Does the average DIY'er really need a Plunge Saw?

After making do using standard circular saws for my whole DIY life I finally purchase my first 'Plunge Saw' and put it though it's paces to see if it really is better than a traditional circular saw.
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► Guide Rail Quick Clamps: amzn.to/3Rg25sL
► Dewalt 18v Circular Saw: amzn.to/3Py6AOn
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[@MrDhandley]

I went all out and bought a Festool plunge saw when I started getting into more serious woodworking. One of my best investments ever!

[@samsonhorvath3614]

Yes, now a diyer can finally cut a straight line!!! Wow

[@williambelford9661]

I bought a plunge saw, not to replace my circular saw, but to replace my table saw as I had no room for either an infeed or an outfeed table in a very small workspace 👍

[@davidhull2060]

My woodworking skills improved exponentially the moment I bought my plunge saw. For making cabinetry and furniture it is indispensable and the accuracy saves lots of fiddling about to make things fit. With one of these and a cordless circular saw, there is nothing you cannot tackle.

[@STEVIEBHOY]

It can't drill holes 🤣👍

[@johannes.f.r.]

​@@STEVIEBHOYIt is very useful to make holes, just not small ones. Just the ones that a drill isn't useful for.

[@TheWardagh]

Fully agree i had the same experience. Opened me up to a whole world of options. I also have no room for a table saw and the track saw can handle most cuts

[@5084204]

Ditto. One my first bigger project involved over £1k worth of oak. There was no room for errors. All repeated cuts came out super precise, square and equal - rendering my evo table saw and the mitre saw completely useless. Peter Millard also said that the more expensive plunge saws have much better dust collection: I fully support this statement - while cutting, I do not even have to switch the extractor: all dust ends up in the hose on its own (unless you trim very tiny straps from the edges, with the blade exposed). My advice to the new DIYers? If you cannot afford very good table saw and very good mitre saw - buy one, good plunge saw. Budget of around £500 quid will even allow you to buy a few accessories from benchdogs. You will be happy with your projects.

[@feanor5037]

A tool opens up capabilities but doesn't suddenly improve your skills 😜

[@petertwiss4215]

Wise words at 2:30! When I did my apprenticeship, an older wiser engineer asked my why I had bought expensive Snap-on tools and then explained to me that we buy cheap tools, and when they break, replace it with a quality tool. The philosophy being that a tool that breaks, means you are using it often.

[@douglasalexander4348]

Great, applying that advice to himself, he has the best tools, best car, best cloths, best boat, best phone etc. Well, glad he lives in a world where moneys no object. If he does though, why isn’t he paying the best person to do the job?

[@normalusorasotutokstoras]

It means that you waisting money

[@Matt-kl1pg]

I love that your channel is so down to earth. There's no Festool sponsorship here!

[@RB-xg2vz]

This is one of the best tools I’ve ever bought for DIY, this and a multi tool. Let’s face it us DIYers will never be perfect at cutting straight…

[@normanbott]

I made do with a standard DeWalt circular saw and home made guides for a long time. What finally made me buy a Makita track saw was needing to make quality cuts INDOORS. Even with a shop vac attached, the DeWalt produced so much dust the cleanup time with MDF was unacceptable . All improved with the track saw, especially the dust control. Cut quality vastly improved even though I used a high quality blade on the DeWalt. No having to clamp the home made guide either ! One of my best buys.

[@AncoraImparoPiper]

As a DIYer by force having bought an old timber house that needs a lot of repair and general maintenance, I bought a plunge saw as my first saw. The main reason was that I was terrified of using a circular saw. My track/plunge saw has seen me gain confidence in using power tools and I realised, after purchasing a mitre saw for skirting boards and general cross cutting, that a circular saw is something that I should be looking at purchasing because I would use it more often than either of the two saws I had. So I took the plunge (he he he) and bought an 18v Makita circular saw. That saw is now my main go-to on a day to day basis. However, track/plunge saw does come out for ripping larger pieces and when I need long narrow pieces for filling the many gaps in timber walls, ceilings and floorboards. It's just so precise that I can get 2 mm thin lengths of wood strips with it. I just love it. And I do love my circular saw. I have attached a dust bag to the circular saw since I had a spare dust bag from my track saw and that deals with most of the dust coming from the circular saw. I would not want to be without either saw now. Both have jobs to do and they make my work so much easier.

