Makita’s 18V X2 cordless brushless track saw is a very good tool. I received a test sample last year, and can very highly recommend it. Right now, a popular (and rare) bonus bundle promo is back.
Over at Acme Tools and Amazon, buy the Makita 18V X2 plunge-cutting circular saw kit (XPS01PTJ), which comes with the saw, 2-port charger, (2) Li-ion batteries, and modular tool boxes to store it all in, and you get a FREE 39″ guide rail, plus (2) FREE bonus 5.0Ah batteries (for 4 total).
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Amazon’s current price is $490.37, and Acme Tools’ is $499 ($479 thru 3/15/19 with coupon). Both are out of stock in the moment, but are accepting backorders.
Thank you to Matthew and Noah for the heads-up!
I wrote about this deal at length last year, here: Incredible Makita 18V X2 Brushless Track Saw Bundle Deal (Feb 2018).
Last year’s bundle came with a 55″ guide rail. This bundle is a little different, and comes with a 39″ guide rail.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(via Acme Tools)
Acme coupon code MAKITA20 takes an extra $20 off, now through 3/15/2019.
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It’s also available at Tool Nut.
Buy Now(via Tool Nut)
First Thoughts
For my personal track saw, I bought a Festool. I’ve used a test sample of their cordless track saw a bit as well. Based on my experience with a test sample of this Makita kit, I’d probably go in this direction if shopping for personal use. It’s an excellent and high-performing tool. Competitively, I’d give the Makita an edge for the greater convenience of their batteries.
I think that this promo is a nice way to buy into Makita’s 18V (or 18V X2) cordless power tool system. The bundle gives you an $80 guide rail for free (price check), and $219 in additional batteries (price check).
I’m trying not to sound too encouraging, but if I let myself speak freely, I’d say that this is an incredible cordless brushless track saw and guide rail deal, one that’s really hard to pass up. Promos of this kind don’t come around very often.
It’s not clear when the deal will end.
More About the Saw
- 6-1/2″ blade size
- Can plunge-cut
- 2500-6300 variable speed
- Easy depth adjustment with scale
- Dual bevel supports
- -1° to 48° bevel range
- 22.5° and 45° bevel stops
- 2-3/16″ cutting capacity at 90°
- 1-9/16″ cutting capacity at 45°
- Works with (2) Makita 18V Li-ion batteries
- On-board battery fuel gauge
It can be used with or without a guide rail, and with or without dust collection.
Makita offers several styles of plunge saw blades (Amazon search results).
John
Great saw. Owned one since the Fall of 2017. I’d buy another in a heartbeat. Previously owned a Festool TS75 which was excellent for thick hardwood buy never picked it up after buying the Makita. Sure the Makita depth of cut is less but I’ve not struggled in my building projects for clients. Been rip cutting 2″ thick walnut hardwood for very large mirror frames. With a rip blade, the Makita does just fine. I bought a $10 outlet remote taped to the vac hose to start and stop dust collection. At times use a Mafell dust bag which press fits great for total portability. The Makita for plywood is just so easy I don’t even think about the process anymore.
Peter
Hard to resist.
logan
hard to recommend as they don’t pay much for advertising LOL
Mike
I just got a hold of a makita rep.
Via Phoenix Az This guys has the saws, tracks, blades etc. I just bought a 12 pk of blades from him. He mix them up between 3 different teeth patterns and he gave me a 250$ discount on the saw and threw in my 118” track and a 39” track free!! Let me break this down!!!! I highly recommend calling this gentleman!! My kit batteries saw he charged me “$200” Normally ($490.00) that’s 290$ savings look up top that’s with batteries and 39” track plus I got the 118” free !! I received 12pk of blades cost normaly ($1191.00) at Forrest.com he charged me for the same type of blades same teeth patterns that I always get ($810) saved me ($381.00) over my Forrest blades! Tracks at acme makita etc $204 .00 to $200.00 just for the 118” ! My track no charge free!!! I don’t even know how much a 39” track goes for but just off of my personal knowledge receipts etc he saved me. (-$975.00 bucks) Totoal savings Call (602) 527-4472 this was by far thee best deal I’ve ever received. His names Jay I think. Tell him Mike. @AlwaysHardwoodFloors reffered ya!!!
Joe framer
The Makita doesn’t have the power..ok for a diy guy. For precision ,power and features, Festool has a big edge over Makita and Flexvolt has hands down the most power, except for….the king of saws, Mafell…
….Not a bad Makita saw.kit.
Stuart
Doesn’t have the power for what?
Ben
I have one of these Makita track saws. I’ve never heard or had a power complaint unless the 2x 5amp batteries are near dead.
