It’s official – the Milwaukee M18 Fuel cordless track is nearly here!
The new cordless track saw – and all of its supporting accessories – has been delayed until early 2023. But, it’s nearly ready to launch, with retailers now accepting preorders.
The newly opened-up preorders clue us in about the available configurations, as well their finalized pricing.
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- Milwaukee M18 Fuel Track Saw, Tool-Only (2831-20) – $399
- Milwaukee M18 Fuel Track Saw Kit (2831-21) – $639
- Includes XC 6Ah battery, charger, Packout tool box
- Milwaukee 31″ Guide Rail (48-08-0570) – $79
- Milwaukee 55″ Guide Rail (48-08-0571) – $129
- Milwaukee 106″ Guide Rail (48-08-0572) – $249
Retailers are accepting preorders on the track saw, guide rails, track connectors, saw blades, accessories, and replacement parts such as anti-splinter strips.
There are different kit options and configurations, but it seems they are all retailer-created product collections for shoppers’ convenience, rather than discounted bundles.
For example, one retailer has a bundle with the track saw kit and a 55″ guide rail for $768, which is exactly the same price as buying the two components separately.
But, there are some savings to be had. Another retailer has the kit with a 55″ guide rail, track carrying case, and clamps for $860. A separate accessory set with track, bag, and clamps is $225, and so buying it separate from the kit would cost you a total of $864, or $4 more.
One last thing to be aware of is that guide rails might incur extra shipping fees at some retailers, due to being oversized, but not others.
Key Specs & Features
- 6-1/2″ blade with 20mm arbor
- 2-1/4″ cutting capacity
- 2,500 to 5,600 RPM
- Variable speed dial
- -1 to 48° bevel angle
- Splinter guard and riving knife
- Weighs 9.8 lbs without battery
- Up to 90% dust collection efficiency
- 5 year warranty
For those of you who plan to buy the Milwaukee cordless track saw, are you reserving your place in line with a preorder, or will you wait until it officially launches and starts to ship?
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oflannabhra
Wow, that’s pretty pricey. I’m not in Milwaukee’s system, but that price would be a bitter pill to swallow. That’s pretty much Festool pricing.
I’ve been waiting for Makita’s 18v x2 tracksaw to go on sale for about a year now, and managed to miss a sale for $350 last week that only lasted a couple hours. They seem to be more interested in selling their XGT 40V model this year.
Stuart
Not at all; its inline with other cordless track saws and systems.
Rafe
Yeah it’s all pretty normal. The bundle with one battery seems a tad pricey for $239, otherwise saw and tracks are what you expect to pay for anything else.
B-Rad
It’s worth noting the kit version also adds the Packout XL box which is $119 right now.
Lance
I believe most track saws come in a case, so I don’t see the added value there? If you’re not using Packout already it will make for a pretty bulky tool case, in my opinion.
B-Rad
Agreed, Lance. Packout is cumbersome/heavy if you’re not already in it. But if you are, the extra $240 going from bare tool (without a case) to the kit adds more than a battery and charger ($179 for the battery, $99 for charger if purchased separately right now), but also gets you the $119 packout which for some could be great deal.
Lance
I got the Makita 18×2 Track Saw as a special a couple years ago, $460 in Canada with two bonus 5Ah batteries. That’s about the best deal I recall on this saw.
Jake
Yeah, I think I got the saw, 1x track, 2x batteries +charger, and a “free” tool from CPO Outlets for $600 last year. I didn’t remember it being that expensive, but I just checked. I believe it came with two MAKPAC containers as well.
fred
I know that this launch has been highly anticipated – and the apparent delays om Milwaukee’s end seem to have been frustrating for many prospective users. Let’s hope that we can chalk this all up to Milwaukee’s desire to “get it right” – and that once the saw and components are in more people’s hands (beyond early testers) the wait will have proven to be worth it.
That being said, I’m not sure what I think about preordering items – this saw included. Preorders always seem to me to be impulse buys. You probably will pay at or close to MSRP when you preorder. You also will not have the benefit of reviews by early adopters. What you do get is some assurance that you will be among those early adopters – which might not happen otherwise if early production runs sell out quickly. How much that is worth I can’t judge – but if you have immediate needs there are alternatives if you can live with a different battery platform from M18. I bought a Makita XGT back in February for someone – but would have considered the Milwaukee if had been available.
Meanwhile, I soldier on with my old Festool 55 – and despite being underpowered and the cord sometimes catching on the work – I will probably stay with it unless it dies.
