The Best Track Saw for Smooth and Precise Cuts. Universal saw track

The Best Track Saw for Smooth and Precise Cuts

If you are in the woodworking trade, power saws are the companion you need to cut through various materials. Saws consist of different kinds of blades or chains that are sharp enough to cut through numerous materials, and the motor inside them allows for a much faster operation, as well as greater precision and less chance for error.

There are so many types of saws to choose from, such as a table saw, circular saw, miter saw, chop saw, chainsaw, and many others. Each one of them has been designed for specific purposes, and if you are looking for a saw that cuts through sheets of wood or longer pieces of lumber, a track saw is a perfect choice for you. A circular saw, miter saw, or some other saw just can’t compete with a track saw for this purpose.

Track saws have become largely popular in the past decade, mainly due to the DIY movement. They are fast, easy to operate, and are suitable for a wide range of materials, such as plywood, fiberboard, and lumber. If you are also looking for the best track saw in 2023 for your woodworking or DIY projects, then we have the best options for you to choose from

Best Track Saws Buying Guide

How To Choose the Best Track Saw

By now, you have a clear picture of which track saw you should be considering for your woodworking and DIY projects at home or at the job site. But how did we handpick these options? There are a number of factors that come into play when you are considering a track saw for yourself. Let’s have a look at these features.

Blade size

Naturally, the blade is the most useful part of the saw, and its size determines how thick of a material you can cut easily. Most of the track saws feature 6 ½” blades that can cut through materials that are up to 2” thick. A track saw with a larger blade enables you to cut through thicker materials.

Speed

The blade is only as good as the speed with which it is rotated. Most of the track saws offer speed control options, which enable you to prevent dulling the blade or cutting more than you need to. A track saw that has variable speeds between 2000 RPM and 5000 RPM is generally favorable for your requirements.

Bevel capacity

Having a track saw that can make bevel cuts is quite useful, as they can enhance your woodworking experience and allow you to work on numerous projects. A track saw that offers a bevel capacity between 0° and 45° is good enough for you.

Motor

The power rating is another important aspect that you need to consider. When it comes to corded track saws, you can find a track saw with a 10A to 20A output. On the other hand, when you have a cordless track saw, having a 20V battery provides you with sufficient power to operate the blade efficiently.

Corded or cordless

This is another major factor that comes into play when you are considering the best track saw. While corded track saws provide you with more power, cordless track saws are more portable and easy to operate. Goodell David, Founder of WoodWorking Clarity, says, “ If you do a lot of quick jobs or work mainly from your shop, you don’t need a cord.” However, you will have to change the batteries from time to time, which can be cumbersome, especially if the track saw dies down in between a cutting job.

Final Thoughts

Among the best track saws that we have mentioned above, our topmost pick would be the DeWALT FLEXVOLT Cordless TrackSaw Kit. Not only does it have a powerful motor, a sharp blade, and a cordless feature, but it also provides the best value for money. Plus, it also offers you maximum versatility and a smooth cutting experience.

If you want to learn why a track saw can be so beneficial, watch this video from WoodWorker’s Guild Of America:

And that is all we have for you regarding the best track saws of 2023. By reading the product reviews we have gathered, you will be able to take the right pick easily. Plus, if you have any other options insight, you can make use of our buying guide to make the right decision.

If you need help keeping your project on the right track, check out these cutting-edge saws.

By Tom Scalisi and Mark Clement | Updated Mar 3, 2023 2:53 PM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

For ripping sheet goods or cutting long lengths of lumber to width, a track saw can often be easier to work with than its counterpart, the table saw. Track saws make fast, accurate, repeatable cuts on sheet goods like plywood, lumber, and medium-density fiberboard.

Track saws are not a replacement for table saws; they’re a companion. While they have a bevel capacity of up to 47 degrees like a typical circular saw, they’re purpose-built for precise cuts in heavy hard-to-manage material and are mainly used for square cuts. Probably more precisely referred to as a plunge cut track saw, the saw plunges into the work to begin the cut.

They can be quickly clamped in place and provide incredibly accurate cuts, even in dense materials. And the best track saw can be the go-to saw for many jobs. We have field-tested some of the best track saws on the market so we can deliver a solid list of top-quality track saws that are fast, reliable, and powerful enough to get the job done.

Keep reading to find out what to consider when selecting a new track saw, and check out the hands-on reviews for these top picks below.