[@mrgunn2726]

@AncoralmparoPiper I too am terrified of my circular, never lose that fear and respect, safety first.

[@ulrichporschmann8445]

@@mrgunn2726 I don`t think being terrified of a tool is really good, because I might actually produce safety issues. Good training might help. But yes I agree, never lose respect, and safety concerns.

[@peterfreiherr5719]

I bought a super cheap plunge saw a couple of years ago, plus some extra track to make a 2.5m length for breaking down whole sheets… the short track I got with the saw I modified to add a 90 degree stop for making accurate crosscuts. I now hardly use the table saw on sheets: Tracksaw is so much quicker, plus I love the clean edges when you use the ‘pre-cut’ setting on the plunge saw to remove a thin layer from the workpiece, followed by the full-depth cut. Great for worktops, melamine, etc etc. Worth every penny.

[@Graham_Langley]

The Lidl/Parkside one doesn't have a 'pre-cut' or 'scribe' stop but looking at the blade change stop/lock it should be possible to modify it use it to give one and still retain its intended purpose. In fact looking at how the actuating lever is placed I wonder if it originally was dual-purpose.

[@Renovation-Dan]

I went years without a plunge saw, mainly using a mini circular saw to cut sheet material. I can’t imagine cutting sheet material without one now!

[@BeasleyStreet]

They have been a game changer, ,we use to cut down 1" 8x4's whether a travelling table, rip or wall saw manoeuvring them physically is a ball ache, now one man can do the operation with an occasional lift...

[@CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

The track saw is revolutionary, it is my favourite tool , it is safe and accurate in a way that a cabinet saw never will be.

[@adeh503]

Getting the rail with that is a bonus, a lot of "top" brands thats a separate cost

[@davewright9312]

I had always wondered about plunge saws having used my trusty circular saw and old fashioned straight edge guides until I bought one. They make cutting tasks so easy no working out the distances from the blade to the edge and transferring to the straight edge it's as simple as put you measurement on the workpiece put the track and cut..in most cases no need for even a clamp..haven't used my circular saw now for over two years.

[@ianfinch1522]

I’ve had my festool for years now and wouldn’t be without it. I will change to a cordless festool at some point though.

[@dougwardle2175]

Of course the recommendation should be……they are power tools so of course you need one of each😊

[@stephencave187]

Erm...i'll take one of everything please. 😂

[@riverfu889]

I have never done any wood work yet, about to do some subflooring in the basement. But I still bought the plunge saw anyway knowing I will probably use it once a year... Who knows, maybe I'll start making some cabinets after I'm done with the basement floor... I plan to sell my open box circular saw and see if I can live with only a plunge saw without needing a circular saw or a table saw.

[@alistairstanger2940]

It’s not either or though. Both have their uses. I originally bought a cordless plunge saw so that I could cut up timber in a car park if necessary as well since I did not have a circular saw at the time. Now I have 2 plunge saws (added a cheap corded one with a different track profile) and a circular saw once I could afford them. Both types are great and I imagine most people will have both eventually as plunge saws are now so affordable. The great news is that even the entry model plunge saws perform very well as you just demonstrated. Good video 👍🏻

[@johnhernlund539]

Nothing cuts straighter and more accurately than a proper track saw. I just love how my work pieces, even very large ones, come out perfectly square and straight. There is something very satisfying about that, even as a DIYer you feel as if that extra professional touch is worthwhile. It does take some practice to really nail it, and there are some issues that can crop up (as well as solutions), but I have gone over the learning curve and at this point I would never be without one. That being said...I wouldn't buy the cheapest one, I picked up the Makita 36V instead (which has great cutting power to boot).

[@barrymelody4477]

I bought the exact same model yesterday for 79.99 at my nearest Lidl. I've had a circular saw for a number if years and always looked at getting a plunge saw but always manged with straight edges of various descriptions. However based on your video and what my needs are this is a bargain. I have just started putting up shelves in my garage to make some room for my small work area. With 12 sheets of 18mm OSB to cut and seen it it was too hard to pass up. Having cut all the sheets to the sizes i need it has been brilliant, not missed a beat and bang on with cutting measurements. Keep the videos going as your one of the few who do not recommend a specific brand or sponsored by one. I use Einhell battery range as the batteries are way cheaper than other brands. But have a parkside impact driver (never missed a beat) and now a plunge saw. Keep the videos coming 👍.

