In the world of woodworking and construction, a track saw has become an indispensable tool for many contractors and DIY enthusiasts. Renowned for its ability to deliver straight cuts comparable to those of a table saw without the hassle of transporting a bulky table saw, it excels at making precise on – site plunge cuts. Essentially, it’s a circular saw mounted on a guide rail, proving to be a time – and labor – saving asset for projects such as deck building, as well as creating bevels and crosscuts. Although track saws have been around for decades, recent design enhancements have boosted their popularity and affordability, prompting a comprehensive test.
Alongside four other track saws, the Bosch GKT13 – 255L Professional Track Saw was put through its paces. The testing involved breaking down sheet goods like birch plywood and cutting wood and composite decking for picture frame and breaker board details. Various aspects were carefully evaluated, including saw – to – track engagement, ease of plunge action, adjustments, dust management, storage, track length, and blade change. Ultimately, the Bosch emerged as the top performer, thanks to its superior design, user – friendly nature, and outstanding performance.
What is the Bosch GKT13 – 255L Professional Track Saw?
The Bosch GKT13 – 255L Professional Track Saw is a high – end tool designed to deliver professional – grade, high – quality, and reliable results across a wide range of remodeling and woodworking projects. It is equipped with robust electronic feedback control (EFC), which ensures that the blade maintains a consistent rotation speed for clean cuts.
Unlike other track saws that operate on a square rail, the Bosch model glides on a thin, low – friction bead that runs along the entire length of the track. This corded track saw comes with a 48 – tooth 6½ – inch blade and an L – BOXX storage box. The swiveling dust port offers flexibility; it can be connected to a dust collection system or used independently to expel sawdust away from the work area and the user.
The saw has a beveling range from – 1 degree to + 47 degrees, allowing for a slight back – bevel, which is perfect for detailing old wood doors. During testing, it was mainly used at 90 degrees on sheet goods and decks. The Bosch track and connector kit is sold separately at some retailers and included with the saw at others. This kit contains two 63 – inch tracks, a connector, and a nylon bag, significantly simplifying traveling and storage.
Ease of Use
The Bosch corded track saw stands out as a premium tool with ingeniously designed features that address many of the common pain points associated with typical track saws. For the tasks at hand, specifically remodeling and deck building, two features in particular set the Bosch apart from other top – notch track saws.
Firstly, the plunge release is a straightforward, intuitive thumb switch located at the top of the saw’s rear handle. There are no secondary releases or hidden buttons to decipher, making the operation intuitive and efficient.
Secondly, the track design is a game – changer. Instead of the more common approximately ½ – inch tall by ¾ – inch wide rectangular, raised rail, the Bosch saw rides on a thin bead. This design results in the saw’s base locking in place with fewer wiggles and adjustments compared to other saws. Although it may seem like a minor detail, it enhances the overall user experience.
In addition to the precise track design, a single length of the track is often sufficient for many types of cuts, including long ones. The longest cuts made during testing were approximately 16 feet for breaker (or parting) boards and picture frames on wood and composite decks. While it is possible to connect the two 63 – inch sections, one section is long enough to provide a good push. Then, the track and saw can be repositioned for the next cut. When working alone, it is easier to keep the saw aligned with the cut line while making steady progress with a single – section track. Moreover, this smooth and quiet saw effectively ejects dust away from the user and the cut line to the rear of the saw.
Is the Bosch Track Saw Worth the Investment?
The Bosch track saw and rail kit come with a combined price tag of nearly $1,000. It is possible to achieve similar results at a lower cost using an old – fashioned site – or shop – made “shoot board” and a worm – drive circular saw with a decent blade. However, the Bosch offers a combination of factors that justify its price.
The same high – quality cuts, reliability, ease of deployment, efficient storage, and user – friendly operation across multiple tasks are directly related to its cost. This is particularly evident when working with expensive sheet goods like birch plywood, where the veneer layer can easily chip out without a splinter guard. In such cases, the Bosch track saw’s ability to prevent chipping and deliver precise cuts makes it a worthwhile investment for professionals and serious DIYers alike.
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