Posted: 10/2/2025 11:38:40 AM EDT
|
A little background... I am fully vested in the Milwaukee M12/M18 line up but a few years ago, I decided I really needed a track saw. This was before Milwaukee released their version so I went with the Makita 2x18v cordless version. Overall, I'm pretty happy with it except for 2 things... I don't really like the dual battery setup and I don't like having a separate battery/charger platform for just 1 specific tool. I looked at Makita's 18v line up to see if they had any other 18v tools that I could use but I didn't find anything I wanted and/or didn't already have the Milwaukee equivalent of? I wish I had gotten the Makita 40v track saw because not only is it a slighter better design, but also because Makita has some other 40v tools that I am very interested in and that Milwaukee doesn't have (or their version isn't as good). So I'm debating between... A. Keeping what I have and getting over the dual battery setup and single use battery system thing? B. Selling my current saw and getting the Milwaukee so that I'm on one battery platform across the board? C. Selling my current saw and getting the Makita 40v saw (as well as a few of their other 40v tools) which gives me some diversity and opens up future tool possibilities? I realize option A makes the most sense financially but this isn't a cost based decision so I will likely go with either option B or C if I can find someone to buy my current saw? Assuming I do sell my current saw, should I go with the Milwaukee or Makita 40v and specifically why? Obviously with the Milwaukee I'm already set battery platform wise and I do like a few of the features on their track saw but the Makita is a sold tool and I like the option of getting into their 40v platform. |
On going to war over religion: "You're basically killing each other to see who's got the better imaginary friend." - Richard Jeni
Joined:
Nov 2022
Posts:
220
EE: 0% (0)
WA, USA
|
I looked into buying a track saw a couple years back Ended up getting some 1/4"X2" aluminum in 8' lengths and cut one into lengths,4', 2', and 18". Those with a couple of good clamps have done any job I've had that would have justified a track saw. I do a lot of finish work on houses and some habitat volunteering |
So in other words, you've never used a track saw huh?  I used the straight edge + standard circular saw method plenty of times over the years and yes, that method works in a pinch and there was a time that I use to think like you (that track saws were just a fancy over priced solution to an easy problem) but after owning a track saw, I can tell you a good track + plunge saw is a much better solution and totally worth the price IMO, especially if you break down a lot of sheet material. Yes, it somewhat depends on the type of work you primarily do? For construction type work (framing, decks, etc.) with just some occasional plywood and finish work, then sure you can get by just fine without one but when you're doing woodworking and cabinet work were precision and cut quality matter, track saws are a game changer. Either way... this isn't a "is it worth it" or "what's a cheaper solution" thread. The decision has already been made to own a tracksaw. The question here is... Do I keep my current track saw or replace it with the Milwaukee M18 or Makita 40v version? |
On going to war over religion: "You're basically killing each other to see who's got the better imaginary friend." - Richard Jeni
|
Originally Posted By Covertness: If Festool upgrade isn’t an option for you Originally Posted By Covertness: If Festool upgrade isn’t an option for you Originally Posted By Covertness: then get the other one. |
On going to war over religion: "You're basically killing each other to see who's got the better imaginary friend." - Richard Jeni
|
I have the Makita 18Vx2 track saw and I'm also balls deep in Makita cordless tools. I'm happy with the saw and glad I went with cordless over corded. If you use it A LOT then that would justify switching to the Milwaukee, which is an excellent saw. They waited a long time to release one and by doing so incorporated all the features of the others. The Makita tracks are compatible with the Milwaukee IIRC so at least you wouldn't have to buy new tracks. If you use it a lot or just want a reason to get the Makita 40V to get other tools then by all means, your money your life, enjoy both. I don't think the Festool is worth it over either of these to be truthful. I know you aren't considering it, but nevertheless it isn't like their ETS-EC or Rotex sanders compared to Makita or Milwaukee offerings in sanders. |
|
Originally Posted By Oldgold: I have both Makita and Milwaukee. Don't see the problem. I don't either. I mostly have Metabo HTP and older Hitachi tools but if I needed something for occasional use they didn't make (like a track saw) or did make but I didn't like it wouldn't be a big deal to have another battery and charger for it. |
It’s better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt.
