Worth 50-100% Upcharge? WEN 7-1/4" vs 6-1/2" Track Saw & the PowerTec "Upgrade" Guide Rail.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ก.ค. 2022
- ✅ SHOP NOTES: WEN makes two sizes of their economically priced Plunge Saw (AKA a track saw) and after posting a video showing the 6.5" version that I ordered many comments asked why I didn't order the 7 1/4" version. Likewise, many people who purchased the WEN saw mentioned in comments that they opted to get the "superior" PowerTec track, which, if you don't know, are both interchangeable with the guide rails from Festool, Makita and others! What makes that track superior to the WEN? Let's find out!
If you don't already know, the WEN saws are sold as the Titan and the Mac Allister by Screwfix in the UK. As always, I look forward to your Questions, Comments, and Cheap-Shots in the mid-week follow-up, so be sure to leave something for me below.
Here are links to a few of the products I used or discussed in this video:
🟢 This is the 6 1/4" WEN "Sidewinder" Track Saw WEN CT1065 (Note that the track is sold separately): amzn.to/3xOj6Op
🟢 Here's the 7 1/4" version of the WEN WEN CT1272 "Sidewinder" Track Saw (Note that the track is sold separately): amzn.to/3isntZ8
🟢 This is the two-piece, 100" WEN Track (AKA: Guide Rail): amzn.to/2VVegRp
🟢 Though I'm happy with the Wen track, a BUNCH of people who have purchased the Wen saw swear that the PowerTec rails/tracks are superior. Since they are sold separately, it might be worth considering these rails: amzn.to/3EfE6li
🟢 The 4'X8' Centipede is just the tip of the iceberg of cool tools you should explore from Bora: amzn.to/3xPvNZl
🟢 This is the 16' flexible hose that I purchased to control the dust on my track saw. This one fits the standard port and comes with a couple hose ends: amzn.to/3wKoKQ9
🎬 This is the earlier video that I mentioned where we compared my 6.5" WEN track saw to the Kreg: • Kreg VS WEN Track Saw:...
🎬 Here's a video that covers the ins and outs of the Bora Centipede support system: • BEST Work Station for ...
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#WENTrackSaw #WENPlungeSaw #PlungeSaw
Check out the new Cordless version of this saw: The Most Affordable Cordless Track Saw on the Market
th-cam.com/video/UTZiz_CBNCc/w-d-xo.html
Man, this was *exactly* the video I was looking for, comparing not only the two saws but the two different tracks. Thanks for posting!
My pleasure and I’m glad it helped BTW, go for the 110” track option. It really matters with 8’ sheet good rips. Scott
@@MyGrowthRings Will do
Thanks for the review, it’s greatly appreciated!
Happy to share.
Good idea Scott! Stay safe! I bought a trac saw for my son in law who thought a table saw was best for bucking sheet goods. Since I like him I decided to educate him on how much safer a trac saw is for this task then a small job site saw. Good stuff!
He’s lucky to have you, Bob.
I have the 6.5 inch WEN saw and the Powertec tracks. The reason you need the longer tracks is when you are cutting the full 8 foot length of a piece of plywood. The 100 inch tracks only give you 4 inches to play with. That's just 2 inches at either end which is not enough. If you never cut the full length of a sheet of plywood it won't be a problem. I've had to make a number of those long cuts and the Powertec tracks are very much worth it in my opinion. Great video.
Thanks for chiming in, Michael.
I have had my 6.5 inch saw for 6 years and everybody complains about the length and I agree it is not Ideal but I used it on job sites for most of the 6 years until I got the Makita rails 110 inches is much more convenient to use on 8 ft cuts.
Amazon now has Wen brand 110" tracks for $100. Not as great a price as the 100" tracks but cheaper than the Powertec. I'm leaning on buying those and saving the $30.
@@gregworrel2623 Now $70
Just wanted to say thank you for your time in this video. I have been researching the Wen saws. With your video, I am definitely getting the 7.25" version.
Happy to help, Chad.
Thank you for this video…i have made my decision to definitely grab this saw🤠
Thanks! Just the vid I was looking for!
Glad it helped. I’m still loving it!
Good info Scott,Thanks for doing this
Thanks, Jim.
I just got the 7.25 with powertec track and track clamps. Amazon sold it as a kit for really pretty cheap. I cut strips of black walnut and maple so I wanted the slightly longer tracks. Thanks for the time of your comparison. One of the few out there on the 2 saws and 2 Wen options
Thanks, Robert. I’m becoming more and more convinced that the 55” tracks are worth the additional investment. The Wen tracks are just as accurate, but that length really comes in handy. Scott
Great video. To the point and informative!
