Track saws (also called plunge saws or guided saws) are circular saws that run on a guide rail. They are common in cabinet shops and professional finish carpentry.
They also collect dust far better than a standard circular saw. Here is why, and what you need to take advantage of that.
Why Track Saws Are Better at Dust Collection
A standard circular saw has an open guard. A lot of dust sprays out the sides, backward, and downward. Only a fraction goes through the port at the back of the guard.
A track saw uses a different design. The blade is fully enclosed within a housing that presses down against the guide rail. The rail itself has a foam strip on the bottom that seals against the workpiece. That seal creates a nearly closed chamber around the cut. Almost all the dust has to go out through the dust port.
The result is dramatically better capture. Festool claims over 95 percent dust extraction efficiency for their TS 55 track saw when connected to a CT dust extractor. Standard circular saws stay well behind that, even with a good adapter, because the open guard leaks dust no matter what you connect.
Measure Your Track Saw Port
Track saw ports come in several styles. Some use a maker-specific hose connection and some use a plain friction fit. Do not trust a chart. Measure the port on your own saw.
Do not trust a chart. Tool makers change port sizes between models, and sometimes within one line. Measure across the inside of the port opening with calipers or a ruler. If the port is a stub, measure across the outside. Then measure the end of your hose. Give us the two numbers and we print the adapter to them. The size guide shows how, and Build My Adapter takes it from there.
You can also browse our track saw page.
Using a Maker's Extractor or a Standard Shop Vac
Some track saws are designed to pair with the same maker's dust extractor. Those extractors are HEPA-filtered and built for low-noise, continuous use, and some start automatically with the tool.
You do not have to use the matching extractor. If you already have a good shop vac or dust extractor, an adapter made to your saw port and your hose end lets you use it. The capture will be similar if your vac has comparable suction and filtration.
Some cordless track saws pair with a small cordless vac that has a smaller hose end than a household shop vac. If you want to run one on a standard vac instead, measure both ends and print the adapter to those numbers.
Choosing the Right Hose Flexibility
Track saw work involves moving the saw along a guide rail, usually over 4x8 foot sheet goods. The dust hose needs to stay out of your path.
Use a coiled hose rather than a straight hose if available. Coiled hoses extend when needed and retract when slack, which reduces the mess of extra hose on the floor.
Festool sells an anti-static coiled hose for their CT system. For standard vac connections, a short 6-foot straight hose is usually better than a full 25-foot hose. You can walk the vac along with you.
Guide Rail Compatibility and Dust Sealing
For maximum dust capture, use the track saw only on the rail it was designed for. Festool rails work best with Festool saws. Makita saws work best with Makita rails.
The foam strip on the bottom of the guide rail creates the seal. If the foam is worn or missing, dust escapes below the rail rather than going through the port. Check the foam condition before each session. Replacement foam strips are inexpensive and available from the rail manufacturer.
Measure your track saw port and your hose, then Build My Adapter.
For a starting point, the port size pages show what we print at each size. Your own measurement is what decides the part.
