Help Me Choose the Right Track Saw!

I went with a Makita corded model and honestly wish I'd splurged for the Festool (though I did score a super deal!). I've got Makita, Festool, and Powertec tracks, and they all perform well enough for my needs. You might want to keep an eye on prices; your Milwaukee costs are a bit high since Home Depot often has sales. If you're serious about dust collection, Festool is fantastic with its system, but if you're just doing casual work, go for what fits your budget.

The price you listed for the Milwaukee setup is a bit inflated; they usually go on sale, and you could snag it for a few hundred less. As for Festool, I can vouch that they’re worth the investment if you're dedicated to dust collection and looking for precision. For general DIY projects, you might manage just fine with something cheaper, especially if you don’t mind cutting in the driveway!

I recently bought the Festool TSC55K and paired it with two Makita tracks. After looking around, this setup felt more economical than grabbing a full Festool kit. Initially, I was torn between going corded or cordless, especially since I use mine with a dust extractor. In the end, I opted for cordless because the features suited my needs better, and I'm really happy with it!

From my experience with track saws, the Festool TS55 is my go-to because of the build quality and the accessories they offer. They have promos, so you might check that out for better deals. The Makita is a good alternative if you want to save a little; it performs similarly, but maybe not as refined as the Festool. If you want something more budget-friendly, then a Kreg may work, but that's more for light use.

I made the switch from a DeWalt to a Festool TS60, and I have zero regrets. While the DeWalt was decent, I found its features a bit annoying, especially with limited third-party accessories because of their proprietary track. I mostly use my saw connected to a dust extractor, which is why I think a corded model is worth it unless you're frequently working in areas with no power. If you’re thinking about using the tracks for various purposes, go for a corded one. Plus, TSO makes some useful accessories for these types of saws!

Festool's pretty much the gold standard; they invented the track saw concept, and from what I've used, it's still the best out there.

I've got the Makita corded saw, and while the cord can be slightly annoying, the performance is fantastic, especially with a dust collection setup. I saved some cash with Powertec tracks from Amazon, and they’ve worked well for my needs. A track square would definitely be a beneficial addition to your projects. Your planned uses are prime for a track saw, and I recommend dust collection to keep your workspace neat.

I also have a Festool TS55 and absolutely love it! I bought mine new but I've noticed plenty available on Marketplace for less—might be worth checking out! Overall, if you're committed to your woodworking, Festool sets the benchmark.