DeWalt 6-1/2 in Track Saw Kit

Why I reached for this track saw

I spend a lot of time breaking down sheet goods for cabinetry, built-ins, and closet systems, and I’ve learned that a good track saw can turn an unruly 4x8 into precision parts without wrestling a full sheet across a table saw. The DeWalt track saw fits squarely into that workflow: it’s a plunge-style, corded 6-1/2 in saw designed to ride on a dual‑edged guide rail and leave clean, splinter‑free edges on both sides of the cut. After using it across plywood, melamine, and a few hardwood glue-ups, I’ve developed a clear picture of where it shines and where you’ll want to plan ahead.

Setup, build, and first cuts

Out of the box, the saw feels solid and well-balanced at about 11.5 lb. The plunge action is straight (not a pivot arc), which makes it feel planted and predictable as you drop into the cut—especially helpful for inside plunge cuts like sink openings. The shoe has cam adjusters to set the fit on the rail. Take a minute to dial those in until there’s no side play but the saw still glides smoothly; it pays off immediately in cut quality.

The included 59 in. guide track is well-machined and has zero-clearance splinter guards on both edges. I trimmed the splinter strip with a first pass (standard practice) to establish a true cut line, and from then on the edge-to-blade reference was spot on.

One practical note: 59 in. is perfect for crosscutting a sheet and for most cabinet parts, but you’ll need a second rail or a longer one to rip the full 8 ft length in a single pass. Plan to add rail connectors or a longer track if you work with full sheets frequently.

Accuracy and cut quality

On the rail, the saw tracks dead straight, and the zero-clearance edge does what it’s supposed to: both plywood veneers and melamine came off the saw with crisp, chip-free edges. That dual-edged rail is handy because you can flip the track to use either side as your reference, which simplifies layout and avoids walking back to re-trim a single‑edged rail.

Out of curiosity, I also ran a few freehand cuts without the rail. The saw will do it, and the riving knife helps keep the kerf open, but the magic here is absolutely on the track. That’s where the design comes together—clean edges, predictable alignment, and less sanding or edge cleanup later.

Depth and bevel adjustments are straightforward, with on‑track maximums of 2‑1/8 in. at 90° and 1‑5/8 in. at 45°. That comfortably covers all sheet goods and typical 2x stock. Bevel capacity runs to 47°, and the bevel locks feel secure; I didn’t notice any drift after locking in.

Plunge cuts and control

The straight plunge mechanism is a highlight. On cutouts where I need to drop in precisely and stop on layout marks, the plunge feels linear and balanced, and the sightlines are better than many circular saws. The low‑profile blade guard helps in tight spots and lets me get close to walls or back panels without the housing getting in the way.

Safety features that matter

Two items make a difference in real use: the riving knife and the anti‑kickback mechanism. The riving knife tracks with the blade, which helps maintain a stable kerf in solid wood and reduces the chance of the work closing on the blade.

The anti‑kickback mechanism can be engaged to limit backward movement on the rail. It’s smart insurance when you’re starting a cut mid‑panel or on denser stock. It does introduce a little resistance when repositioning, so I got into the habit of disengaging it for scoring passes and re‑engaging for the full cut. Once that became muscle memory, it was a net positive.

Power, speed, and noise

With a variable no‑load speed of 1,750–4,200 RPM and 690 W of rated output, the saw keeps a steady pace through plywood, melamine, and hardwoods commonly used for furniture panels. I ran the included 48‑tooth finishing blade on prefinished ply and maple-veneered panels without bogging down. If you’re hogging through thick, wet construction lumber, you’ll feel it work harder, but this tool isn’t intended to be a framing saw; it’s a precision panel cutter, and it has the torque and control to match that role.

Noise is what you’d expect from a compact, high-precision saw: listed at 92 dB sound pressure. Hearing protection is a must. Vibration is low, and the saw’s mass helps keep it planted on the rail.

Dust collection you’ll actually use

Track saws should be paired with a vacuum, full stop. The 1‑1/4 in. dust port on this saw is truly useful and plugs directly into many shop vac hoses; when it didn’t match, a simple adapter solved it. With a vacuum attached, I’d estimate collection in the 80–90% range depending on material and cut depth. It’s not perfectly clean—some chips escape on long rips—but compared to a circular saw, it’s a night-and-day improvement, and it makes indoor breakdown practical.

The blade and arbor consideration

One thing to plan for: the saw uses a 20 mm arbor, which is standard in the track saw world but not as common as 5/8 in. in many big-box blade aisles. DeWalt, Makita, and other manufacturers offer good 165 mm/20 mm blades in various tooth counts, but I’ve found that local selection can be thin. I keep a couple of spares on hand and usually order online. The included 48T blade is genuinely good for fine cuts; for ripping thicker hardwoods I swap to a lower tooth count and keep the finish blade for veneered panels.

Blade changes are straightforward with the provided wrench, and the plunge lock makes access easy.

Ergonomics and handling

The main handle and plunge trigger are comfortable, and the secondary front handle gives good leverage to steer the saw along the rail. Weight distribution is balanced, which shows up when making long rips—you’re not fighting the tool to keep it on line. The cord exits in a way that didn’t snag on the rail or track clamps.

Speaking of clamps, the rail’s grippy underside often holds well on clean sheet goods, but I still use low‑profile rail clamps for safety, especially on narrow offcuts or melamine where the surface is slick. They’re not included, so budget for a set if you don’t already own some.

What’s in the box, and what you might still need

The kit includes the saw, a 48‑tooth ultra‑fine finishing blade, a blade wrench, a kit box for the saw, and a 59 in. guide rail. The case does not store the rail, so think about wall racks or a protective sleeve to keep the rail straight and the splinter strips intact. Add a dust hose adapter if your vac isn’t 1‑1/4 in., and consider a second rail if you routinely rip full sheets. Warranty coverage is solid: 3‑year limited, 1‑year free service, and a 90‑day satisfaction guarantee.

Where it excels and where it doesn’t

Strengths:
- Clean, splinter‑free cut quality on both sides of the kerf
- Confident, straight plunge mechanism with good visibility
- Effective dust collection with a shop vac
- Useful safety features: riving knife and optional anti‑kickback
- Accurate rail with dual‑edge zero‑clearance strips

Trade‑offs:
- Only a 59 in. rail in the kit; you’ll want more length for 8 ft rips
- 20 mm arbor limits on-the-shelf blade options in some stores
- Noise level requires hearing protection (as most saws in this class do)

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt track saw to anyone who builds cabinets, furniture, or built‑ins and wants table‑saw‑quality cuts without moving full sheets to a stationary saw. It delivers excellent accuracy, predictable plunge control, and genuinely good dust collection in a compact, well-balanced package. The included 59 in. rail gets you started, and the saw has the depth capacity and bevel range to handle the bread‑and‑butter cuts of cabinetmaking. Just plan ahead for two things: a longer rail if you rip full sheets, and 20 mm arbor blades that you may need to order rather than grab off a local rack. If you can live with those practicalities, this is a dependable, precise track saw that earns its spot in a small shop or on a jobsite.