[@tonysutton6559]

The plunge saw is the tool that I wish that I had bought years ago. The accuracy and neatness of the cut beats my circular sawhands down. Having said that, I'll take both tools with me for my next big project (cladding the inside of our beach hut) because some of the work can be quick and dirty with the circular saw as it will never be seen when the job is finished.

[@user-ob3iw2wc1m]

These are great, I can cut down built up panels with a track rather than separately cutting pieces to make the panel. I can set depth with a little trial and error. I can use it to make hand drawn miters (these are a lot lot more compact than a miter saw, it fits in my cupboard in my flat). If you must have only two tools for woodworking projects, have one of these and a drill. These also produce less sawdust than my Dads miter saw. I've built a beautiful reclaimed wood reinforced shed with this.

[@riverfu889]

oh, can plunge saw replace miter saw for some basic trim work such as baseboard and door trims?

[@its_marc]

Thanks, looked at these in Lidl and wasn’t sure but know I can trust your reviews.

[@SiAnon]

I bought a Makita plunge saw a few years ago and a kit with the rails and some clamps etc cost about £450. I bought it because i don't have the luxury of space for a table saw. Next best thing when you don't have the space. My Cordless Bosch Professional Circ Saw comes out just to destroy stuff lol

[@Mee10792]

I wouldn't be without my Makita plunge saw, it's a game changer. I used to use circular saws with homemade track guide etc.. but the plunge saw tops it.

[@familyhelpdeskhelpdesk270]

Had a plunge saw for a while now and wouldn't be without it!! I bought a basic model with cheap tracks and then upgraded the tracks - now is excellent.

[@RB-xg2vz]

Id definitely recommend getting 2 x 1.4m guide rails and connectors so you can cut down full 8x4 sheets of timber, also trim down the vertical sides of wooden doors etc.

[@ajs4x482]

My TS55 is just about my favourite tool of all time, I only wish I had bought it years earlier.

[@Trooper266]

Same here. Together with an MFT, it’s a very versatile tool.

[@kd300]

I sold my festool plunge saw , yep had it years loved it , made money lol , as I down sized my storage , my god price of them now no plunge now

[@jay62nz]

For 50 pounds I'd think it's well worth the cost. In NZ a Makita is 1049 dollars (500 pounds)

[@richard74200]

For cutting up floorboards (repairing damage left by electrician after rewire) I found the plunge saw invaluable. I can plunge the saw in at a certain point to a certain depth, cutting only on the joist, avoiding pipe work and cables etc. Nothing else would make such a neat job of this. On a separate job, I then used it to cut laminate and laid this flooring much quicker than I would have done using my circular saw.

[@johnrobinson2234]

Because it can plunge its also brilliant for cutting out sinks & hobs on kitchen worktops, & far more accurate than a jigsaw.

[@philcrockford5534]

After moving into a house that had previously been occupied by a crazy cat lady, and hadn't been cared for for a good few years, we decided to replace all the manky internal doors that weren't already missing. As the door frames were all over the place every single door needed cutting down to fit. My father got hold of a Titan plunge saw, and once we had purchased a longer track kit (Makita/Festool all work with the Titan) it made short work of the new doors with a smooth finish, requiring no further planing. It also proved its worth cutting hardboard sheets for laying over some gappy floor upstairs - the cut depth accuracy is very impressive for a 'budget' machine. Definitely a tool that DIYers could use regularly. I have a job to do soon involving cutting furrings for a flat roof conversion on a brick shed, so I will be borrowing the saw for that!

[@petew8462]

I think he forgot to mention the riving knife. Definitely a big safety feature that's particularly relevant to beginners. I pinched my circular saw more than a few times until I figured out I was an idiot. And blade wandering too much during the cut.

