Kreg 20V Ionic Drive 6-1/2″ plunge-cut track saw

The Kreg Ionic Drive saw is built around Kreg’s new 20V Ionic Drive battery platform and a brushless, six-speed motor, giving you table-saw-quality, splinter-free cuts on both sheet goods and solid lumber in a compact, highly portable package that’s just as comfortable in a small shop as it is on a jobsite.

You can run the saw without a guide rail, but to get the cut quality this tool is capable of, a rail is essential. I strongly recommend going with the kit (#ACS2100B), which includes a 4Ah battery, charger and a 62″ guide rail.

Core features include a 6-1/2″ thin-kerf 1.6 mm, 40-tooth carbide blade, a six-speed range from 2,100 to 4,200 RPM, bevel capability from –1° to 47°, and a maximum cutting depth of 2-1/8″ (1-1/2″ at 45°). That deep cut capacity is a huge help when you’re working with thicker lumber. The adjustable speed range is also genuinely useful. I typically use a lower speed when cutting thin ply or veneers to conserve battery life and reduce tear-out, especially on delicate stock.

The 62″ rail is a practical length for many tasks and makes it easy to cut full sheets of plywood, either lengthwise or crosswise, with repositioning when needed. A full-length rip requires making the cut in two stages — cut about two-thirds of the way through and then repositioning the rail to complete the cut. That doesn’t bother me because I rarely need to make full rips. However, you can purchase a second rail along with rail connectors to get an extended cutting capacity up to 112″. While the 62″ rail is ideal for crosscutting, I’d love to see Kreg offer a shorter rail in the 30″ range, which would be ideal for cutting narrower stock as well as for trimming veneer panels.

The Kreg Ionic Drive is very easy to set-up and straightforward to use. Before your first cut, there are two simple things to do. First, adjust the saw’s fit on the rail using the two track-tension knobs on the base. Turn them forward in small increments to tighten the fit or back them off to loosen it. You want the saw to glide smoothly with zero side-to-side play. If you ever notice slop developing through normal use, just readjust those knobs.

Next, trim the rail’s anti-chip strip. Set your cutting depth to about 3/8″, place the rail on a scrap piece of plywood or MDF, and make a single pass. That’s all there is to it.

Once that’s done, lower the splitter guard until it touches the work surface. The next time you power up the saw, it will trim itself to the exact kerf line. The saw also includes an anti-kickback control, which I usually turn on whenever I use the saw with a rail.

Using the Kreg is remarkably straightforward. Just align the rail with your cut line and go. Other than a couple of tick marks for positioning, you rarely need layout lines. It’s fast, it’s accurate, and it removes most of the guesswork typically associated with long cuts.

As you’ll find on just about all power saws there is a constant pressure trigger switch and a trigger lock (or ‘lock-off’ button) — a standard safety feature that prevents accidental starting of the tool. 

Depth adjustments are quick, bevel changes are just as simple, and the cut quality with the included 40-tooth blade, is excellent. The top surface of your workpiece comes out clean every time — solid wood, plywood, MDF, particleboard, laminate — you name it. Occasionally you’ll see a bit of fuzz on the bottom of MDF panels, but nothing serious. Bevel cuts behave just like straight cuts; no special handling required.

Dust collection is quite good thanks to the fully shrouded blade and the included dust bag. The bag does fill quickly, though. For near-dust-free cutting, hooking up a dust extractor is the way to go. I was able to connect the saw to a Festool hose, but it didn’t lock in securely and could slip out of the port.

Blade quality plays a big role in cut performance, and Kreg’s 40-tooth blade does a commendable job producing crisp, clean edges. When it comes time for a blade change, the process is fast, simple, and clearly explained in the manual.

Compared with other track saws, the Kreg delivers the core benefits — precision plunge action, reliable guide-rail accuracy, and effective splinter control — but at a different price point and within the growing Ionic Drive ecosystem.

For a hobbyist woodworker, the saw offers a compelling mix of cordless convenience, a lower overall system cost compared to high-end pro brands, energy-efficient brushless performance, and a long rail for panel work. It feels especially well suited for small shops, garage setups, shared workspaces, and anyone who needs portability without sacrificing cut quality. And if you’re already invested in Kreg’s Ionic Drive tools, this saw is the natural next step.

There isn’t a lot not to like about this track saw. I do find the height and bevel adjustment knobs a tad on the small size. I’ll need to find a hose adapter to connect the saw to my Festool or Bosch dust extractors. And, as I mentioned earlier, there is only a 62″ rail. However, none of these are, in my view, deal breakers.

In short, the Kreg 20V Ionic Drive 6-1/2″ Plunge-Cut Track Saw brings modern features, strong cutting performance, and cordless freedom to hobbyists at a more accessible price than the top-tier systems on the market. It’s a solid and confidence-building tool that delivers where it counts.