DeWalt DWS520K 6-1/2″ Track Saw Review: The Most Powerful Track Saw On The Market.
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We already know the standard circular saw used to see large wood pieces (boards, etc.). However, another version has appeared: the track saw.
Very precise, the track saw is becoming more and more popular with DIY enthusiasts year after year. Safer than a circular saw, the track saw comes with a movable blade, which allows for a perfectly straight cut in the middle of a panel thanks to a guide rail.
DeWalt is an American tooling company. It produces all kinds of professional tools needed for industry experts. The company also has machines like sanders, planers, routers, grinders, milling machines, rotary hammers, and lighting devices.
DeWalt DWS520K
The DWS520 from DeWalt is a newcomer to the exclusive club of track saws and stands out from the crowd with many advanced features and exciting modifications. This tool is considered an innovation in the professional tool industry. It benefits from the quality of American manufacturing and is appreciated by woodworking professionals, but also by amateurs. However, the saw is a little expensive compared to other products of the same category. The precision and finish demonstrate its strong points.
Let’s find out the pros, cons, and many other essential characteristics of the DeWalt track saw and see if the tool is worth your money or not.
Why Choose a DeWalt Track Saw?
You should know that this tool differs from the traditional saw, the circular saw, the saber saw, and the chainsaw. These cutting tools are all used to cut material, but this machine differs in shape and control. Its blade can plunge into wood or metal and allows it to be done with remarkable precision.
The DeWalt track saw with a blade retraction system provides a cleaner, more precise, and faster cut. No more blades stuck in a full cut of your most robust wood species! With a classic circular saw, precision is not essential. It allows you to initiate cuts that are undoubtedly effective, but not very refined. For more precise work, the track saw is then the most suitable tool. It also has other characteristics that make it an indispensable precision instrument.
DeWalt Track Saw DWS520K Description
DeWalt is recognized as one of the leading tooling brands. This DWS520K is no exception! It is the most powerful track saw on the market. Powered by a 1300 Watt motor, it should allow you to cut all types of materials such as chipboard, melamine, or steel. The speed variation is incredibly efficient. Therefore, you can adapt to your cut as well as possible. Also, the anti-kickback system is enjoyable and makes the cut more fluid. It comes with a well-made case that serves as a tool holder.
This machine is especially appreciated for its great power. This is mainly due to the electronic components included in the tool. Also, the track saw has a variable speed drive as well as an electronic speed regulator. The speed adjustment depends on the nature of the material you should saw.
The other advantage of the machine is also the cutting accuracy of the device. The blade has 48 teeth to provide the sharpest possible cut. Combined with a guide rail, it would be effortless to follow a cutting line. Also, the machine can be tilted from 0 to 47°.
The design of this sawing tool has been carefully studied to offer the most comfort to the user. Its weight is not ideal, but this is common in these tools. It has a very efficient suction system and also gives a robust air that resists everything.
The 12-amp 6-1/2-inch track saw provides accuracy for table saw, panel saw power, and hand saw usability. The zero-clearance track system and dual anti-splinter edges guarantee completely smooth, splinter-free cutting. The uniquely designed transmission and highly precise-ground, laser-cut woodworking blade reduce deflection to produce a polished edge much like a table saw. Make some slices, anywhere, in any direction, bevel or inside, as easy as connecting the dots.
The tool is a little heavy for a track saw. It weighs 18.25 lbs and absorbs 1300 watts of electrical power even though the usable energy is 690 watts. If you want to reach this power, the instrument is operated by an electric wire.
Key Features
The new DeWalt track saw is distinguished at first glance by its impressive blade housing, cleverly equipped with sliding skids. This makes it possible to put the machine on edge to cut a door that cannot be lifted out or to notch a skirting board to insert a floating parquet floor.
Another innovation, the usual plunge pivot is replaced by two parallel connecting rods. The handle’s inclination is also constant at any dive depth, resulting in a comfortable fit. But some may find the front handle quite small!
Accuracy and Precision
DeWalt track saw is a powerful tool that does not require physical force. Simply operate it, and it does the job with an adjustable depth of cut.
A track saw is always combined with a guide rail as a cutting design. This allows the machine to follow a cutting line with great accuracy. This high precision is really beneficial to get a quality result.
