What is the difference between a plunge-cut saw and circular saw

What are?

Submersible models are classified according to several criteria, the main of which is the way the device is powered. According to this criterion, devices are divided into two types: network and battery. On-line models are powered by an electrical source and offer higher power and performance. The advantages of such models include the absence of the need for regular battery charging and low weight. The disadvantages include the inability to use the tool in the field, as well as in any other places where there is no electricity or access to the outlet is difficult. The rotational speed in network models varies within 4-5 thousand rpm, and the average power is about 2 kW.

Cordless models operate on battery power and are slightly inferior in power to networked models. One battery charge lasts about 50 minutes, which forces you to interrupt the process and waste time charging. A way out of the situation can be a replaceable battery, which allows you to continue working for a while. The battery voltage is typically 36 V and the engine speed ranges from 2500 to 6300 rpm depending on the model. The cutting depth for such devices varies from 38 to 60 mm.

Another criterion for differentiation is the size and weight of the models. On this basis, mini-saws, middle-class models and heavy units are distinguished. The weight indicators directly depend on the engine power and the type of power supply of the device. The more powerful the product, the more it weighs.

Features and selection of plunge saws

When processing wood with a power tool, the problem of accurate cutting often arises. Unfortunately, even modern disc models cannot boast of a perfectly executed job. This is due to the impossibility of exercising proper control over the position of the cutting tool relative to the workpiece. To solve the problem of sawing accuracy, a submersible circular saw was invented and launched into production, which immediately gained popularity among woodworkers and became a sales leader.

What it is?

The plunge-cut saw is a type of electric circular saw and is intended for cutting wood surfaces not only from the edge, but also from the middle of the workpiece. A feature of the device is the ability to adjust the depth of the cut, which is carried out by placing the disc in a predetermined position relative to the base plate.

Thanks to the adjustment mechanism, the depth of the cut can be adjusted down to a millimeter, which cannot be achieved with a conventional tool.

The principle of operation of the plunge-cut saw is quite simple and consists in the following: the operator sets the required depth and the desired inclination of the working disc. Then the tool is turned on, removed from the lock, inserted into the wood and carefully guided along the marked mowing line. When the motor is started, the working shaft begins to rotate together with the disk mounted on it and cuts the surface. Many modern models of plunge-cut saws are equipped with a speed control function, so that the number of revolutions can be changed depending on the type of material being cut.

At the end of the work, when the pressure on the disc weakens, the cutting unit is spring-loaded and hides behind the sole. The area of ​​application of plunge-cut saws is quite wide. The tool is used for making furniture, cutting grooves, cutting shaped openings and gutters in wooden products, as well as when repairing roofs and working with laminated materials.

How is it different from a circular?

The main difference between a plunge-cut saw and a traditional saw lies in the position of the blade. It immediately catches your eye and does not allow you to confuse the models. If in a conventional saw, although it is closed from above with a protective casing, it is still clearly visible from below, in submersible models it is located above the level of the sole and is completely covered by a casing. The horizontal position of the disc relative to the sole is also different: in plunge-cut saws it is maximally displaced to the edge, while in ordinary saws it is located almost in the middle.

The next difference is the principle of work execution. So, if, when using traditional models, filing starts from the edge of the workpiece, then with submerged models it can be started from anywhere. To do this, you just need to set the required cutting depth parameters, unlock the “head” equipped with a spring mechanism, and place the device exactly in the place where you want to go deep into the wood. After the disc is immersed in the material, it is necessary to smoothly guide the device along the contoured mowing line.

Another distinguishing feature of plunge-cut saws is the bar. This allows for even trimming of long boards, which cannot be achieved with a conventional circular, despite its parallel stop.

It should also be noted that the plunge-cut saws have an anti-splinter liner and “clean cut” discs, thanks to which it is possible to form an absolutely smooth surface of the cut and completely eliminate the formation of chips.

Device

The plunge-cut circular saw is slightly different in structure from a conventional circular tool and is equipped with a specialized assembly. Thus, the accuracy of cutting and the absence of backlash provides a complex precision mechanism, which significantly increases the cost of the tool. The rest of the saw design is similar to the basic models. The device consists of a sturdy case, where an electric motor is located, during the operation of which the torque is transmitted to a special shaft. A locking device is located on this shaft, which reliably holds the working disc and does not allow it to move relative to the axis of the shaft.