Thanks.
I was fixing to buy the larger saw and powertech track but was asking myself if it was really worth the extra dough. After watching this i will go with my gut and buy the 6 inch saw and wen track. I appreciate you taking the time to do this.
You are making a wise choice, Jake. Thanks for watching and commenting and I'm happy you found this useful. Scott
I 100 percent trust every word you say. You are so good at this I look forward to seeing your channel grow.
Do me a favor and reserve a little cynicism. I guarantee you I’m never 100% right!
I went with the 7.25 Wen saw and Powertec track. I liked the idea of having a longer track. But like you said, my decision was mostly based on others comments. Bottom line is this setup is so cheap for a track saw I figured I might as well get the bigger saw (vari speed, stronger motor) and longer track. I've been happy with this combo.
I can see why you went that route. It’s a great combo. Scott
Thanks for this. I would tie wrap a dedicated extention cord to the hose. An adaptor should have come with the saw. Still, it's attractive.
hey, I used a leftover saw dust bag and taped it to the strange removable fitting that came with the saw. Not as good as a vacuum, but very handy in the barn. Thank for the video!
Good tip, Jeff. Thank you for sharing. Scott.
Thank you was very helpful tips, I appreciate it 🙏
10 Amp vs 12 Amp. Not a small difference. Many reviews mentioned that the track saw was a little underpowered in the 6 1/4. By the way, A lot of sawdust comes out that hole that you use to tighten the blade. A piece of duct tape across there makes a huge difference. Just found your site.Of course I subscribed love your presentations.
Thanks for sticking around.
I have the 6.5" version of this Wen track saw with the Powertec rail. No complaints from me at all based on a total cost of under $200. I would absolutely buy both again at this price point. They make breaking down sheet material so much easier and with much better dust collection than a circular saw.
The argument in this video is that a 6.5" blade is not as easy to find as the 7.25" counterpart. Taking that a step further, the arbor of the 6.5" saw is 20mm, which is larger than what you'll find on a standard circular saw (5/8" or roughly 15mm), so you have to buy a dedicated 6.5" track saw blade. It looks like the 7.25" version has a 5/8" arbor, making the argument even stronger that getting blades for the bigger version is an easier and less expensive process. You'll make up for the price difference after replacing blades a couple times.
Totally correct observation about the 7-1/4” version. I’m pleased with the availability of the 6-1/2” blades, but 7-1/5” blades are everywhere. Scott
100 degrees is way to hot to work if you don’t have to (even if you do…..) The information you posted actually is very interesting, the Wen saw is looking better and better! While I don’t cut a lot of sheet goods I do enough to benefit from this segment. Stay in the a/c on your trip.
Thanks!
You may be to young to know what forever really is. When talking about Skill Saw blades the original blades were 7". I still have some and my 55 year old Sears Skill saw. All metal, really heavy, but it still works.
Not reall important.
Great video and if I decide to get a Track saw the Amazon track is the way to go for sure. 6 1/2" VS 7 1/4" ??? 3/8th of an inch deeper cut? Common blades? Common blade works great for me since I have so many.
Great review
Thanks, Steve.
Scott you might say that when it comes to panel cutting… “You’ve got a Wen - Wen!”
That was an excellent comparison. Have a great trip to Sin City!
I see what you did there.
While this is a Shopsmith related channel, there is more to wood working than Shopsmith and I support anything wood working you want to post. The last project I worked on, I used a Chop Saw, a Hand Saw, a Wood Chisel, a Jig saw and other hand tools. IMHO, it’s all related.
Thanks for seeing that.
Very informative.
I can tell this video was not pleasant for you to make, please know that it is appreciated.
What do you think about the Kreg Circular Saw Track, it says you can use it with just about any circular saw. I have a good circular saw already, it would be one less piece of equipment to store in my small shop. I was there to the end of your video, like that music.
Hey JJ. I haven’t used the Kreg guide, but I played with it and decided that for close to the same money I’d rather get the Wen saw and track. I’m sure it’s fine, though. Scott
I decided to get the 7 1/4. Even though I think the $143 amazon is charging is too much. I think $119 is enough since you only getting a little more death and variable speed. The rest of the other stuff is basically cosmetic.
From what I can tell, you’d be hard pressed to find a replacement blade for the 6.5 in a store and for less than $35. But you can find 7.25 all day for less than $20. By the second or third blade, you made up the cost difference by getting the bigger one
Exactly correct. I think for a lot of people the 7-1/4” is the right choice.
