WEN CT1065 Sidewinder Circular Track Saw Review: A DIYer’s Dream?

Looking for a powerful and precise cutting tool for your woodworking projects? I recently got my hands on the WEN Plunge Cut Track Saw, and I’m excited to share my experience with you.

This compact saw packs a punch with its 10-amp motor. It spins the 6.5-inch blade at an impressive 5500 RPM. I found it perfect for making clean, straight cuts in plywood and trimming doors.

The ability to bevel up to 45 degrees for angled cuts is a nice touch. I also love how I can adjust the cutting depth up to 2-1/3 inches.

WEN Plunge Cut Track Saw

What I really like is how this saw can be used with or without a track. When I need extra precision, I just attach it to the track (sold separately) for super smooth cuts. The dust port is a nice feature too – it keeps my workspace clean and tidy.

While it may not be the top-of-the-line option for pros, I think it’s a great choice for DIY enthusiasts and hobby woodworkers like me. It’s much more affordable than some of the premium brands, but still delivers solid performance.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a versatile and budget-friendly track saw, the WEN Plunge Cut Track Saw is worth checking out. It’s a great tool for making precise cuts without breaking the bank.

Click here to get your WEN Plunge Cut Track Saw and start making accurate cuts today!

Overview of the WEN CT1065 10-Amp Sidewinder Circular Track Saw

I recently got my hands on the WEN track saw, and I’m impressed with its performance. This handy tool has become my go-to for making long, precise cuts. It’s like having a portable table saw!

The 10-amp motor packs a punch, easily slicing through hardwoods. I love how it can bevel up to 45 degrees for angled cuts. The depth adjustment is super helpful too.

One thing I really like is the dust collection port. It keeps my workspace clean when I hook up my shop vac. The non-slip base is a nice safety feature as well.

While it works great with WEN’s track system, I found it also functions well as a standalone plunge saw. For DIYers and hobbyists looking for clean, accurate cuts without breaking the bank, this saw is worth checking out.

Innovative Plunge Cut Technology

I was blown away by the plunge cut feature on this saw. It’s a game-changer for making precise internal cuts. I used it to cut out a window opening in a cabinet, and it worked like a charm. The saw lets me set the depth anywhere from 0 to 2-1/3 inches, giving me total control. There are three blade settings – one for shallow scoring cuts, one for full plunges, and one that makes changing blades a breeze. The non-slip base helps prevent kickback too, which made me feel safer using it. The flat base keeps things stable and accurate. It’s so versatile!

Precision Tracking for Clean, Straight Cuts

I’m really impressed with how this saw glides along the track. It’s like it’s on rails! The smooth movement helps me make cuts that are super straight and clean.

I’ve used it to rip through boards up to 2-1/3 inches thick, and the results are splinter-free every time.

The saw works great for bevel cuts too. I can tilt it to 45 degrees and still cut through boards up to 1-5/8 inches thick. This comes in handy for all sorts of projects.

One thing I love is how versatile this saw is. I can use it for ripping boards or even making plunge cuts in the middle of a piece. It’s really changed how I work with wood.

The saw comes with a good blade – a 6.5-inch carbide-tipped one with 24 teeth. It spins fast at 4500 RPM, which helps get those clean cuts.

Bevel Capability for Angled Cuts

I was really happy to find out this saw can make angled cuts. It lets me tilt the blade up to 45 degrees for bevel cuts. I tried it on some 1-5/8 inch thick boards and it worked great. The cuts were clean and smooth.

It’s nice to have this option for more complex projects. I like that I can adjust the angle easily. The saw feels steady when making these angled cuts too. It’s a handy feature that adds a lot of versatility to what I can do with this tool.

Durability and Design

I’ve been really impressed with the build quality of this track saw. The black finish looks sleek and professional. It feels solid in my hands, not flimsy at all. The thermoplastic elastomer handle gives a comfortable, secure grip even during long cutting sessions.

I appreciate the thoughtful design touches. The bevel capability is super handy for angled cuts. The plunge mechanism operates smoothly. At 6.5 inches, the blade is a good size for most jobs I’ve tackled.

One small gripe – it’s a bit on the heavy side. But that heft does add to the overall sturdy feel. The power cord could be longer too. Still, for the price, I think the durability and design are excellent. This saw should hold up well to regular use in my workshop.

Pros and Cons

I’ve been using this WEN track saw for a while now, and it’s been quite an experience. Let’s break down what I liked and didn’t like about it.

Pros

  • Great value for money
  • Makes clean, splinter-free cuts
  • Works well for ripping boards and plunge cuts
  • Can make 45-degree bevel cuts
  • Compatible with WEN tracks and clamps

I was really impressed with how this saw performed, especially considering its price. It’s a solid choice for DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists who don’t want to break the bank. The cuts were clean and smooth, which was a pleasant surprise. I found it particularly useful for ripping boards and making plunge cuts.