Track Saw VS Circular Saw. How to. DIY

The saw blade, when not in working position, is located under the protective cover and is located in the same plane with the mounting base. This design allows for more accurate positioning of the tool on the working surface compared to conventional circular models. All controls are located on one panel, which makes working with the device very convenient and understandable.

Some models of plunge-cut saws are equipped with two discs at once, which allows you to cut a board of any width, performing two cuts in one pass.

Without exception, all devices are equipped with a spring-loaded bottom base, due to which, if the cutting disc hits a nail or other third-party element, the device will stop working in time. The features of the plunge-cut saws include the function of tilting the disc, which is especially convenient when it is necessary to manufacture products of complex configuration.

In addition to the standard design and traditional set of functions, many modern devices often have additional options. They do not fundamentally affect the operation of the saw, however, they make its use more convenient and safe. Among them, you can highlight the backlight, the speed controller, rulers of different sizes and the chip sucker, forcibly removing the sawn products.

Advantages and disadvantages

  • The ability to perform longitudinal and cross cuts significantly expands the scope of use of such models and allows you to perform complex curved cuts. The only limitation when cutting non-standard shapes is the rounding radius. For plunge-cut saws, it should not be too small.
  • Due to the most accurate positioning of the cutting blade relative to the working surface, the material is cut with pinpoint accuracy, which no other type of saw can do.
  • Due to the peculiarities of the location of the working disc, the plunge saw can work directly near the wall, which simple circulars cannot boast of.
  • By equipping all plunge-cut models with a finishing disc, the cuts are completely smooth and neat. Burrs, roughness and small cracks are excluded.
  • Thanks to the equipment of many models with a guide rail, the geometry of the formed cut is not disturbed and the wood is cut as accurately as possible. In addition, to prevent lateral play of the saw blade, the tool design provides for the presence of special eccentrics.
  • The cleanliness of the workplace when working with a plunge saw is due to the presence of a chip sucker, which instantly draws in the formed sawdust and fine wood dust.
  • The high power of 1000 W and more allows cutting wood pieces with a thickness of 6 centimeters or more. In addition, using the plunge model, it is possible to saw plastic and plexiglass, although the main specialization of the tool is woodwork.
  • Many models are equipped with a stepless adjustment of the cutting angle, which is carried out using a screw mechanism. This allows you to quickly and accurately measure the desired angle and no less accurately cut it.
  • The high safety of using the devices is due to the fact that most models are equipped with double protective insulation, electronic motor overload protection and the function of stabilizing the number of revolutions at high loads.

However, like any other electric tool, submersible models also have drawbacks. The disadvantages include too high, in comparison with conventional circular saws, the cost and complexity when cross-cutting too narrow workpieces, if their width does not exceed the support of the saw.

How to choose?

If the decision to purchase a plunge-cut saw has already been made, then when choosing it, it is recommended to take into account a number of important factors.

  • It is necessary to decide on the type of power supply of the model. So, if the device is bought for building a house on the site of which there is no electricity, then the battery model should be chosen. Despite the lower, in comparison with network models, operational characteristics, the tool copes with its task quite well and cuts wood no worse than its electric counterpart.
  • The next selection criterion should be the power of the device. So, for home use, you can limit yourself to models with a capacity of up to one kilowatt, while for professional equipment it is better to choose an engine of 2.5 kilowatts. It is also necessary to pay attention to the presence of an emergency shutdown mechanism, which will prevent overheating of the engine due to a sharply increased load.

It will not be superfluous to check the convenience of the control and adjustment mechanisms, as well as to make sure that there are service centers and the availability of spare parts for a particular model.

Testimonials

Owners of Festul saws value this tool for the accuracy of operations, reliability, ease of adjustment, versatility and durability. Experienced craftsmen noted the ability of many models to quickly rebuild in the process of servicing products of different formats, which is influenced by the regulating equipment. In addition, the manufacturer has introduced modern technological innovations, such as, for example, a dust extraction system, which is very useful when working with drywall or wood.

The main disadvantage of such a plunge-cut saw with a guide rail is that it is quite expensive by the segment’s standards.

Also, the owners of some models note minor ergonomic errors. For example, many people note that the plunge saw of this brand has an insufficiently effective noise reduction system. Engine running and cutting sound requires headphones.

As for the working functions, the bulk of users, as a rule, have practically no complaints.

