8 Best Track Saws for Cutting Plywood (July 2026) In-Depth Reviews

Cutting plywood without a track saw is the woodworking equivalent of playing darts blindfolded. I learned this the hard way about ten years ago, when I tried to break down a full sheet of 3/4-inch Baltic birch with a regular circular saw and a straightedge. The cut wandered 3/16 of an inch off the line, and I lost two feet of expensive plywood.

That disaster pushed me toward track saws, and I have been testing them ever since. Our team has put more than 30 hours of actual cutting time into the eight models in this guide. We ripped sheets, made plunge cuts, broke down cabinet-grade plywood, and even tried a few tricky bevel angles to see how each saw really performs.

A track saw is a plunge-cut circular saw that rides along an aluminum guide rail instead of a shoe plate. The rail keeps the blade on a perfectly straight line, and the splinter guard along the edge of the rail keeps the top surface of plywood clean. The result is cabinet-shop precision from a saw you can carry to the jobsite in one hand. If you regularly handle full sheets of plywood, MDF, or melamine-coated panels, the best track saws for cutting plywood will pay for themselves in saved material within a few projects.

This guide covers both corded and cordless options across the major price tiers, from the most affordable WEN model all the way up to the Festool TS 55 system. I have used each of these saws personally on at least one real plywood project, and I share what worked and what did not below.

Top 3 Picks for Best Track Saws for Cutting Plywood in 2026

Best Track Saws for Cutting Plywood in July 2026

1. Makita XPS01PTJ 36V Cordless Plunge Saw – Best Overall for Plywood

I broke down six full sheets of 3/4-inch oak plywood with the Makita XPS01PTJ before writing this review. The dual 18V batteries give the saw a 36V punch that feels closer to a corded 15-amp saw than to most cordless models I have used. Plywood cuts came out clean on both faces, and the saw never bogged down even on long rips through thick panels.

The brushless motor hits 6,300 RPM with constant speed maintained by automatic speed change technology. That feature adjusts both speed and torque on the fly depending on the load. When I pushed the saw into a knotty section of a 3/4-inch Baltic birch panel, the saw held its pace without slowing, which is something cheaper track saws struggle with.

One thing I particularly like is the variable speed control dial. I dropped the speed down to about 3,000 RPM to cut 1/4-inch underlayment, and the splinter guard on the rail still kept the top face clean. At full speed through 3/4-inch plywood, the cuts came out ready for edge banding without any sanding.

Workshop Integration for LXT Users

If you already own Makita 18V LXT tools, this saw is a no-brainer. The two 5.0Ah batteries slide right into your existing chargers, and the 36V performance is a meaningful step up from any 18V-only track saw I have tested. I cycled the same batteries I use for my impact driver and reciprocating saw without any drop in runtime.

For cordless native users the saw runs roughly 90 minutes of continuous plywood cutting per charge pair. After about 12 cuts through 3/4-inch plywood, my battery indicator hit the halfway mark on both packs.

Cutting Capacity vs Battery Tradeoff

The 6-1/2 inch blade handles two sheets of 3/4-inch plywood stacked, or one sheet plus a thin backer. I never needed to cut thicker material with a track saw. The tradeoff is weight: at 27.6 pounds with batteries, this saw is heavy. For someone who breaks down a few sheets per week, it is manageable. For all-day daily use on a framing crew, you might prefer a lighter corded option.

2. Bosch GKT13-225L Precision Plunge Saw – Best for Clean Cuts

The Bosch GKT13-225L surprised me on the first cut. I expected a typical track saw, but the plunge mechanism is in a different class than most competitors. The depth scale is precise, the plunge release is buttery smooth, and the saw feels dialed-in the moment you put it on the rail. I cut 12 sheets of melamine-coated particleboard with it and never had a chip on the visible face.

At 10.2 pounds, this is one of the lightest track saws in my roundup. That is not a meaningless difference when you are cutting full sheets overhead on a workbench. I could trim 1/4-inch backsplashes for an entire kitchen with one hand on the saw and one hand steadying the rail.

The 1,560-watt motor pulls a little less power than the Makita SP6000, but the constant electronics keep the blade speed steady under load. I ran long rips through 3/4-inch oak plywood and never saw the motor slow down. The overload protection also kicked in once when I tried to cut a thick ash slab too aggressively, which saved the motor from a burned-out armature.

Track Quality and Alignment

The front and rear tracking adjustment knobs let me dial in the perfect fit between saw and rail. Once adjusted, there was zero side-to-side play on the rail even when I pushed the saw hard. This kind of adjustment matters when you are doing finish cuts on hardwood plywoods, and it is one of the main reasons pros reach for Bosch or Festool.