[@craigpeel5995]

Great presenting style Stuart, they should have you on TV. The new Handy Andy 👏

[@applemos6714]

I love my Makita plunge saw with the 1.5 m and 1 m rails. Didn’t buy the rails at the same time so I couldn’t use the trick in the video for the first cut. Darn. Great for just shaving of the end bords when walls aren’t square.

[@BobMuir100]

Y’know, I have wondered and wondered……..like most of us I am a tool buyer. My father and I have enough still in boxes to stock a small hardware shop!! Price (on a plunge saw) has always held me back……..Now I am a bit of a ‘tool snob’ so Parkside to date…..nope! I won’t have such a carrier bag in my hand! I know but that’s me and someone loves me!! So I now watch with trepidation: DeWalt v Parkside on spec, not really fair? Dust Collection it’s not going to be a regular use anyway? (I don’t want to be defending Parkside!) seems I will be getting a plunge saw soon just not a Parkside! Great video and helpful in two ways. Bob England

[@Reprint001]

A plunge/track saw is just like nearly every other tool in your workshop/spare bedroom/shed. It can be used for many things and some of them it will do well and some less so. Ultimately you do the job with the tools you HAVE (don't know how to do italic). The job will either be easy or difficult, quick or slow depending on the tools you have to hand. You can make high quality, accurate cuts with a circular saw if you take time to prepare the cut and take your time. You can make those cuts quicker with a track saw with maybe more accurately because of the track with lower prep time. And there are times when the type of cut you want to do is really difficult with a circular/track saw, but much easier and quicker with a table saw (long accurate cuts to create a thin strip for example). If you can afford one and have the space to store it and the rails then a track saw is a great addition to your tool kit. But then so is a table saw for exactly the same reasons, and a jig saw and a band saw. You get the idea. Ultimately I think if you are a DIYer/maker then you'll fill your toolkit with the tools you can afford and have space to store and they will be the primary considerations for most people.

[@TheSMEAC]

Thank you greatly for the ‘leap frog’ idea in trimming the splinter guard!

[@richardpawlowski4540]

I bought a Makita plunge saw last year and have been very impressed with its performance. Cutting melamine faced chipboard leaves a perfect edge on the underside and for most purposes the splinter guard produces an acceptable top edge but the Makita comes with the facility to do a fixed depth scribe cut and doing this gives you two perfect edges. As for dust collection I find suspending the hose from above avoids stopping and adjusting the hose on long cuts. Incidentally, Strawbyte Workshop sells 3D printed covers for the blade change holes but mainly for the more popular makes. He also sells offside spacers which enable you to accurately account for the blade thickness when the piece you are cutting off needs to be cut to a specific width.

[@stuartgreenshields5591]

I had a circular saw with a homemade track. Doesn't take many instances of it wandering off the intended line and ruining a workpiece for the plunge saw to pay for itself. I got a second hand Erbauer, does the job for accurate cuts but to be honest it lacks enough power and bogs down easily. I use a large sheet of sacrificial insulation board underneath.

[@Foodgeek]

I started with a circular saw, and now upgraded to a plunge saw. Yes, it was expensive, but the setup is so much quicker that it's worth it for me :)

[@Bushy-73]

I love watching your channel it's a proper DIY channel that focuses on everyday people like myself and others. Down to earth advice.

[@dagda825]

I bought the wen cordless plunge and track to break down sheet goods at the lumber center and to substitute for a table saw due to space constraints and I love it. Jointing with it is really good for my needs too.

[@marcosmagic1983]

Half way through this vid the first I’ve seen on this channel and it’s detail is fantastic easily the best I’ve seen, instant subscribe 👏👏

[@terrytopliss9506]

A useful and informative video as always Stuart, thank you.

[@michelleclark305]

Absolutely love your video's, so informative! I have not long bought this plunge saw and after watching your detailed video I now feel I'm ready to take the plunge at trying it! Thank you so much! Xx

[@neilwharton720]

Plunge saws are game changing 👍

[@elpresidente8730]

I bought a Titan PS a few years ago and it burnt out last week. I have a circular saw, a table saw and mitre saw but my most used is the PS. I will get another ASAP as it's just so good at what it does. About a year ago I built a portable MFT setup and this really unleashed the versatility of the PS. I have several other track accessories(clamps, rail squares etc.) which have been extremely useful in getting nice square cuts and I intend to buy the Bench dogs MFT track hinge which will make things a little quicker. I recently had to make 3 cuts on a cabinet carcass while fitting my daughters posh new kitchen. The use of the tracks and PS made what was 3 quite difficult cuts much easier. I'm a huge fan of PS's but you really do need to ensure the stock is well supported on both the good and waste sides as I learned early in my days using it to cut down 8x4 ply sheets. The blade got pinched by the sheets and the saw kicked back violently. The blade retracts in a split second but it still tore up about a 3 inch section of the track glide strip. Since then I am very attentive to this detail.