Plunge saw “Makita SP6000

In addition to the configuration of this model, there is something to boast about. The tool operates from a household power supply, has a high power, has a large number of adjustable parameters.

The Makita SP6000 plunge-cut saw with a guide bar has a soft start function that allows you to perform a high-quality cut without much effort and effort of the operator. The design of the tool is endowed with an excellent sawdust removal system, which can be used even without connecting a vacuum cleaner.

Maintenance of the Makita SP6000 is simplified so that you can do it yourself. Users can easily cope with changing carbon brushes and saw blades.

This plunge-cut saw with bar has a fairly compact and ergonomic design. The surface of the handles of the holders is rubberized, which makes the tool safe to use.

Tool selection options

Due to the large assortment of this equipment, it can be very difficult to choose the optimal model.

When choosing a plunge-cut saw, general specifications must be considered. They may differ slightly from each other. The reason for this lies in the design of a particular model and its performance properties. First of all, you should pay attention to:

  • electric motor power;
  • ease of use of the tool (to determine this, it is enough to hold the plunge saw in your hands and, if possible, make several cuts);
  • revolutions and their adjustment;
  • diameter range of cutting discs;
  • whether there is a soft start system;
  • the complexity of setting the immersion depth (the easier it is to set up, the faster the work will be done);
  • tool weight in working order;
  • cost and equipment of a specific model

Main technical characteristics

  • maximum cutting depth; it depends on the following indicators: the diameter of the saw blade, the parameter of the feed unit, the angle of inclination of the cut;
  • plunge-cut saw parameters. minimum and maximum diameter, thickness, fit size;
  • tilt angle. 45 °.90 °;
  • installation power;
  • distance from the edge of the support pad to the blade;
  • diameter of the branch pipe intended for connection to the system for removing wood dust and shavings;
  • structure weight.

The cutting speed is also taken into account, which depends on the density of the part and the parameters of the saw blade.

Plunge saw design

These woodworking hand tools are relatively recent. When not in operation, the discs are completely hidden under the protective cover and are flush with the mounting base. This is necessary for precise positioning of the tool on the surface of the workpiece.

To adjust the cutting depth, a special mechanism is provided in the design. With its help, the rotating saw blade is lowered. The reach is preset and the lowering speed is manually controlled. After the formation of the cut using the same mechanism, the cutting tool is returned to its original state.

Depending on the design, plunge-cut circular saws can have the following features:

  • the number of disks is from one to two. In the latter case, you can make boards of different widths, perform two cuts at the same time;
  • cutting edge tilt function. This is necessary for the manufacture of wooden parts of complex shapes;
  • spring loaded bottom base. Thanks to him, you can adjust the degree of clamping of the saw part, in the case of the presence of third-party elements in the workpiece (nails, etc.), stop work in a timely manner;
  • additional devices. These include ruler guides in various sizes and configurations.

To prevent clogging of the tool by wood dust and chips, most models of plunge-cut saws have a socket for connecting a chip vacuum cleaner. With its help, there is a forced removal of sawn products.

The immersion depth can be set using a mechanism with fine adjustment and an additional eccentric, the latter is necessary to smoothly adjust the position of the disc within a certain immersion zone. It helps to improve the quality of the woodworking processing.

Benefits of using plunge-cut saws

Submersible saws have a very wide range of applications. from in-line production of wood products and furniture to various works in the home workshop. But in order to identify the relevance of buying such a tool, it is necessary to identify its positive aspects of operation.

The main advantage of this manual woodworking equipment is its versatility. Submersible saws allow precise cuts to form workpieces, trim the edges of furniture panels from Particleboard or Fiberboard, and the presence of additional components allows you to form a curved cut.

The main advantages of using this tool for woodwork include:

  • material processing accuracy, which is much higher than that of other types of saws. This is achieved due to the specifics of the design and precise positioning of the saw blade in the place of the future cut;
  • uniformity of weight distribution in the structure, which significantly reduces the complexity of the work and has a positive effect on its quality;
  • the ability to perform all types of cuts. transverse and longitudinal. An exception is shaped processing with a small radius of curvature.