Cons

  • Not as powerful as high-end models
  • May not be suitable for heavy professional use
  • Limited to 2-1/3 inch cutting depth

While I enjoyed using this saw, it’s not without its drawbacks. It’s not as powerful as some of the more expensive models out there, so it might struggle with really tough jobs. I wouldn’t recommend it for heavy-duty professional use. Also, the cutting depth is limited to 2-1/3 inches, which might be an issue for some projects.

Customer Reviews

I recently got my hands on this WEN track saw, and I’ve been putting it through its paces. The reviews from other users have been mostly positive, with an average rating of 4.3 stars from nearly 1,500 ratings.

Many DIYers and hobbyists like me appreciate the saw’s value for money. It’s a great alternative to pricier brands for those of us on a budget.

Users praise the saw’s accuracy and ease of use, especially for long rips and cross cuts. It’s been a game-changer for folks without a table saw. The tracks help achieve precise cuts on various materials like melamine, pine, oak, and maple.

Some pros might find it lacking compared to top-tier brands, but for home projects and occasional use, it seems to do the job well. A few users mentioned it’s particularly handy for working with live edge slabs.

While most feedback is positive, some reviewers noted it might not match the performance of more expensive models. But for the price, many think it’s a solid choice for DIY enthusiasts and weekend warriors.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

I found this track saw a breeze to set up and use. The plunge cut feature is smooth and lets me start cuts anywhere on the workpiece. It’s light enough to move around easily, which is great for big projects. Changing blades is quick and simple.

I like how the dust collection port keeps my work area clean. The tracks snap together for longer cuts, and they stay put without clamps. Clean-up is easy too – just a quick wipe down after use.

One small issue is that the depth adjustment can be a bit finicky at first, but I got used to it pretty fast. Overall, it’s a user-friendly tool that doesn’t need much fuss to keep running well.

Conclusion

I’m really impressed with this WEN track saw. It’s a game-changer for my woodworking projects. The cuts are clean and precise, which is exactly what I need for my live edge slabs.

While it may not be top-of-the-line, it’s perfect for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts like me. I love how it handles different materials – from melamine to maple. The price is a big plus too. It’s way more affordable than some high-end brands, but still gets the job done well.

If you’re on a budget but need accurate cuts, I’d say give this saw a try. It’s been a great addition to my workshop and has made my projects much easier to complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve been using the WEN Sidewinder for a while now, and it’s become a go-to tool in my workshop. Let me share some answers to common questions I’ve encountered:

What are the main features of the WEN CT1065 Sidewinder Circular Track Saw?

The WEN Sidewinder packs a punch with its 10-amp motor. It spins the 6.5-inch blade at 5500 RPM, cutting through tough woods like butter. I love that it can bevel up to 45 degrees for angled cuts. The depth adjustment is super handy, letting me set cuts from 0 to 2-1/3 inches deep. It’s great for both plunge cuts and regular sawing.

How does the WEN Sidewinder Track Saw perform in terms of precision and accuracy?

I’ve found the WEN Sidewinder to be surprisingly accurate. The track system (sold separately) keeps cuts straight and smooth. Even without the track, the flat base helps me make precise cuts. The scoring feature is a nice touch – it lets me make a shallow cut first to prevent splintering on the final pass.

What are the potential drawbacks of using the WEN CT1065 Sidewinder for long-term projects?

While I like this saw, it’s not perfect for every job. For really big projects, the 6.5-inch blade might feel limiting. The dust collection could be better – I sometimes need to clean up after cuts. It’s also a bit heavy for overhead work.

How is the overall build quality and durability of the WEN Track Saw?

For its price, the WEN Sidewinder feels solid. The base is sturdy, and the controls are easy to use. I’ve had mine for a while now, and it’s held up well to regular use. It might not be as tough as pricier models, but it’s definitely not flimsy.

Can the WEN CT1065 be easily used with different brands of track guides or accessories?

I’ve mostly stuck with WEN tracks and clamps, which work great. Some users say it can work with other brands, but I can’t say for sure. If you’re thinking of mixing and matching, it might be worth checking compatibility first.

What are some tips for getting the best cutting results with the WEN CT1065 Track Saw?

Here are some tips I’ve picked up:

  • Use the right blade for your material
  • Set the depth just a bit deeper than your workpiece
  • Take it slow on tougher woods
  • Clean the track before each use
  • Use clamps to keep the track steady

I always do a test cut on scrap wood first. It helps me get the settings just right before I tackle the real piece.

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