Straight, Precise Cuts
The DWS520K track saw operates through an anti-slip aluminum track, allowing you to make smooth, straight, and accurate adjustments. The zero-clearance track includes anti-splinter edges showing the cut’s precise location, so the trim’s position is easy, efficient, reliable, and straightforward. The track’s underside has two friction lines to grab the substance. The tool is available in several dimensions.
Control, Convenience, and Flexibility
The tool features a DeWalt-built, 1,300-watt engine, delivering enough strength to cut hardwoods and all traditional woodworking and building materials. The straight plunge system allows users to make smooth, clean, and splinter-free inside breaks.
The DWS520K also has a dust control system with a standard 1-1/4-inch dust port that gathers up to 90% of accumulated dust and debris. A 6-1/2-inch, 48-tooth woodworking blade with laser cut plate and precise ground teeth guarantee excellent cutting accuracy. You would be able to cut at a depth of 2-1/8 inches at a bevel of 90 degrees and 1-5/8 inches at a bevel of 45 degrees, allowing you to cut through a variety of different elements.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Relatively quiet
- Excellent power
- Good blade delivered as standard
- Spacious, even oversized case!
- Precise cuts
- High-quality finish
Cons:
- The front handle rather small
- Imbalance when the saw is tilted more than 28°.
- More expensive than competitors
Comparative Table
In this section, we offer you a collection of the best track saws on the market. Read on to find out more.
| DEWALT DWS520K 6-1/2-Inch TrackSaw Kit | SHOP FOX W1835 Track Saw | Festool 575387 Plunge Cut Track Saw Ts 55 Req-F-Plus USA | |
| Customer Rating | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.7 |
| Included Components | Bare-tool | attachments | fine tooth saw blade HW W48, splinter guard, flag window, vision panel, wrench |
| Power Source | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | AC |
| Price | 422 | 192 | 599 |
| Voltage | 120 volts | 120 volts | 120 volts |
| Item Dimensions | 12.38 x 18.06 x 12.13 inches | 10.63 x 13.38 x 9.50 inches | 39.50 x 29.50 x 32.50 inches |
Choosing the Best Track Saw: A Buying Guide
The track saw is ideal for cuts in the middle of the panel thanks to a spring that activates the blade. This saw has better safety compared to a regular circular saw. Discover all the essential criteria to choose the right track saw.
Power
This feature is an essential factor to take into account. The power is calculated in watts. The greater the power of the track saw, the more powerful your tool can be for cutting the hardest materials
A power of fewer than 1000 watts: This is suitable for occasional use at home. You can use it for your small household chores. This appliance should be ideal for cutting cable ducts, sockets, or a kitchen sink.
A strength between 1000 watts and 1500 watts: These are models suitable for regular use for your small and medium works. If your passion is DIY, we recommend a track saw with this power. You can make your cuts on hardwoods.
A power greater than 1,500 watts: Models with this great power allow an intensive and professional use on heavy work. You can carry out all types of cuts on more rigid supports.
Blade
This is an essential element when working with wood. It is necessary to consider the nature of the blade with the hardness of the material. The blade is characterized by its diameter, allowing you to know the cutting depth that the saw can reach.
You should consider the number of teeth present. Indeed, the latter can determine the level of sharpness of the cut and the cutting speed. The more teeth the blade has, the more it can allow clean and precise cuts.
Additional Accessories
There are many accessories to make cutting more accessible and to ensure your safety with a track saw. Read on the two main options.
Most plunge saws are sold with a rail. This guide rail is an essential accessory for making perfectly straight and clean cuts. It is equipped with non-slip pads that offer accurate cuts without defects on your various supports. There are different sizes of rail. This is an accessory that we strongly recommend for better efficiency and optimal results.
The electronic brake system is a crucial safety option for your track saw. This feature makes it possible to stop the blade two seconds after switching off.
Final Thoughts
An innovative and high-quality machine, the DeWalt DWS520 track saw is highly valued, making it suitable for intensive users like many of its competitors. The ability to attack the cut in the middle of the panel is a valuable asset, especially for fitting work.
We can say that the American brand has designed a top-of-the-range tool aimed at all quality enthusiasts. It also implies a price a little more expensive than other competitors. This does not prevent customers from buying it if they want to get a result worthy of a good track saw.
