Bosch/Metabo/Mafell have upgraded to new and better rails. Pro's.. stiffer,clamping slot is much closer to cutting area,removable plastic bumpers on both ends,track joining is done from above and a much better alinement system . Con's... rail clamps are totally different ,and 3rd party clamps are not available. Currently I have a Metabo track compatible 6.5 saw,and will be adding the Mafell.

[@marklaffey7972]

Great job Rob and I agree with you totally they really missed the bar not putting the Bluetooth in this saw and the new battery powered vacuums, if they would have done that they would be better then the Festool second to only Mafell.

[@rodcox1005]

I sold my old Festool TS55 to get this and I'm not disappointed at all. I'm all in on cordless and Team Red just has the best battery platform in my opinion. Surprising how some need 2 batteries to do the work Milwaukee can do with one. I am a Festool Fan but have reduced my fleet to dust extractors and sanders.

[@socialspherecafe5170]

Mafell MT55 have one battery!

[@rodcox1005]

@@socialspherecafe5170 That's good if your into Mafell. As I said, I'm all in on Team Red so it was a no brainer for me.

[@OUTILSCLIPSQC]

All milwaukee saws are nice , i daily use the rear handle and the sidewinder they are beastly i don't have a need for the track saw but everyone seem to love it

[@MikeDolanFliss]

Glad you called out that bluetooth callout to a vacuum. So crazy for them to have missed that here.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

I think they're working on it but just weren't ready

[@RogerC68]

Great review!! Made my decision clear. Thanks,!

[@garybecker4490]

As usual a great review. Unfortunately I couldn't wait and bought Makita some time ago. That said, I'm still pretty well invested in team red, but have always loved team teal, where I got my start in cordless. I have small hands, Makita and Milwaukee fit me better than the others. When I was a pro, we had Dewalt and the switch layout, etc didn't suit smaller hands.

[@RidgidRon]

Good review

[@LifeIsPlug]

Cant wait to get this saw. It is however 1300 euros here for the full kit in Ireland so will be saving for a bit.

[@michaelmiller1109]

I am on team Teal. Just an honest tool that meets all my needs without having to wait for a minor improvement.

[@davinhart8374]

Great review

[@ConcordCarpenter]

thanks

[@petenelson8136]

Most comprehensive review of the Milwaukee Track Saw that I've seen. I'm on the fence about getting a track saw and Milwaukee is one I've been considering. I'm just a hobby woodworker, but I like to get good (not great like Festool = way too expensive) tools. I'm 2 weeks away from moving into my new house that has a 14'x32' woodworking shop. I've had built in to it great lighting, ample power drops (getting a 3hp Sawstop, Harvey C-14 band saw and Record Power 3 motor Camvac), along with my 8" planer, 13.5" jointer, miter saw, floor standing drill press and router table. Just need to build out all the furniture = outfeed table, work table with vices, cabinets for tools etc., wood racks .... Figure I'll need/want a track saw to break down the sheet goods, along with making long straight cuts that are easier to make using a track saw then a table saw. Love your channel and tool reviews.

[@rickyperkins232]

I got the Mafell because it is absolutely the best track saw but it's tracks are so superior to everyone's else that I don't need super long tracks which makes transportation of tracks easy for long cuts

[@USB1234567890]

Thank you, Rob! It's very satisfying to hear from an actual contractor. You made the most detailed review so far. I know you made a head-to-head comparison of cordless track saws before, but can you do a refreshed version by adding the Makita XGT 40v and the new Milwaukee track saw? That would be an excellent match! 😊

[@ConcordCarpenter]

that might be a good one - we have a few in the que to get done first

[@USB1234567890]

@@ConcordCarpenter Thank you, Rob! Will definitely wait for that! 😎

[@mikefaas8151]

Great detailed review Rob! Love to see a head to head comparison with the ridgid track saw.

[@badmofo350]

I know a track saw with a riving knife isn't likely to bind up but damn those fingers right behind the blade is giving me anxiety! So many people have lost fingers to a circ saw that way.

[@Enonymouse_]

Stumbled across this, interesting info.

[@motowipeout5670]

Thanks for another great review

[@ConcordCarpenter]

My pleasure!