Well, you can get the 20mm bore, 6-½" (165mm, not 160mm) blades from CMT. Taytools has 3 different models (tooth variance) and they're only $20 each. And the CMT isn't a bad blade... their router bits are 💩 but their saw blades are pretty good. I use them on my miter saws, and track saw.
This was exactly why I purchased the CT1272. Plus I have a **lot** of new various-types circular saw blades (from an Ace Hardware store that went out of business many, many years ago), and that alone made the CT1272 a no-brainer choice. (I'm just a DIYer, and I'll probably never run out of new, sharp blades LOL.)
Other reviews have mentioned that the 6.5 inch saw is pretty wobbly when cutting at an angle, especially all the way to 45 degrees. How does the 7.25 inch saw do with angled cuts?
I haven’t experience that with the 6.5 and I have yet to need to cut an accurate angle with the 7.25 so I have to tap out on that one. Scott
I bought a couple of 6.5” blades with a 5/8” arbor for my new wen track saw, only afterwards to notice that the saw has a 20mm arbor. The standard common 7 1/4” blades also have a 5/8 arbor. What about the arbor size for the 7 1/4” wen track saw?
You are exactly right about the 20mm arbor on the 6.5” saw. The 7 1/4” saw does have a 5/8” arbor.
100 degree weather thats why I'm not in my shop. However you may like my shop, its a dry heat. Keep cool.
It's never dry in our part of NC.
Festool and makita tracks are also the same according to Witt Works channel.
Correct. Most of these saws copied the Festool track. Kreg didn't which is one of my biggest issues with their system. Scott
6 1/2” is the most common size blade for a plunge saw, 6 1/4” seems to be a Festool only size (maybe Mafell also?).
Hello, does the powertec rail guide work with both WENs you showed?
Yes it does. I've since added the cordless Wen to my shop and it works with the PowerTec rail. I still suggest checking out the Wen rail, which now comes in a 110" version. Other than the length there was no real advantage of the PowerTec over the Wen, and now that they have the longer rail, I suggest looking at it. amzn.to/47yhDwT
The arbor size on the blade is different on the 6 1/2. I like it (except the black numbers) but if I knew of the 7 inch back when I bought it, I would have gotten the bigger one. On the Wen track, I just put rubber selves liner on the bottom and no slipping. But I still use the clamps - wood is too expensive to take chances.
I also purchased the clamps but haven’t needed them yet. My original plan was that I would use the saw for rough cutting, and make my final cuts on the table saw, but I have adapted that and make my final cut directly from the Wen saw. I continue to be very pleased with my choice.
Really good content man but I was honestly hoping to see it in action. I bought the KREG ACCU CUT rail thingy but I haven't had time yet with my day job to get into my shop to use it. What I don't like about it is I cannot lock in into the track system like u can with the Plunge saws. I was looking at this version on the Amazon UK site and it's 255 euros without any tracks which I say is a rip off. I don't get how it can be so cheap in the US and so expensive here in IRELAND. I have to use the UK site bcos we don't have Amazon in IRE.
Do u have videos of u using the saw on sheet goods my bro?
I only found ur channel this morning before heading off to work so I watched this one & sub'd to ur channel. I will be checking into more of ur content soon though.
I love woodworking but it's very new to me. Keep up the great content my friend..
I haven’t really showed the track saws too much on my channel, because the channel is primarily focused on Shopsmith multi-purpose tools. I think they are a perfect complement to Shopsmith tools, or for any wood shop, but since that is my channel focus my regular viewers just don’t care to see track saw content. I’ve been using the newer battery powered Wen track saw fairly regularly now and I really like it.
Got a shopsmith request. Can you show a video on squaring up the table to table saw blade? I have watched the older videos from SS and tried to duplicate with no success. My saw will not cut at 90 degrees. I have tried to fix it for years. Thank you for the videos.
You’ve never been able to get a 90° cut?
@@MyGrowthRings I can't get the table square with the blade. It's not a big deal on small cuts, but when I try to cut plywood it becomes obvious.
@@eddiejenn12 I sure wish I could see what you are experiencing. Is it that the table and the blade are not 90° to each other formal or the fence or the miter gauge is not parallel to the blade?
@@MyGrowthRings I will try to make a video and share it with you if that's OK.
@@eddiejenn12 Awesome. I’d love to know more so I can help.
Interesting video,way to tough out the heat! I have had that exact same hose for over a year and love it. Very good for small hand tools where a 2.5 inch hose is in the way like sanders. I bought the one with six adapters and leave them on the tool so I just pop the quick connector on and off. The small diameter is best suited for dust extractors or shopvacs, but I have it working from my dust collector by inserting a 4 inch y fitting and leaving the other y branch open.
