Evolution R185CCSX+ Multi-Material Track Compatible Saw Review
Evolution Track Compatible Saw Review
The 7 ¼” track-compatible circular saw from Evolution Tools is an incredibly versatile cutting system that can be adapted to almost any application. While it is not a true track-saw, the Evolution R185CCSX+ blends the capability and accuracy of a track-compatible baseplate with the all-around utility of a powerful 7 ¼” circular saw. The Tool Lab crew partnered with Evolution to evaluate this tool, and we were very surprised by the results and some of the hidden features of this saw that we discovered in the process.
Evolution is a brand from the United Kingdom that is heavily entrenched in the world of metalworking and fabrication. Their catalog of saws caters to professionals who make metal chips instead of wood chips daily. However, Evolution is branching out into other tool markets and is bringing its own advanced technologies to the party. We were first introduced to Evolution Tools and worked together with them during our Best Battery Powered 9-10” Concrete Cutter Head-to-Head Test.
Features
- 850W Brushless Motor
- Multi-Material, Premium, Japanese Made 20T Tungsten Carbide Tipped (TCT) Blade
- Track Compatible Alloy Base is Compatible With Festool and Makita Tracks
- Soft Start & Quick-Stop Electronic Blade Brake
- Rafter Hook
- Dust Extractor Vacuum Compatible
- 3 Year Limited Warranty
Specifications
- Voltage: 20V
- No Load Speed: 4200 RPM
- Weight W/ 5.0 Ah Battery: 8.2 Lbs.
- Dust Port Adapter Size: 30mm
- Max Bevel: 45°
- Max Cutting Depth 90°: 2 ½” (2 5/16” on Track)
- Max Cutting Depth 45°: 1 ⅞” (1 ⅝” on Track)
Evolution R185CCSX+ Features and Performance
The evaluation process for the Evolution saw was two-fold. We wanted to see its merit as a standalone circular saw, while also determining if the track capability was on par with a dedicated track saw. There is an old saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none”. However, people often miss the second part, “oftentimes better than a master of one”.
As a dedicated circular saw, the Evolution is on par with the majority of saws in the 7 ¼” sidewinder class. It is smooth and powerful with an almost instant ramp-up time. Additionally, the electronic blade break is almost instantaneous. The saw was used to cut a variety of sheet goods as well as framing materials. Regardless of the materials, the saw powered through the cuts and did not bog down.
The grip is comfortably contoured and positioned on the saw to allow easy viewing of your cut lines. Bevel and blade height adjustment levers are also large and easy to use. The blade guard is a translucent polycarbonate material that Evolution describes as “nearly indestructible”. The guard felt noticeably lighter and did not bind on the material, like metal guards often do.
Room For Improvement
Our crew encountered two issues during evaluation that were an annoyance, but not a dealbreaker for the Evolution. The first is the overall size of the baseplate. In order to accommodate a track system, the baseplate is oversized to ensure accuracy on the tracks. This leaves a somewhat awkward experience when using the saw as a standalone circular saw. It feels slightly clumsy when cutting a smaller piece of material, such as a 2×4.
The clear line of sight to the blade helps counteract this greatly. The other issue is the dust extractor port. The port is a smaller diameter tube that then flares out to allow connection to a vacuum or dust extractor. This port is prone to clogging without a vacuum attached. There is not enough airflow from the blade motion to clear the port on its own. In track configuration, this saw will likely be attached to a vacuum system. However, as a circular saw, that is not always the case. Luckily, the dust extractor connection is easily removed via two screws. We would highly recommend temporarily removing this accessory if using the saw as a standalone tool, without a track.
Getting Things On Track
The benefits of a track saw are well-documented by the Tool Lab Crew. We recently published an updated Head-to-Head Comparison Test discussing the merits of these tools. The Evolution R185CCSX+ taps into that capability with its larger track-compatible base.
The version of the saw we tested included a series of short tracks and connectors. These segments join together to give you a 4’7” length track that is capable of comfortably cross-cutting a sheet of plywood. The connectors are simple and include an Allen wrench for securing the fasteners. While they held square for us during use, our testing crew agreed that dedicated tracks of longer lengths are a better solution. Evolution offers its own tracks in longer lengths. However, the R185CCSX+ is also compatible with Festool and Makita pattern tracks. This opens the saw up to a large variety of tracks and accessories.
To secure the saw to the tracks, there is a tension adjustment knob on the saw’s baseplate. The tension adjustment allows the user to set the saw’s drag as it moves along the track. We appreciated this feature to help slow the movement of the saw to ensure accuracy. Although it is time-consuming to get it “just right”.
The Unexpected Star of the Show
Evolution offers a full line of extremely high-quality blades for all of its saws. The blade we used on our sample saw is the 40T Fine Wood blade, which is made in Japan. This blade provided simply outstanding results during our testing!
Combining the 40T blade with the R185CCSX+, with a guide track and vacuum system, provided us with tracksaw levels of accuracy and performance. We tested this in a variety of sheet goods, including some questionable grades of veneer plywood from Asia. At a 45° angle, we were able to easily cut clean miters.
Evolutions’ other blade offerings include a 20T Tungsten Carbide Tipped (TCT) Multi-Material blade that is rated for virtually any jobsite material. This multi-material blade allows users to cut nail-embedded wood, composite decking, laminates, and even metal, all without switching blades.
Price and Value
The Evolution track-compatible circular saw is available in both bare tool and kitted options. Evolution offers the Loaded option (Kit), which includes a charger, one 5.0 Ah battery, two segments of track, connectors, clamps, and other accessories for $576.00 MSRP. This offers an excellent value for any contractor or DIYer who is looking for a cutting system that offers increased accuracy, while still maintaining the versatility of a circular saw! Like we said before, “Jack of all trades, master of none, oftentimes better than a master of one”.
Our friends at ACME Tools are offering the Evolution R185CCSX saw as a bare tool (W/ tracks) for $183.99. This allows users to select the best battery and charger combination that works for them. Follow the Buy Now link below to purchase the Evolution saw from ACME.
Overall Impressions of the Evolution R185CCSX+
The versatility of the Evolution track-compatible saw makes it a great option for pros and DIYers alike. Guide track compatibility is also a niche of the saw world and is overlooked by many of the big-name manufacturers. The power and performance of the saw alone, combined with the option of using tracks, make this an excellent value and option for anyone looking for a circular saw that will do more for you. Unfortunately, Evolution does not have a complete tool catalog for all the commonly used categories of tools. Therefore, we cannot recommend adopting Evolution as your only battery platform. However, their forward thinking with cutting tools design and technology would make them an excellent addition to any tool horde.