Unless you’re trying to compare this to a TS75, I can’t understand why you’d think it has no power.
Gordon
This is just another typical Joe Framer post.
He talks shit about the topic, then when anyone calls him out he is either silent or throws his “running a crew for 40 years” BS in like it gives him final say in anything.
Rrich1
I’m curious what you mean by lack of power as well. I have this saw and have had no issues with hardwood. In fact in just about every review states it is more powerful than the festool.
Travis
Not to mention it all depends on what blade you are using to cut what. It has plenty of power to tackle any task.
Coggs
I sold my ts55 for the Makita and don’t regret it at all. The Makita is not as powerful as the ts75 but the 55 was not impressive on power. I bought the same deal as this for $399 at HD with the 55 rail and 4 Batts. Steal.
Robert Masek
I bought this last year and will pickup the shorter track for this just to have something easier to manage. most of what I do is short cuts.
Tim D.
Do you have any extra track? I have 3 pieces of 55″ and have considered chopping one of mine down to make two shorter pieces.
Sean
Tool Nut is also running the exact same promo. Apparently they currently have all items in stock and ready to ship [I called about 10 minutes ago to confirm].
Julian
The Festool corded TS55 would never be accused of being all that powerful itself.
I sold my TS55 when I got the Makita 36v tracksaw. You’d think that having a vac hose connected to it would mean the elimination of the power cord is not a big deal, but being cordless really makes the track saw a lot simpler to use – especially with their cordless hepa vac.
Gary Greene
OK, I’m confused? Given that plywood comes in 48″ x 96″ sheets, what good is a 35″ track? Can you get more track and can they be linked together? If this had an 8′ track, I’d be all in.
Scar
That is a good point Gary. I have the 55″ track and this saw. It was a game changer for sheet goods for me. But the 39″ track is sort of in between. Not long enough for panels, but not short enough for off cuts.
They make a 118″ track, and you can link the tracks (with a kit), but 55+39 is still short of 8′. I really wish they would make something like the Festool FSK tracks
TonyT
I believe it will the Makita, Dewalt, and Festool tracks are all compatible, sl while you probably can’t link them together, you could use this Makita track saw on any of those tracks.
The Makita track has mixed reviews, but I ended up getting it because it was significantly cheaper than Festool (and IIRC, a bit cheaper than DeWalt), and I’m only an occasional user. So far it’s been fine for me, and I love the saw.
Tim D.
Unless DeWalt makes another type of track i’m unfamiliar with, it’s not compatible with the Festool/Makita tracks/tools.
TonyT
I did some more research, and yes, I’d say you are correct (although I did found one person who said Yes, but I think they hadn’t tried it – Q&A’s aren’t always accurate).
OTOH, the DeWalt track clamps are very popular with Makita owners.
Some people thought it was compatible with Triton, but didn’t seem confident about that, so maybe….
fred
I’m not sure how good the Makita track connectors are – but I find those made by Festool are sorely lacking. Trying to link track together with them in the field (say on top of sawhorses on a lawn) is a finicky task at best and they don’t seem to stay put for me. I finally gave up trying and bought a 2700mm (106 inch) Festool track 5 years ago – the price a bit obscene back then – and more so now. But a 2-pack of the Festool connectors at $40 today – IMO is even more unconscionable – as I find they don’t work well.
If I were buying today – I’d be looking hard at this Makita cordless kit- and a 3000mm (118 inch) track – as the extra length vs. 106 inch gives you a bit more starting and follow-through space when cutting an 8 foot sheet. BTW – I’d advise either picking up your long track locally – or buying from a source that crates them up and ships them via a carrier (not UPS or FedEx) that can give it special treatment so as not to bend it.
TonyT
IIRC, the biggest complaints about the Makita track system were about the connectors, so when I need more length, I’ll have to look at adding another 55″ track or getting the 118″ track.
I bought my track from Acme, and IIRC, it came UPS, but that’s a much easier length to deal with.
Stuart
For what it’s worth, when I received my test sample, the Makita 55″ track came extremely well packaged.
Tim D.
I have both the Makita and the Festool track connectors. The festool is cheaper (believe it or not), but the Makita one is a much better design imo.
The Festool connector uses set screws that tighten directly down onto the track, and can leave gouges/marks. IDK if those will cause any real problems down the road or not.
The Makita track connector uses set screws that press against another bar, and the bar forces down on the track, causing a snug fit without the potential for the set screws to dig into the aluminum of the track.