BTW, are you still recording from a tablet/phone? They over heat easily when recording in heat, so it may have been technically impossible to record. After my shed videos I bought a camcorder since they handle heat better.
Thanks, Tom. Yes, that hose is for use with my shop vacuum, not my SS DC. Yea, I’m still using my iPhone for these. I have a Sony Handycam but got tired of having to use their software to extract the files. I need to look for something else. Scott
@@MyGrowthRings I like my Sony CX405, decent and affordable. One regret is no external mic support. To do it over again I would have spent 3x $$ on a Sony ZV1 to get external mic.
You're amazing!
My wife thinks so too.
Awesome
Thanks, Greg!
In some reviews, the saw was not stable at 45 degrees. Is that on both or not on your version?
After seeing some of those videos I checked the two that I owned at the time, and both of them check-out just fine for me. I never checked the cordless version because by the time I purchased it I’d already concluded that I rarely if ever need to rip at 45*. Others might do it all the time, but not me. Scott
As far as tracks for these, I use the Makita. The Amazon Shuffle (Buy>Return>Buy>Return) process to get a good track. The Makita is always perfect... and it's great for their cordless plunge router and the attachment makita has for it. It makes mft dog hole boring a breeze.
As far as the saws, The 7¼ blade choices are a *bit* better , but with these two saws, I actually prefer the 6½ (however, they're both Blade Right, so it's not easy to use with just your right hand.) And with the 165mm, 20mm arbor blades by CMT ($20 at Taytools. They have 3 different blades, all in their orange series... to match lol.)
Now, for larger track saws, I'd buy a festool 75 series for $1500 all day if it were a left blade. After eating through Kreg and their still unfixed issue of their blade arbor not being 90° to their shoe (it varies which direction from saw to saw).
So, for now, I'm using the $95 WEN. As long as good tool companies only offer a blade right option, I see no reason to upgrade.
Luckily, I got a good WEN on my first try and didn't have to do the "Amazon Shuffle" with it, like other WEN I've purchased in the past.
(FYI, one really surprising WEN I just tested out, and decided to keep was their newer version of the portable dust collector. It's the 7.4amp induction motor version, and it's far better than the Harbor Freight, and I'm pulling nearly the same volume as the $700 Rockler. It has a surprisingly good steel blade, and it's really quiet as well. (I tossed the cloth bag away, as they're about worthless, and fitted it to my 55gal cyclone as a pre-filter. And instead of a bag, I just mounted a pipe to blow it out through the wall. Luckily my dust cyclone is ridiculous, so not even the finest dust makes it through the outflow until my drum is ¾ full. But if you're in the market for a small dust collector, it's really well designed... just don't get the 6.5 amp version as it's a fire starter lol.
Hey Mr. Carter. Thanks for chiming in and it doesn’t surprise me that Makita’s track turned out to be the winner. Great info on the WEN DC. I’ll have to check it out. Does your shop made cyclone have any unique features that are worth emulating? Scott
I have the 7 1/4 variable speed version and keep running into problems with it bogging down and stopping. Do I have a defective unit or are others experiencing the same thing?
That’s not something I’ve experienced, so it could be. I would change the blade to a thin kerf and/or call their customer service.
How long, how old, and how heavy gauge of an extension cord are you using? Might be time for an upgrade
@@DocHogan pretty much brand new, and I'm having the power problems even with 20' of 12g extension cord. I don't think input power is the problem
Do you still prefer the Wen over the Kreg?
I do. I like the directing that the Kreg travels, but that’s just a matter of thinking through the setup.
Umm…I hope this doesn't come across as 'snarky' (I'd really hate to waste one on this!) but you didn't comment on the cost difference between the two saws. I suppose you must have explained your choice rationale in the vid about the 6-1/4 saw, but I've skipped all those. (Tell me if I hafta watch it to learn, but I really want to know your opinion on the difference.)
6.50 = 97.44
7.25 = 151.81
What Albert said! I just don’t see the value in paying 50% more for the saw and 100% more for the track.
@@MyGrowthRingssheesh! Waiting for delivery of 6" blades is better than such a great penalty for ready availability. And I can't believe that anyone who is likely to break a blade on the job site would be working without extra blades. But… I'm betting that *lots* of people buy the 7" saw without having a need for the extra 3/8" DOC. jus' sayin'
speed and feeds and cheap blades. 7 1/4 seems worth the upsell in the us market. I like the training wheels.