[@ianpearse4480]

Sounds good for a cutting station rack thingy. Christmas ideas. Frame hanging on the wall maybe.

[@sjfarrell2.03]

Yes. Love my Makita 18v. Build a DIY MFT and you have a solid basis to tackle a large range of projects.

[@johngregory5280]

MFT table and track saw is a fantastic combination to own. Makes things so much easier and almost guarantees professional results.

[@caskwith]

I got my Parkside when they were £60, I think it's their first model and It's been superb. It has allowed me to carry out cuts that would be have difficult to do with a normal circ saw and to a much higher standard (in my opinion anyway), I also feel safer and more confident using it. I did make some "upgrades", I bought a Festool track on a black friday deal and that gives me a total of 2.8m of track, it's also a better size track for most cuts I find. I also bought a trend high tooth count blade that gives me great cuts on MFC. I do still own a standard circ saw which is used for rough work like fencing. When time and funds allow I would like to set up a basic MFT type bench but for now I use a bit of Celotex on the floor. Do I think a plunge saw is essnetial? No, but when you can get a pretty darn good one for just £80, why wouldn't you, a night out at the pub can cost more than that!

[@rpaasse6453]

I own the parkside and love it. Its dead accurate and ideal for sheets of wood or squaring off planks, sheets etc. For the money this is a realy good tool, wish i knew the track-trick sooner, but its working fine. Thank you for youre video, really clear and usefull. In the Netherlands Lidl has a online shop, its availeble online so no checking the Lidl store.

[@geoffreycoan]

I bought the Dewalt tracked circular saw when my previous circular saw died. TBH it wasn’t great at cabinet sheet goods work. Yes accurate straight line cuts on the track but a wildly unclear depth adjustment and abysmal dust collection made it less than ideal in a workshop. Despite the ouch price I bought a Festool TS55 and absolutely love it.

[@mauricesmith3209]

Bought one of these years ago. It's the best tool for sheet goods I've used. You can also buy extended track for it to cut 8 foot sheets.

[@robgullen]

I would add that the tracksaw is for most people also more usefull than a small table saw (I had both and sold the table saw)

[@gingerelvis]

I have had this exact saw for a couple of years now and it's been well worth the money. If you do any cabinetry with sheet goods and want consistancy and accuracy they are invaluable. I don't see them as a replacement for a circular saw but rather a tablesaw and fore most people this will do most jobs a table saw does at a fraction of the cost and size. I will say upgrade the blade to a decent one pretty quickly, it makes a big difference to the quality of cut especially with laminate materials and ply on the waste side. Decent rail clamps are a good upgrade too (the Makita ones are great and not overly expensive), the saw is pretty accurate but only if the track doesn't slide around.

[@spui]

I've got a plunge saw as my first saw and am very happy with it. Far better than my jig saw cutting down mdf sheets. The plunge saw was far more safer for me. The one big advantage of the McAllister over the the Parkside is that the track is the same one used on the Makita or Festool and my first upgrade for it was a longer Makita track. I am now thinking of buying a Makita plunge saw and can continue using my existing track.

[@nicomonkeyboy]

No one can lose a finger like that... Me "Hold my beer"

[@normancoutts]

Very useful. I have had the Aldi version sitting in a cupboard for over a year. I may just get it out and give it a go now! Thank you.