MoogleMan3
I agree in regards to preordering Fred. Best to wait for user experience to see if there’s any potential gotchas. Like you said though, I’m thinking it was more about Milwaukee getting it right the first time.
Is your ts 55 an older model? I recently used my ts 55 f (newest corded model) with a 28 tooth blade to rip some parawood worktops down and it was as smooth as I could imagine. It didn’t feel underpowered to me.
fred
I have a TSREQ purchased in 2015. My main application is for breaking down hardwood plywood for cabinetry and furniture making. For that it is fine.
I’ve also taken it on the road to the kid’s houses to cut countertop material (melamine, butcher block and some Corian). I was using a Festool 496309 48 tooth blade for the Corian and melamine – and the saw seemed to struggle a bit. Cutting the maple butcher block -(I think with a Forrest WW16507100) – I had to make multiple passes. I generally don’t use a track saw to rip/crosscut solid stock.
I also tried the saw to cut Ipe deck boards (laying the boards letting the ends run off the end and then trim to uniformity) and that was a no-go on my first test cut. Had to switch to my trusty Skil 77 and a straight edge – then touchup the cut ends.
AlexK
Even though I’m “chomping at the bit” for it, I’ll wait for it to show up. Being left handed, I want to get a feel for it and compare it to the Makita. Also, this has been an expensive period, no thanks to you, Stuart. Dangling enticing morsels in front of us.
$200- Fuel Router w/ two batteries and charger
$200- Fuel Grinder w/ two batteries and charger
$200- 1/2″ Impact Wrench and Ratchet
$140- Ridgid Rolling Cart w/ three cases. Love it! The removable wheels make a huge difference.
I might be skipping some. Just started sipping my coffee.
Working at a dump/transfer station has its perks- on Sunday, someone dropped off some Makita black/white tools. Two 18v drills, one impact driver, two 3ah batteries and a charger. He switched to Milwaukee and wanted to pass it on. I’ll play with it and see if there is any reason to keep them. If they just sit around, I’ll pass them on to someone that can use them.
AlexK
As the coffee kicks in……
$99- Ryobi 18ga nailer
$49- Bosch level
What else am I forgetting?
B-Rad
Haha, I’m right there with ya buddy. And the seasons not over yet!
Munklepunk
Those old black/white Makitas were good tools, they were a compact option before brushless was a thing. I know people who still use them on jobsites. Plus, being 18v batteries are easy to find. While easily overtaken in power nowadays they are still very usable, just not much resale value.
Jim Felt
Finally our local (read non chain) tool vendors will have Milwaukee side by side with all their track saw competitors.
I’ve never owned one so going mostly cordless I’ve waited for this intro. We shall see.
P. S. We use a full size panel saw for the same kind of break downs but I’m no cabinet maker and it’s about as portable or battery operated as a steam locomotive.
fred
I recall a Rube-Goldberg sort of joke cartoon years ago about a motor-drive for an 8×10 view camera – I think they showed a sketch along with oxen and wagon – with an Ansel Adams characture making their way up a mountain to take some “action pictures”. So, I guess an awful lot can be called portable – including that steam locomotive.
Back to panel saws – we also had a Safety Speed Saw in our cabinet shop. Neither it – nor the sliding table saw we had – were even remotely portable – being bolted down to the concrete floor.
I was skeptical about the merits of a track saw. I had always used a Porter Cable 4-1/2-inch worm gear trim saw and a shop-made straight edge to break down sheets before finishing cutting on my (basement shop) Unisaw. I held off – but then jumped in 7 years ago with a corded Festool. I can’t say that it is entirely a game changer – but it makes work faster and easier – often with at least one cut edge good-to-go before it even gets to the table saw
Chris
People! Do not preorder, you’ve already waited this long.
Wait for Home Depot or others to throw in a discount, free tool, free battery, etc.
I have a huge collection of Milwaukee tools and the biggest thing I can count on is that someone WILL have a better deal within the first 2 months. It’s like clockwork at this point.
Stuart
I doubt that’s going to happen for a very long time.
Demand is going to be high, and I have a feeling the pricing is already aggressive for competitiveness.
With preorders, you can always change your mind and cancel. Most if not all power tool vendors don’t charge you until something shops, unless you pay via PayPal.
Lance
I agree with Chris. Anyone waiting for this saw obviously CAN wait, and has already waited a long time. Soon it will be on the shelves and not long after will qualify for discounts.
