Plunge saws

What is the difference between circular hand saws and circular plunge saws?

The biggest difference is the type of sawing itself: With a classic hand-held circular saw, the saw is normally guided into the edge of the piece to be machined,. The protective cover slides back and the blade cuts into the surface. The base, motor and blade are all in a fixed position.

With a plunge saw, the saw blade and the motor of the saw can be tilted or lowered though the base, so that the saw blade is literally plunged into the workpiece. A typical application example is a cut-out for a hob or sink in a kitchen worktop. However there are other advantages.

What advantages does a circular plunge saw have?

Dust extraction with a circular plunge saw

The saw blade of plunge saws is enclosed as much as possible above the material leaving ouly the part of the blade doing the cutting free. The removal of the dust is much improved. Less exhaust air is lost. Less dust is not only better for your health, it also saves cleaning up.

Circular plunge saws in use with guide rails

Plunge saws can easily be placed anywhere on the guide rail. With a hand-held circular saw, the protective hood must first be pulled back in order to accuratly place the saw onto the material. This is in particular relevant when working with a sawing table.

Storing a circular plunge saw

After use, the plunge saw can be conveniently placed on the flat base plate. The saw blade is retracted and cannot be damaged. A hand-held circular saw will always lie awkwardly on its side.