Pushing Boundries:
Inspiring Trade Projects Achieved with Precision Plunge Saws
Festool plunge cut saws are an incredible power tool for tradespeople and hobbyists. They are versatile, efficient, and precise, and they offer a professional finish, which is hard to achieve with more basic saws. Plunge cut saws can be used in workshops or on-site, to create a variety of cuts and an infinite number of items. The only thing holding you back is your imagination. So, for those looking to push the boundaries, let’s discuss some inspiring trade projects which have been achieved with plunge saws and how to go about making them.
HOW TO CHOOSE A PROJECT
It’s easy to flip through inspiring photos and videos and find something that strikes you as an exciting project, but there are some things to consider before you decide what to make. Narrow down your inspiration and choose projects within your budget and skill range that can be completed within your workspace. There are always workarounds, however. You can use reclaimed wood, work outside, and find reference videos and articles online to better understand woodworking and plunge saw techniques you aren’t familiar with.
INSPIRATION FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT
You may want to start small, or get stuck into something big, but no matter what you choose, you will put your own spin on it to make it unique.
“The only thing holding you back is your imagination"
INSPIRATION FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT
You may want to start small, or get stuck into something big, but no matter what you choose, you will put your own spin on it to make it unique.
A slatted wooden bathmat can be a great finishing touch to any bathroom.
This project is ideal for beginners, though the design can be adjusted to something more challenging.
To make the bathmat pictured above, you’ll need:
- six 4cm wide x 75cm long planks for the top
- three 4cm wide x 30cm long planks for the base
To cut the correct length and width planks, you can use a jigsaw or, for a more professional finish, a plunge cut saw.
When assembling this piece, allow for 1cm gaps between each long plank to prevent the water from pooling. It is also critical to ensure the wood is sufficiently sealed and varnished.
A more challenging project is a bedside table. Because your Festool plunge cut saw offers precision and a professional finish, you can proudly display this piece of furniture.
With guide rails and an adjustable angle stop, you can replicate straight and precise rip cuts, crosscuts, and mitre cuts.
The bevel function on the plunge saw will enable you to cut bevels to exact angles.
Bedside tables are available in various heights, widths, and depths, so if you choose to tweak your design, consider these measurements to ensure optimal functionality in your home.
Parquet is a technique used in wooden flooring and furniture to elevate its aesthetic appeal.
Parquetry is when small blocks of wood are artfully arranged tightly together to form a repetitive pattern.
Plunge saws allow you to replicate precise, accurate angles easily, allowing you to cut the blocks of wood to fit together perfectly. If you don’t have a plunge saw, you can use a circular saws or table saw.
To create interesting patterns, you can use various wood types and colours or merely alternate the direction of the grain to create a design.
Parquet requires patience and accuracy to achieve professional-looking results, but it’s worth it.
HERRINGBONE PARQUET FLOORING - SOME QUICK GUIDES
- DIY PLYWOOD FLOORS | how to make and install geometric plywood floors
- How to saw wooden flooring | Tutorial by Quick-Step
- The Best Method to Cut Parquet Flooring
TIPS FOR MASTERING PASSION PROJECTS
To ensure your plunge saw project goes according to plan, you must plan ahead.
- Make detailed drawings of the item you are making, with exact measurements, notes, and cut angles.
- Decide how you will finish the wood; will you oil it, varnish it, or leave it raw?
- Select the correct plunge saw blade for your project and the wood.
- Choose your guide rail based on the size of your project.
- Familiarise yourself with your material by making practice cuts.
- Practice making mitre cuts, bevels, and crosscuts to ensure precision in your project.
- Ensure a professional finish with splinter guards.
- Practice using any new tools or accessories to avoid mistakes.
- Measure your workpiece carefully and make precise cutmarks.
- Always account for the kerf (thickness of the blade) when cutting and measuring.
- Always work cautiously and follow safety protocols.
The bigger your imagination, the more boundaries you can push in your trade projects. With the right tools you can bring your ideas to life and make them look professional.
Use Festool Accessories to Achieve Precision Cuts
One of the most critical aspects of the Festool plunge cut saw range is the variety of compatible accessories that help achieve perfect cuts.
Guide rails – select your guide rail according to the length of your workpiece to achieve straight, smooth cuts.
Splinter guards – ensure clean cuts on both the workpiece and the off-cut. They are available for all models of Festool plunge saws.
Guide rail clamps – Festool clamps are made to slide onto the track without hindering the movement of the saw.
Kickback stops – can be attached to the track to achieve exact cut lengths.
90 Degree guide rail square – attaches to the guide rail to help produce exact perpendicular cuts.
Adjustable angle stops – attaches to the guide rail to produce cuts between -60 and +60 degrees.
Guiderail adhesive cushion strips – replaceable cushions to ensure guide rails remain in place without sliding on smooth materials.
Adhesive splinter guards – adhere to guide rails to offer precise alignment to the cut line.
Saw blades – Festool has a range of plunge saw blades that can be matched to the materials you are working on to produce the best finish.