I pay full regular price for almost nothing, and I have Makita 18v tools and live in Canada, those two statements combining to say I see hardly any good discounts or promotions. Still I get and wait for deals whenever possible.
At least my growing collection of M12 tools sees some decent discounts from time-to-time.
fred
BTW – it does seem that ACME will allow the TOOLGUYD coupon on these preorders – saving $10
What I also noticed is that for kits including tracks there is a big ($349 in one case) handling fee added at Acme. Considering the potential to bend a track into an expensive hunk of scrap metal with bad shipping – I might see the need for some TLC. I recall that my Festool 2700mm track came in a wood shipping crate surrounding the carton.
B-Rad
Not to hijack the post, but I’m surprised how the price narrows between to the updated cordless Festool as you add components:
-Milwaukee bare tool (no case) – $399
-Festool updated cordless TSC 55 KEB bare tool (with systainer) – $499
= saving $100
-Milwaukee kit (1 – 6ah battery and case) – $639
-Festool kit (2 – 5.2ah batteries and case) – $699
= saving $60
-Milwaukee kit with 55” guide rail – $768
-Festool kit with 55” guide rail – $799
= save $31
(The corded version of the updated Festool kit with 55” rail is $699 for reference)
$31 savings is not likely to sway anyone on price alone once you’re spending over $750. This makes things interesting and I suppose narrows the choice exclusively towards how it will integrate into a persons existing tool/storage systems, rather than just being seen as a cheaper option to the Festool, which it really isn’t.
Im curious how those heavily invested in Milwaukee will weigh the system integration advantage of a brand’s first gen tool against the well known and tested platform with possibly better value retention of Festool.
Definitely excited to see it get out in the hands of users and see how it stacks up to an increasingly competitive segment. And those preordering will have to fill us in once you get it!
MoogleMan3
Exactly my thoughts; bare tools price is solid, but once you start adding necessary accessories, you’re right in festool territory.
I’m still interested in the m18 even though I have a corded festool, out of curiosity.
Lance
But… REDLithium, lol!
Sergey
That’s what keeps me wondering as well – why wait for a first gen unproven tool when you can get the best track saw system from Festool (Mafell, shut up) today for pretty much the same money?
I guess it’s a viable option when you are already on the M18 platform and all you need is a bare tool and a track.
If you are not, Festool offers much more value.
Rick
Mafell…… what every F-tool hopes to be when they grow up……. lol!!
Sorry, I just couldn’t resist…..;_-) Heard someone say that years ago and thought it humorous. I’ve never had Festool, but I do have Mafell.
fred
We never pulled the trigger on Mafell. Many years ago, we had a spate of customers asking for quotes on timber-framing (real and decorative) projects. We decided to get into it – but ended up buying Makita tools (16 inch saw, chain mortiser, 6 and 12 inch plans, and wheel sander). While we were convinced that the Mafell tools were likely superior – we choked on the price difference. As it turned out – the investment in the Makita tools paid off – but then the craze seemed to abate down to a trickle.
Steve L
When all tools had cords you were free to select the best tool for every use.
Now cordless tools can usually match a corded tool and many users have invested in a battery “platform” which can lock you into a specific brand. Milwaukee has set prices in between the most expensive and least expensive. My guess is those with Milwaukee batteries who want a stack saw will buy it but I at this point I see no compelling reason to buy a Milwaukee track saw if you don’t have M18 batteries.
I have an older corded Festool TS 55 and TS 75. Going cordless has never been a big deal to me because the saws are many used indoors with a vacuum hose connected.
If dust collection is important you will always have a hose trailing the saw. Adding a cord changes little.
Harrison
Yeah I generally agree with that sentiment for shop use- and even on site as a track saw should always be used with a vacuum. Plus if you’re doing precision work, the building will definitely have power.
That said, we got screwed one time when we couldn’t run our corded track saw or vacuum off any of the circuits in a client’s house during an install- because the brushed AC motor kept setting off the first-gen AFCI breakers.
Pretty much stopped buying small corded tools from that point on.
Adam
I agree, I have the Mafell corded Mt 55 track saw, cordless would be good in some situations, I like the festool cordless , then I would have to spend more money on batteries, but most of the time I prefer corded., especially with dust extraction.
Nate
I chose the Festool TS-55 (will be replaced with a TS-75) because I wanted the “ecosystem” with the routers and MFT. It was spendy, but I haven’t been disappointed. And the Domino is just “game-changing”.