• BEST OVERALL:Bosch GTK13-225 6.5-Inch Track Saw
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Makita 6.5-Inch Plunge Circular Saw With Tool Case
• BEST PART OF LARGER SYSTEM:Kreg Adaptive Cutting System Saw and Guide Track Kit
• BEST MULTIMATERIAL SAW:Evolution R185CCSX 7.25-Inch Circular Track Saw Kit

How We Tested the Best Track Saws

Track saws’ bread and butter are the ability to break down sheet goods for further processing on a table saw or simply to the desired width. We tested for ease of setup, ease of use, smoothness of operation, and plunge action in maple plywood, solid sawn red oak, composite decking, and finger-jointed pine. We looked for saw marks left in the edge cuts and tear-out in the surface of the work being cut. We considered switches, adjustments, and dust collection.

Our Top Picks

We field tested all of the products on our top picks list for the best track saws. Our findings aim to help shoppers choose a high-quality saw that fits their needs and budget.

Bosch GTK13-225 6.5-Inch Track Saw

The GKT13-225 track saw from Bosch performed the most cuts the best and the easiest in the tests we ran. It’s the easiest saw in the group to engage the thin rail on its track. No fussing around trying to get it just so. It slides easily.

The motor is plush even under duress like cutting red oak or composite decking. It runs smoothly, and there was no need to dial down its variable speed because the cuts were crisp with near-zero tear-out or blade marks and left in the work.

It comes with two 63-inch rails and a great carry bag to keep rails safe on a job site or in a busy shop. The 126 inches of rail, plus the longest cord on any track saw we tested, makes it an absolute go-to for long rips and crosscuts in deck-building activities.

There was zero vibration with a nice, upright handle position, sensible switches, and easily the most power. Plus, it can provide.1 to 47-degree bevel cuts. This saw delivered on all counts.

Product Specs

• Type: Corded, 13-amp
• Bevel: Yes.1 to 47 degrees
• Tracks included: Yes, two 63-inch-long tracks
• Most powerful option included on our list; 13-amp power output
• Plunge cut track saw; suitable for accurate depth and cuts
• Wide range of options for bevel cuts; suitable for a variety of cuts
• Provides splinter-free cuts while in operation; will not leave marks on the wood

Get the Bosch track saw at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Bosch.

Makita 6.5-Inch Plunge Circular Saw With Tool Case

This track saw has our favorite plunge-action in the bunch—it’s just simple and seamless—delivers beaucoup power and supremely clean cuts with few saw marks at full speed in oak and no tear-out in maple plywood. It is also a great value with an all-pro performance at a reasonable price that yields a terrific cost-to-value ratio.

With a 55-inch-long rail, the Makita runs smoothly and simply, and it delivered top-notch cuts in everything we threw at it. It has a nice kit box, a soft-ish start, and easy electronic brake, and we felt it when cutting super-dense composite decking.

Product Specs

• Type: Corded, 12-amp
• Bevel: Yes.1 to 47 degrees
• Tracks included: Yes, 55-inch-long track
• 12-amp motor delivers heavy-duty, excellent power for heavy-duty straight cuts
• Smooth operation on dense materials; limited vibration for accuracy while cutting
• Plunge cut track saw; aids in precise cuts and depth preference
• Stackable tool case included for portability and storage; can be transported if necessary
• Somewhat labored in composite decking rips; may take a lot of effort for smooth cuts
• Electronic brake is a little soft; may be tricky for some users to handle

Get the Makita track saw at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.

Kreg Adaptive Cutting System Saw and Guide Track Kit

The Kreg track saw is the only blade-left in the group, which makes it easier to see the saw and the rail when making a cut. The upright handle design makes pushing the tool through a long rip or crosscut a little easier than with more top-mounted handles. It has a high-quality, very long cord and a great carry bag. It even has a dust bag, which we wish every track saw had. While each saw is ready to be hooked up to a vac or dust collection, gathering the dust isn’t always practical or necessary—say for making trim cuts in decking or trimming a couple of door bottoms outside.

It has a lush soft start and an effective electronic brake. There’s a splinter guard on both the track (right side of blade) and the left side of the blade. The tool felt resistance in composite and oak. It left burn marks in the oak, but slowing the tool down from 6 to 4 fixed that issue. It also slowed down the cut. For a shop where the track saw will be part of a system and the benches and tables won’t be custom built, the Kreg saw is designed to be part of the brand’s comprehensive worktable system.

