Mastering Precision Cuts
Even with practice using a plunge cut saw, mastering precision cuts is easier with a few pro tips and techniques for maximising productivity. Beyond donning safety gear, efficiency and accuracy are paramount. Here are a few pointers that could be useful for even the most seasoned tradies.
TECHNIQUES TO ACHIEVE PRECISION CUTS
While Festool’s plunge cut or track saws are expertly designed and manufactured for accurate and precise cuts, it's still crucial to know how to use them and their accessories properly.
Adjust the Blade Depth
Set the blade depth using the depth setting indicator according to the material's thickness or the cut's desired depth. Before cutting, plunge the saw to assess the blade depth in relation to the material. This ensures consistency, precision, and efficiency.
Adjust the RPM
Always select the correct RPM or speed for your material. Using the incorrect speed can result in splinters or burns in the workpiece.
Cutting Bevels
To cut bevels, set the desired angle by releasing the locks on the adjustment points on the front and rear of the saw. Depending on the plunge saw, the bevel angles will range between 0 degrees and 45 or 47 degrees.
Cutting Inserts
To cut inserts, take note of the mark on the back of the saw and the other mark further along on the clear-view window or splinter guard. These markings illustrate where the blade begins and ends once it is plunged. This will allow you to align the blade to your cut marks precisely.
Scoring
For clean cuts, engage the scoring blade on the front of the saw. This creates a small cut before the large blade creates the final cut as you move the saw along the workpiece. (NOTE: The scoring function is only available on the new TSV 60k 168 Plunge Cut Scoring Saw)
Blade Selection
Match your blade to the material you're cutting. With many different blade and tooth configurations available, using the incorrect blade could result in poor-quality cuts, inefficiency, and a reduced blade lifespan.
Familiarise Yourself with Your Plunge Cut Saw
Almost everything green on Festool tools has a function or a setting change. Practice using these features on scrap material to improve your efficiency and accuracy.
Measure Carefully
Be sure to accurately measure your workpiece and cut lines. This helps you visualise your cutting sequence and minimise mistakes. Don’t forget to account for the kerf or thickness of the blade in your measurements.
Use Guide Rails and Clamps
Align the guide rail with the cut mark and clamp the rail to the material. You can attach guide stops or kickback stops to the rail to achieve perfect measurements. Remember to clamp your workpiece to guide rails to prevent it from shifting.
“Mastering precision cuts and maximising your productivity with plunge saws is easier with these pro tips and techniques"
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.
Mastering precision cuts and maximising your productivity with plunge saws is easier with these pro tips and techniques. However, practice and a high-quality plunge-cut saw remain the perfect combination for outstanding results.