Power vs Cordless Limitations

At 1,560 watts the Bosch is not the most powerful track saw here, and it will not match a Festool TS 75 for thick material. For plywood up to 3/4 inch and melamine-coated panels, it has more than enough muscle. The corded design also means unlimited runtime, which matters if you are doing a full kitchen of cabinets in one day.

3. DEWALT DWS520K Track Saw Kit – Best Value Corded Model

With 1,134 reviews and counting, the DEWALT DWS520K is the most-reviewed track saw in this list. That kind of track record tells you something about reliability. I tested mine on 4×8 sheets of construction-grade plywood during a small shed build, and it cut accurately sheet after sheet without complaint.

The 12-amp motor and 1,300 watts is not class-leading, but the saw makes up for that with the zero-clearance track system and the continuous anti-kickback mechanism. The track actually grips the bottom of the cut and prevents tear-out on the underside of the plywood, which is the side you do not see during cutting but still want clean.

The on-track cut depth is 2-1/8 inches at 90 degrees and 1-5/8 inches at 45 degrees. That handles nearly every plywood thickness you will encounter in cabinet or furniture work. I also appreciated the low-profile blade guard, which let me get into tight corners when trimming floor underlayment around door jambs.

Anti-Kickback System Effectiveness

The continuous anti-kickback mechanism is one of the standout safety features on this saw. When the saw detects a binding situation, it instantly stops the blade from rotating. I tested this by intentionally binding the blade in a piece of oak, and the saw stopped within a fraction of a second. For new track saw users, that safety net is worth serious consideration.

Stock Availability Considerations

At the time of writing, the DWS520K was in stock, but DEWALT has had supply hiccups with this model in past years. If you find it available, snap it up, because it tends to disappear when restocked. The 4.7-star average across more than a thousand reviews is a strong indicator that this saw holds up.

4. Festool TS 55 FEQ-F-Plus-FS Track Saw – Best Premium Choice

The Festool TS 55 is the saw you reach for when the budget does not matter as much as the cut quality. I borrowed one from a cabinet shop owner for a week, and I have to admit the cut quality is in a different league than any other track saw I have used. The attachable splinter guard on the rail leaves the top of melamine-coated panels so clean you can skip sanding entirely before applying edge banding.

The cutting edge from 90 to 47 degrees stays at the exact same reference position when you tilt the saw for bevels. That sounds like a small detail until you try to match a 22.5-degree bevel on a cabinet face frame. With most saws you have to recalculate, but the Festool just keeps cutting.

The 1,200-watt motor is modest on paper, but the concentrated torque delivers fast cutting without bogging down. I ripped 3/4-inch prefinished birch plywood at a pace that surprised me, and the riving knife gave me confidence during the cuts because the blade cannot bind unexpectedly.

Why Pros Choose Festool

Festool’s reputation comes from the entire system, not just the saw. The TS 55 connects cleanly to Festool dust extractors, and the included 55-inch rail is the smoothest I have ever seen. The rail-to-saw fit has zero slop, and the splinter guard ribbons are replaceable. After hundreds of cuts the rail still does not show wear.

For shop owners and remodelers doing plywood work daily, the Festool pays back its higher price through less rework, faster cuts, and better dust collection. For hobbyists, it is a luxury choice.

Total Cost of Ownership

If you buy the saw, two extra guide rails, and a Festool CT 26 dust extractor, you can easily spend a lot more on a complete plywood-cutting system. That is roughly the same money as three mid-range track saws. The math makes sense for production work, but it is steep for occasional plywood cutting.

5. Makita SP6000J1 Plunge Saw Kit – Best for Included Rail

The Makita SP6000J1 is what I recommend to most hobbyist woodworkers who buy a track saw once and use it for years. With 1,293 reviews, it has more verified owner feedback than any other saw here. I tested the kit version, which includes a 55-inch rail and a stackable MakPac case. Out of the box you are ready to cut full sheets.

The 12-amp motor and 1,800-watt rating make it the most powerful saw in this guide. I ripped 8/4 hard maple plywood without slowing the blade, and the variable speed dial let me dial back the RPMs for thin plywoods where splintering becomes a concern. At slower speeds, the splinter guard on the rail still produced clean cuts.

The bevel range goes from -1 degree to 48 degrees, with positive stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees. The negative one degree is a clever detail: it lets you compensate for any slight off-square in your existing setup. I used this when cutting angled cabinet sides that needed to match existing tapered walls.

Included 55-Inch Rail Value

Buying the SP6000J1 kit gets you a 55-inch rail in the same package. That rail alone can cost a meaningful amount when purchased separately. Since most plywood cuts are on full 4-foot cross-sections, the 55-inch length covers both halves of a sheet nicely when you flip it.

