Track Saws are a really unique tool. Essentially an advanced circular saw is designed to be run on a track to provide an unparalleled ability for clean, square and precise cuts. For a significant portion of users, a track saw all but eliminates the need for a table saw. This alone makes them an attractive option for professionals who need portability and versatility for job site applications. Woodworkers will as well love the ability to trim tabletops and break down sheet goods in a seriously efficient way. Bosch made waves earlier in 2019 with the launch of their Track Saw here in the US, a tool that had been available oversees fo some time. Today we will get a better look and talk about my experience with this tool in the Bosch Track Saw Review.
A Little About the Brand-
Bosch Track Saw Review
Bosch has a long history of making some of the most innovative and advanced tools available today. I recently spoke to a group of people and mentioned that Bosch has never disappointed me in terms of their quality and performance. When manufacturers market their tools, it’s fairly common to have some things you feel a bit let down on. This just isn’t the case with Bosch in general. Their tools are designed for the most discerning professionals and they know their obligation is ultimately to provide the best tools for their users.
Bosch is also a manufacturer that I lean towards often as they make a wide range of very well-made tools for woodworkers. Their Routers are some of my favorites, and tools like the Freak always stick out in my mind as some of my favorite and most useful tools.
A Little about the Tool-
Bosch Track Saw Review
This particular Track Saw has been available in the UK and some other Bosch markets for some time and is seen as a saw to beat in those markets. Often, this saw is compared to the Maffell, one of the indisputable leaders of the Track Saws on the market.
When it was announced that this saw was coming to the US, the questions came hot and heavy. A lot of users expressed concern for it being a corded tool and the initial sticker shock of the price. Thankfully, once the tool has ended up in the hands of users, the dialogue has changed to this saw now being the one to beat on the market. Side note, for users who really desire a cordless track saw from Bosch, you won’t have to wait long, as we are set to have one in the US in 2020.
Standout Features-
Bosch Track Saw Review
The Bosch Track Saw GKT13-225 is a plunge saw that offers smooth and precise cuts.
Engineered with advanced electronics and overload protection, the saw is meant to perform under heavy loads while also protecting the motor. As well, a lockout provides protection from unwanted use. The 13 Amp motor provides a no-load RPM of 3600 to 6250 for sufficient power to offer clean and precise cuts.
Bosch includes a 6.5 inch, 48-tooth blade that is an incredibly impressive stock blade that was clearly designed for clean cuts in a variety of sheet goods and hardwoods. The saw has a 20 mm arbor with an onboard hex key for convenient and quick blade changes.
The design of the plunge mechanism provides a very smooth and intuitive motion during use. I feel this is a strong point in this saw as the overall motion and tension is just right.
Bosch included both metric and imperial markings for precise depth measurements. Additionally, Bosch allows the red knob to be twisted to accurately plunge based on use with or without the track.
The single bevel point provides a universal set up between bevel or non-bevel cut, allowing the user to set the saw and track up the same way. The saw has a -1-degree to a 47-degree maximum bevel allowing users a range of versatility.
The dust collection on this saw is two-fold, the rear connection has a swiveling port to allow the hose to move freely with the saw. The front window allows even better collection by blocking ejection on the front of the saw. If needed though, this can easily be opened for front ejection.
The Tracks-
Bosch Track Saw Review
The Tracks are a standout in the tool’s overall use and offer several features to increase performance.
There are two tension adjustment knobs on the base of the saw, one on the front and one on the back, these allow adjustments to be made for the saw to move as desired along the tracks. This also prevents unwanted twisting and movement, something incredibly important in getting the best results.
Bosch’s tracks have a solid overall build quality that is durable and well thought out. Bosch also designed the tracks to be able to be connected based on application and need. The plastic end caps allow the hose to slide freely against the track, preventing undesired disconnections.
Additionally, accessories are available such as the track clamps, model number FSN KZW, that add another layer of useful features.
Replaceable splinter guards, as well as optional clamps also give more versatility to the saws use.
Value-
Bosch Track Saw Review
The Bosch Track Saw is an incredible tool, full of features and incredible performance. Track Saws are an investment and aren’t a tool you’re likely to purchase more than once or twice in your life. The Bosch model, GKT13-225 runs $599.00 for the Saw itself, which includes the L-Boxx Case. The Tracks start at $69.00 for the 31.5-inch track, model FSN800. While the Bosch model isn’t the lowest priced one on the market, it also isnt the highest. I think it is an incredible value for users needing every small measure of precision. Bosch put their legendary build quality and engineering into this tool, making it a tool that exceeds every expectation in terms of overall performance.
My Thoughts-
Bosch Track Saw Review
I wish there was something, even something small I could say about this Saw that is anything less than amazing. Bosch did an incredible job taking the best features from other Track Saws on the market and incorporating it into this in meaningful ways.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty- let’s start with the plunge mechanism. So, I once had the opportunity to drive a Maserati for a day, and if I were going to compare anything to the way that baby handled, well it would be how the Bosch feels when it plunges. It’s smooth, sure, tight and so dang clean it’s just the best comparison I can think of. It handles like the beauty it is.
The adjustments on the plunge as well make perfect sense, offering both configurations for when used with the track and when it isn’t. As well it offers both imperial and metric markings, something I think demonstrates the inclusion of needed features. The bevel gauge has exceptional visibility and has secure engagement, keeping the saw true to the angle as you’re cutting. I mention this as it is a common issue with circular saws, to see some wobble in the angle through a longer cut. On something like a Track Saw, that could make a massive difference in its ability to cross into different trades.
Bosch also included a heck of a blade for a stock option, I was amazed that even on pecan, which is a wood known to beat up blades for sport, the cut was clean as day. I used it on pine, walnut and plywood as well with good results all around. Cuts are clean and easy with no tear out thanks to the splinter guard. You can see here even on a joint, just how clean the cut stayed.
The saw is overall just comfortable to use, once you get the calibrations just right, you’re in a good spot to let it rip and trust you’ll end up with a perfect cut. The Dust Collection is exceptional, and I would consider this a two-phase feature. The backport allows easy connection to a variety of dust extractors and swivels to minimize catching. The other side of the dust collection is the front window. When closed, virtually no dust is left on the track, something that is a key component in the performance of any saw. Compared to other track saws I have used, there is no question the Bosch dust collection is the best I have seen.
Now, a key part of a Track Saw setup, in general, comes down to the tracks. Again, Bosch definitely came to the party well-stocked with their tracks. There is a fair amount of useful additions, such as the track caps that reduce catching of cords and hoses. The splinter guard does a great job in assisting the saw in making clean cuts. The bottom of the track grips well to the work surface making set up even easier. There are optional clamps that can be added for additional security, but I haven’t found this necessary yet.
One of the standout features of the saw and track together is the ability to adjust the tension of the saw shoe to the track. I liked this a lot because some users will have preferences on how easily a saw moves on the track, and I also think it offers a lot of security to some users.
When it comes down to it, this saw is an amazing tool. There is really nothing negative you can say, other than users would prefer it to be cordless. Because I use mine in the shop and have a dust extractor attached, this isn’t a huge factor to me. As well, we have a cordless version coming next year for users who need that, and Bosch has some of the best battery technology on the market to back it up.
I have found this tool pulled out into the shop even more that I initially thought it would be and it is a pleasure to use. Bosch definitely put serious consideration into making this the Track Saw to beat on the market.