|
Originally Posted By A_G: I don't think the Festool is worth it over either of these to be truthful. I know you aren't considering it, but nevertheless it isn't like their ETS-EC or Rotex sanders compared to Makita or Milwaukee offerings in sanders. Originally Posted By A_G: I don't think the Festool is worth it over either of these to be truthful. I know you aren't considering it, but nevertheless it isn't like their ETS-EC or Rotex sanders compared to Makita or Milwaukee offerings in sanders. Originally Posted By Oldgold: I have both Makita and Milwaukee. Don't see the problem. In this case, I only have one Makita 18v tool and they don't make any other 18v tools that I have any need or desire for. That's why I'm debating between the Milwaukee (all tools on 1 battery platform) or the Makita 40v as there are at least 3 tools in their 40v line up that I'd like to have. The other thing I consider is the whole lineup and not necessarily 1 or 2 specific tools. When you are talking basic tools (Drills, impact drivers, circular saws, etc.) then they are all fairly equal but when you look at automotive and plumbing type tools, Milwaukee blows Makita away but if you're talking about WW'ing focused tools, I think Makita has the advantage. Makita's SCMS (both corded and cordless) are much better saws then anything Milwaukee makes. 1 of the 40v Makita tools I'm very interested in is their 40v Plunge router which is leaps and bounds better than Milwaukee's closest equivalent. |
On going to war over religion: "You're basically killing each other to see who's got the better imaginary friend." - Richard Jeni
|
Originally Posted By airgunner: I agree that's why the Festool isn't even in the running. Probably would been if this was 10+ years ago when they were one of the few (if not only) track saw games in town but not anymore. I have tools from most, if not all, of the major tool brands. I'm not brand loyal and usually pick the best tool from whoever makes it but cordless tools are a different animal IMO. Batteries are the biggest part of the cost so from that perspective, multiple battery systems just doesn't make a lot of sense to me, especially if one of the battery systems is only in support of a single tool. Now if I had multiple tools for each system because each system gave me options not available (or not as good) as the other system has then that's a different story. In this case, I only have one Makita 18v tool and they don't make any other 18v tools that I have any need or desire for. That's why I'm debating between the Milwaukee (all tools on 1 battery platform) or the Makita 40v as there are at least 3 tools in their 40v line up that I'd like to have. The other thing I consider is the whole lineup and not necessarily 1 or 2 specific tools. When you are talking basic tools (Drills, impact drivers, circular saws, etc.) then they are all fairly equal but when you look at automotive and plumbing type tools, Milwaukee blows Makita away but if you're talking about WW'ing focused tools, I think Makita has the advantage. Makita's SCMS (both corded and cordless) are much better saws then anything Milwaukee makes. 1 of the 40v Makita tools I'm very interested in is their 40v Plunge router which is leaps and bounds better than Milwaukee's closest equivalent. You really aren't wrong about anything you wrote, personally I agree with everything you said. One thing I'll add, that you should consider, is Makita batteries. For the 18V system, they are all still old 18650 based packs, and the highest Ah rating they have is 6Ah. Really behind the Red, Yellow, Blue, and may other offerings. However, while not designed and built for raw output, the Makita 18V batteries are probably the best out there for long life. They are superb batteries. Their 40V max line uses 21700 cells, but one issue with them is the vent holes at the bottom. Kind of stupid unless everything inside is waterproof, if you ever put the tool down in a puddle. All that said, if you have the money to get the Makita 40V max tools, by all means do it, I doubt you'll regret it. You can always sell the 18Vx2 track saw. Tracks are compatible with the between the 18V and 40V max tools, I believe. |
|
Originally Posted By A_G: One thing I'll add, that you should consider, is Makita batteries. For the 18V system, they are all still old 18650 based packs, and the highest Ah rating they have is 6Ah. Really behind the Red, Yellow, Blue, and may other offerings. However, while not designed and built for raw output, the Makita 18V batteries are probably the best out there for long life. They are superb batteries. Their 40V max line uses 21700 cells, but one issue with them is the vent holes at the bottom. Kind of stupid unless everything inside is waterproof, if you ever put the tool down in a puddle. Originally Posted By A_G: One thing I'll add, that you should consider, is Makita batteries. For the 18V system, they are all still old 18650 based packs, and the highest Ah rating they have is 6Ah. Really behind the Red, Yellow, Blue, and may other offerings. However, while not designed and built for raw output, the Makita 18V batteries are probably the best out there for long life. They are superb batteries. Their 40V max line uses 21700 cells, but one issue with them is the vent holes at the bottom. Kind of stupid unless everything inside is waterproof, if you ever put the tool down in a puddle. Originally Posted By A_G: All that said, if you have the money to get the Makita 40V max tools, by all means do it, I doubt you'll regret it. You can always sell the 18Vx2 track saw. Tracks are compatible with the between the 18V and 40V max tools, I believe. That is the direction I'm leaning and yes, all 3 use the same track so we are just talking about the saw itself. |