[@TheSMEAC]

For a 98% handtool workshop, a track saw is a great thing to have as it can someone like me loads of time when beveling the edge of a top/panel, cutting sheet goods on those occasions when making stable cores for veneered panels, etc… Depending on what someone is doing really answers that question as it does with every tool. A pluge/track saw is a luxury for a guy like me who has been sans table saw for quite a while now. That said, if I’m going to do some framing work or am asked to come help a friend, I’m showing up with my ride or die Mag 77 Skilsaw. Thanks for the video 👍

[@cuebj]

Depends on definition of average DiYer. Neither you nor I are such. Picture hooks, assembled Ikea, screw a hook on a door - don't need plunge saw or circular saw - a small case of a small drill screwdriver with bits (daughter has a Bosch kit that works fine) plus a jigsaw is all they need. Cutting sheets, gutting and rebuilding old houses... I managed with panel saws and circular saws plus mdf guides all my 68 years but the Makita track with Makita track adapter for my relatively new Makita 55mm deep cut circular saw makes me ask where it's been all my life. After rebuilding the bank account following numerous landmark birthdays, a wedding, external cladding, and new roof, a Makita corded track saw plus long track is on the shopping list. Will be making many cabinets for home and daughter in two wiggly bendy old SE London houses - so much faster, and I no longer have a heavy-duty bench to support hand tool work

[@stevewood7884]

Love your channel, one of my favourites 👍

[@NWGR]

A tracksaw is probably one of my top 5 tools I wish I had gotten years sooner. I went with a festool mainly for the dust extraction; with a ct midi and 36mm hose, it gets most of the dust except for a small amount at the end of the cut.

[@phil.clarke]

Good to see you as always taking your safety seriously by using ear protection and using the dust extraction. It is so easy when doing DIY to forget to use the PPE we may be using in our work places

[@lesthiele4921]

Hi Stewart , nothing like having a new power tool in your collection, good luck with the future use of this saw, best regards from a Kiwi living in Australia 👌👍👌👍

[@graemeadamson7272]

Thanks for that chief , you have just answered a question that has been on my mind for a while ...... I need to fit a bigger piece of glass in an interior door to let more natural light in . I thought a plunge saw might do a better job than my circular, however what I actually need is to make a template to the required size and use a plunge router , setting the depth to leave a rebate for the new glass unit to sit on . Thank you once again , all the best 👊

[@tazmaniandevil1503]

I bought the MacAllister plunge saw after watching Peter's video, but got it for the same price as the Parkside one. I use it often in place of the table saw, but it really showed its usefulness when cutting doors around the house. Lovely clean cuts.

[@grahamlynch1953]

Brilliant video. Wanted to know about a plunge saw before investing in one to see if I really needed one.

[@JerGoes]

Personally I believe the similarities between a circular saw and plunge saw are purely they look similar and have a spinning blade, they are very much horses for courses, comparing them is comparing apples and oranges. I consider the plunge saw more as an alternative to a table saw because their uses are far closer imho. but like all tools circular, plunge or table they have their strengths and weaknesses depending on what you want from them

[@pzwolski]

I use circular saw for rough and fast cuts and plunge saw for precise cuts.

[@Graham_Langley]

Bought a Lidl/Parkside one as a Xmas present to myself but not yet used it in anger. It lacks the 2mm scribe cut function of the MacAlister but it looks the otherwise rarely-used blade change lock could be modified to give this and still retain its blade change function. The plunge function makes it easy to make a cut in the middle of a board. I was helping a kitchen fitter the other day and they used their beast of a DeWalt cordless plunge saw to put a hob cut-out in a worktop, something that a DIYer would probably use a jigsaw for. Four cuts, a pullsaw to complete the cuts at the corners and job done - measuring and checking probably took longer than cutting.

[@darren-cottageatelier8962]

Perfect timing, my table saw gave up the ghost in the summer and been wondering if a plunge/track saw would be a good replacement, it seems like it will be, so thanks. Also thanks for the Parkside review, I think I will start with that one once it re-appears in Lidl and upgrade if needs be later on. Thanks for the time and effort you put into you videos I have learned loads.

[@projectrebuild908]

Great video. I bought this plunge saw a couple of years ago and use it on most of my DIY projects. I'm someone that struggles with cutting straight or square. This has helped me no end. This year I'm upgrading to the the green brand as I'm just wanting a little more from a saw like this. This one will be getting retired or moth balled. Im look forward to seeing yours become a go to tool on the channel.