Product Specs

• Versatile construction; compatible with Kreg’s adaptive cutting system project table
• Bevels up to 47 degrees for easy and precise adjustment
• Compatible with some dust-collection systems or vacuums; limits dust particles in the air
• Comes with a carrying bag for storing safely or transporting if necessary

Get the Kreg track saw at Amazon or Acme Tools.

Evolution R185CCSX 7.25-Inch Circular Track Saw Kit

The Evolution track saw kit is a unique take on the category. While it is a circular saw that rides on a track and is entirely suitable for some carpentry jobs like resizing a hollow core door (it performed nicely doing so), this is a circular saw first. It just happens to have a shoe (aka base or plate) that adapts to its 40-inch, screw-together track. As a result, the fact that it left clean cuts in almost nothing else isn’t a demerit.

This tool is designed for the occasional straight cut in finish stock but is better suited to sizing metal roofing or cutting square tube steel, PVC pipe, or plastic roofing.

It’s full-on circ saw power, not woodshop whisper-quiet precision. It doesn’t plunge, and the guard has to be raised to engage the track and item being cut. But for what it’s designed to do, it does it.

Product Specs

• Type: Corded, 15-amp
• Bevel: Yes, 0 to 45 degrees
• Tracks included: Yes, 40 inches
• 15-amp motor makes it suitable for heavy-duty cutting and use
• 7.25-inch blade cuts up to 2.5 inches deep for thicker materials
• Short tracks can be more manageable for crosscutting boards easily
• Aligning 3 pieces of track can be challenging for some users
• Short track requires moving it more often for longer cuts

Get the Evolution track saw kit at Amazon.

ALSO TESTED

The Wen CT1065 6.5-Inch Plunge Cut Sidewinder Track Saw comes at an affordable price; however, the tool has been value engineered to be so low-cost that it doesn’t do what needs to be done. It has three depth stops: approximately ¼-inch, ⅝-inch, and full depth. Unfortunately, none of these are the most common depths used, which are 1 inch (for breaking down plywood) and 1¼ inches for rips and crosscuts in decking. While those materials can be cut at full depth—and the Wen will cut them—what happens is the substrate is also cut. Overall, this track saw may not only be tough to work with, but isn’t suitable for all track-saw tasks.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Track Saw

While track saws aren’t new, they’re relatively new to the home DIY scene, so it can be tough to know which model might work for a particular scenario or budget. Here are some tips to consider when shopping for the best track saw.

Blade Size

A track saw’s blade size has everything to do with the thickness of the material it can cut. Most track saws use 6½-inch blades and are capable of cutting materials around 2 inches thick.

DIY Track Saw circular saw guide jig build

Track saws with larger blades, in the 8¼-inch range, cut materials closer to 2¾ inches thick. Miniature track saw models use blades 4½ inches in diameter, and they cut materials just larger than 1 inch thick.

Speed Settings

Some of the best track saws feature speed settings, which is a differentiator compared to their circular saw counterparts. Controlling the speed allows the user to avoid burning the wood, dulling the saw blade, and creating more splinters than necessary.

If a track saw features speed adjustments, they’re typically in the range of 2,000 rpm on the low end and 5,000 rpm on the high end. For soft materials like framing lumber or pine plywood, the high-speed settings are best. It’s best to dial the speed down toward the lower end of the range for dense woods like locust or walnut. The lower speed helps prevent unsightly burn marks and keeps the blade in good cutting condition.

When slowing down blade rotation, be mindful of kickback. Some track saws have anti-kickback features built-in.

Bevel Capacity

Track saws with adjustable bevels are far more flexible and versatile than other models. Most of a track saw’s duty consists of making 90-degree square cuts. However, the ability to make bevel cuts can save the user an extra step in the production process.

Cutting 45-degree bevels on boards or sheet goods helps when building bookshelves or furniture, as it increases the surface area for better glue contact. It also creates a clean joint without the need for edge-banding to cover undesired plywood edges.

Motor Power

Corded track saws, like circular saws, should be powerful enough to get the job done. It’s difficult, though, to quantify their power in a useful way that a new tool shopper can understand.

Manufacturers have modeled most track saws after sidewinder-style circular saws (also called Direct Drive motors), and they love to boast about amperages on their packaging. However, amperage actually pertains to the amount of electrical current the motor can draw; it doesn’t directly represent power.

