Four plunge saws by their makers' figures
| Saw | Power | Speed (rpm) | Depth 90° | Depth 45° | Bevel | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DWS520 | Corded, 12 A | 1,750–4,200 | 2-1/8 in on the track | 1-5/8 in on the track | 0–47° | Not stated in the documents |
| Makita SP6000 | Corded, 12 A | 2,000–5,200 | 2-3/16 in | 1-9/16 in | −1° to 48° | 9.7 lb |
| Makita XPS01 | 36 V (2 × 18 V) | 2,500–6,300 | 2-3/16 in | 1-9/16 in | −1° to 48° | 9.8–11.2 lb |
| Milwaukee 2831 | 18 V | 2,500–5,600 | 2-1/4 in | 1-5/8 in | −1° to 48° | Not stated in the documents |
All four take a 6-1/2 in (165 mm) blade on a 20 mm arbor. Depths are as each maker states them; DEWALT's are on the track. Not a ranking.
Equipment notePaid link
6-1/2-in plunge circular saw
Makita SP6000J
The SP6000 in the table above, as Makita's SP6000J: 2,000–5,200 rpm and 2-3/16 in at 90°, by Makita's figures.
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Where the saws differ
| Feature | DEWALT DWS520 | Makita SP6000 / XPS01 | Milwaukee 2831 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riving knife in a plunge cut | Retracts; need not be removed | No riving knife described in the manuals | Removed for plunge cuts, refitted after |
| Scoring stop | Not described | 2–3 mm in the manual; 1/16 in on the SP6000J page | 1/16 in (1.5 mm) |
| Rail control | Anti-kickback knob | XPS01 page: a lever engages the rail for bevels | Anti-tip knob |
| Splinter control | Strip on the track, trimmed at speed 5 | Strip on the rail | Rail strip plus a splinter guard on the saw |
| Dust | 1-1/4 in port | Dust port and an optional dust bag | 1-7/8 in hoses; 'over 90%' claimed by Milwaukee |
| Close to a wall | 12 mm minimum | 11/16 in (SP6000J page) | Not stated |
Each cell is the maker's own description of its own saw. Not a ranking.
Equipment notePaid link
M18 FUEL 6-1/2-in plunge track saw, bare tool
Milwaukee 2831-20
Milwaukee's battery saw from the tables above: 2,500–5,600 rpm, 2-1/4 in at 0° and a bevel from −1° to 48°, by its manual.
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What to compare
- Corded or battery. Two corded at 12 A, one 18 V and one 36 V from two 18 V packs. Battery saws are compared in choosing a cordless plunge saw.
- Speed range. Low settings matter for some materials: DEWALT's manual sets its dial by material, from 2–5 for laminated and veneered panels to 3–5 for solid wood.
- Depth. About 2-1/8 to 2-1/4 in at 90° on all four, through 2× stock and any sheet; check whether a figure is on the rail or off it.
- Bevel. Three tilt to −1° as well as 48°, useful for a slightly undercut edge; DEWALT's goes 0–47°.
- Riving knife. DEWALT's retracts in a plunge cut; Milwaukee's is removed for plunge cuts and must be refitted. Read how yours works in track saw safety.
- Rails. DEWALT's kit includes 59 in and 102 in dual-edged tracks; Makita sells 55 in and 118 in rails and says the SP6000J's base attaches to other rail systems; Milwaukee's manual says to follow the rail maker's instructions. Rails and carrying are compared in choosing a plunge saw to carry.
Before buying a plunge saw
- Corded or battery, and which platform
- Speed range for the materials you cut
- Depth on the rail for your thickest stock
- Riving knife design understood, and its kerf limits
- Rails of the lengths you need, in the kit or sold to fit
- Dust port that fits your extractor's hose
Blades for these saws are compared in choosing a blade; how the saw and rail work is in track saws, and the whole family in the circular saw guide.
Sources
Specification-based: every figure is the maker's own for the saw named, from its manual or product page as stated. Where Makita's manual and page disagree on the scoring depth, both are shown. Makers' performance claims were not checked. No saw was tested and none is ranked.
- 1.
DWS520 Heavy-Duty Track Saw, Instruction Manual. DEWALT.
Used for: The DWS520: 6-1/2 in, 20 mm bore; 1,750–4,200 rpm with speed settings for solid wood, chipboard and laminated or veneered panels; 0–2-1/8 in on the track; bevel 0–47°; a riving knife that retracts during plunge cuts; the anti-kickback knob; track adjusters readjusted for other tracks; a 12 mm minimum to a wall.
- 2.
DWS520CK 6-1/2 in. (165 mm) TrackSaw Kit with 59 in. and 102 in. Track. DEWALT.
Used for: The kit's 59 in and 102 in dual-edged tracks, 1-5/8 in at 45° on the track, 1-1/4 in dust port and 12 A motor.
- 3.
Plunge Cut Circular Saw SP6000, Instruction Manual. Makita.
Used for: The SP6000: 2,000–5,200 rpm; 2-3/16 in at 90°, 1-9/16 in at 45°, 1-1/2 in at 48°; 9.7 lb; a 2–3 mm quick-stop scoring cut on a rail.
- 4.
SP6000J 6-1/2" Plunge Circular Saw. Makita.
Used for: The SP6000J's 12 A motor, 20 mm arbor, −1° to 48° bevel, 11/16 in close-to-wall cutting, rails of 55 in and 118 in, a base attachable to other rail systems, and its description of the scoring stop as a 1/16 in preliminary cut.
- 5.
Cordless Plunge Cut Circular Saw XPS01, Instruction Manual. Makita.
Used for: The XPS01: 36 V from two 18 V batteries; 2,500–6,300 rpm; the SP6000's depths; 9.8–11.2 lb; the same 2–3 mm scoring stop.
- 6.
XPS01PTJ 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 6-1/2" Plunge Circular Saw Kit. Makita.
Used for: The XPS01's −1° to 48° bevel with stops at 22.5° and 45°, electric brake, and guide rail sold separately.
- 7.
M18 FUEL 6-1/2" Plunge Track Saw, Cat. No. 2831-20, Operator's Manual. Milwaukee Tool.
Used for: The 2831: 18 V; 2,500–5,600 rpm; 2-1/4 in at 0° and 1-5/8 in at 45°; bevel −1° to 48°; a riving knife removed for plunge cuts; a 1/16 in scoring stop; an anti-tip knob; a splinter guard on the saw; reading the rail maker's instructions.
- 8.
2831-20 M18 FUEL 6-1/2" Plunge Track Saw. Milwaukee Tool.
Used for: The 2831's 1-7/8 in vacuum-hose fit, bevel stops at 0°, 22.5° and 45°, and its claim of over 90% dust collection efficiency.
About this buying guide
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