[@patchesZA]

Great review, thanks! I have both red team and teal team cordless tools in my shop. I go for the tool I feel does the job best (within my budget of course). I've had the corded, 36V and now 40V Makita track saw. One of the main reasons for going from 36V to 40V was to lose a battery. The Milwaukee checks this box. It also checks the boxes in 2 other areas for me, like depth adjustment (Makita one is average at best) and the riving knife (absent on Makita). But as you stated, they dropped the ball on the Bluetooth dust extraction and I use AWS heavily, so that may be the deal breaker for me. When they come back with that (ideally universally compatible with other BT dust extractors), they may have me hooked. Thanks again, big fan of your reviews!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thanks, Patches!

[@poman8772]

Thanks Rob best review on this saw no holes bared! I would like to see Milwaukee package the bare saw and two 55” tracks with connectors at a aggressive price ( say 1/2 off or better) for the second track with connectors. This would cover rip & cross cutting 4x8 sheet goods! And enable us non pro guys who are on the M18 platform to afford one!

[@wtlloyd6039]

Typically great review, thanks! I would definitely own this saw right now, but got tired of waiting a year ago and bought Mafell. No regrets owning the Rolls Royce of track saws, but I would have gone Milwaukee given the choice, mostly due to already being on M18 platform. Just a note, the Mafell is on the CAS battery standard, and I use METABO batteries at $110 - $140, half the cost of Mafell branded batteries. I also use the METABO fast charger, again half the cost of the Mafell (slow) standard charger. One thing I really like about the Mafell is the best in class track joining bar for perfect straight long rips you just don't get in the Makita or Festool (two systems I am personally acquainted with).

[@metronyc2855]

Great video! Thorough and comprehensive. The point regarding bluethooth is spot on. Also wondering why One Key is not featured in track saw as well??

[@theeagle8353]

I just bought it today and and I would say I’m really impressed, it’s quite light as and very quiet, but the UK version sadly doesn’t have the anti tip knob, sounds a bit weird as the US version does. Hopefully we can be able to buy it separate.

[@electronicfury]

Milwaukee UK just told me the anti-tip knob is not included in UK and Euro models for patent reasons. Very annoying as I specifically bought the Milwaukee rail kit to go with it for this feature. And they even show the knob in the photos on their UK site...

[@Stealth_1972]

👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻Good honest review. Spot on...

[@clutteredchicagogarage2720]

There are a few other great tool reviewers on KZbin, but I cannot say that any are better than Rob. Great review. I might get this saw. I have plenty of batteries for both Milwaukee's M18 line as well as Makita's 18V line. I prefer Makita's circular saws to Milwaukee's, but I use a bunch of other M18 tools. I was considering getting the Makita track saw, and I really like Makita's bluetooth dust extraction features. However, I think the depth adjustments, track-alignment cams, riving knife, and 1-battery (yes, I know the XGT has 1 battery, although I haven't bought into the XGT line yet) give this a little bit of an edge over the Makita. They both seem like great saws. One gripe that I have is that the Milwaukee packouts are way too big for this saw. Makita's packouts are more compact, which allows you to transport your tools more easily. I might just buy the Milwaukee saw plus a Makita packout and then use some scrap foam that I have to make a cutout for the Milwaukee saw. I don't need a kit with an M18 charger because I already have a couple as well as a bunch of various-capacity M18 batteries. For me, I use a bunch of different M18 tools, and it makes sense for me to keep my charger and batteries in their own space rather than putting them in a packout with just 1 of my M18 tools. So I'd rather have a smaller packout just for my track saw so it doesn't get banged up.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thx CCG

[@TwoTracksOutdoors]

Very good review on the Milwaukee track saw, Rob. One thing I would like to point out for your viewers, contemplating purchase of Milwaukee's companion track saw guide rail, however. I am a big fan of TSO's guide rail accessories. After some verbal volleyball with TSO's customer service however, I found out the only accessory they currently make to use on Milwaukee's guide rail is their GRS 16 PE Parallel Edge Guide Rail square. This square is only way you can connect their parallel bars to Milwaukee's guide rail. The original GRS 16 and PG adapters will NOT work on it. They hope to have Milwaukee versions available by the end of June or July 2023. If you already own Festool, Makita or Power Tecs guide rails, you can use your Milwaukee saw on those guide rails and TSO's current accessories will continue to work fine. In spite of this, I am getting ready to order the Milwaukee saw, since I am already heavily invested in their tool line and own several High Output batteries, allowing me to purchase the saw only. Thx again for the great video.

