About Makita
Makita has been catering to the needs of professional woodworkers since 1915. We were not surprised to learn that Makita has a large selection of corded power tools and cordless powertools, thanks to their industry experience.
They make sure these tools have enough power, despite their lighter weight. Makita has a wide range of accessories and blades that can be used with different woodworking tools, which you will see if you scan their products like our team.
Our Top Pick: Makita SP6000J
The Makita SP6000J is more portable than a standard circular saw. This unit is more portable than a standard circular saw and can be moved around the jobsite with less restriction. We noticed that the Makita guides rails are anodized aluminum. It means that it can produce more precise cuts without the risk of excessive tearing.
Although Makita tracks are lighter than other track saws, it runs with a powerful 12-amp motor and an impressive variable speed of 2000 to 5200 RPM. Makita track saws are also capable of bevel cuts up to 48 degrees angle.
Festool
Festool tracksaws were not introduced until the 1980s, despite the fact that the company was around since 1925. Despite their belated industry entrance, Festool tracks became known for their professional-grade quality and smooth-cutting operations.
Besides Festool track saws, the brand is popular for innovating cordless tools like chainsaws, drills, jigsaws, etc. Festool products can be a little expensive, but they are user-oriented and are focused on providing the best efficiency and convenience.
Our Top Pick: Festool’s TS5 ReqF-Plus
Festool tracksaws such as the TS5 ReqF-Plus have guide rails that attach to them. This will allow you to make precise cuts and can be very helpful for beginners. This cordless track also has anti-tipping and a riving knife. Thanks to these, your new track will produce less kickback than other tools.
This Festool product also has a Fast-Fix system, making blade changes easier. This cordless track saw can perform depth adjustments with ease thanks to its innovative plunge mechanism.
Features Of Makita SP6000J And Festool TS55 Req-F-Plus
Overview Of Features
Power
Both Makita track saws and Festool offer reliable power output. The Makita tracksaw has a slightly longer run time and power capacity than the Festool option due to its battery-powered limitations. The motor is 10-amp, so it can handle even the most difficult materials.
Depth Adjustment
The two saws can be adjusted at a 45 and 90-degree angle. This feature is essential if you intend to make angled cuts using a tracksaw. As you may know, bevel cutting requires more focus and flexibility than straight cuts.
The slight difference between Festool and Makita track saw options is that TS 55 REQ-F-PLUS lets the users control their micro-points. This guarantees the highest accuracy.
Variable Speed
It’s no surprise that Makita track saws and Festool tracksaws are made by reputable brands. Both models have industry-standard variable speeds. In a no-load configuration, both track saws can shift from 2000 RPM to 5200 RPM operation without any problem.
For this particular Makita track saw, no speed inconsistency should hinder users as it runs with electronic controls. Through this feature, the RPM settings will be maintained more accurately.
Performance
The springs of the Festool track proved to be more resistant than the other unit. It is important to mention that the Makita alternative has smoother operations. On top of that, it features better release mechanisms.
Mobile track saws such as TS 55 REQF-PLUS are limited in their operational time due to their battery capacity. Due to this, the track saw operations might need to halt when your tool needs to charge. This limitation doesnt apply to Makita as an electrical outlet powers it.
Guide Ridge Width
A track saw that has a reliable guide rail is essential for smooth cutting. Fortunately, both track saw options are wide enough to deliver accurate cuts.
If you measure the units like we did, however, you’ll find that the Makita tracksaw is.3mm larger than Festools guideridge.
Splinter Guard Strip
Anyone familiar with track saws will tell you that tearing is normal when making your first cut. The units in this comparison post have a splinter protector strip which reduces the possibility of tearing and improves cutting precision.
It was easy to see that Makita used softer material to make their guard strips. Regardless, the rubber-like construction makes it good for accuracy.
Festool, on the other hand designed its track saw selection using a hard polymer. This material increases the tool’s precision.
Non-slip Strips
Our teams also discovered that both tracks have non-slip stripes. You may not know, but this feature provides users with a more stable cutting experience and an additional layer of safety.
These strips allow both tools to grip the rails tightly and can move freely without interruption. In this Festool track vs. Makita comparison, it is evident that Makita has a narrower strip material.
Glide Strips
Glide strips are another feature that will make cutting easier. Your track saws weight is carried by this component, which ensures more friction during the cutting sessions.
You might assume that these track saws look similar at first glance. However, trust us when we say that Makita has a wider and more serrated top surface than Festool strips.
Extra Features
High-powered cutting tools such as these track saws require reliable dust ports. And while both units have dust collection systems with similar dimensions, Makitas inserts dont get in the way of other knobs, unlike Festool.
Festools riving knives are a great tool safety option. They prevent rip cuts which can lead to kickback. This helps to keep the piece in its place, so that it doesn’t come into contact with the teeth of the blade.