Thank thee :-)
Thou art welcome.
Eliminating internet group think. Love it
Ha! Tell me more about that.
Will the wen saw work on the kreg track?
No, Kreg makes an oddball track that only works with their saw.
@@MyGrowthRings dangit...thanks
@@jeremyclark8940 I agree. I really like theKreg saw but the track leaves a lot to be desired.
How do they cut
How well do they cut or by what method do they cut? How well depends upon the blade and the material, but even with the stock blade they cut better than any circular saw I have owned, and I’ve owned some nice ones.
I have all 3 wen trac saws works for me
I never had a chance to play with the first version. How does it compare? Scott
@@MyGrowthRings bought a new blade and powertec tracks smooth cutting for me
Wow. 50 years ago, who could have predicted that Taiwan tools would be considered the good tools?
So true!
Good review but I don't buy Chinese tools if I have a choice. Taiwan yes.
I totally understand and respect that sentiment. I remember one Christmas we decided that we would only buy items that were not made in China, and we had a really hard time finding things for our kids. Tool manufactures just seem to go there by default now. Scott
So no one is going to comment on the fact that there was no review of the actual saw's cutting differences?
I guess not... until now, and I'll admit that I thought of that AFTER I was doing the edit, so we think alike. There was no perceivable difference as they were both running the stock blade that came with them. I know from my experience with the Festool that their blades are worlds better, so one day I'll be sure to add a few to my arsenal. Scott
Hi Scott, I am writing today to disagree with you. How's that for a lead in? In your video you make a statement, if I understood correctly, that if you do not own a ShopSmith to not subscribe. I started researching the ShopSmith after being gifted an 80's MarkV and found you. Within a short time I found the channels of a few guys you may have heard of: Doug Reid, Nick Engler, and Michael Young. Based on what I learned about this machine and its history, if I had not been given one I would have bought one! I have still yet to assemble mine as it will need some restoration after many years of neglect. I always considered the ShopSmith as a gimmick and talked to several former owners who did not like them due to having to change the configuration to move from one operation to another. Unfortunately for them, they did not have the expertise and instruction that you and those I have mentioned provide. Keep up the good work and thank you for the wealth of information you provide. I always find you entertaining and informative.
James, your story makes my day. The advice to viewers to not subscribe is based on how the TH-cam algorithm works. If they subscribe to my channel TH-cam is gonna start sharing past videos and future videos with them, and very few of them relate to this topic. So subscribing is ultimately going to frustrate them and if subscribers don’t watch future videos, that actually affects whether or not TH-cam will bother sharing my videos with subscribers. It’s very complex, and a little annoying, but that’s why I make that recommendation. I’m glad that you found your way here and that you were loading the Shopsmith tools are actually quite handy. Scott
Style: 110-Inch Track
Yes, a 110” track is now available from WEN.
you know who brought me here
I probably do! Welcome.
Say this again when the WEN burns up a year from now! My Black and Decker Saw Cat was purchased in 1974 and still going strong ! Made my own track not a problem. I was a full time home improvement contractor for 50 years and I used that saw almost every day. Tests like this do not take into consideration the longevity of the tool, that is the most important thing and shows real quality!!!!!!!!!!!
I've already had them for a year, so are you predicting a two year life expectancy? These tools clearly aren't intended to be professional grade and of course this wasn't a test of longevity. For the price I am thrilled by the value these represent. Scott
Key words are "Full time contractor" the Festool is for professionals or hobbyists with allot of $$$ the Wen is for people such as myself who are doing a few projects per year.
Just for me I would buy the track from Taiwan over giving China any more money.
I know how you feel. We did a Christmas one year where I refused to by any Chinese gifts and it was just about an impossible task.
it's a sad state of affairs, when you are comparing the build quality of something made in China to something made in Taiwan in a shop in America
We are soooo far down that road, my friend. It’s a challenge to find any American made tool these days.
It makes sense to me, and it was inevitable. I don’t want to work for the same wages as Chinese workers, do you? And what sense would it make to build things in your shop out of cocobolo or mahogany or bubinga but insist that all your tools you use to work on it were made here? We used to make stuff here because we always accepted wave after wave of new immigrants: African slaves, Scots-Irish, Chinese, Italians, Irish, Polish, German, Mexican, etc. We imported the cheap labor so we could export the cheap goods. Now people want to keep the cheap labor out. You can do that, but the price you pay is the decline of manufacturing in this country, and ultimately the loss of political and economic influence and military power that comes with that. Pick your poison.