[@robertfeliciano5723]

Great review. You should use a DeNoiser effect on your audio to get rid of the low hum. An easy work around for the vacuum is an Alexa and smart plug. "Alexa, vacuum on".

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Rob - Id like to learn more about the DeNoiser effect. Love to chat offline - [e-mail]

[@dannym670]

Good review 👍 looks like the Milwaukee is half festool and half mafell in both features and operation. I thought they might have used mafell rails they are the best by far. I doubt that the Milwaukee has the finesse of the festool or mafell in its finish but looks like it has plenty of power for ripping sheet material, I've used the DeWalt which has great power but lacks any finesse. Looks like a nice piece of kit though.

[@riba2233]

really good tool but I still think makita XGT is better (at least imho). around the same power, but has bluetooth and better battery placement (and better battery options). also availability and tool/track pricing is much better, at least outside of the US

[@dpeterson2934]

Just purchased one, love not having to deal with the cord. It'll probably replace my corded Makita. Not sure if I'll be loaning this one out!😆

[@e24mpwr]

You deserve far more than 276K (as of Aug2023) subscribers. Great, thorough and non-hyped information/reviews. THANKS!

[@robertfrost5020]

Track saws - this is a 're -inventing the wheel conversation'. I have a 10 year old Dewalt with cable and no plunge facility - I have done everything from cabinets to Parque edging - Innovation would be an integrated dust hose that provided mains power ! Nothing in the last ten years has been much of a game changer apart from the Cutting blades.

[@easterlake]

Make a track out of 2 pieces of MDO to fit your current Milwaukee 18v circular saw. I use mine weekly, and it works perfect.

[@dougcjohn]

Great video and super information! I was hoping you'd compared the Festool TSC 55 KEB. You mentioned the KEB's features: electronic saw control in place of riving knife and BT Batteries. My understanding is that electronic saw control of the KEB 18v x2 includes a motor control during the cuts. It's also using the 1.8mm blade like the Milwaukee M18 unlike the other models. I bounced back & forth... both great saws; decided to go with KEB for the BT convenience and the 3rd party add-on components.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

This saw is is similar to and more powerful than thr KEB but I Love the Festool bluetooth functionality

[@dougcjohn]

@@ConcordCarpenter Awesome to hear, have you tested or compared the KEB? I hadn’t seen that test, Can you point me to the video. Again, always value your reviews & tested. I’m in my 30 days, may make a change!

[@dougcjohn]

I purchased the Milwaukee and several 1x12x48 pieces of Red Oak. Did several cuts… slow both performed beautifully. Pushing , the Festool 55 KEB, I was able to stall at moderate speeds and the Milwaukee didn’t stall even at significantly higher speeds while maintaining a smooth cut. Took both saws to battery exhaustion, the Festool wouldn’t recharge until after a 15 minute cool down and the Milwaukee wasn’t hot enough to require a cool down and immediately began to charge. I’m actually impressed, I had assumed the new KEB would outperform the Milwaukee and it was the opposite, the Milwaukee easily outperformed the 55 KEB. I like the BT auto start, but also have the BT button on Vac hose end so still convenient. I’m within the 30 day satisfaction period of both saws, so I’ll be returning the Festool.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

@@dougcjohn great feedback

[@bdm1000]

The bluetooth is an easy fix so long as Milwaukee addresses this with their dust collectors. Like Festool, all Milwaukee needs to do is copy Festool's bluetooth batteries (no modifications needed for the saw itself). If they release a bluetooth dust collector in the future, along with bluetooth batteries, they can make this track saw completely bluetooth compatible. The other option is to use a Festool dust extractor with a bluetooth control on the dust hose, or some aftermarket equivalent which is available.