[@dannymurphy1779]

Good video Stuart. I own the Titan entry level plunge saw and the rail comes with two connectors so it can be joined at the front and back, it also has good quality rubber. Definitely a good choice for anyone wanting to spend a little more. Myself I always use offcuts at both ends and then use the rail clamps to lock everything down, just to ensure it won't shift.

[@luct3368]

I think a more relevent comparison is not a plunge saw vs a circular saw, but a plunge saw vs a table saw, because of the types of work they do. They deliver Quality of cut, precision, and better dust collection, and are more suited to workshop use, rather than on site, like a circular saw or a demo saw or grinder, or even a chainsaw. For a DIY-er, a plunge saw is definity THE alternative to a tablesaw, especially for safety.

[@Smithb83]

That's a good point

[@rrddaatube]

I think the advantage of the aluminium track over a home made track is that it's much easier to clamp and because of the rubber grips it doesn't need clamping!

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Very informative Stuart. I was asked by a friend a similar question and recommended the Evolution R185CCSX which is basically a circular saw that runs on a track which I think gives the best compromise i.e the versatility of the circular saw and confidence of being able to cut straight in sheet goods. As your skills develop a plunge-saw becomes a good option if you've no plans or room for a table-saw and cabinet work. On safety, a plunge saw is much more approachable but in all the years I've had one still feel it requires the same level of attention as a normal saw.

[@awt]

I can give another +1 for the Evolution: I like being able to use it on and off the track. The main thing I dislike is the depth gauge isn't very easy to set accurately. Also, I dislike that I dropped it off my workbench yesterday and broke (coincidentally) the depth gauge.

[@johngregory5280]

Make an MFT table for maximum benefit. Square cuts and perfect edges are virtually guaranteed.

[@brucemarshall1987]

For some time I've been considering buying a track saw for bigger projects. Your excellent video has been in instrumental in my decision to buy one this week. I'll have a look for the special clamps, and may get more tracks if needed. Thank you.

[@m20fuzzle36]

Great review Used circular saws for years, broke quite a few of them. Made the jump to a dewalt flaxvolt. I love them for sheet materials! Good review. Thanks

[@cdgregOG]

Like you stated in your conclusion - I used the standard circ saw for my initial range of house jobs and projects. Once I decided to build a floor to ceiling custom shoe rack for our entryway I invested in the Makita track saw. My basement isn't large enough for a traditional table saw, so the track (plunge) saw provided me with the precision I needed within the small space I had. We've been enjoying the 8 foot tall custom shoe and backpack rack ever since!

[@mrgunn2726]

The blade retracts so no one can lose a finger.... Hold my beer! 🤣🤣🤣 Great basic video describing an inexpensive plunge saw.

[@andyc972]

Thanks Stuart for an honest and balanced review/comparison, I'm the same as you - always got by with my trusty circular saw but considering taking the plunge ! Of course most people only need half an excuse to buy another tool !

[@hucks33]

I really look forward to new videos, I wish they were longer though

[@stuartandrews4344]

Wouldn't be without one, using Bosch FSN rails with their plunge saw, but I prefer to use my 18v GKS 18V-57G circular saw it's not so cumbersome, & with adaptor plates can use rails with my routers & jigsaw.

[@jeta1f35]

A brilliant, practical review that is 'real world' and recognises the needs of different types of user. Most people know that a 'Festool' or similar is the best but this review puts it all into perspective for the everyday 'diy-er'. For most people the advantages that the Parkside tool might bring (over not having a plunge/track saw at all) far exceed the disadvantages of choosing Parkside over Festool. Excellent review!!

[@ulrichporschmann8445]

Thanks for clearing lots of doubts. I never really understood what a plunge saw actually does. After watching your video, and knowing I work very little with sheet wood, I know I don`t need one for now!

[@georgeprout42]

Chop saw (ok, conpound mitre saw) and track saw turned my table saw into a table. Table saw is now only used for storing stuff or to hold long lengths. All are low budget Aldi/Screwfix versions, but the track saw always makes me smile. It just works.

[@zoltan2728]

I bridged the gap with buying a rail compatible circural saw. Very very useful when I often buy live edge slabs or need precise cuts for OSB boards for shelves and etc…

[@pah9844]

I made my own track for my circular saw and now bought a plunge and 100% better. Should have bought one years ago.