For cordless track saws, the power is a little easier to judge based on the battery’s voltage rating. A 20-volt battery-operated saw will generally be more powerful than an 18-volt saw. There are exceptions to this rule, but this is a general guideline to follow.

Corded vs. Cordless

The debate has raged forever as to which is better: corded or cordless track saws. When it comes to a track saw, the saga continues. On one hand, corded track saws will usually feel more powerful, and users don’t have to worry about changing batteries. That’s particularly helpful in the middle of a tough cut (like a thick piece of oak or walnut).

Stopping in the middle of a cut to change the battery may result in unsightly saw marks on the cut edge. On the other hand, cordless track saws don’t have a power cord to get hung up on the end of a lengthy board while ripping it to width. This can also force work to stop to adjust the cord, resulting in the same unsightly marks or accidentally moving the track, even ever so slightly.

Ultimately it comes down to what’s more important for the user: unlimited power (where power is available) or portability (as long as there are spare batteries on hand).

Cord Length

It might not seem like a big deal, but cord length can directly affect the usability of any saw but especially a track saw. Roofers and framing carpenters sometimes remove the standard cord on their circular saw and replace it with a 25-foot cord, so the cord ends are less prone to snagging behind them.

With a track saw, the longer the cord, the more range there will be for manipulating long tracks and materials. Users almost always require an extension cord, but they can hang up. If the track saw uses a 6-foot cord but cutting an 8-foot sheet of plywood is on the to-do list, the extension cord may need to be pulled along while cutting. Eventually, the cord may hang up on the end of the track.

Of course, this can be avoided altogether by hanging the cord off to either side of the workpiece, but still, a longer range will help keep the cord from hanging up on a workbench or sawhorse.

Track Length

Tracks come in different lengths for obvious reasons. For the workshop, however, it’s best to have a 2-, 4-, and 8-foot track for quick and easy setup and consistent results. Some tracks are modular, and they’re great for job site work. This allows a user to snap or bolt smaller lengths together and use them as a longer track, ideal for composite decks where parting boards are often cut into the decking to hide cut ends.

Crosscutting a 12-inch-wide board is easy with a track saw, but it doesn’t require a 4-foot track. Similarly, ripping a plywood sheet is what track saws are best at, but a 4-foot track will be an inconvenience if it has to be reset halfway through the cut. Resetting the track also adds a degree of error to the cut. If the user is not careful, they may end up with a long cut that isn’t as straight as it could be. This negates the purpose of a track saw.

Safety Features

Track saws are not just circular saws with specially designed bases that ride along a track, though they share the circ saw’s DNA. They have variable speed, plush motors, a much better blade and are purpose-built for dialed-in work. However, the very nature of a track saw makes it safer to use than a circular saw over long cuts.

The track provides a predetermined path for the saw blade, so it’s possible to look ahead and see if there are any obstacles that might cause kickback. Should the saw kick back, cam locks featured in several models will stop the saw from pushing back at the user or jumping off the track.

Many carpenters guide their circular saws with a site-built jig called a “shoot board” or “shooting board.” Essentially a “track” made from plywood, it’s a go-to for when cuts really need to be straight, like when trimming a door.

Track saws take this principle to an entirely different level with anti-chip rubber strips on the track edges and gummy rubber strips on the bottom of the track to help keep them in place. However, they’re not infallible, and for serious cuts, clamps are available that lock the track to the table. There also are chip guards and high-quality blades for the kinds of work these saws are tasked to do.

Tips for Using a Track Saw

Track saws make big things small, cleanly, and accurately, and the same safety rules apply for track saws as typical circular saws. You should wear hearing and eye protection to prevent injuries, and avoid wearing loose clothing. Also, be sure that the blade isn’t going to contact anything before cutting.

Be mindful of the cord’s location before you start cutting longer boards. If possible, position the cord so it won’t snag on the track or get caught between the workpiece and the table while cutting.

Occasionally, track saws tracks don’t line up perfectly straight. When that’s the case, you can cut them square with a miter saw (as long as they’re aluminum). Be sure to wear ear and eye protection as well as gloves while cutting to prevent injuries.

• Use the same safety precautions you would as with a circular saw.
• Be mindful of the cord to prevent it from snagging while cutting.
• If the tracks don’t line up perfectly, square them up with a miter saw.

