DeWalt 60V MAX Brushless Cordless 6-1/2 in. Track Saw Kit

First cuts and first impressions

I set the DeWalt track saw on a 59-inch rail, lined up the zero-clearance edge to my marks on 3/4-inch maple ply, and made a plunge. The saw tracked dead straight, the cut was crisp, and the veneer tear-out was minimal even without tape or a scoring pass. That’s what you want out of a track saw: predictable, splinter‑reduced cuts and simple alignment. This one delivers that baseline very well.

Setup, calibration, and the track

Out of the box, my rail was straight and the anti-slip strips gripped sheet goods well. The saw’s base has cam adjusters to remove any slop on the track; it took two minutes with a hex key to dial out play. I also checked the 0° and 45° bevel stops, which were both close from the factory and easy to fine-tune. The depth gauge is clear and accounts for being on the rail. On-track cutting depth is a true 2-1/8 inches at 90° and 1-5/8 inches at 45°, which covers most cabinet work and solid wood panels.

The included 59-inch rail is perfect for cross-cutting a 4-foot panel. For breaking down full 8-foot sheets, you’ll want either a second rail and connectors or a longer single rail. DeWalt’s splinter guard comes slightly proud; make a light pass to trim it to your blade, and you have a zero-clearance reference that you can place right on your cut line.

Power and cut quality

The brushless motor spins a 6-1/2 inch blade at 4200 RPM. With the stock 42-tooth blade, cut quality on veneered ply and melamine is quite good—clean on the keeper side with minor fuzz on the offcut at times. A scoring pass—say 1 to 2 mm deep—followed by a full-depth cut makes the edges presentation‑ready even on fussy laminates.

Where this saw surprised me was in hardwoods. On the rail, it will legitimately cut to 2-1/8 inches at 90°. I ripped 8/4 poplar and cross-cut 6/4 maple. Feed speed matters: push steadily and let the motor work. With a dedicated ripping blade, it feels composed and resists bogging. The riving knife tracks the kerf well, and the continuous anti‑kickback mechanism adds confidence when you’re plunging into dense stock. I keep the anti‑kickback engaged on long rips; it stops the saw from creeping backward on the rail if you lose pressure.

Bevel cuts to 47° are accurate and repeatable. At 45°, the available depth (1-5/8 inches on track) handled beveled edges on countertops and scribe cuts without complaint. The low‑profile guard helps when you need to get close to a wall or inside a cabinet—one of those “small but appreciated” design details.

Ergonomics and control

DeWalt uses a straight plunge that feels natural after a few cuts. The plunge action is smooth and the handles land in a comfortable, neutral position so you can keep your wrist straight while pressing down. The trigger interlock is positive without being fussy, and the depth stop is robust. Overall, the saw feels planted on the rail—no chatter, no bounce.

Weight is about 12 pounds bare, a bit more with the FLEXVOLT pack. It’s not featherlight, but it’s balanced. Over long sessions you’ll feel it, yet the lack of a cord reduces hassle around the bench or jobsite, especially when you’re working off the floor or around obstacles.

Dust collection

Dust capture is good to excellent with a vacuum connected. The 1-1/4 inch port fits common shop vac and dust extractor hoses (I used a rubber step adapter). On straight cuts in plywood, collection approached the claimed ~90%; it’s a bit less on bevels, plunge cut-outs, and the last inch of a cut where chips naturally escape. Still, it kept the work area tidy and the cut line visible, which is what matters day to day.

Battery platform and runtime

The kit includes a FLEXVOLT battery and charger. The platform is versatile—if you’re already in the DeWalt 20V/60V ecosystem, it’s plug-and-play across a lot of tools. Runtime with the included pack has been solid. On sheet goods, I reliably broke down two full sheets of 3/4-inch plywood into cabinet parts—roughly 12–16 long cuts—before swapping to a fresh battery. In thicker hardwoods, expect fewer total feet per charge, which is normal. Keep a second FLEXVOLT pack on hand if your workflow is cut-heavy.

One note from my long-term use: a single pack failed to take a charge after several months. It was replaced under warranty, but the turnaround wasn’t instant. That experience reinforced my standard advice for cordless saws used for production work—own at least two batteries to avoid downtime.

Blade choices and tips

The included 42T blade rides the line between finish and general purpose. For crisp veneered plywood, a higher-tooth, high-ATB blade gives you glassier edges; for 8/4 hardwood, a lower-tooth ripping blade improves feed speed and lowers motor strain. Take a scoring pass on fragile veneers and high-pressure laminate, and keep the splinter guard trimmed and clean. Periodically check and re-tighten the base cam adjusters; small amounts of wear on the rail can introduce play.

Accuracy and repeatability

Track saws earn their keep on repeatable accuracy. The DeWalt’s rail and base interface is tight, the kerf line is predictable, and the zero-clearance edge gives reliable registration. I used it with short auxiliary fences and parallel guides for cabinet parts with good results. The bevel scale and stops are trustworthy, though I still do a quick square check after transport—any saw can shift if it takes a knock in the truck. With a second rail and connectors, long rips stayed straight; just take the time to align and snug the connectors carefully to avoid a kink at the seam.

Safety

The riving knife is the unsung hero here. On plunge saws it helps keep the kerf open and resists pinching when the material moves. The anti-kickback mechanism, when engaged, prevents the saw from sliding backward on the rail as you plunge or pause mid-cut. Keep the mechanism off if you need to pull the saw backward for setup, then click it on for the cut. As always, blade sharpness and correct depth settings do more for safety than any gizmo—don’t run dull.

What I’d change

• Include a second battery in the kit. The saw’s performance invites heavy use, and one pack is the bottleneck.
• The case is serviceable but tight. A little more room for a hose adapter, spare blade, and the rail connectors would go a long way.
• A clearly stated fast charger would be ideal. Faster turnarounds help in the field.

None of these are deal breakers, but they’re the areas where the kit feels more “good” than “great.”

Value and who it’s for

With the saw, a 59-inch track, a battery, charger, blade, and a TSTAK case, the kit gets you truly working on day one. Add a second rail and a second battery and you’re ready for cabinet installs, built-ins, and shop breakdowns. Compared with premium corded setups, the cordless convenience is tangible, and cut quality is competitive. If you already own DeWalt 20V/60V tools, the platform value is obvious.

This is a strong fit for finish carpenters, cabinet shops that break down sheet goods, and remodelers who need splinter‑clean cuts on site without dragging extension cords. If you’re a dedicated solid-wood furniture maker routinely cutting 8/4 hardwood on the rail, budget for a ripping blade and plan on a measured feed pace—this saw will do it, but it’s happiest in 4/4 and sheet goods.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt track saw. It’s accurate on the rail, powerful enough for hardwoods up to its stated 2-1/8 inches on track, and genuinely clean with a vac attached. The ergonomics are thoughtful, the plunge is predictable, and the safety features are useful rather than intrusive. The main caveat is power management: plan for two FLEXVOLT batteries if you work continuously, and be aware that warranty replacements can take time if a pack fails. For most users, though—especially anyone already in the DeWalt ecosystem—this kit is a capable, cordless solution that earns a spot in the truck and the shop.