Track Saws
Makita DSP601ZJU vs Festool TSC 55 KSEB-Basic-FS
Side-by-side comparison — specs, price, and expert verdict
Festool TSC 55 KSEB-Basic-FS Cordless Plunge Saw
Festool · TSC 55 KSEB-Basic-FS
★ Editor's ChoiceSee offers →Specs Comparison
- Voltage
- 2×18V (36V)
- 18V
- Blade Diameter
- 165 mm
- 160 mm
- Cutting Depth (90°)
- 56 mm
- 55 mm
- Cutting Depth (45°)
- 40 mm
- 43 mm
- No-Load Speed
- 2,500–6,300 rpm
- 3,500–5,200 rpm
- Bevel Range
- -1° to +48°
- -1° to +47°
- Weight
- 4.4 kg (without battery)
- 3.3 kg (without battery)
- Dust Extraction
- Vacuum port (35/43 mm) + AWS
- Festool system (27/36 mm)
- Guide Rail Incl.
- ✗
- ✓
- Cordless
- ✓
- ✓
- Case Included
- ✓
- ✓
- Price
- —
- —
Prices as of 2026-05-04. Check store for current pricing.
Which Should You Buy?
Makita DSP601ZJU
The DSP601 is Makita's flagship cordless plunge saw — essentially the DSP600 with the addition of AWS (Auto-Start Wireless System) Bluetooth, which automatically triggers a compatible dust extractor when the saw starts. The 2×18V brushless motor with ADT (Automatic Torque Drive) adjusts cutting speed based on load. 56mm cutting depth is competitive and the MAKPAC case is included.
Pros
- + AWS Bluetooth auto-starts compatible dust extractors
- + ADT technology adjusts speed to load automatically
- + 56mm cutting depth at 90° — competitive with corded saws
- + MAKPAC systainer case included
Cons
- − Requires two 18V batteries — heavier than single-battery saws
- − 4.4 kg without batteries is on the heavier side
- − AWS only works with compatible Makita extractors
- − Guide rail not included — sold separately
Festool TSC 55 KSEB-Basic-FS
Festool's latest cordless track saw raises the bar. The KSEB model adds KickbackStop (electronic anti-kickback) and a pre-scoring function to the proven TSC 55 platform. At 3.3 kg without battery, it's the lightest saw in this comparison by a significant margin. The 160mm blade with 55mm cutting depth is slightly less than the 165mm competitors, but the Festool guide rail system and dust extraction remain the gold standard. Guide rail included in the Basic-FS variant.
Pros
- + KickbackStop — electronic anti-kickback for safer operation
- + Pre-scoring function for chip-free cuts on coated panels
- + Lightest in this class at 3.3 kg without battery
- + Guide rail FS 1400 included in Basic-FS version
Cons
- − Significant price premium over competitors
- − 55mm cutting depth — 1mm less than Makita, 11mm less than Metabo
- − Single 18V battery — less runtime than 2×18V systems
- − Full potential requires Festool ecosystem (extractors, rails, blades)