DeWalt 6-1/2 in. Brushless Track Saw (Tool Only)

Why I reached for it

I’ve built and installed enough cabinetry to know that a good track saw can transform how you work—especially in tight spaces or in a client’s living room where a table saw isn’t welcome. The DeWalt track saw has been in my rotation for breakdowns, clean rips, and precise crosscuts when I need straight, splinter‑free results without wrestling full sheets across a stationary saw. It’s cordless, runs on DeWalt’s 60V FLEXVOLT batteries, and pairs with a dual‑edged rail system so you can cut in either direction with equal accuracy. That combination of portability and precision is why I picked it up—and why I keep reaching for it.

Build and design

This is a 6‑1/2 in. plunge saw with a brushless motor, set up specifically for use on DeWalt’s TRACKSAW rails. On track, it cuts up to 2‑1/8 in. at 90° and 1‑5/8 in. at 45°, which covers most cabinet and furniture work, plus common countertop and door trimming tasks. The bevel range goes to 47°, and the saw’s 12.5 lb weight strikes a nice balance: substantial enough to feel planted on the rail, but not so heavy that overhead panel work becomes a chore.

The low‑profile blade guard is genuinely helpful when you’re working inside carcasses or near vertical surfaces, and the straight plunge mechanism feels predictable and secure. The riving knife and a continuous anti‑kickback mechanism add a layer of safety on the rail, especially during bevel rips or when you’re starting in the middle of a panel.

DeWalt’s dual‑edged tracks are zero‑clearance by design. You trim the rubber edge on first use and then get dead‑on visual alignment. Being able to run the saw either direction on the same rail is a small time saver that becomes a habit fast.

Setup and calibration

Out of the box, I always take a few minutes to:

• Set the rail fit with the anti‑play cams so the base glides without chatter but has zero slop.
• Trim the splinter guard once with a sharp blade installed (this is your cutline).
• Check 90° and 45° stops with a trusted square and adjust as needed.
• Confirm the riving knife is centered behind the blade and co‑planar.

Those steps pay off immediately in cut quality. I also recommend dedicating a fine‑finish blade for veneers and prefinished plywood; the included blade is serviceable, but a high‑tooth-count blade tightens up the bottom‑side finish on fragile laminates.

Cutting performance

On plywood, MDF, and melamine, the cut quality is excellent. The zero‑clearance track edge controls top‑side tearout, and with the right blade the bottom side stays clean enough to finish without edge banding repairs. In hardwoods, the brushless motor holds speed well through 8/4 stock at 90°, and remains steady for long rips in 4/4 oak or maple. No‑load speed is 4,200 RPM, and while this saw isn’t about raw speed, it’s consistent—exactly what you want when you’re chasing a crisp, glue‑ready edge.

Bevel accuracy has been solid. The saw’s mass on the rail and the positive feel of the plunge help keep the cut true as you enter and exit the material. I’ve had good results cutting in both directions on the same rail, which is convenient on large panels when repositioning a long track isn’t ideal.

A note on clamping: the rail’s anti‑slip strips work, but I still clamp for long rips, narrow offcuts, or slick melamine. It’s cheap insurance against a “nudge” that can ruin an expensive panel.

Dust collection you can live with

This saw shines with dust control. The 1‑1/4 in. port mates with most shop vacs and extractors, and on a decent vacuum the collection is impressive—good enough that I’m comfortable doing full‑sheet breakdowns in finished spaces without turning the room into a snow globe. On‑site, I run it with a cordless extractor when power is scarce, and in the shop it integrates easily with a corded dust extractor.

One wish: an automatic vacuum start from the saw would streamline on‑site work even further. I’d love to see built‑in wireless tool control in this model. As is, it’s easy enough to tap the vac on, but the convenience gap is noticeable if you’re bouncing between cuts.

Ergonomics and handling

The straight plunge action, two‑handed grip, and low‑profile guard make the saw feel secure and compact. Sightlines are good, but the real secret is trusting the trimmed track edge. The trigger and safety feel natural; there’s no awkward finger gymnastics when you’re perched at the edge of a panel. The base glides smoothly once the anti‑play cams are set, and the saw’s weight distribution helps it stay planted on the rail during bevels without wanting to “walk” off.

Noise is manageable for a cordless saw; paired with an extractor it’s less intrusive than a traditional circ saw and significantly cleaner in the air you’re breathing.

Battery life and power

On a 60V FLEXVOLT pack, power has never been a limitation for the types of cuts this saw is meant for. Runtime depends on the material and blade, of course. On a typical install day—breaking down a few sheets, resizing a countertop, trimming doors—I plan for two charged batteries and rarely need a third. If you’re ripping dense hardwoods all afternoon, bring a spare pack or a charger. The upside is total freedom from cords and the ability to cut where the workpiece sits, which is the whole point of a track saw in the first place.

Safety

The riving knife and anti‑kickback mechanism do their jobs. The saw feels especially composed on plunge cuts and during bevel rips, where lesser setups can bind. Still, standard track saw discipline applies: let the blade stop fully before retracting, keep the rail clean, and clamp when in doubt. For anyone stepping up from a circular saw and straightedge, the safety margin here is a big reason to switch.

Limitations and quirks

• It’s a tool‑only purchase. Factor in a battery, charger, and at least one rail (55 in. is a great starting length). That investment can add up if you’re new to the ecosystem.
• Fixed top speed at 4,200 RPM. It’s not an issue in practice, but some folks prefer a variable speed dial for specialty blades and materials.
• No built‑in wireless vacuum start. Not a deal breaker, just something I miss when working room‑to‑room.
• The 6‑1/2 in. blade gives you 2‑1/8 in. depth on track at 90°. That’s plenty for sheet goods and most furniture work, but if you regularly need deeper cuts on thick slabs, this isn’t the right format.

Value, ecosystem, and warranty

If you’re already on DeWalt’s 60V platform, the value proposition is strong: the battery compatibility, cordless freedom, and solid dust collection make it a versatile addition. Third‑party rails exist, but I’ve had the best accuracy and fit with DeWalt’s own tracks and accessories, especially when you start chaining rails for longer cuts.

Support is straightforward: a 90‑day return policy, 3‑year limited warranty, and 1 year of free service. That’s a respectable safety net for a pro‑grade tool you’ll use often.

Who it’s for

• Cabinetmakers and finish carpenters wanting tearout‑free cuts in the shop and on site.
• Renovation crews working in finished spaces where dust and portability matter.
• DIYers upgrading from a circular saw and guide who want repeatable accuracy without a table saw footprint.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt track saw for anyone who needs cabinet‑grade cut quality with jobsite portability. It delivers straight, splinter‑free results on a dual‑edged rail, gathers dust well enough for indoor work, and has the power to handle hardwoods up to its full on‑track depth. The plunge action is confident, the safety features are meaningful, and the 60V platform keeps you cord‑free without feeling underpowered. I’d love to see integrated wireless vacuum activation and variable speed, but those are wish‑list items rather than reasons to pass. If you’re ready to cut where the work is—cleanly and accurately—this saw belongs in your kit.