Basically, a plunge saw is used for:
- Quick, accurate, and repeated cuts in small or large pieces
- Optimal control, even when you’re working with rigid laminates
- Bevel and mitre cuts (e.g. vertical and horizontal cuts)
- Examples: roofing, insulation, cutting laminates, cutting doors without removing them from their hinges, etc.
What size blade does the plunge saw use?
This 6 1/2" (165mm) diameter blade has a 20mm arbor hole for compatibility with the Plunge Saw, and cuts a 2.3mm-wide kerf. Designed for use with the Adaptive Cutting System Plunge Saw
What saw should I use?
You may also see blades with other designations:
- Framing blades have 24 teeth and are effective for jobs like rough carpentry where speed is more important than getting a clean cut.
- Plywood blades have 100 or more fine teeth designed to create a finish with minimal splintering.
- Thin-kerf blades have a narrow profile for faster, easier cutting and less material waste.
Are Track saws worth it?
Track saws make long, precise cuts faster and better than table saws and circular saws. They are light and portable, don't need clamps and set up quickly and accurately. Unlike your circular saw, this has no clumsy blade guard to fight. On the DeWalt and Festool, a riving knife follows the blade, reducing kickback and blade-pinching.
What is the best track saw?
Best Cordless Track Saw – Winner Mafell. The Best cordless Tracksaw is the Mafell MT55 18M bl. This saw can run on the Mafell, Makita, Festool, Triton, and Bosch tracks. It took first place in features, ergonomics and cut quality, and second in performance testing.
What are plunge saws good for?
The plunge saw is the secret weapon in the tool kit of any DIY creator who needs to make long straight cuts. They're light, portable and make clean cuts a breeze. From making cabinets to trimming doors or cutting off overhanging decking boards, the plunge saw is the ideal tool to handle the job.
Can you use a plunge saw without the track?
Yes, you can, but they're not as easy to use without a track. The pressure it takes to hold the saw in the plunged position can affect accuracy.
How deep can a plunge saw cut?
Bevel-cutting capacity can be set from -1° to 47° and can cut up to 1 ½ deep at 45°. The Plunge saw is also designed for safety and ergonomics. Handles keep your hands well away from the blade.
What is the difference between a circular saw and a track saw?
The main difference between a circular saw and a track saw is that track saws attach to tracks that guide them across the board to make a cut. Because of the track, track saws are more accurate and neat than circular saws, while circular saws offer more autonomy of movement while working.
Can you use a circular saw blade in a plunge saw?
To make this plunge cut, you will need a jigsaw and a portable circular saw with a corresponding saw blade.
Can I turn my circular saw into a track saw?
2:103:25Turn Any Circular Saw Into A Track Saw! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you just turned every single circular saw into a track saw with just a little bit of know-how.MoreAnd you just turned every single circular saw into a track saw with just a little bit of know-how. And knowing exactly how far your blade needs to be from the fence.
Is a track saw worth it?
When it comes to making long and accurate cuts, a track saw is well worth it. It is a great alternative to the table and circular saw, with as an added plus that the track saw is more compact and portable. Better yet, if you want to break down large sheets of plywood, it's a much safer alternative.
How do track saw tracks stay in place?
While it cuts, a plunge-cut track saw rides along a stable track, which stays in place thanks to non-slip, non-marring pads on its underside.
Which track saw has the deepest cut?
Festool TS 75 EQ-F-PLUS ▲ Its 8 1⁄ 4 " blade provides the deepest cut capacity at just over 2 3⁄ 4 ".
Are plunge saws better than circular saws?
Plunge Saw Vs Circular Saw And when the quality of the finish of the cut matters, a plunge saw will always provide the highest quality of cut possible with no splintering, something hard to achieve with a circular saw. Using a plunge saw on guide rails ensures clean, accurate cuts.
Why is a track saw better than a circular saw?
Track saws make long, precise cuts faster and better than table saws and circular saws. They are light and portable, don't need clamps and set up quickly and accurately.
How do you cut a perfectly straight with a circular saw?
0:071:28How to Cut Straight With a Circular Saw - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd attach the base to the straight edge with short screws draw a line to show where the edge of theMoreAnd attach the base to the straight edge with short screws draw a line to show where the edge of the straight edge is then put a double roll of screws about 12 inches apart.
Is a plunge saw a track saw?