Features of plunge saws

Depending on the design, the plunge-cut circular saw can have the following features:

  • the presence of the function of inclination of the cutting part. It is used for the manufacture of wooden blanks of complex shapes;
  • the number of discs. 1 or 2 (in the second case, the boards can be made of different widths, two cuts can be made at the same time);
  • the lower base is spring-loaded, which allows you to regulate the degree of clamping of the saw part, and if there are foreign elements in the workpiece (for example, nails, etc.), stop work in time;
  • availability of accessories such as ruler guides of various configurations and sizes.

Most models of submersible saws, to prevent clogging with chips and wood dust, have a special socket for connecting a chip vacuum cleaner to it, which forcibly removes sawn products.

difference, plunge-cut, circular

Guide rail

It can be included with the tool or offered as an additional option. For different manufacturers, the length of the tires can be from 1 to 3 meters. Thanks to the use of the butt head of the connector, it is possible to assemble a structure of the required length from several guides. When choosing a guide bar for a plunge-cut saw, it is not necessary to choose the same brand as the tool itself. Most tires are interchangeable.

Plunge-cut circular saws: what is it and what is it for

Many craftsmen believe that for a straight cut in wood, there is no better saw than a circular saw. The statement is partly true, but it does not apply to all cases. For example, you need to make a groove, notch, groove not from the edge of the part, but in the middle of the workpiece, in any desired place. By the way, in modern furniture and joinery the need for such a cut arises very often. So, an ordinary circular saw will not perform this process in any way. And to make a cut, extremely accurate in depth, and even more so in length. she can’t either.

Track Saw vs Circular Saw Gimmick Or Gold?

To accomplish similar tasks, another cutting tool was invented. plunge saw. In fact, this is a kind of circular saw. Outwardly, they are even a little similar, and the cutting principle is the same. both perform straight sawing with a blade at a given angle and inclination.

But, in fact, the design of the standard circular is clearly changed. When you see a plunge-cut saw, you will immediately know that this is no ordinary circular saw, as the blade is completely enclosed by a cover and is positioned above the sole. This is what catches the eye. And in more detail about what a plunge-cut saw is, how it works, what advantages it has over a circular saw, you will learn from our article.

Festool plunge saw, Skil cordless saw, or track-mounted circular saw?

Plunge saw advantages and disadvantages

The submersible saw is becoming an increasingly popular and demanded tool. There is no alternative to it for high-precision cuts, moreover, in any given place on the surface of the material. The advantages of this tool include:

  • Quality rip and cross cuts at precise locations.
  • You can work close to the wall thanks to the special position of the saw blade.
  • Neat cut, no chips or burrs, since the disc is fine.
  • Submersible circular saw with guide rail makes it possible to cut with maximum precision, along the mowing line.
  • Shavings, sawdust, fine wood dust. all this will not bother you, since all plunge-cut saws have a dust extraction system that sucks up debris from the working area.
  • Submersible circulars are very powerful. The power indicator is 1 kW for the smallest saws. They are able to cut 5-6 cm deep in one run.
  • The cutting angle is adjusted with a screw mechanism. It allows you to set the angle smoothly, with extreme precision.
  • Working with the saw is safe, as we have a large protective cover, a button that blocks re-engagement.
  • Cutting comfort is enhanced by electronic soft start and constant speed functions, motor overheating and overload protection.

As you can see, a plunge-cut saw is better than a conventional circular saw in terms of its properties and characteristics, but it also costs 2-3 times more. High price. this is practically the only disadvantage of plunge-cut circular saws.

Where and how to work with a plunge saw

With a circular saw of a submersible type, straight longitudinal and transverse cuts are made, at an inclination and a given angle, to the required depth and length. The tool cuts wood, plastic, laminate, plexiglass. The main scope of application. woodworking. It is used in furniture and carpentry workshops, where it is used to cut out neat grooves, grooves, openings and details. Such a saw is used during repairs, at a construction site, when installing partitions and installing a roof.

The circular plunge-cut saw makes it possible to cut not only from the edge of the workpiece, but anywhere on the work surface. At the same time, the cutting depth is regulated with high accuracy, up to 1 mm. A standard circular saw does not have these properties.

The cutting depth is set by raising and lowering the blade. This is done before turning on the saw. Also, before turning on, we set the angle of inclination we need. And only then we start the saw, disabling the lock button. We insert the disc into the cut surface and smoothly drive along the mowing line.

When the cut comes to an end (and you can set the desired length), the spring-loaded base lifts the cutting blade and hides it in the guard.

