What comes in each kit
| Kit | Rails in the kit | Rails sold for it | Case | Saw weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DWS520CK | 59 in and 102 in, dual-edged | — | Kit box | Not stated in the documents |
| Makita SP6000J | None | 55 in (194368-5), 118 in (194367-7) | MAKPAC case | 9.7 lb |
| Makita XPS01PTJ | None; rail sold separately | As the SP6000J | Two cases | 9.8–11.2 lb with batteries |
| Milwaukee 2831-20 | None | The manual names none; follow the rail maker's instructions | Not listed | Not stated in the documents |
From each maker's product page and manual. Not a ranking.
Equipment notePaid link
6-1/2-in plunge circular saw
Makita SP6000J
Makita's SP6000J from the kit table above; the table lists its 55 in and 118 in rails as optional extras.
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Rail lengths: crosscuts and full rips
A rail has to be longer than the cut, because the saw's base must sit fully on it before the blade enters and after it leaves. Roughly, a rail needs the length of the cut plus the length of the saw's base. A 48 in crosscut across a sheet is covered by DEWALT's 59 in track or Makita's 55 in rail; a full 96 in rip needs DEWALT's 102 in track or Makita's 118 in rail. Two short rails joined end to end can do the long cut, if the maker sells a connector for them; check before relying on it. The same arithmetic for a shop-made track is in DIY track saw.
| Cut | Needs about | DEWALT kit | Makita rails |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crosscut of a 4 ft sheet | 48 in + the saw's base | 59 in | 55 in |
| Full rip of an 8 ft sheet | 96 in + the saw's base | 102 in | 118 in |
BenchRoot arithmetic from the published rail lengths; check your own saw's base length.
Fitting a saw to a rail it was not sold with
- Adjusters. DEWALT and Milwaukee set the fit by tightening until the saw locks on the rail, then backing off until it just slides. DEWALT says to readjust for every other track.
- Other systems. Makita's page says the SP6000J's base attaches to other rail systems. Milwaukee's manual leaves the rail to its maker's instructions.
- Strip trimming. A rail's edge strip is trimmed by the saw that first runs on it; a strip trimmed by another saw or blade may not mark your cut.
A table at the job
A plunge saw needs a flat, supported sheet more than a table. DEWALT's track-saw manual lays 2 × 4s lengthwise between two sawhorses under the panel so it cannot sag; Milwaukee's says to support large panels on both sides near the cut. A platform built on that rule, from four 2 × 4s and two sawhorses, is in DIY track saw; sawhorses that fold for carrying are in sawhorses.
Before buying a plunge saw to carry
- Rails for your longest cut, in the kit or sold to fit
- A connector, if you plan to join rails
- A case for the saw and a way to carry long rails
- Weight with batteries, if cordless
- Clamps that fit the rail
- Sawhorses and supports for sheets on site
Saws are compared in choosing a plunge saw and choosing a cordless plunge saw; how saw and rail work in track saws; the family in the circular saw guide.
Sources
Specification-based: kit contents and rail part numbers are from the makers' own pages; setup is from their manuals. No saw or rail was tested and none is ranked.
- 1.
DWS520CK 6-1/2 in. (165 mm) TrackSaw Kit with 59 in. and 102 in. Track. DEWALT.
Used for: The DWS520CK kit's contents: the saw, a 48-tooth blade, a wrench, 59 in and 102 in dual-edged tracks, and a kit box.
- 2.
DWS520 Heavy-Duty Track Saw, Instruction Manual. DEWALT.
Used for: Track adjusters set by locking the saw on the track and backing off until it slides, and always readjusted for other tracks; the anti-splinter strip trimmed before first use; 2 × 4s between sawhorses to support a panel.
- 3.
SP6000J 6-1/2" Plunge Circular Saw. Makita.
Used for: The SP6000J kit's blade, hex wrench and MAKPAC case; optional 55 in (194368-5) and 118 in (194367-7) rails; a base attachable to other rail systems; 9.7 lb.
- 4.
Plunge Cut Circular Saw SP6000, Instruction Manual. Makita.
Used for: The SP6000's 9.7 lb weight and the guide rail among its optional accessories.
- 5.
Cordless Plunge Cut Circular Saw XPS01, Instruction Manual. Makita.
Used for: The XPS01's weight of 9.8–11.2 lb depending on batteries.
- 6.
XPS01PTJ 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 6-1/2" Plunge Circular Saw Kit. Makita.
Used for: The XPS01PTJ kit's two 18 V batteries, charger, 55-tooth blade, wrench and two cases; the rail sold separately.
- 7.
M18 FUEL 6-1/2" Plunge Track Saw, Cat. No. 2831-20, Operator's Manual. Milwaukee Tool.
Used for: Reading the rail maker's instructions before trimming a rail; adjusting the rail knobs until the saw just slides; supporting large panels on both sides near the cut.
About this buying guide
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