Track Saw Model: Milwaukee M18
Wittworks Track Saw Rating: 99 out of 100
Milwaukee Track Saw Review: The Track Saw I Didn’t Want to Love
If you're in the market for a track saw, Milwaukee’s offering might just be the perfect fit. Combining exceptional build quality, top-tier performance, and a solid set of features, this tool received an almost perfect score. Whether you're a professional woodworker or a serious DIYer, the Milwaukee track saw checks nearly every box. Let's dive into the details of what makes this saw stand out—and where it really excels.
Fit & Finish: A Premium Build
Score: 10/10
From the moment you pick up the Milwaukee track saw, you’ll notice how solid and well-built it feels. The construction is top-notch, with no cheap plastic or flimsy components. Everything about this saw oozes quality, from the sturdy body to the finely crafted track system. If you’re looking for a tool that’ll last and take heavy use, the Milwaukee track saw is built to handle it.
Blade: High Performance Right Out of the Box
Ease of Blade Change: 2/3
Swapping blades on the Milwaukee saw is straightforward, and the tool locks securely at the correct depth for a hassle-free change. The only way this could be improved upon is if the blade is automatically locked in place like the Festool.
Stock Blade: 2/2
The stock blade is one of the best out there—capable of handling a variety of materials with ease. Whether you’re cutting plywood, MDF, or softwood, it delivers clean, smooth cuts right out of the gate.
Blade Size & Arbor: 165mm Blade, 20mm Arbor
The 165mm blade and 20mm arbor size are standard but are usually pricier than circular saw blades (which have a different arbor size) and are more challenging to find. Home Centers don’t carry these in store.
Safety: Packed with Features
Riving Knife/Anti Kickback: 5/5
The riving knife is well-designed and it moves independently from the saw blade. This minimizes kickback and ensures smoother, safer cuts, even when making plunge cuts.
Off-Cut Splinter Guard: 1/1
A key feature that’s often overlooked in other models—this saw includes an onboard splinter guard, which keeps your offcut splinter free- allowing you to use that piece. Festool is the only other track saw that has this. It’s a small but important touch.
Scoring Function: 1/1
The scoring function works flawlessly.
Depth Gauge: Accurate and User-Friendly
Accuracy: 2/2
The depth gauge is spot on, giving you exact control over your cuts.
Fine Tune Adjustment: 2/2
This is one area where the Milwaukee track saw truly shines. The fine-tune adjustment for depth is incredibly smooth and precise, allowing you to make tiny adjustments with ease in case there is a variance in your depth scale.
User Experience: 3/3
With its intuitive depth settings and smooth one-handed operation, this depth adjustment is my favorite.
Dust Extraction: A Clean Cut, Literally
Hose Compatibility: 3/3
The Milwaukee track saw is compatible with Festool and Centec hoses, meaning you can hook it up to your premium dust collection system without any hassle.
Effectiveness: 3/3
When it comes to dust extraction, this saw gets it right. It collects a significant amount of dust, keeping your workspace cleaner and your lungs healthier. Compared to other saws, this one stands out for its effective dust management.
Bevel Cutting: Effortless Precision
Readability/Detents for Common Angles: 4/4
The detents for common bevel angles like 22.5°, 45°, and 90° are clear and easy to set, making angle adjustments quick and accurate.
Return to 90: 5/5
The Milwaukee saw returns to a perfect 90 every time without the need for a square.
Anti-Tip: 2/2
The saw’s anti-tip mechanism is solid and reliable, preventing the tool from tipping over during angled cuts.
Track Friction Adjustments: 3/3
Track friction adjustments are smooth and simple, allowing you to make fine-tuned changes for perfect, straight cuts without slop in the base.
Motor: Power and Precision
Variable Speed: 2/2
Milwaukee’s track saw includes variable speed, a major benefit for working with different materials.
Sound & Feel: 5/5
The motor runs smoothly and quietly, with minimal vibration. The tool feels solid in hand and performs reliably, even during long cutting sessions. I also love how quickly the blade stops after you release the trigger.
2” Hard Maple Test: 5/5
The Milwaukee saw passes the 2” hard maple test with ease. It cuts through thick hardwoods without breaking a sweat, providing clean, consistent cuts. It’s a true workhorse for tough materials. I was surprised at how well the stock cross-cut blade performed during this ripping cut. When we tested it with a proper ripping blade, it was even better. Cutting through 2” of hard maple felt like a hot knife cutting through butter.
Track: High Quality and Precision
Build Quality: 5/5
The track is made from high-quality materials and has a sleek, durable finish. It provides the stability and accuracy you need for precise cuts.
Design Profile: 4/4
Milwaukee’s guide rail is compatible with a wide range of accessories and matches the industry standard. I’m glad they didn’t reinvent the wheel and make you buy proprietary accessories.
Size Options: 3/3
Milwaukee offers a range of track sizes: 31”, 55” and 106”.
Rubber Splinter Guard Stickiness: 3/3
The rubber splinter guard is sticky and stays in place, helping to eliminate splintering and tear-out on your cuts.
Anti-Slip Grips: 3/3
The anti-slip grips are excellent, keeping the track firmly in place as you cut.
Clamp Compatibility: 2/2
The track is fully compatible with standard track saw clamps, ensuring it stays secure during use.
3rd Party Accessory Compatibility: 4/4
The track is designed to work with a wide range of third-party accessories, giving you plenty of flexibility when it comes to customizing your setup.
Warranty: Confidence in the Product
Score: 5/5
Milwaukee offers a 5-year warranty with this tool, which is excellent for those looking for peace of mind. The warranty covers a lot of potential issues, providing great value for your investment.
Price / Value: Worth Every Penny
Score: 10/10
The Milwaukee track saw is not the cheapest option on the market, but it offers exceptional value for the price. With its solid build, powerful motor, and impressive set of features, it easily justifies the cost. If you’re looking for a track saw that delivers performance and durability, this one is well worth the investment.
Who is this Saw For?
The Milwaukee track saw is a great choice for anyone who values precision and durability. It’s ideal for professionals, hobbyists, or DIY enthusiasts who need a reliable, high-performing tool. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the quality and performance it delivers make it an excellent investment. If you’re already using Milwaukee batteries or have an affinity for the brand, this saw will be a perfect addition to your tool collection.
Who Should NOT Buy This Saw?
The Milwaukee track saw may not be the right choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for a cheaper option. It also might not be for those who are already committed to a different battery platform or brand. If price is your primary concern, or you’re already loyal to another system, there are other options available.
Final Thoughts:
The Milwaukee track saw is a near-perfect tool that excels in almost every category. It’s built to last, delivers excellent performance, and offers features that make it incredibly user-friendly. Whether you’re cutting softwood, plywood, or dense hardwood, this saw can handle it all with precision and power. While it’s not the cheapest on the market, the value it provides for serious woodworkers is second to none. If you’re in the market for a top-tier track saw, the Milwaukee should be at the top of your list. The one thing I wish the saw could do is to wirelessly trigger my dust extractor via bluetooth. If Milwaukee came out with a bluetooth version of the m18 batteries, with a mating dongle that plugs into an extractor, this would be come my #1 favorite track saw.
