Track saw guide
DEWALT DWS520K 6-1/2 in. TrackSaw Kit (track sold separately)
Corded track sawing on DEWALT tracks, with a riving knife that retracts for plunge cuts
DEWALT's DWS520K pairs the corded DWS520 track saw with a 48-tooth blade, a wrench and a kit box. It cuts 2-1/8 in. deep on the track, bevels to 47 degrees and runs 1,750 to 4,200 rpm. The track and clamps are separate purchases; the warranty is three years with a year of free service.
Listing checked . Confirm the model, included parts and availability before ordering.
Published specifications
- 12 amps, 1,300 watts; 1,750 to 4,200 rpm per the manual
- On-track depth 2-1/8 in. at 90 degrees, 1-5/8 in. at 45
- Bevel 0 to 47 degrees
- In the box: 48-tooth blade, wrench, kit box; no track
- Riving knife retracts during plunge cuts
- 3-year limited warranty, 1 year free service
Fit and limits
Strengths
- Riving knife retracts for plunge cuts, per the manual
- Three-year warranty plus a year of free service
- Manual gives speed settings by material
Caveats
- No track in the kit; DEWALT sells tracks and clamps separately
- Manual rules out solid-surface countertops, metal, tile and plastic
- Manual says to always connect a dust extractor
What the DWS520K kit includes
DEWALT's includes list names four items: the DWS520 saw, a 6-1/2 in. 48-tooth Ultra Fine Finishing blade with a 20 mm arbor, a blade wrench and a kit box. No track is listed. DEWALT shows its 46 in. track (DWS5020), 102 in. track (DWS5023), track bag and track clamps (DWS5026) as related products sold on their own.
The manual leans on the track throughout. It says to always use the track when plunge cutting, to always clamp the track to the workpiece and to use the track when ripping. Budget for at least one track and a pair of clamps before the saw is usable as a track saw. The Amazon listing's model field reads DWS520K.
Depth, bevel and speed
DEWALT's page gives an on-track cut depth of 2-1/8 in. (54 mm) at 90 degrees and 1-5/8 in. (41 mm) at 45 degrees, and says the depth scale accounts for track thickness. The manual gives 0 to 2-5/16 in. (59 mm) without the track and 0 to 2-1/8 in. (55 mm) with it, a 1 mm difference from the page.
The bevel adjusts from 0 to 47 degrees. The page rates the motor at 12 amps and 1,300 watts. A speed wheel sets 1,750 to 4,200 rpm, and the manual's chart suggests settings 3 to 5 for solid wood, 4 to 5 for chipboard, 2 to 5 for laminated and veneered boards and 1 to 3 for paper and carton.
Kickback controls and the riving knife
DEWALT lists a continuous anti-kickback mechanism and a riving knife. The manual's plunge-cut steps start by turning the anti-kickback knob counterclockwise and end by turning it clockwise into the lock position. If kickback happens during a plunge cut, it says to turn the knob counterclockwise to free the saw from the track.
The manual says the DWS520's riving knife retracts during a plunge cut, so it does not need to be removed. The knife is 0.067 in. (1.7 mm) thick, and the manual limits blades to a kerf of at least 0.087 in. (2.2 mm), a body no thicker than 0.063 in. (1.6 mm) and a rating of 6,000 rpm or higher.
Setting up the track and dust collection
Two track adjusters on the base set the saw's play on the track; the manual says to readjust them for each different track. The track's anti-splinter strip has to be trimmed before first use: speed 5, a 3/16 in. (5 mm) depth and one continuous pass along the full length on scrap.
DEWALT's page lists a universal 1-1/4 in. dust port and claims 90 percent efficient dust collection with a vacuum. The manual says to always connect the saw to a dust extractor. It also says not to cut solid-surface countertops such as Corian, metal, masonry, cement board, tile or plastic, and gives a 12 mm minimum cut next to a wall.
Warranty and service
DEWALT's page lists a 3 year limited warranty, 1 year of free service and a 90 day satisfaction guarantee. The manual's Three Year Limited Warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship for three years from purchase and excludes normal wear and tool abuse.
The manual's free service clause says DEWALT will maintain the tool and replace parts worn by normal use during the first year. Its 90 day money back guarantee asks for a receipt. The manual also says the brush system stops the saw automatically when the brushes wear out, and that brushes are replaced at authorized DEWALT service centers.
Common questions
Does the DEWALT DWS520K include a track?
No. DEWALT's includes list names the saw, a 48-tooth blade, a wrench and a kit box. DEWALT sells 46 in. and 102 in. tracks and track clamps separately.
Do you remove the riving knife for plunge cuts on the DWS520?
No. The manual says the DWS520's riving knife retracts during a plunge cut, so it does not need to be removed.
What speed range does the DWS520 have?
The manual gives 1,750 to 4,200 rpm on the speed wheel, with suggested settings by material.
Check the current listing
Main caveat to weigh before ordering: No track in the kit; DEWALT sells tracks and clamps separately.
Primary sources
- 6-1/2-in Track Saw Kit (DWS520K) | DEWALT
- DEWALT DWS520 Heavy-Duty Track Saw Instruction Manual (N394705)
Primary sources checked .
Compare with
Side-by-side pages, this model next to: Makita XPS01PTJ 36V (18V X2) LXT Brushless 6-1/2 in. Plunge Circular Saw Kit (5.0Ah), WEN CT1065 10-Amp 6.5 in. Plunge Cut Track Saw (track sold separately).