[@richardf4358]

Thanks for the nice review. Looks like a very nice tracksaw, but I'm going to stick to the makita XGT since I'm already on that platform. The deept adjustment is superior on the milwaukee, but then on the other hand the makita has AWS, and has very good runtime and is a absolute powerhouse. Keep up the good work!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

I like the AWS - I too use the Makita track saw. Nice saw

[@garygordon1149]

Great review😂

[@byronmiller8968]

Killer review - THANK YOU!!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

The reason I have not purchased a TRACK SAW is because I try to buy the best. I exclude Mafel because of price and that left FESTOOL. For a variety of reasons, and previous experience with them, they are excluded. I have quite a few MAKITA tools but the saw does appeal to me. Everything else is excluded because of quality not at Pro level. Finally a saw that ticks all the boxes. Wish I had viewed this video some time ago. I am not certain the lack of Blue Tooth is an issue. I already have a few Milwaukee tools and like them. I'll go check it out. Thanks for the best video on Milwaukee and other products, You are the best.

[@mikedobsky5551]

You may want to revisit the Milwaukee track saw clamps. The 2 set I recieved will not slide fully into the track like those from Festool. I did take may Milwaukee track to a Rockler and verified the Festool clamps slide fully in. Out of frustration I ground them down at the bend to fully fit the track. Also for those out there that like the clamp style of the Bora edge clamps the Festool FS-Rapid works great on the Milwaukee rails

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Good feedback thanks

[@ConcordCarpenter]

I have all brand clamps but rarely use them. I did not test the Milwaukee clamps in other brand tracks - didnt think of that

[@leroymellix5647]

I for one would like to see what kind of track saw Skil's Tool engineer's can come up with! I think SKIL's Job site table is the best in its price point. Milwaukee has a hit with this track saw and it is durable enough to be able to dig in on the job site.

[@juancarloslax]

Is there any tracksaw where you grab the handle and pull the trigger with the right hand and the blade facing to you ? They look like they are made.for left handed people.

[@agent7agent759]

You right Rob milwaukee didnt innovate anything new i still got the bare tool just because i need sometimes the freedom from the cord , having the ts 55 for 10 years and very happy with it but i had the chance to get the milwaukee off 200$ because of my homedepot pro points was no brainer , overall looks solid tool and i am excited to try it in few days to cut some panels for built ins , thank you again for your reviews

[@decuevas244]

It seems these day's, I always consider your opinion on tools. It's all I have seen you do, and with pinpoint accuracy. I've been a finish carpenter for over a year ( just kidding). I find your Information very valuable. It's hard to find trust in this world. That makes our job as carpenter's harder, but way more easier in a sense. When one knows what they're doing, it's easy to dispel the pretend "carpenter's". Thanks for your time and effort in bringing us your qualified (and trusted) opinion on this saw. I had a huge smile on my face the entire time. Milwaukee is the platform I invested in. They're not perfect by any means, different tools for different things, but as far as investing in a "brand platform", I'm overall happy with Milwaukee. Thanks again! 66carpenter

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thank you brother - I enjoy this, the day I dont, I’ll stop

[@davids8493]

Another great video Rob, very informative. Did you happen to notice if it follows the splinter guard perfectly on a 45 bevel? Thanks.

[@steffendetrick]

It doe’s.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

yes it does

[@paulhopkins1905]

If I wasn't already on the Makita battery platform, I would have bought this saw. I love the Makita, but I hate that the depth of cut is only in metric, and doesn't compensate for cutting on the track or not. The Milwaukee just seems like they did the little things a little bit better, but definitely not enough to swap platforms

[@brianmoore581]

Nice saw, but a little bit late. I've had my Festool TS 75 for years. And all my battery powered tools are DeWalt. I still like to watch tool reviews, though!

[@MAGAMAN]

That's the problem when you wait this long to release a tool.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

@@MAGAMAN Agreed

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thanks - agreed

[@deszelldaniels9522]

Rob! Great review. Maybe I missed the plunge cut with the red saw, can it without the riving knife getting in the way? Also, did you use the 5ah or 6ah batteries on the Makita? Love the reviews and keep them coming!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

I use both - I think this one had 5 Ah, you remove the riving knife for the plunge

[@is5032]