Basic structural elements

When compared with a circular saw, the designs are similar. The plunge-cut saw has an electric motor. It is enclosed in a sturdy case. The torque from the electric drive is transmitted to a special shaft. It contains a locking element for holding the saw blade. The plunge-cut saw is distinguished by the presence of a special precision mechanism. This unit is responsible for ensuring that the disc does not play during operation, and the sawing is high-precision.

When the plunge-cut saw is not switched on, the saw blade is completely hidden in a large protective cover. It is placed flush with the sole of the device. It is possible to tilt the blade to both sides to make difficult cuts. All power and adjustment buttons are installed on the front panel, which increases convenience when working. This structure makes it possible to set the saw on the surface of the cut material very accurately and accurately. over, wherever you need a plunge-cut saw.

expensive models are equipped with various functions, rulers, guides, dust extraction, speed controller, backlighting lamps.

Different types of submersible models of circulars

If we talk about the classification of plunge saws, then they can be divided into two types, depending on the power source of the motor. Here we have the following types:

  • Chain saws (powerful and productive);
  • Battery models.

Saws powered by mains are a priori more powerful. The power of the most popular models of chain saws is in the range of 1.8-2.2 kW. Consequently, their productivity is higher. They are able to make more cuts in a shorter time and cut thicker, harder workpieces. With high power, the weight of the chain saw is not too heavy, which makes it easy to work and carry. But they can only be used where there is an outlet nearby. That is, it is difficult to carry out external construction work. In addition, the wire, if not secured, will interfere with work, risking falling under the disc.

Layout

For comfortable work. The plunge-cut saw blade is located above the sole and is completely covered by a protective cover. All controls are located compactly, so it is convenient to operate the tool Compared to conventional circulars, submersibles look oversized, but they are ideal for carpentry work.

On the

Operating principle

They crash into the surface. Before sawing, the user sets the depth and, if required, the tilt of the blade, then turns on the saw, releases the “head” lock, plunges the blade into the wood and guides the tool along the mowing line. After the cut is completed, the pressure on the “head” is loosened and it is retracted to the upper position by a spring.

On the

Circular saws / plunge saws

Hand-held circular saw and plunge-cut saw in one unit

The plunge-cut saw allows the user to plunge the saw blade directly into the workpiece. The plunge function is ideal for sawing openings such as flushing slots or ventilation slots. The KSE 55 Vario Plus plunge-cut hand saw combines the full functions of a plunge-cut saw and a hand-held circular saw in one device. In addition, it is ideal for making cuts close to a wall. The speed can be changed, which allows you to cut different materials according to their properties. The speed remains constant even under load and thus ensures a continuous cutting process.

Circular saws

Metabo high-torque circular saws for precise cuts

Metabo hand-held circular saws are used wherever straight cuts are required in solid wood or slabs. Powerful motors from 1200 W to 1800 W provide high-torque sawing power and continuous workflow. The cutting depth can be infinitely adjusted from 0 mm to the maximum value, which, with a non-inclined saw blade, lies in the range from 55 to 68 mm, depending on the model. The 1200 W KS 55 and KS 55 FS hand-held circular saws are especially lightweight and handy, and can be installed directly into guide rails from Metabo or other manufacturers. They are equipped with a saw blade of 160 mm and are ideal for universal use on construction sites. The most powerful saw is the KSE 68 Plus with 1800 W motor, which has overload protection. It features a maximum cutting depth of 68 mm and an adjustable cutting speed according to the material properties. All Metabo hand-held circular saws can be connected to the Metabo universal construction vacuum for external chip suction. The perfect combination for health-free work and a clean workplace.

Cordless circular saw for versatile use on the construction site

A compact cordless circular saw is available in the Metabo software for off-line cutting. The KS 18 LTX 57 is powered by an 18 V battery pack. LiHD battery packs with high-performance battery cells are ideal for powerful cordless saws, but any other 18 V Metabo battery pack can be used. Metabo guarantees 100% drill, battery pack and charger compatibility. Battery packs from other leading brands from CAS partners can also be used. CAS stands for Cordless Alliance System, the world’s most powerful battery system. For more information on the large CAS battery system, visit www.cordless-alliance-system.com

Guides, saw blades and more

For particularly precise and straight cuts, the circular saws are mounted on Metabo FS guides, which are available in 4 lengths. The smallest FS 80 is 80 cm long, the longest FS 310 has an impressive 310 cm. The guides are splinter-protected for tear-free cuts and are coated to hold them securely. Metabo’s extensive saw blade program offers high-quality saw blades in various profiles. From rough cutting of construction timber to precise cuts in laminate or veneered particle boards, there is the right saw blade for every application. Metabo saw blades are particularly durable and have a long service life.