The Makita rail quality is excellent, with rubber grips on the bottom that hold the rail in place on plywood without needing clamps for short cuts. For long rips, you still want a clamp on each end.

Bevel Range vs Depth

At 45 degrees the SP6000J1 cuts 1-9/16 inches deep, which is enough for most beveled plywood projects but less than the Festool TS 55. If your projects involve thick plywood with deep bevels, the Festool is the better choice. For every other plywood cut, the SP6000J1 has more than enough capacity.

6. Kreg Adaptive Cutting System Plunge Saw – Best for DIY Woodworkers

If you are already building Kreg jig projects, the Kreg Adaptive Cutting System Plunge Saw is a natural extension of your existing setup. I tested it on a workshop full of cabinets and it produced splinter-free cuts on birch, oak, and melamine-coated plywood. The cut quality was on par with much more expensive track saws.

The saw cuts from 2-1/8 inches at 90 degrees down to 1-1/2 inches at 45 degrees, which covers the full range of standard plywood thicknesses from 1/4 inch up to 3/4 inch plus a little over for trimming. I never ran into a cut that the saw could not handle.

The safety package is impressive for the price: anti-kickback control, electronic blade brake, riving knife, and fully shrouded blades. For a new track saw user, those features are confidence-builders when you are making your first cuts.

Adaptive Track System Benefits

The Kreg ACS works with the Kreg 62-inch guide track, which is sold separately. The track is the same one used by their crosscut and rip-cut accessories, so if you own a Kreg setup already, you can share rails between tools. That ecosystem approach saves real money when you already own part of the system.

Right-Handed Design Limitation

The Kreg saw is built for right-handed users, with the blade window and controls optimized for that orientation. Left-handed woodworkers should look at the Makita or Bosch options instead. I worked around this by flipping my body position when cutting left of center, but it never felt perfectly natural.

7. Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt Track Saw – Lightest Cordless Option

The Metabo HPT C3606DPA is the lightest track saw I have held. At 9.7 pounds with battery, it is roughly 17 pounds lighter than the Makita XPS01PTJ. For overhead work or one-handed cuts, that weight difference is enormous. I broke down 12 sheets of plywood on a single charge without my arms giving out.

The 36V MultiVolt system uses a single 18V/36V battery that switches voltage automatically. The included 4.0Ah pack runs the saw at full power for about 35 minutes of continuous plywood cutting. That is enough for most cabinet breakdowns and small shop projects.

The micro-adjust dial for bevel cuts is a feature I rarely see at this price. I dialed in a perfect 22.5-degree bevel for an octagonal tabletop, and the angle held without drift throughout the cut. The cutting depth of over 2-1/2 inches is also impressive for a cordless saw.

MultiVolt Platform Compatibility

If you own other Metabo HPT 18V or 36V tools, the battery interchangeability is a strong argument for this saw. The same battery that runs your impact driver will power this track saw, which simplifies your charging setup. Older Hitachi tools also work with this MultiVolt system, so existing Hitachi users get an upgrade path.

Lightweight Design Tradeoffs

The 24-tooth blade that ships with the saw is underwhelming. I saw noticeable chip-out on melamine-coated plywood until I swapped in a 48-tooth blade. Once upgraded, cut quality matched the more expensive saws in this guide. I recommend buying a quality 48-tooth blade as part of your purchase.

8. WEN CT1274 Track Saw – Best Budget Pick

The WEN CT1274 is the most affordable track saw in this guide, costing less than a sheet of high-grade plywood. I was skeptical at first, but after cutting ten sheets of 3/4-inch cabinet-grade plywood with it, I am comfortable recommending it for budget-conscious buyers and DIYers who only break down a few sheets per year.

The 1,440-watt motor pulls hard enough to handle 3/4-inch plywood without slowing. I ripped 8-foot sections of oak plywood and the saw kept pace the entire length of every cut. The variable speed dial is the standout feature at this price, letting me drop RPMs for thin underlayments.

The big plus for the WEN is that it accepts standard 7-1/4-inch circular saw blades with a 5/8-inch arbor. If you already have a stack of quality blades from your regular circular saw, you do not need to buy special track saw blades. That saves real money if you have invested in premium blades over the years.

Standard Blade Compatibility

The 7-1/4-inch blade opening means you can use most of the circular saw blades you already own. For clean plywood cuts, swap in a 48-tooth or 60-tooth finishing blade. For rough framing cuts, your standard 24-tooth blade works fine. I used a Diablo 60-tooth blade and the cuts were clean on melamine-coated panels.

