Track saw vs table saw for sheet goods: cut depth, rail length and rip capacity

How do the two tools handle a sheet?

WEN explains that table saws use a large table to support the workpiece, and that track saws have a spring-loaded plunge mechanism built into the housing and, though they can be run freehand, work at their most effective when paired with a track. (WEN Products)

Makita describes its 118" guide rail, used with the SP6000 plunge saw, as a more portable option to a table saw for ripping sheet material. (Makita U.S.A.)

Festool says a guide rail can be used for long, straight cuts, and that its aluminium rails can carry a portable circular saw, plunge-cut saw or router.

This guide compares the figures makers publish for each approach: how deep the saw cuts, how long the rails are, and how wide a table saw can rip. Taikra doesn't rank or test tools; every figure here is from the maker's own page, linked.

How deep does a track saw cut compared with a table saw?

DEWALT lists the DWS520K's on-track cut depth as 2-1/8-in (54mm) at 90° and 1-5/8-in (41mm) at 45°.

Makita lists the SP6000J's maximum cutting capacity at 90° as 2-3/16". (Makita U.S.A.)

Festool lists a cutting depth of 0" - 2-1/8" (0 - 55 mm) for the TS 55 FEQ-F-Plus and 0" - 3" (0 - 75 mm) for the larger TS 75 EQ-F-Plus. (Festool USA; Festool USA)

For comparison, Bosch lists a maximum depth of cut of 3-9/16" at 90° on its GTS15-10 table saw.

What rail lengths do makers offer?

Makita sells a 55" guide rail for its XPS01, XPS02 and SP6000J plunge saws and says it is ideal for ripping sheet material. (Makita U.S.A.)

Makita's longer guide rail for the same saws is 118". (Makita U.S.A.)

DEWALT sells dual-edged tracks in 59 in. and 102 in. lengths. (DEWALT)

Festool lists its classic FS/2 guide rail in 800 mm, 1080 mm, 1400 mm, 1900 mm, 2400 mm, 2700 mm, 3000 mm and 5000 mm lengths.

Compare each maker's rail lengths with the longest cut you plan to make.

How wide can a table saw rip?

DEWALT lists 24.5-in of rip capacity on its compact DWE7485 and says it is for ripping 4x8 plywood or OSB sheets.

Bosch lists a right rip capacity of 32.125 in and a left rip capacity of 14.125 in on the GTS15-10.

WEN notes that table saws, being larger machines, can power through long cuts in thick materials, while track saws can be brought wherever they are needed. (WEN Products)