How a plunge-cut saw differs from a classic circular saw?

The difference lies in the construction of the saw. The design of the classic circular saw has a permanently protruding saw blade, covered by a spring-loaded pendulum cover. In the plunge-cut saw design, the saw blade is housed in a casing. At the start of work, the saw blade spins up and the user plunges the saw directly into the workpiece or in front of the workpiece (possible only when using a guide rail) for further insertion onto the workpiece. The German company that came up with this design of the saw, called it according to the principle of the action carried out. Tauchsäge. plunge saw.

The plunge-cut saw design is much more convenient than the design of the classic circular saw when cutting sheet materials, when using the saw on a guide rail on a workbench, for example MTF3.

However, do not attempt to saw off anything weighed against the plunge saw, such as a block or board. It won’t work. This is the field for the classic circular saw not quite the classic. HK 55.

To identify which particular saw we are talking about, a plunge-cut saw has recently been used (rarely parquet) when it comes to plunge-cut saw and circular saw, circular saw, hand circular saw, saw with pendulum cover when it comes to classic hand circular saw.

What is this abbreviation. TS 55 REBQ?

How does “R” stand for? reStyling, reStart, reDial, reduziert. choose what you like. The goal of the TTS Tooltechnic Systems engineers was to regain the title of the benchmark, against the background of all other plunge saws. Did they manage to achieve their goal? Letters and numbers on the example of TS 55 REBQ-FS-Plus are deciphered as follows: TS. Tauchsäge. plunge-cut saw 55 or 75. cutting depth of the saw, mm, R. new generation, E. presence of electronics, B. electromagnetic brake, Q. QuickFix quick-change cable Plug-It

Circular saw: what is it for and how it functions

A very common tool is a circular saw, it is also a circular saw (popularly. “circular“). It can be made in the form of a special large-sized machine for the convenience of cutting long boards and in the form of a very small manual-type structure, the basis of which is a cutting disc with teeth. It is convenient to use this disc to cut a log along or across, to align the edges of the boards, adjusting them in width to a certain size. As a rule, circular saws not only quickly deal with wood, but also plastic or metal (depending on the type of blade).

Most often they can be found in the carpentry workshop. Of course, these saws are produced in different capacities, this is one of the criteria when choosing a device. The more revolutions the disc picks up, the faster and better the work will be. However, this is not always the case. Here you need to take into account the power consumption of the device and the heating time of the disk. The quality of the work will also be affected by the sharpening of the teeth. They have an inclination towards the direction of the saw movement, providing a quick cut, but if the blade constantly overheats, and the speed of work has dropped, it is a sure sign to go to sharpening each tooth separately.

Manufacturers (brands) of plunge-cut saws

It is impossible to determine which saw is right for you based on the “dry” technical characteristics, because a more powerful saw can cost several times cheaper than a less powerful analogue. That’s because for plunge-cut saws, power doesn’t play a major role.

Plunge saws from completely different price ranges

Roughly they can be divided into two weight categories up to 250 Euro. DIY saws and more than 250 Euro saws for professional use. Often in reviews of plunge-cut saws, saws of different categories are compared. the main technical characteristics of all saws are close, which is not correct. An important difference is the reliability of the mechanisms and the availability of special functions. Some DIY saws are made by the same manufacturer under different brands.

Sawing with a guide rail

Now it is enough to make two marks on the workpiece through which the cutting line will pass, align the edge of the splinter tape along them, while the workpiece we need is under the guide rail (on the left), and the departure to the right of the rail is the guide. If necessary, we additionally fix the guide rail using one of the following options:

  • screw clamps,
  • quick-clamping clamps,
  • end clamps Rapid,
  • vacuum suction cups.

We set the immersion depth of the saw blade in such a way as to cut 4-5 mm deeper than the workpiece. All is ready. Can be sawed.