[@pah9844]

Bought cordless aswell.

[@timgillison1175]

Thank you for a very useful video. I completely agree with your conclusion. I bought one to help with a bookcase project. It is fantastically useful for sheet material, shelving, etc. I was using some expensive oak and scared to death of getting it wrong. With a tiny bit of ingenuity (or quite a lot of money) it is possible to use jigs to do repeated cuts with accuracy (something my table saw is very good at, but not on the scale I needed). Yes, it is a one trick pony, but it is a very useful trick and it does it very well.

[@Chardonbois]

Great review and tutorial as usual!

[@davewright9312]

I also started with a corded Dewalt as the battery version was the 54 v kit and twice the price but since buying the corded version and using it so much i found it a pain in the backside reverting back to corded so invested in the 54 v kit which came with two 6ah batteries and at the time they had an offer on of a free 9ah 54 v battery with the kit so now it sits with all my cordless kit...i only keep the corded versions of my kit as emergency back up but most havent bedn used for 5 years plus

[@m0aze611]

Great vid and very useful for many, I first bought my Makita track saw 12 years ago and I have to admit it had only occasional use. Then I started using a home built MFT and it just raised my level of accuracy by a high degree. I got a Dewalt table saw which I thought was all I needed but I feel safer and in more control with the plunge saw. A few years ago I bought a square attachment for the Makita track and while it’s expensive I no longer have to worry about cutting square. It’s great for cutting sheet material, work tops etc. Dust extraction is infinitely better. Now all of a sudden these devices have been put in the reach of most DIYers. Put a good blade in and take your time, you don’t have to cut at the materials full depth, a very shallow starter cut gives a cleaner cut. If I had my time all over again I would buy it again. Thanks for post. Regards Mike

[@markgeezey1809]

Valid points. But you can’t compare a cheap supermarket plunge saw against a decent quality circular saw. Mainly because the dust extraction on the high end plunge saws is very good and especially if you have a decent extractor. But I feel that having both is the ideal Scenario. Only thing I would slightly disagree with is that you can easily use a plunge saw on a post or other non sheet good material. So both are interchangeable. Love the vids and keep up the great work. 👍👍

[@patrickjay6434]

My plunge saw is my most used saw. I use it to trim doors, cut sheet material, it's also fantastic at cutting insulation (just make sure to connect the dust collection!). I picked mine up from Aldi 👍🏿

[@gregfaux3445]

I don’t have a plunge saw or a saw track. I use a metal or wood straight-edge clamped down to the workpiece, measure carefully (twice) and cut along that. This system has never let me down and i’ve cut rebates like this too with a fine/sharp blade. It’s not the cost of the kit - it’s because I don’t want tools I don’t really need taking up valuable storage space.

[@awantamta]

An excellent analysis

[@richardm9550]

Love your down to earth no nonsense approach in your videos. I bought a Parkside track saw a while ago on the strength of the Peter Millard 10 Minute workshop videos an haven't looked back. I completely agree with everything you have said here. One caveat i've found, and I doubt it is unique to Parkside, I obviously over tightened the grub screws on the joining bar and so there is an ever so slight deformation in the top of the track. Not enough to be a problem but just something to be aware of. These saws work really nicely with the Evolution tracks as well.

[@mickeyfilmer5551]

I was looking at these in Lidl (There were only 2 left!!) I already have a Worx Corded Circular saw which I bought in 2008 to help build a summerhouse. Since then I have hardly used it as I bought a small 85mm blade version which is so useful and easy to use. Those plunge saws look really useful to some, and now thanks to your very helpful video, I know that I don't really need one ( much to my wife's relief!!) Another really useful Video Tutorial for people! Thanks Stuart.

[@RO8s]

I have the same. When you need it nothing else is as good. Measure, draw the line, put down the track - zoom! Job done and ready for the next. I don't use it often, but when I do I bless the day I bought it.

[@Rum8146]

Typically…I watched this video shortly after purchasing a plunge saw. However, I picked up a few useful tips and I feel vindicated for my indulgence. I’ve seen a few of your videos in recent months and I really appreciate the objectivity and to-the-point content. Keep up the good work 👊