I thought about buying a single 118″ section of track prior to having the saw in hand. Now that I’ve been working with two 55″ sections connected, I can say that I definitely do NOT want a 118″ section. You would have to design a spot for it to live in your shop.
fred
Betterley (the masters of laminate and other specialty routers) makes a track connector too:
https://www.toolnut.com/betterley-slc23-straightline-connector-for-festool-guide-rails.html
ktash
TSO products connector has good comments on FOG. It may be the one I’ll buy if needed.
https://tsoproducts.com/tso-products-guide-rail-squares/grc-12-self-aligning-guide-rail-connectors/
I swear by another of their products the parallel edge guide square, and if that’s any indication this is a good buy.
I got the Makita kit without the rails since I already had Festool rails and they work fine, though I don’t do bevel cuts so can’t speak to that.
JamesR
Ha! I was in the process of posting a similar question. 39” seems like a weird length…not enough to cross-cut a sheet of plywood short side, and two linked together can’t rip one long-wise…so, why 39”? I feel to break down sheet goods you atleast need to be able to cross-cut 48”.
Kindur
I have several tracks of different lengths. Including a 55″ that I cut into 32″&23″. I use my track saws for other things beside sheet goods. Many times it takes the place of a miter saw for cross cutting large trim. Smaller track for a shorter cut.
AJones
If I may, I have had to undercut many doors. Say in a large project with metal frames and marble sills in the bathrooms. In a hospital or hotel job that could be 30-50 or more doors needing undercut. We used to use a couple of pieces of 1/4” Masonite adhered with contact cement as our track, but if we had a 39” track saw it certainly would’ve been very nice as most doors are under 39”.
Stuart
Countertops, smaller wood boards, shelves.
JamesR
I can see the utility for those applications. But it looks like I’m not missing anything fundamental…39″ is bonus track length, but 55″ is probably a required purchase.
Even for those things mentioned by Stuart and some other posters, I would say the use case is pretty narrow. Most folks that buy a track saw will have a miter saw already, and alot (most?) of those will have a sliding miter saw. Those saws usually have up to 12-14″ cutting capacity. For square cuts, I can’t imagine someone wanting to use a track saw instead of a miter saw. For angle cuts, it probably makes some sense.
Ultimately, I’m just alittle bummed I didn’t jump on the 2018 deal with the 55″ track 🙁 I’m still really interested in this one, especially since I added to my battery platforms this Christmas with a marked down Makita sub-compact kit I got for a steal.
Stuart
The 55″ is an essential size. All I’m saying is that 39″ has its merits too.
fred
If I’m off to one of the Kid’s places or my second home – for some remodeling – I sometimes don’t want to load the battleship of my 12 inch miter saw (GCM12SD) or jobsite table saw (Bosch 4100) into the truck. So I’ll just take the track saw and maybe just my 2 55 inch rails. But I do sometimes carry the 106 inch rail and/or a 32 or 42 inch rail with a Woodpeckers square/miter attachment.
Transporting the 106 inch rail in its crate is a bit of a chore – and getting in down from the overhead rack that I keep it on is a 2-person job.
I see that Toolnut still carries a track-square attachment that I think I’d buy if I had not already bought the Woodpeckers:
https://www.toolnut.com/insta-railsquare-festool-makita-track-saw-square.html
ktash
Fred, I’d buy the TSO square instead. They are adding some excellent enhancements to it, plus the other one is a knock off of the original TSO. I got the somewhat more expensive one that is reversable and use the reversable feature all the time.
https://tsoproducts.com/tso-products-guide-rail-squares/grs-16-guide-rail-square/
Peter Whitehouse
The festool and Makita tracks are the same, festool are just lots more expensive as are the tools. I have had the Makita for 9 months and done just about everything with it and there is no lack of power accuracy and stability. Use the correct blade and your good.
Peter
Why would you now choose the one in the link over the woodpecker?
Thank you
Scar
That is a good point Gary. I have the 55″ track and this saw. It was a game changer for sheet goods for me. But the 39″ track is sort of in between. Not long enough for panels, but not short enough for off cuts.
They make a 118″ track, and you can link the tracks (with a kit), but 55+39 is still short of 8′. I really wish they would make something like the Festool FSK tracks
Michael George
I would agree that a 39” track alone is not a complete track saw system, think of it as an accessory. I have a similar short track I use in addition to a pair or 55” tracks. 55” is the perfect length to cross cut ply, both tracks joined together works to cut ply the long way. The short little track is really usefull when you get down to smaller cabinet size sheets. A 55” track is pretty awkward on a short little cut, under 24” say.
Julian
Makita’s 118′ rail can be had as low as $180 shipped (shop around – LOT’S of pricing variation on these, especially with $$ shipping vs. free shipping).