FAQs

That’s a lot of information about the best track saws, and it may seem a bit overwhelming. Don’t let a few nagging questions derail your shopping; the following section aims to answer the most frequently asked questions about the best track saws. Be sure to look below for an answer to your question.

Q. Is a circular saw the same as a track saw?

Track saws are based on sidewinder-style circular saws, but they’re not the same. Circular saws have smooth bases that glide along the workpiece. Track saws have grooves that snap into a track to allow for straight cuts.

Q. Can I use a track saw without a track?

Yes, you can, but they’re not as easy to use without a track. The pressure it takes to hold the saw in the plunged position can affect accuracy.

Q. How deep can track saws cut?

Most track saws can cut just over 2 inches deep; however, some of the larger track saws can cut up to 2½ inches deep.

Q. How do you change the blade on a track saw?

Track saws usually have blade-change settings that lock the plunging action in place. Once it’s in the blade-change mode, the user simply loosens the arbor nut holding the blade in place and replaces the blade.

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Track Saw vs Circular Saw. Which Should You Get?

A track saw and a circular saw are both incredibly useful, and I’ve used both extensively over the course of my woodworking journey. However, depending on the jobs you need to do, one might be a better option than the other. This article will help you decide which one to buy!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Purchases made through these links may earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you. Please visit my disclosures page for more information.

What’s the Difference Between a Track Saw and a Circular Saw?

Here’s a list of differences between the track saw and circular saw:

• Track saws are essentially circular saws that run along a track. However, track saws have several added features (scoring, full blade cover, dust collection, riving knife).
• Circular saws are much cheaper than track saws.
• Track saws are traditionally used for cutting down large sheets of plywood with a clean edge that is ready for assembly. Circular saws can leave splinters and tear out along the cut.
• With modification and jigs, you can use circular saws similarly to track saws.
• You can use track saws without their tracks. Also, if needed, you can buy track extensions to make extra long cuts.

What is a Track Saw?

A track saw is essentially a circular saw that runs along a track. This track makes it super easy to get perfectly straight cuts. Just line up the edge of the track with your cut line and start cutting! Honestly, once I bought a track saw, I gave away my circular saw and never looked back!

A track saw can be battery-powered or corded. I’ve had both versions, and I prefer the battery powered one. I’ve had a few instances where the cord got caught on the end of the track, pulling it out of alignment and ruining the cut.

Here are several features that come standard with most track saws:

• Track. The track guides the saw in a straight line. It has a grippy but non-marring underside to keep the track in place without clamps in the way. However, I sometimes use these Bessey track saw clamps to lock the track down tight so I don’t mess up a crucial cut.
• Splinter guard. The edge of the track has a clear rubber material attached, that is perfectly sized to your particular saw. This allows you to align the track with your marks for exact placement, and also prevents tear out.
• Vacuumor dust bag. Most track saws have a port to attach a shop vac or a dust bag, keeping your workspace clean. The enclosed blade cover allows for much better dust collection.
• Blade. The blade of a track saw is usually around 6.5 inches, just slightly smaller than a traditional circular saw. Like a table saw, some track saws come with a riving knife. This knife follows the blade and prevents the saw from kicking back and causing injury.
• Depth Stop. You should always set the depth of the cut to just below the surface of the wood you’re cutting when making a through cut. But you can also cut grooves that don’t go all the way through the board by adjusting the blade to a shallower depth.

When Should I Use a Track Saw?

Use a track saw when you have large sheets of material that you need to cut down to smaller pieces. For instance, if you need to cut a 4ft x 8ft sheet of plywood down into smaller parts of a cabinet.

You can also use a track saw to rip down large boards. For example, if you need to turn a 2×12 into a 2×6, you could use the track saw to rip the board in half lengthwise. Or position the track at an angle to cut off a corner, like for this kids bookshelf I made.

The track saw is also great for establishing a straight edge on an irregular board, such as rough lumber or live edge slabs. The flat back of these live edge floating shelves was created with a track saw.

In a small workshop, a track saw can replace the need for a larger table saw, or even replace the table saw altogether! You can find out more about the difference between a track saw vs table saw here. You don’t need to account for infeed and outfeed space on either side of the saw, so you can work in a much smaller area.

How Do I Use a Track Saw?

Each track saw may operate in slightly different ways. Get to know your track saw before you operate the tool!