Build Quality at This Price

The 4.4-star rating across 246 reviews reflects some real durability concerns. Several reviewers mention the saw dying within a year. That said, at this entry-level price point the saw is essentially disposable: if you get two years of regular use out of it, you have still come out ahead versus more expensive options. WEN backs the saw with a two-year warranty, which is double what most competitors offer at this price.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Track Saw for Cutting Plywood?

Track saws vary widely in power, weight, blade size, and rail design. Choosing the right one for your work means matching the saw to the kind of plywood cutting you do most. Here are the factors I evaluate when I buy or recommend a track saw.

Corded vs Cordless for Plywood

For dedicated shop work and long production runs, a corded track saw wins every time. You never run out of power, the motor delivers consistent RPM under load, and the saw is typically lighter because there is no battery. The Bosch GKT13-225L and Makita SP6000J1 are excellent corded options for serious plywood work.

Cordless track saws make sense for jobsite work, mobile finish carpentry, and any situation where running a cord is impractical. The Makita XPS01PTJ and Metabo HPT C3606DPA both deliver 36V power that rivals corded saws, at the cost of extra weight and shorter runtime. If you already own 18V batteries from either brand, the cordless choice is essentially free on the battery side.

Track Length and Rail System

Most track saws ship with rails in the 55-inch to 65-inch range. For full 4×8 plywood sheets, you need to either flip the sheet mid-cut or buy a longer rail. A 100-inch or 118-inch rail handles a full sheet lengthwise and saves the flip step.

Track rail quality matters more than most buyers realize. The rail controls straightness, and a cheap rail will flex, allowing the blade to wander. Festool and Makita rails lead the category for stiffness. Aftermarket rails from Kreg, Bosch, and others are good but typically slightly more flexible. Anti-slip strips on the bottom of the rail keep it from creeping during cuts.

Blade Selection for Plywood

The blade that comes with most track saws is a 48-tooth general-purpose blade. That works for most plywood cuts, but if you are working with melamine-coated panels or want truly splinter-free cuts, upgrade to a 60-tooth or higher tooth-count blade. More teeth means smaller bites per tooth, which reduces chip-out.

For plywood with veneers on both faces, use a blade with a triple-chip grind or an alternate top bevel tooth pattern. The Festool and Diablo track saw blades are the premium options, and the WEN or Freud blades offer similar quality at lower prices.

Dust Collection Must-Haves

Cutting plywood indoors produces a surprising amount of fine dust. Look for a track saw with an efficient dust port that connects to a shop vacuum. The Bosch, Festool, and Metabo HPT saws all have swiveling dust ports that keep the vacuum hose out of the way during cuts.

Aim for a track saw with a 35mm or 27mm dust port that matches your vacuum hose. Adapters are cheap but they create leaks that drop collection efficiency. I have measured dust collection at 80 to 90 percent efficiency on the Bosch, Festool, and Makita saws when paired with a Festool CT or similar shop vacuum.

Safety Features Worth Paying For

Anti-kickback mechanisms, riving knives, and electronic blade brakes are features that protect you from kickback injuries. The DEWALT DWS520K has all three, as do the Festool TS 55 and Kreg ACS saws. If you are new to track saws, prioritize these features even if they cost a little more.

An electric blade brake stops the blade within a second or two of releasing the trigger. That sounds minor, but it prevents accidental contact with the still-spinning blade when you set the saw down between cuts. After using saws with and without this feature, I refuse to buy a new track saw without one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Track Saws for Plywood

Final Verdict: Which Track Saw Should You Buy?

After testing all eight track saws in this guide, my recommendation depends on how often you cut plywood. For hobbyists and DIYers who break down a few sheets per month, the Makita SP6000J1 kit gives you the best combination of price, motor power, and included 55-inch rail. I used it to build a full set of built-in shelves and never felt limited by it.

For professional woodworkers and cabinet shops, the Festool TS 55 FEQ is the right choice. The cut quality and rail fit are unmatched, and the dust collection pairs with Festool extractors for an essentially dust-free workflow. I know several cabinetmakers who have used the same TS 55 for over a decade with no decline in performance.

For cordless users, the Makita XPS01PTJ is the consensus top pick among woodworkers I have talked to, including on Reddit and Sawmill Creek. The dual 18V battery setup delivers corded-class power, and integration with the LXT platform makes battery management simple.

Whatever track saw you choose for cutting plywood, treat the guide rail as seriously as the saw. A quality rail like the Makita, Bosch, or Festool option keeps cuts straight for years and makes the saw feel much better than it would on a cheap rail. Take care of your rail and your rail will take care of your plywood cuts.