Hey Rob thank you for a great review. I love the look of this tool but as I’m on both the Milwaukee M18 and the Makita XGT platform I’m going to buy Makita’s track saw because of the Bluetooth functionality. I absolutely agree Milwaukee is behind the curve on not including it in this saw and also with the with recent shop vacs. I like how Makita has merged the shop vac and dust extractors and added Bluetooth. Such a shame Milwaukee has made such a great saw and missed out this functionality. Any chance you could review the Makita XGT model to compare to this Milwaukee? By all accounts it seems a big upgrade from the 36v LXT saw.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

I'm hoping to get the XGT soon

[@aaronoconnor606]

I use the XGT saw for that reason the other option is to get a festool extractor with a remote

[@markwilkinson4959]

Great informative video. I have the Mafell mains powered tracksaw which has a scribing feature that moves the blade sideways .1mm to prevent splintering when cutting laminate full depth. Does the scribing feature on the Milwaukee do the same or just reduce the depth of cut? Thanks

[@ConcordCarpenter]

no - Mafell is King!

[@trashes_to_treasures]

21:20 thanks for the statement. I can’t see those comments on the price any more. People don’t seem to understand that a lot of work and research goes into a product like this. And for real professional people (I mean carpenters, not hobby KZbinrs 😏), the price is more than fair for what you get.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

You bet

[@Huskyresqr]

I look forward to your reviews. Besides being useful, they are entertaining....one comment on your latest....the milwaukee track saw.....I was surprised you selected purpleheart for one of the test woods. Its dust is not toxic, but it is a known irritant (personal experience!) and yet I saw it beeing cut with out masks......hmmmmm...

[@ConcordCarpenter]

i chose it for its hardness

[@joe_ferreira]

The riving blade adjustment should use the same onboard Allen key.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Agreed!!!!

[@dfs7979]

OK so what is the trick Milwaukee is doing to only need one battery? Are there extra pins on the saw that connect to the XC 6.0 which run the saw at a higher voltage or is it just that they can draw more current from these cells thus requiring additional windings? How's the performance with a XC 5.0 battery?

[@tranak23]

Waited years for Milwaukee to release this. They released it 2 yrs too late for me as I got the Makita 2 yrs ago. The only thing I like the Milwaukee over the mikta is the single battery and the riving knife. Usually I use the track saw on sheet goods, so riving knife isn't as useful but it's nice to have just in case.

[@dominikfratczak8710]

I've been waiting for so long for this tracksaw since it has been announced for the first time, Cordless Ts 55 is lacking of power in my opinion, but about half of year ago I decided to purchase some additional High Power festool batteries- seems saw is a bit more powerful and because of that drains battery slower. Bottom line is I'm not going to switch to Milwaukee tracksaw now, came a year too late in my opinion. Complaining about a cost is ridiculus, for a professional it pays for itself within a day. 95 % of my tools are Red and I'm always impressed with what they can achieve with a single 18 volt battery

[@ConcordCarpenter]

I wouldn't switch either

[@riptonedwards9175]

You can use the new frstool blade on your ts55 it will cut twice as fast, or get the new ts55 which comes with kickback as standard

[@dominikfratczak8710]

@@riptonedwards9175 Kickback not an issue as riving knife does the job, went through multiple brands of blades and I still think it's underpowered. If I would bother with getting new tracksaw I would get Milwaukee, sell Festool, that way I don't need to own 21 batteriess but only 17🤣 so I don't really get your point

[@readyplayer2]

What track saw would you recommend for a non-pro woodworker that’s looking for accuracy and excellent dust collection while working on furniture, and also with occasional DIY around the house type projects cutting up sheet goods, etc? I don’t have the room in my small shop area for a cabinet grade table saw, and most small job site table saws aren’t terribly accurate for precision cuts for fine woodworking projects. I’m leaning towards a track saw because of the excellent quality of cuts and compact size.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Makita

[@baraksinz2937]

Does the Milwaukee saw line up with the splinter guard on the Festool track when you bevel at 45*??

[@MrSupertramp76]

It’s just come out in the uk and I’ve used it for a week now and it’s great. My only gripe is it hasn’t got the anti tip feature on mine, not sure if this is a Europe thing or not? Great video as normal Rob👍

[@ConcordCarpenter]

No anti-tip? weird

[@petyt8]

@@ConcordCarpenter yes also milwaukee mitre saws here in the uk don’t have shadow line technology we just have an led light to illuminate the work piece

[@livingimprovements4382]

Another awesome review Rob. Had a chance to use one of these for a while last year before it was released and it made me realise that Milwaukee arent sticking to their old tag line Nothing But Heavy Duty. This thing was a refined precision tool that im not really used to with the majority of my Milwaukee kit. Looking forward to getting rid of my corded Festool in favour of this saw. Cheers from NZ!

