Track Saw Model: Makita 40v
Wittworks Track Saw Rating: 85 out of 100
Makita 40V Track Saw Review: A Solid Performer with Some Clear Shortcomings
The Makita 40V XGT track saw is a powerful, high-performance tool that brings some impressive features to the table. With a sleek build, solid motor, and thoughtful design elements, it’s an appealing option for serious DIYers and professionals alike. However, while the saw excels in many areas, there are a few critical oversights that may make you think twice—especially if precision is key to your work. Here's an in-depth review of the Makita 40V track saw, breaking down its strengths and weaknesses.
Fit & Finish: High Quality Build
Score: 10/10
The Makita 40V track saw feels incredibly well-built from the moment you take it out of the box. The materials used, the construction, and the fit of the components are all top-notch, giving you confidence in the tool's durability. Whether you're using it on job sites or in your workshop, the build quality ensures the saw will withstand years of hard work.
Blade: Solid Performance Right Out of the Box
Ease of Blade Change: 2/3
Changing the blade on the Makita track saw is relatively easy. The depth lock works well and you can easily lock the blade in place.
Stock Blade: 2/2
The included stock blade performs admirably across various tasks. It’s sharp, durable, and delivers clean cuts.
Blade Size & Arbor: 6 ½” Blade, 20mm Arbor OR ⅝” Arbor
One unique feature of the Makita saw is the versatility in arbor options. It offers both a 20mm arbor AND a 6 ½” arbor, setting it apart from competitors. This flexibility makes it easy to switch between different blade types or manufacturers and utilize any blades you already own.
Safety: Lacking Critical Features
Riving Knife/Anti Kickback: 0/5
The Makita track saw is unfortunately missing both a riving knife and anti-kickback protection, which is a significant oversight for a tool in this price range. These features are essential for user safety. The absence of these features is disappointing and raises concerns, especially for users who prioritize safety.
Off-Cut Splinter Guard: 0/1
The Makita 40V track saw lacks an off-cut splinter guard.
Scoring Function: 0/1
The scoring function is another missing feature on this saw. You can always do your own scoring pass at 3mm depth though.
Depth Gauge: Inaccurate and Difficult to Use
Accuracy: 0/2
The depth gauge on the Makita saw is unfortunately inaccurate, making it difficult to get the precise cuts you might need for more detailed projects. For a tool that’s meant to cut with precision, this is a real drawback.
Fine Tune Adjustment: 0/2
There’s no fine-tune adjustment for the depth gauge, which limits your ability to make micro-adjustments for fine cuts. This is especially frustrating when you need to dial in a precise depth for intricate work. It would also have allowed users to correct the inaccuracy of the stock depth gauge easier.
User Experience: 0/3
All in all, the depth gauge leaves a lot to be desired. With its lack of accuracy and fine-tuning options, the user experience can be frustrating, particularly for those who need precise cuts on a regular basis. If you’re expecting easy, repeatable depth adjustments, you might want to look at other options.
Dust Extraction: Effective and Compatible
Hose Compatibility: 3/3
One area where the Makita track saw really shines is in its dust extraction capabilities. It works seamlessly with hoses from major brands like Festool and Centec.
Effectiveness: 3/3
The dust extraction system does a great job at vacuuming up sawdust as you cut. It helps keep your workspace cleaner and more organized, reducing the mess and improving visibility while you work.
Bevel Cutting: Accurate and Easy to Use
Readability/Detents for Common Angles: 4/4
The Makita track saw offers clear and precise detents for common bevel angles, including -1°, 0°, 22.5°, 45°, and 47°. These are easy to use and make adjusting the bevel a straightforward task.
Return to 90: 5/5
The saw returns to a perfect 90° angle with ease and accuracy, ensuring straight cuts every time. You won’t have to worry about the saw being off by even a degree when making square cuts.
Anti-Tip: 2/2
This saw includes an anti-tip feature, which helps keep the saw stable when performing angled cuts. This is a small but useful feature that adds to the overall safety and ease of use.
Track Friction Adjustments: 3/3
The track friction adjustments are easy to use and allow you to get the perfect amount of tension for smooth, controlled cuts without slop in the base.
Motor: Powerful with Variable Speed
Variable Speed: 2/2
The Makita track saw comes equipped with a variable-speed motor, which is a great feature for controlling the speed depending on the material you're cutting..
Sound & Feel: 5/5
This saw operates with minimal vibration and noise. The smooth operation and low vibration make it comfortable to use for long sessions without wearing you down or causing discomfort.
2” Hard Maple Test: 5/5
The Makita 40V track saw breezes through the 2” hard maple test, even with the stock cross cutting blade. Once equipped with a ripping blade, it breezed through even easier.
Guide Rail / Track: Solid and Stable
Build Quality: 5/5
The track is constructed with high-quality materials and ensures a steady, stable cutting experience. It’s built to last and performs exceptionally well under pressure.
Design Profile: 4/4
The design of the Makita track is simple and effective. While it’s not groundbreaking, it follows a solid design profile that many other saws use, providing the accuracy you need, as well as a lip for the anti-tip tab.
Size Options: 3/3
Makita makes a variety of track length options, including a 39”, 55” and 118”.
Rubber Splinter Guard Stickiness: 3/3
The rubber splinter guard sticks firmly to the workpiece, helping to reduce tear-out on the cut edge.
Anti-Slip Grips: 3/3
The anti-slip grips on the track provide extra stability, ensuring the saw stays in place and performs accurately throughout the cut.
Clamp Compatibility: 2/2
The Makita track is fully compatible with typical track saw clamps, ensuring a secure connection to your work surface.
3rd Party Accessory Compatibility: 4/4
The Makita track system is compatible with a wide range of third-party accessories, such as guide rail squares and parallel guides, adding versatility to your setup.
Warranty: Standard Coverage
Score: 3/5
The Makita 40V track saw comes with a 3-year warranty, which is solid but doesn’t stand out compared to competitors offering 5-year warranties. This is adequate coverage, but it would be nice to see more in the way of extended protection for the price.
Price / Value: Good, but Not Great
Score: 6/10
At its price point, the Makita 40V track saw offers solid performance and a few standout features, like its blade arbor options and powerful motor. However, the lack of safety features, inaccurate depth gauge, and missing scoring function hold it back. If you’re looking for a track saw that’s precise and safe to use regularly, there are better options available in the same price range, like the Milwaukee or Festool.
Who is This Saw For?
The Makita 40V XGT track saw is a solid option for those who don’t need extreme precision in every cut and who are looking for a powerful, versatile tool. If you’re not concerned with the lack of a riving knife, anti-kickback, or scoring function, this saw will meet your needs. It’s a good choice for general-purpose cutting and for those who are already using Makita’s 40V battery platform.
Who Should NOT Buy This Saw?
If you need precise depth cuts on a regular basis, the Makita 40V track saw might not be the best choice for you. The depth gauge is inaccurate and lacks fine-tuning, which could cause frustration on projects requiring high precision. Additionally, the lack of safety features (riving knife and anti-kickback) might make it less suitable for those who prioritize safety.
Final Verdict:
The Makita 40V XGT track saw is a solid performer with a few glaring flaws. It’s a good all-around tool for those looking for power and flexibility, but the lack of critical features, like a riving knife and precise depth gauge adjustments, may be deal-breakers for professionals or those who demand the highest accuracy and safety. For those willing to overlook these shortcomings, this saw offers great performance, but for a better overall experience, consider looking into other options like the Milwaukee or Festool.