Here are several guidelines for using your track saw:

• Safety. Wear safety glasses and ear protection. Make sure you have enough space to make the cut and check that your material is stable.
• Set up your work area. I place a sheet of 2″ thick rigid foam insulation on top of my workbench whenever I’m using the track saw. This protects the surface from getting cut up, and also supports the board and prevents it from pinching the blade. It’s also stiff enough to use as a work surface across two sawhorses if I’m outside.
• Mark your cut line. Measure the desired width of the board, and mark your cut line on the board. Keep in mind that the rough side of the cut will be on top of the wood. The splinter guard will keep the fibers in place on the keep side of the cut, but if you’re planning to use the offcut for another piece, you may want to lay down a strip of painter’s tape along the cut line to prevent tear out on the waste side.
• Align the track. Mark your cut line on the board and place the track on the keepside of the line. The blade will cut away some of the material (called the kerf) and you’ll make the board slightly too short if you cut from the wrong side!
• Check for square. If you’re making a 90 degree cut, check that the track is square to your reference edge with a speed square. You can attach a track saw square to the guide rail to speed up this process and make your cuts faster!
• Set your bladedepth. Set the plunge depth of the blade so it just clears the material. Some track saws have a button you can press to make a score cut. The score cut is a shallow first pass that breaks the wood fibers. The score cut can ensure you get the cleanest possible cut!
• Make your cut. Place the saw onto the track, making sure it’s properly seated in the groove. Using a steady motion, bring the saw to full power and make the cut.

To learn more about how to use a track saw, check out the video below!

If you’re worried about the track slipping, especially on slick surfaces like prefinished plywood or melamine, you can use special clamps to hold the track in place without interfering with the cut. These ones from Bessey slip into the groove in the underside of the track and clamp it down tight with a few quick squeezes.

Are Track Saws Safer than Table Saws?

Yes, track saws are safer than table saws. Though still dangerous, the blade is much less exposed in a track saw than it is in a table saw. You can see in this side view that the blade is completely encased inside the housing, until it’s plunged down into the wood during the cut.

Many track saws also have some sort of anti-kickback technology. Older models of the Festool track saw have a riving knife behind the blade. The newer model has anti-kickback sensors that stop the blade instantly if the saw leaves the track unexpectedly.

What is a Circular Saw?

A circular saw can be used for all the same functions as a track saw, but doesn’t necessarily do them quite as well.

If you’re on a budget, you can turn your circular saw into a makeshift track saw with straight edge guide. You can make your own circular saw jig, or buy one instead.

Here are several parts of the circular saw and how they differ from the track saw:

• Blade. A circular blade comes in many sizes and types, depending on what you plan to cut. It is always exposed in the front, unlike a track saw where the blade retracts inside.
• Deck. The deck or base plate of the circular saw will glide across the wood; the track saw glides across a track. You raise or lower the deck of the circular saw to alter the blade’s depth, instead of adjusting the plunge depth of a track saw blade.
• Dust collection. Most circular saws don’t have any! The blade throws all the sawdust back at you, creating a huge mess and a potential health hazard. Always wear a dust mask to prevent sawdust from getting into your lungs when cutting with a circular saw. This is the one I use!

When Should I Use a Circular Saw?

A circular saw works great for making long rip cuts, beveled cuts, plunge cuts, and cross-cuts. However, it’s better suited for construction rather than building furniture.

The price for a good circular saw will be around 150. The track saw can cost 500 or more. A circular saw is a much more cost-effective tool, which is great for a beginning woodworker. If you don’t need the ultra-precision of a track saw, then your money will probably be better spent on a quality circular saw.

However, a track saw can potentially replace a circular saw, a miter saw, and a table saw! If you’re short on space, this is a great option. If you’re curious, check out my article on the differences between a circular saw and a miter saw.

How Do I Use a Circular Saw?

Here are some guidelines to follow when operating your circular saws. Circular saws are dangerous tools if misused. Be sure to understand your saw and practice your cut before you begin.