[@extraBash]

festool and makita has different points at which they tilt, and designed to be used with same looking kinda compatible tracks unless you tilt them with some degrees, different points are designed to use with a slightly different heigt of tracks not to cut them... and to sell them

[@therabman_5606]

I’m on dewalt 18/54v cordless gear the 2 things I own corded are my makita track saw and festool dust extraction…. Help! Should I go cordless dewalt as already have tons of batteries and 3 chargers or go cordless Milwaukee track and just run 2 batteries! I love my makita track saw but it not being cordless is getting annoying

[@deanolivas3011]

One word Mafell

[@berndeikers8924]

thx guys, once again milwaukee is milwaukee

[@briansearles7342]

Great review very in depth and detailed as always, quick question if you were buying a new cordless track saw which would you choose Milwaukee or Makita? Thanks from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@briansearles7342]

Sorry should have watched till the end before writing my comment, I’m going to say you would pick the Milwaukee 😂 there is no better tool reviewer out there 👍

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Both!

[@briansearles7342]

@@ConcordCarpenter money bags 💰 😂

[@fredio54]

Mine has a DeWalt compact 21700 based 4Ah battery hanging off of it. Yet to test it, but goes well in the 12 inch DeWalt chainsaw so should easily handle a tiny circular saw like this. :-)

[@JayJay-sg7zl]

I have only one choice. My wife made me promise lol. Makita 40v or milwaukee track saw.

[@larrymunninghoff6746]

Great review. First time I heard someone say what the shoe base was made of - magnesium. What is the shoe base of the Makita and Festool made of?

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Not sure

[@Tunfy]

Really good review, Milwaukee just nailed it ,the saw is doing exactly as presented in this video and is better that the competitors for many reasons : one battery light weight powerfull precies, efficient why buy 4 batteries when you can cary only 2 ? This saw it's all about efficiency.

[@Enonymouse_]

This sells locally for about 600 bucks w/pack out box and stuff.

[@zoltanszabo7104]

The best Bosch Gkt 18v 52 gc + procore akku

[@derrelldaniels5247]

I like the sauce great I have all corded Festool track saw and all cordless Festool track saw! The only thing I don't like about the Milwaukee track saw big ass case that it came in. So what I did was I took my Festool hka C55 case and repurposed it for my Milwaukee track plunge saw. Works good for me! Because that Milwaukee packout case is crazy big too big

[@adampetten1009]

How does the Milwaukee rail compare to the Makita? There's a noticeable price difference in the 2 with Milwaukee being more. I ordered the track saw but haven't broke down to buy a track yet.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

We didn't compare it to the XGT but its better than the 36 volt

[@TomJonesGearGuy]

yes, rubbing an aluminum track with plastic instead of steel is a much better idea if you want your track to last

[@CaptainBreny]

The anti tip feature is abscent on the european version of the M18 but we have cooler batteries so thats ok 🤪

[@andrewweiser168]

Does the anti tilt function work with other tracks such as Powertec?

[@ConcordCarpenter]

No

[@w2jdb635]

How can I describe myself? I am far removed from a what I consider a professional DIY, rather more as a hacker in that regard. I recently (this summer) got rid of my old corded power tools that I purchased and used some oh 10-15 years ago and purchased a set of Milwaukee tools. Truth be told, I went overboard, but hey "in for a penny in for a pound" as the saying goes. Anyway, watching your great video I am now considering adding this tool to my collection. Which brings me to the reason of this long winded comment, the dust collection and the lack of Bluetooth connectivity to dust collector. While my solution may not be as automatic, I did solve it with a simple remote power switch available at any big ox store for under $20.00. Works with any tool you are using that generates dust and the dust collector is corded.

[@hugocalder4358]

My hope is we see bluetooth functionality incorporated into the batteries themselves as seen on the festool. Bluetooth dust extraction without the need to replace an entire tool kit that, for many, has taken years to build up. No brainer in my opinion..