How to Choose the Right Plunge Cut Saw
by Guest Post on Jan 31, 2011
Plunge cut saws are a must-have for any serious carpenter. When a project calls for cutting a straight line, pairing a quality plunge cut saw with a guide rail will get you excellent results. There are three key factors to consider when selecting your plunge saw: quality, power, and safety.
Quality
I am a big advocate for quality tools. Too many times I have seen quality sacrificed for price… and time and time again, the tool breaks prematurely, and the woodworker is forced to purchase a replacement. Besides being a pain, it ends up costing more in the long run. If you truly need your tools, you should not sacrifice quality. Look for good design, superior materials and construction, and a solid warranty. When you test the saw, check for tight tolerances and a smooth plunging action. Make sure the cuts have splinter-free edges and that there are no burn marks left behind.
- There are plenty of times when a brand name is not an important factor to consider, but this is not one of them. Brand reputation is important. Festool Tool is a personal favorite of mine, but I recommend doing your research. Ask experienced carpenters if you know who they are using and whether they are happy. Check around the web and see what people are saying on the message boards about the brand’s service department so you want to buy from a manufacturer that stands behind its tools.
- Quality rails are important too. They should be strong, light, and easy to adjust.
Power
- This overlaps with quality, but a strong, reliable motor is important when selecting a plunge cut saw. Consider the kinds of material you will be working with most often. If you frequently work with thick, hard woods, more power will be required. If you are working with lightweight materials, a smaller, lighter saw will work just fine. Power ratings can be misleading because some less reputable saw manufacturers only list the peak power of their tool. You need to know the saw’s "continuous power rating under load." That will tell you the true power of the saw while in use.
Safety
- Make sure your saw has anti-kickback protection.
- I also recommend choosing a saw with Multiple Material Control (MMC) because it offers additional safety as well as performance. MMC allows you precision control over speed and protects the motor from overload and temperature. It also allows you to choose the optimum speed for the type of blade you are using.
About the Author: Maria Polidoro is the owner of Ace Tool Online, a leading dealer and service center for electrical power tools. Ace Tool offers over 70 major brands of hand and power tools including Milwaukee saws and Festool power tools.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
83100 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
68712 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
66347 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
45535 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
27953 Views
Latest Articles
Innovative Materials in Modern Rainscreen Systems
In today's world of architectural advancements, the materials we use to protect and adorn our structures have evolved dramatically. Within this...
on Aug 25, 2023
Benefits of Aluminum Windows for Homeowners
Aluminum windows have emerged as a popular choice among Australian homeowners, offering a compelling combination of energy efficiency and modern...
on Aug 10, 2023
Investment Tactics for Premium Condominiums
Singapore continues to be a magnet for property investments, with its robust economy, political stability, and appealing real estate market acting...
on Aug 3, 2023
10 Essential Questions to Ask During a Sunroom and Lanai Consultation
When considering the addition of a sunroom or lanai to your home, a consultation with a professional lanai contractor is crucial. This initial...
on Jul 24, 2023
Creating Beautiful and Low-Maintenance Coastal Landscapes in Tropical Areas
Living on the coast in tropical areas offers homeowners the opportunity to enjoy stunning ocean views and a unique coastal lifestyle. To make the...
on Jul 7, 2023
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Innovative Materials in Modern Rainscreen Systems
on Aug 25, 2023
Windows / Siding

In today's world of architectural advancements, the materials we use to protect and adorn our structures have evolved dramatically. Within this...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 262
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 239
- Real Estate / Finance — 196
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Home Office Lighting
When remodeling or simply installing new lighting, it is worth it to think strategically. We want to live in well lighted spaces. It boosts our...
Light up the World - Lighting Architecture
A home can be beautified by its architecture – the doors, the halls, the pillars, and the arches; or by its decorations – the wallpapers, the...
How to Clean and Replace the Hot Tub Filters Easily?
Hot tubs are luxurious and soothing as it provides perfect relaxation and stress relief after a long and tiring day. However, your spa needs to be...
Knowing the Benefits of Hiring Professional Painters
Getting your house remodeled and painted is really a tricky task. Not only the task is very stressful, but it could also be overwhelming sometimes....
Add an Artistic Touch with a Mosaic Backsplash Tile
The average kitchen backsplash is fairly boring. While it matches the counter and looks good, it is simply there doing its job, quiet and...