On going to war over religion: "You're basically killing each other to see who's got the better imaginary friend." - Richard Jeni
|
I have a corded makita with a couple 54” tracks and a 120”. I’m about to get a battery powered one too. The cord is really the down side. Its likes to snag when using the long rail. Which is my most often use. It amazes me how few people have seen a track saw when I pull it out on a job for some weird cut. I’ll probably get the Milwaukee sink I have the big ass batteries already. |
|
Originally Posted By lugert: I have a corded makita with a couple 54” tracks and a 120”. I’m about to get a battery powered one too. I can fully appreciate that. When I got the 18v Makita I seriously considered the corded version. Its cheaper and I wouldn't have to worry about supporting another battery platform but I just couldn't do it. I've gotten too spoiled by cordless tools and have been slowly replacing all of my corded tools with cordless versions! |
On going to war over religion: "You're basically killing each other to see who's got the better imaginary friend." - Richard Jeni
|
Originally Posted By airgunner: I can fully appreciate that. When I got the 18v Makita I seriously considered the corded version. Its cheaper and I wouldn't have to worry about supporting another battery platform but I just couldn't do it. I've gotten too spoiled by cordless tools and have been slowly replacing all of my corded tools with cordless versions! Originally Posted By airgunner: Originally Posted By lugert: I have a corded makita with a couple 54” tracks and a 120”. I’m about to get a battery powered one too. I can fully appreciate that. When I got the 18v Makita I seriously considered the corded version. Its cheaper and I wouldn't have to worry about supporting another battery platform but I just couldn't do it. I've gotten too spoiled by cordless tools and have been slowly replacing all of my corded tools with cordless versions! I got the cordless because I figured I'd use it outside from time to time and dust collection wouldn't be much of a concern. The dust collector hose does still get in the way at times but I have no regrets about getting cordless. Cordless won't totally replace corded IMO, especially on high draw tools like sanders where they tend to run for extended periods. Also things like routers (1/2", not little trim routers) especially taking heavy cuts will tax a battery. For most things though, cordless is usually the way to go. |
|
Originally Posted By A_G: I got the cordless because I figured I'd use it outside from time to time and dust collection wouldn't be much of a concern. The dust collector hose does still get in the way at times but I have no regrets about getting cordless. Originally Posted By A_G: I got the cordless because I figured I'd use it outside from time to time and dust collection wouldn't be much of a concern. The dust collector hose does still get in the way at times but I have no regrets about getting cordless. Originally Posted By A_G: Cordless won't totally replace corded IMO, especially on high draw tools like sanders where they tend to run for extended periods. Also things like routers (1/2", not little trim routers) especially taking heavy cuts will tax a battery. For most things though, cordless is usually the way to go. Either way, I've kept some of my corded tools just in case. For instance, the Milwaukee M12 Fuel jig saw is perfect for my needs but I still have my Bosch corded barrel grip saw just in case I ever find my self in a situation where the M12 can't cut it? Same thing with the router, I want that new Makita but I wouldn't get rid of my 3.5HP corded plunge router. That and most used corded tools aren't worth that much on the used market anyway so I don't see much reason to get rid of them? |
On going to war over religion: "You're basically killing each other to see who's got the better imaginary friend." - Richard Jeni
|
Yeah, corded tools don't go for much these days, except some specialty ones like SDS or hex shank breaker hammers. The new cordless Domino is really nice and IMO the best thing about it is the improved handle design that's more of a pistol grip instead of in line like the corded version. Not nice enough to justify switching to cordless now, but if I didn't have the corded one I'd definitely get the cordless. I agree though, another 5, maybe 10 years at most and cordless will totally eclipse corded tools for all but heavy machines like cabinet saws, jointers, etc. Manufacturers love them too because the batteries are a perpetual revenue stream. |