Track Saws & Plunge Saws

A track saw is a circular saw that plunges down into the cut and rides on an aluminum guide rail. It makes straight, clean cuts in sheet goods without a table saw, and the blade stays covered until you plunge. Kickback is still possible, and setup makes the difference.

• Construction
• Carpentry
• Cabinetry

Setup

• Support the whole sheet, including both sides of the cut, so the pieces can’t sag and pinch the blade. A sheet of rigid foam insulation on the floor or sawhorses works well.
• Clamp the rail to the work when you can, especially on short or narrow pieces and smooth surfaces where the rail can slide.
• Set the blade depth just deeper than the material, usually about 1/8 to 1/4 inch more.
• Make sure the riving knife (splitter) is installed and adjusted. It helps keep the cut from closing on the blade.
• Keep the power cord or battery and any dust hose clear of the rail so they don’t snag mid-cut.

Making the cut

• Stand to the side of the saw, not directly behind it.
• Let the blade reach full speed before plunging.
• Push the saw forward at a steady pace. Let the blade do the work.
• Keep both hands on the saw’s handles, not on the material in front of the blade.
• Release the plunge and let the blade retract and stop before lifting the saw off the rail.

• Don’t pull the saw backward while the blade is in the cut. Backing up against the blade’s rotation can make the saw climb out of the cut and toward you. Some saws have an anti-kickback lock on the rail; use it.
• Don’t force the saw if it slows or binds. Stop, let the blade stop, and find out why.
• Don’t cut pieces so small you can’t support or clamp them.

Dust

Track saws are designed for dust extraction. Connect a dust extractor, which also makes the cut line easier to see. Cutting cement board, solid surface or other mineral-based materials makes silica dust, so use the right blade, a dust extractor with a HEPA filter, and a respirator if needed. See Dust Extractors and Silica.

Blades and maintenance

• Unplug the saw or remove the battery before changing blades.
• Use the blade type and size the manufacturer specifies, installed with the teeth facing the right way.
• Replace the rail’s splinter strip when it’s chewed up, and keep the rail’s grip strips clean.

Before each cut

• Sheet fully supported on both sides of the cut
• Rail clamped or held firmly
• Depth set; riving knife in place
• Cord and hose clear of the rail
• Dust extractor on; safety glasses and hearing protection on

Last updated: October 2, 2026