• Safety. Remember safety goggles and ear protection. You’ll also need a dust mask, especially if you’re cutting indoors. Circular saws create a ton of sawdust!
• Plan your cut. Whether using a jig or not, be meticulous about planning your cut. Remember to measure and account for the thickness of the blade. The blade should cut on the waste side of the cut line.
• Choose the right blade and settings. Do you need a blade for rip cuts? Cross-cuts? You should match the type of blade to the type of cut you plan to make for the best results. Also, before the cut, set your blade depth so it just clears the thickness of the material.
• Secure your material. Nothing should be sliding around! Also consider where your material will go after you’ve made the cut. If your board is across two sawhorses and you cut down the middle, the two sides may pinch the blade and cause dangerous kickback. Support the board throughout the cut.
• Make your cut. Following the guide marks on the deck of your circular saw, start the saw to full power and begin your cut. Keep a firm grip and move at a steady pace. let the saw do the work!

To learn more about how to use a circular saw, check out the video below!

Overall, track saws are basically just high-precision circular saws. I’d recommend starting with a circular saw, then upgrading to a track saw if you’re becoming frustrated with your results. I know plenty of woodworkers who create beautiful projects with just a circular saw, but I’m not one of them! A track saw gives me the professional results I’m looking for, and is quicker, easier and safer to use.

Check out these other woodworking tutorials!

Urgent action needed to tackle stalled progress on health-related Sustainable Development Goals

Geneva, 19 May 2023 — WHO is releasing the 2023 edition of its annual World Health Statistics report with new figures on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and the latest statistics on progress towards the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The report with data up to 2022 underscores a stagnation of health progress on key health indicators in recent years compared with trends seen during 2000-2015. It also alerts us to the growing threat of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and climate change, and calls for a coordinated and strengthened response.

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COVID-19 cost in lost lives and health progress

The report documents updated statistics on the toll of the pandemic on global health, contributing to the ongoing decline in progress towards the SDGs. During 2020-2021, COVID-19 resulted in a staggering 336.8 million years of life lost globally. This equates to an average of 22 years of life lost for every excess death, abruptly and tragically cutting short the lives of millions of people.

Since 2000, we saw significant improvements in maternal and child health with deaths falling by one-third and one-half, respectively. The incidence of infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria also declined, along with a lowered risk of premature deaths from NCDs and injuries. Together, these contributed to an increase in global life expectancy from 67 years in 2000 to 73 years in 2019.

However, the pandemic has put many health-related indicators further off-track and contributed to inequalities in access to high-quality health care, routine immunizations and financial protection. As a result, improving trends in malaria and TB have been reversed, and fewer people were treated for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

“The World Health Statistics is WHO’s annual check-up on the state of the world’s health. The report sends a stark message on the threat of noncommunicable diseases, which take an immense and increasing toll on lives, livelihoods, health systems, communities, economies and societies,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The report calls for a substantial increase in investments in health and health systems to get back on track towards the Sustainable Development Goals.”

NCDs ̶ an ever-increasing health threat for future generations

Despite overall health progress, the share of deaths caused annually by NCDs has grown consistently and is now claiming nearly three quarters of all lives lost each year.

If this trend continues, NCDs are projected to account for about 86% of the 90 million annual deaths by mid-century; consequently, 77 million of these will be due to NCDs – a nearly 90% increase in absolute numbers since 2019.

Stagnating progress calls for acceleration

recent trends show signs of slowdown in the annual rate of reduction (ARR) for many indicators. For example, the global maternal mortality ratio needs to decline by 11.6% per year between 2021 and 2030 to meet the SDG target. Similarly, the net reduction in TB incidence from 2015 to 2021 was only one-fifth of the way to the 2025 milestone of WHO’s End TB Strategy.

Despite a reduction in exposure to many health risks – such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, violence, unsafe water and sanitation, and child stunting – progress was inadequate and exposure to some risks such as air pollution remains high.

Alarmingly, the prevalence of obesity is rising with no immediate sign of reversal. Furthermore, expanded access to essential health services has slowed compared to pre-2015 gains, coupled with no significant progress in reducing financial hardship due to health-care costs. This drastically limits our ability to achieve Universal Health Coverage by 2030.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is an important reminder that progress is neither linear nor guaranteed,” warns Dr Samira Asma, WHO Assistant Director-General for Data, Analytics and Delivery for Impact. “To stay on track towards the 2030 SDG agenda, we must act decisively and collectively to deliver a measurable impact in all countries.”

This year’s report includes for the first time a dedicated section on climate change and health, and we anticipate that this will be of more relevance in the report going forward. For this issue and all other areas timely, reliable and disaggregated data are critical to track progress and improve national and global health policies.

Editor’s note: The World Health Statistics report is the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual compilation of the most recent available data on health and health-related indicators.