They are an absolute pleasure to use. My Festool lives in the shop with its’ MFT-3 and a CT-MIDI dust extractor. Final tool is the ETS-125EC sander which has made a tedious chore a lot easier. Cordless wouldn’t have gotten me much convenience with any of those tools. I don’t totally drink the green, and cordless has its’ place. My DeWalt 20V jigsaw is great, as is the Atomic OMT, and my Bosch 12v installation tool (my favorite cordless tool ever). All other tools are corded (jointer, planer, table saw, router table, drill press) and I am happy.
Most of my cordless use case is for my own construction and outdoor work (deck and trimwork on house), where precision doesn’t count as much as finish work and furniture building. For that I chose Metabo HPT (high bang for buck, good quality, very usable, and adequate precision).
Yard tools (which I consider to be a disposable tool category) is Ryobi 40v. The chainsaw and polesaw are actually really good, but they do run through bar oil…
Charles
exactly this. I want to buy this saw. I love m18 tools. But I have trouble thinking when I would use this over my TS75. It could happen, but I’d need to trim a lot of onsite doors. Otherwise there’s always a hose attached, why not a plug?
Now if they run a deal, I won’t be able to resisit.
Blythe
Do we know for sure what other brands of track it will work with?
MoogleMan3
Works with festool pattern tracks, so makita, powertec, triton, etc.
Soup
Despite being very heavily invested in Milwaukee, I don’t regret biting the bullet and getting the Makita set this year. Milwaukee just waited way too long for me.
MoogleMan3
Same, but I splurged on the festool corded.
Eric
I got the Makita as well about 18 months ago. I’ll probably get the Milwaukee still to go back to one battery system but will put it through it’s paces before I sell the Makita set.
Nathan
It’s an interesting piece but not for me. I hope one day just out of spite they or SBD offers a 7-1/4 and/or 6-1/2 track plate adapter for their normal circ saws. just to do so.
I get the dust collection and I like it etc – but I don’t really need it to be that tight nor that costly. but I do need a circ saw for the other things a circ saw does.
fred
Some of the Makita cordless saws already have baseplates that conform to the configuration of the Makita/Festool Tracks. But that still does not make them plunge track saws. It just provides an option.
Chip
Too late, too expensive, and too many failures on Gen 1’s.
I waited on Milwaukee till 2018, when I bought the makita with its cases , 55 track, 4 batteries and charger for $300.
Even having an Xl box, batteries, and 39/55/118 Makita tracks on which it could ride.
To much risk for the cost of the bare tool only.
Festool style rail is outdated, your clamps are too far from the cut for narrow pieces.
I’ve added Bosch rails , better rail connection, and clamps much closer to the cut.
Have also added an Metabo (not hpt) guide compatible 6 1/2saw,planning on adding the true tracksaw….. Or mafell which uses Metabo batteries, and fit the Bosch/Metabo/Mafell rails.
John E
Mafell. Most (and best) money I’ve ever spent on portable power tools.
TomD
Be sure to order from someone you trust to replace the guide if it gets damaged in shipping.
I had to have my festool one shipped twice because the first time it was badly bent.
Eric
I plan to wait until it’s officially released. I have the Makita system and am pretty happy with it other than having to lug a second battery system around. Anyway, having money tied up in preorder is operating money I can use in the meantime. When I get the Milwaukee, I’ll sell the Makita kit and the difference will only be a few hundred depreciation that I’ve far made up from jobs. I’ll actually probably splurge on the bigger Festool domino this month instead (I have the smaller and love it) or one of those Castle pocket hole machines to get away from the Kreg.
Charles
I’ll buy it but I’ll wait till the release. Definite advantages for job sites but I have the big Festool track saw so it’s no rush
If they actually give me a deal on something then I will commit earlier. Ironically the one thing I don’t need is free batteries I think I’ve got 30 or 40 Milwaukee batteries
Charles
so… I probably won’t buy it until they send a deal. It’s just really hard to look at my TS75 and festool vacs and think I really need this.
I need a deal to bite. Or a project that has a use case over the festool. And I keep hiring people these days, and they have their own tools..
Hammerhead
I got tired of waiting for this and bought the Mikita x2,18v. The kit with saw, 2 5.0 batteries, dual charger, 2 cases, 1 for saw, 1 for batteries and charger plus 2- 55” tracks and a pair of clamps for $620. So yeah it’s overpriced.
Milwaukee has become too proud of their tools and who sends emails promoting a tracksaw in September and still can’t deliver 5 months later if they even get it out. By the way I absolutely love the Makita..