Plunge Saws?

equalsql

Anyone using one as opposed to a bench saw?
They seem a lot more practical given their size and ability to cut through large sheets.

Any recommendations?

Corvus

I've got a large circ saw/plunge saw (no rail) that's good for large pieces. Also got an Evolution sliding chop saw, like a plunge with a base. The circ has to be over a free edge to allow for the blade but the chop base takes care of that.
I got the Evo mainly for metal but the blade is multi-purpose and eats wood very easily & neatly.
Dunno if that helps any. They both do a job, for slicing large sheets the circ saw is the thing, for guitar-sized things the chop saw is mostly better. Much more control and a finer cut, light & movable too.
Wouldn't necessarily recommend the Evo, the blades are pricey, a dedicated wood one should be cheaper on that front. I'd go sliding not fixed, whichever way.

octatonic

I don't have one and I don't really need one.

It might be helpful for cutting down sheets of MDF but I generally get the lumberyard to halve them for me to make them easier to transport.

I have a chop saw which gets used a bit.

Mostly though it is a bandsaw that gets used for processing stuff.

I would spend more on a bandsaw, rather than getting a few different machines that only have limited application.

Corvus

@equalsql what sort of jobs have you got in mind?

Circ saw for ripping sheet, worktop etc, mine was only £30ish at the time so not pricey but no good for guitars.
Bandsaw for getting close to a guitar outline.
Done loads with the chopsaw, car rebuilds, workbenches, fences, firewood etc.
Horses for courses. I wouldn't be without any of them, luckily the bandsaw was a broken freebie, but each has paid it's keep many times over.

equalsql

Hi @Corvus.

I'm building a 16 x 8 foot shed at the moment and will soon be converting my brick-garage into a sound studio, so lots of sheet wood cutting. I'm also planning to build speaker/combo cabinets in the future plus a fair amount of other cabinet projects like wall units etc.  I already have a chop-saw and a circular saw with my own cutting guide but had been thinking about getting a bench-saw ergo my interest in the plunge-saws as many woodworker think they might be a more practical alternative.

I know that they are more of a one-trick pony, but obviously take up a lot less space, hence my query on here for anyone who actually uses one

Corvus

Cool projects!   They look great at what they do, but haven't used one so that's no use at all, sorry. That amount of work and the portability & neatness etc would probably make me buy one but I'm as bad for acquiring tools as guitar gear.

hywelg

I dont see how a plunge saw would be much benefit over a circular saw. I have two of these for whenever I need to cut 8x4 sheets

http://www.axminster.co.uk/progrip-guide-clamp

Handy things for sawing and routing, though you do need to make sure you keep it up to the fence and dont let is drift. I use one on my router table as a mount for these when making beading and such.

http://www.axminster.co.uk/progrip-featherboard

randomhandclaps

^ I agree.  Although I do most of my routing freehand, I have a sliding chop saw and a table saw but I have a couple of circular saws and a steel straight that get used more than anything. It's been that way forever so I don't really see any real advantage to a plunge saw whatsoever.