Four generations of FESTOOL plunge-cut saws: AXF 45. ATF 55 (EB). TS 55 (EBQ). TS 55 R (EBQ)

FESTO AXF 45

A bit of history. The first plunge-cut saws AXF 45 and AXF 55 were introduced by the German company FESTO in 1980. It was proposed to work with a saw in conjunction with a guide rail, which ensured the cutting accuracy unattainable for a hand tool at that time. The benefits of using a saw in combination with a guide rail quickly gained massive confidence in carpenters and joiners.

In 1989, the ATF 55 saw (ATF 55 E, ATF 55 EB) became the benchmark among sheet metal saws for almost 15 years. The ideal plunge-cut saw design is patented, which is why FESTOOL has dominated the plunge-cut saw market for many years. The saw uses three bearings on the shaft instead of the conventional and much less reliable two bearing design. The tilt of the saw is carried out around the protective edge on the guide rail, therefore, the saw cuts along the same mowing line (without displacement) strictly perpendicular and at any angle from 0 to 45 degrees.

The benchmark for plunge-cut saws for many years

Smooth speed control, soft start, electromagnetic brake, overload and overheating protection with LED indicator. the most perfect electronic filling of that time. In addition to the main use. sawing sheet material. the saw was used for another operation popular at that time in southern Germany. trimming a wooden ceiling with a uniform gap around the perimeter of the room.

A separate advantage was also the trimming of the door leaf instead of fitting the end with a plane. The ATF 55 EB saw also had a more powerful version. the AT 65 EB. Any FESTOOL tools are accompanied by a variety of different accessories, and a large number of additional accessories are also offered for the saw, expanding the scope of its application, improving the result of work and simplifying difficult tasks.

The letters and numbers in the name ATF 55 EB are deciphered as follows:

A. (the first, main, basic) tool in the manufacturer’s line, T. (tauchen (German). plunge, plunge-cut saw type, F. Fuge (Schattenfuge). uniform clearance around the perimeter of the ceiling, 55 or 65. cutting depth of the saw, mm, E. presence of electronics, B. electromagnetic brake.

The design of the saw turned out to be so successful that until today (06.2018), on the basis of the ATF 55 E saw, a specialized milling cutter for facade composite panels PF 1200 E has been produced.

Third generation plunge-cut saws. TS55EBQ

In 2003, the TS 55 EBQ saw replaced the ATF 55 (the new TS 75 EBQ replaced the AT 65 EB). And again, many revolutionary solutions: a cast, more stable base body, a special quick-change mechanism for the saw blade, an anti-splinter insert for the counter side of the workpiece, tool-free selection of the backlash when installing on the guide rail, quick-detachable cable. Color code appears. almost all controls are green.

In 2011, Bosch launches its first version of the GKT 55 GCE plunge-cut saw on the market.

In 2012, with the advertising slogan: “ accurate. Even slimmer. The best plunge-cut saw we’ve ever made ”- the fourth generation of plunge-cut saws from FESTOOL is born. TS 55 REBQ. Instead of developing a completely new tool, TTS Tooltechnic Systems engineers rightly decided that in many ways the TS 55 EBQ does not need to be improved, so the parts proven by many years of practice. the motor, gearbox and other surrounding components. remained unchanged. Likewise, the electronics functions: soft start, speed control, overheating and overload protection. remained the same.

By the way, on the North American market TS 55 REBQ is sold in the TS 55 REQ version, i.e. without “B”. in addition to a motor designed for a different voltage, the saw does not have an electromagnetic brake “Quantum Leap” has taken place in the direction of design features:

  • Dual scale, for reading the readings when working with and without a guide rail.
  • Tool-free fine adjustment of the cutting depth.
  • A viewing window or an anti-splinter liner. at choice, depending on the type of work.
  • The main distinguishing feature is the ultra-slim body, with fully integrated suction nozzle, no “belly”. Thus, it is possible, for example, to file a parquet board at a distance of 12 mm from the wall.!
  • The second important feature is the riving knife. When plunging, it lowers before the saw blade, which is a safety measure, and also allows you to accurately enter the previously made cut. When sawing wood along the grain, where the saw blade could be pinched, the riving knife prevents the risk of “kickback”. Competitors took a different path. Instead of a riving knife, they supplemented their saws with an electronic clutch. when the saw blade gets jammed, the saw power is turned off.
  • Extended blade tilt range from 1 to 47 degrees.
  • New improved, more efficient dust extraction system from the sawing area.