You’ll not want to own this saw without a 55″ rail, but rest assured, you’ll get a good amount of use out of the 39″ rail as well for shorter cross cuts.
FYI – for festool owners or dual Makita / Festool saw owners, the Makita rails are 100% compatible for use with the Festool TS55 & the TS75 saws.
Also FYI – the Makita rail bag is of a very high quality and is cheap at about $46. a lot nicer than the similar Festool rail bag. Sucks that Makita also makes a 118″ rail bag but it’s only sold in Canada apparently. Too bad – that’d be handy for taking the saw and large rail to jobsites.
NewtonsApple
Pretty tempted by this. I have the corded version and seriously considered the battery version, particularly with this sort of deal. I got mine for $214 as a CPO refurb, and couldn’t justify the price difference. It would be my sole Makita cordless tool.
I am going to have to setup an auto start for the hepavac now to convince myself I don’t need the cordless version.
John
A couple things from my experience: While yes Festool and Makita guide rails are compatible, if I set my gibs for Makita rail on the cordless saw, then it will be tight, too tight and not fit on my Festool rails. If I set the gibs to fit my Festool rails, then the saw is loose and sloppy on the Makita rail. The extrusions are not perfectly identical. I have the 118″ Makita rail which is excellent at under 1/64″ straight over the entire length and Festool rails 75″, 55″, 42″, 32″. I just have to deal with fitting difference since I saved a good amount of money buying the Makita long rail instead of a Festool long rail.
Smaller rails are useful for doing short cuts where a miter saw might be used otherwise. Having options is good. A weekend warrior may not need all that, but building for commercial projects can be vastly improved in time and efficiency with various rail sizes set for specific tasks.
Julian
True – the extrusions, while compatible are not identical. The extruded part the saw glides on is about 1/3 mm different between my Festool and Makita rails.
Another thing Ive noticed about the Makita saw is that the gib adjusters are always coming loose – literally have to check the play on them every other cut. don’t remember that being an issue on the Festool saw; only a minor annoyance though.
The stock Makita cordless plunge saw blade is very good. Makita nor any of their online stocking dealers do not make it easy to figure out the selection of blades they make specifically for the plunge saw though. Seemingly no way to isolate those 6.5″ blades vs. the other 6.5″ blades they make either on Makita’s sucky (in general) website or the dealer sites.
John
You could try putting some blue Locktite on the gib screws to add more friction and hopefully prevent them from loosening.
The stock Makita blade on the cordless is excellent but I use Tenryu blades now for standard and rip cutting; they are just great blades. I used them on my TS75 and Sawstop regularly.
Raymond
Great saw, used it yesterday and the blade is probably the most important feature. Cut melamine and it is flawless, time and again. This is a cordless saw and you are comparing to corded saws in the comments, 95 percent of the time the power is fine. I have a corded Makita for the other 5 percent of the time. The criticism of the track connectors is valid, in my opinion they all are not great. I would make them t&g on the ends so they stay flat, otherwise bite the bullet and get one long track. I love Makita and have for nearly 30 years, a few dud products along the road, early 12 and 14.4 drills ( 30 screws to a charge I recollect ) compared to Porter Cable (R.I.P.) Magnaequench. Wow I am getting old…
fred
The PC Magnequench 12V cordless drills were the first cordless tools that we bought in quantity. While it was 12V NiCad battery-powered – it seemed to point the way to what would become the cordless revolution. We had tried several Makita 9.6V tools when they came out and thought they were OK in special circumstances – but not something worthy of regular space on the trucks. The PC850 was that good for its time – that all the crews wanted at least one.
Mike S
Mine arrived today, seems to work great!
Does anyone know if the new Kreg rails are compatible?
They have a 62” rail and its $99 retail.
Seems like 101” total would be better than getting one 55” and being 2” short,
I suspect Makita was planning to sell a lot of rails – most retailers raised the price of the 55” tracks on Jan 1 from $75 to $95 or more and hope the kit leads people to buying two 55” as you can’t cover athe full 96” by adding just one 55”.
TonyT
List price for 55″ rails has been $99 for a while – and $72 at discount (Acme) is what I paid for mine last year
Mike S
Wish I’d waited and used the coupon – the lower price means you can cover most of the cost of a 55″ rail…
Still – does anyone know if the new Kreg KREG-ACS430 Rails are compatible? I’d rather buy 1x 62″ than 2x 55″ …
https://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/kreg-acs430
NewtonsApple
The Potofgold Acme tools 15% of coupon works for this. $424.15!