A plunge saw, sometimes referred to as a track saw, is a type of hand held circular saw which slides on a rail during application. You can perform long and accurate cuts with a plunge saw. Unlike other saws, a plunge saw can be fed at the start of the material or be plunged directly into where you need to cut.
How do track saw tracks stay in place?
While it cuts, a plunge-cut track saw rides along a stable track, which stays in place thanks to non-slip, non-marring pads on its underside.
How do you use a plunge saw with a track?
4:018:42Plunge Saws & Tracks - Do You Need One? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou just line up the end of that plastic with your marked line and you know that's where the saw isMoreYou just line up the end of that plastic with your marked line and you know that's where the saw is going to cut having a sectional track makes for a much easier transport.
How do you use a plunge saw and rail?
6:368:21Makita SP6000 Plunge Saw - Guide Rail Saw - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor the start of the cut plunge into maximum depth and cut along the line until the indicator markMoreFor the start of the cut plunge into maximum depth and cut along the line until the indicator mark lines up with a stop point. But do allow the saw to stop before removing it from the cut.
What Is A Plunge Saw Used For?
We already delved into this topic a bit in the sections above, but now we’ll try to give you more examples.
Can you make a worktop with a circular saw?
So even though you can technically make a worktop for your sink with a circular saw, you’ll need more work, and you’ll make more splinters.
Is a plunge saw the same as a track saw?
Some sources mention plunge saws and track saws as the same thing.
Can you plunge a saw straight into a material?
And yes, you’ve guessed it. You can plunge the saw straight into the material you want to be cut. Other saws, by comparison, need to be placed at one end or the other.
Can you use a circular saw for plunge cuts?
After all, your circular saw doesn’t have riving knives, so you can definitely use it for plunge cuts.
What voltage do plunge saws operate at?
Voltage: Plunge saws also operate in 230V or 110V so they are very much suitable for on-site work.
What is the best saw for cutting plywood?
So, if you want to perform some extremely accurate cuts for plywood, MDF, particle boards, and OSB, then a plunge saw is your best bet. At this point, you may already have some idea of the projects that you can work on using a plunge. Here are some clear benefits that you’ll reap once you start to employ them.
Can you take a plunge saw anywhere?
Portable: This one is obvious but one great advantage of a plunge saw. Due to its design, you can take it anywhere and utilize it. Unlike your circular or table saw that aren’t so easy to move.
Can you cut without clamps?
Make cuts without the use of any clamps: The guide rails that come with rubberized strips make this possible. There’s no risk of it slipping either.
Can you cut with a plunge saw?
Dust extraction: Not only can you cut safely and accurately but plunge saws have a dust extractor mechanism in them so you won’t gather dust as you work.
What Is a Plunge Saw?
When talking about a plunge saw, people commonly refer to the plunge cut circular saw. Do not mistake a plunge saw for an oscillating or reciprocating tool.
What is a plunge cut circular saw?
Plunge cut circular saws are also referred to as track saws because they are typically paired with a guide track or guide rail. A plunge saw is designed to have a circular blade inside the machine itself. Unlike the circular saw, it does not have the standard retractable blade guard. Its design allows it to make quick and easy plunge cuts, ...
What Does Plunge Cut Mean?
Plunge cutting is a technique that involves initially plunging a rotating or oscillating blade into making a hole anywhere on the surface of the material being cut.
What Is a Circular Saw?
A circular saw is a power tool that uses a round, flat blade spinning on its center. The blade can either have a toothed or abrasive edge.
How Do You Plunge Cut With a Reciprocating Saw?
Although the best way to plunge cut a perfectly straight hole into a material is by using a plunge cut circular saw, you can also achieve it with a reciprocating saw.
What is the difference between a circular saw and a plunge saw?
Dust Extraction. Circular saws have the blade side open , making it unreliable for dust extraction. On the other hand, plunge saws have enclosed blade housing that allows effortless dust extraction using a built-in vacuum tube.
How to cut a material with a reciprocating saw?
Start by positioning the reciprocating saw blade parallel to the surface of the material being cut. Step 2. Slowly tilt the device and let the rounded tip of the blade cut into the surface. Step 3. Let the rest of the blade plunge through the material.
What is a plunge saw?
A plunge saw or plunge-cut saw is a type of hand-held circular saw which differs from a regular circular saw in that it can plunge into the material to a predetermined depth during the cut. In other words, the depth-of-cut is not fixed and often can be adjusted ...
