DeWalt Track Saw DWS520 Tool Review
Up Against Festool and Makita, Woodworking Projects Made Precise
Dec 31, 2008
It seems odd that such a great tool was invented so long ago, yet remained unchallenged by competitors for so long. Yet, that's what happened, and all of a sudden, the Festool TS55 is duking it out for market share with both the DeWalt DWS520 and the Makita SP6000K.
How Much will a Plunge Cut Saw set a Woodworker Back?
All three tools are in the price range of $400 USD to $600 USD depending on sales and promotions. The prices are expected stabilize once the introduction period is over, just as with any other consumer commodity like plasma TVs.
Woodworking forums are chattering about whether the price of these tools are justified. That's understandable; these tools are indeed an investment. But bear in mind that these are contractor-grade tools, and destined to last.
It's interesting that these kind of tools seem to bridge the gap between power tools and woodworking jigs.
What Makes the DeWalt Stand Out?
Their own ad claims, “table saw precision, panel saw capacity, hand saw portability.” Indeed, and all of the the “big three” satisfy that criteria. But DeWalt seems to have anticipated the competition and focused on features:
- Anti-kickback. Any woodworker who has ever used a circular saw knows the frustration and the “Oh-no” feeling when the blade binds in the stock and the saw kicks back and reverses direction. The DWS520 implements a feature to eliminate travel-back.
- The DeWalt saw will operate on the Festool rail or track. This is not possible in reverse; the TS55 saw will not operate properly on the DWS520 track. Fishing for converts? Perhaps, but versatility is king.
- The DeWalt tool will cut parallel to the floor (as in cutting doors), while the competition won't.
- Setting of the blade depth. The DW saw takes the track into consideration while the TS55 does not; why bother with more math than needed when working with exotic woods?
Bevel-Cutting with a Track Saw
This is one of the areas where a track saw shines. Many home improvements and woodworking projects need to cut a bevel on the edge of the stock.
A router table will yield an impressive bead, but for a simple bevel, nothing beats a track saw, without the “wood-burns” that must be sanded out and alter the plane of the finished product.
When would this be an advantage? Custom-making crown molding or baseboards are good examples. Making picture frames as a side business is another.
A Cordless Alternative
DeWalt also makes a cordless version of their track saw, but expect to pay more for it. Why? The types of batteries required to provide juice to cordless power tools are expensive. Also, a battery charger must be included in the package.
In the final analysis, this is a great power tool to have. For contractors, it eliminates having to take material back to the shop from the work site for alteration. And for garage woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts, it will take the place of multiple power tools and make the most of available shop space.
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