Plunge saws are practical tools if you’re dabbling in carpentry, laminate wood, kitchen fitting, and joints. After trying one, you won’t want to go back to your standard circular saw. That’s because plunge saws take the pain out of cutting small pieces.
Keep reading this article to find out what a plunge saw is, how it works, and what you can use it for.
What Is A Plunge Saw?
Some sources mention plunge saws and track saws as the same thing.
These tools are handheld circular saws that will slide on a rail when you’re using them. That means you can make longer cuts instead of constantly repositioning your device.
You’ve guessed it.
They’re perfect for longer worktops like sinks.
And there’s another advantage. You probably noticed the word “plunge” before “saw.”
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.
But why not simply use a circular saw instead?
After all, your circular saw doesn’t have riving knives, so you can definitely use it for plunge cuts.
Here’s the deal:
Plunge saws are specifically created for this sort of work, so they’re more precise. Besides, they’re better at keeping dust off of your work, and you can control them more easily.
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.
Here’s one:
When you’re cutting worktops for sinks or hobs, does it always help place the saw at the end of your material?
The answer is no. These types of projects are done faster if you can start anywhere in the material.
And that’s what a plunge saw does.
Besides, when you’re making a sink, you don’t want it to have splinters anywhere. And guess what: plunge saws execute the cleanest of cuts.
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.
And here’s another thing:
Plunge saws are much safer than circular saws because they enclosed blades. Compared to circular saws’ rear ports to eliminate dust, this enclosed spinning plus the guiding rails render the plunge saw safer for use.
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.
How Does A Plunge Saw Work?
It’s easy to use a plunge saw:
- Choose the right blade for the material you’re cutting. Remember that a thicker material like oak needs a different blade than plastic.
- Set the correct depth.
- Use clamps to secure the guide rail onto your board.
- Press the plunge release to extend the blade.
- Press the power trigger to start the motor.
- Let go of the plunge release.
- Make sure the blade reaches maximum speed before starting your cuts.
Read more: Best Plunge Saws in the UK
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