When was the first plunge saw invented?
The German power tool manufacturer Festool introduced the first guide rail in 1962, and patented and released the first plunge-cut saw in 1980.
Can a circular saw be used as a track saw?
However, any type of hand-held circular saw with attachments for guide rails can be categorized as a track saw, and this feature can thus also be found on some regular circular saws without the plunge-cut feature.
What Is a Plunge Saw?
A plunge saw, sometimes also referred to as a track saw, is a type of power tool that slides onto a rail during application.
What Is a Circular Saw?
Now onto a circular saw and how these important pieces of tooling work.
What Are the Differences Between a Plunge Saw and a Circular Saw?
Now for the bit you’ve been waiting for - what is the difference between a plunge saw and a circular saw?
Plunge Saw vs Circular Saw: Which One Do I Need?
When it comes to choosing between a plunge saw and a circular saw, we hope you now have the knowledge to pick the best tool.
What is a plunge saw?
You may not be familiar with the name “plunge saw.” That’s because it is a less common title for the popular “track saw.” This alternative name alludes to the capacity for this power saw to make reliable, straight plunge cuts as it slides along a fixed track. This is accomplished via a rotating disc-style blade that can be set at a certain depth (though that height can often be adjusted when the blade is not in motion.
Why are plunge saws so safe?
Plunge saws are well-known for their relatively safe operation. This is because their blade is always oriented downward. They are also able to contain output sawdust effectively, again because of their downward orientation.
What is a circular saw?
Meanwhile, a circular saw is a very versatile tool that will allow any DIYer to get a variety of different jobs done. This is because circular saws can be equipped with several blade types that let them cut through masonry materials, tiles, plastic, and more.
Is a plunge saw safer than a circular saw?
However, plunge saws are known for being just slightly safer for regular use due to the downward-facing direction of their set-height blade. Circular saws require a bit more skill to operate safely, primarily due to their broad cutting space.
Can a circular saw be used for curved cuts?
However, with some practice and preparation, a circular saw can be effectively used to make a variety of curved and angled cuts. A plunge saw simply cannot perform either of those jobs due to its fixed orientation.
Can a circular saw eject sawdust?
By comparison, a circular saw will typically eject its sawdust outward wherever possible. Most modern units are built with guards to block ejections towards the user. But still, they are prone to making a dusty mess.
Can a plunge saw cut straight?
A plunge saw simply cannot perform either of those jobs due to its fixed orientation . In return, though, its accuracy when it comes to cutting uniform straight cuts is unmatched.
Why use a straight edge on a circular saw?
However, the track system eliminates any chance of errors that can arise from the sideways movement. Another advantage of track saw is the dust collection system that helps you to keep your work area clean.
How does a circular saw work?
How does it work? The circular saw moves in the metal track along a straight line. When you want to cut, simply attach the metal track on to the workpiece, then plunge the circular saw into the work-piece and move it forward along the guide-ways (or the track).
What is a track saw?
A track saw is a useful power tool that allows for ultra-accurate cuts along a straight line, to be made on all sizes of wooden boards. In simple terms, it is a circular saw that is attached on to a precision metal track. It is also known as plunge saw or plunge-cut saw. The above shows a Festool track saw cutting a wooden board.
How to cut large pieces of wood?
Firstly, you cut the larger wood with your circular saw. Then, you cut the smaller pieces of wood with your table saw, which is a lot more accurate than your average circular saw. This process is cumbersome and unnecessarily long. Thankfully, you can shorten the process considerably by using a track saw (also often referred to as plunge saws).
Why do track saws have metal tracks?
The track stabilizes the saw, so you don’t have to worry about the saw slipping or moving away from the marked line by accident. Because it has the metal track, track saws have a wide variety of uses.
What are the advantages of a track saw?
Advantages of Track Saw. The primary benefit of a track saw is that you do not need a large machine like a table saw to make accurate straight cuts. Moreover, compared to other portable saws like circular saw or jigsaw, the track saws have a couple of distinct advantages.
How to make precise cuts?
To make precise cuts, you should be able to keep the metal track properly attached to the wooden board. The workpiece should be stiff enough to support the track saw. If you are cutting very thin sheets additional support may be needed. When working in tight space the length of the track may cause hindrance.
