Best Plunge Saw UK For Making Straight Cuts – Reviews 2022 – 2023

Last Updated On November 12, 2021 By Elliot

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Best Plunge Saws – Our Top 5 Reviewed

Short On Time?

Our Recommended Best Plunge Saw Is The Makita DSP600ZJ Twin Brushless Plunge Saw!

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Plunge saws are becoming very popular in comparison to circular saws, but many people still can’t see the difference between the two.

To keep it short, a plunge saw is designed to give straight cuts by using its guide rail. The cutting process with the saw blade can start anywhere on a piece of material due to the plunging mechanism of the track saws blade. A circular saw, on the other hand, has to start cutting at the edge.

However, as these plunge saws are now growing on the market, it can be hard to figure which model is the best.

So with that being said, let’s compare some of the best plunge saws out there and find the best track saw for you!


Our Favourite Plunge Saw –

The Makita DSP600ZJ BL LXT Plunge Saw (Editor’s Choice)

Makita is a famous brand in the power tool industry, this model, in particular, comes with a 1200W motor that has automatic torque drive technology, this changes the variable speed of the plunge saw according to the workload. It additionally has a rate of 6,300 rpm to cut quicker.

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Feature-wise the Makita plunge saw is powered by two 18V batteries which are not included, it has a blade diameter of 125mm too and a straight depth of 56mm.

Its depth can be adjusted easily by its dial and locked in place after setting; it can also be stopped with an electric brake.

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Measurements of the Makita plunge saw comes in at 50 x 30 x 50 cm, and it weighs around 5kg. Extras included with the track saw are its; hex wrench, saw blade and carry case.

The model is also compatible with a guide rail.

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Conclusion

This Makita plunge saws model is excellent value for money and includes one very high powered saw blade that can cut through any material with ease.

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It’s model also offers more control than other tools thanks to its variable speed dial.

Negatives of this plunge saw have to be its angle scale which is reported to be a little inaccurate, the plunge saws blade is also said to be quite delicate and might not be able to withstand heavy-duty use.

The model additionally doesn’t include a guide rail and batteries which are extra costs to consider.

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Pros

  • Affordable price.
  • High speed for a quick cut.
  • Variable speed control.
  • Electric brake.
  • Lightweight.

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Cons

  • Angle scale is inaccurate when cutting at angles.
  • No guide rail included.
  • Batteries have to be bought separately.
  • The blade might need to be switched to a more robust one.

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Our Second Choice! – The Triton TTS1400 Plunge Track Saw

The Triton 230V plunge saw comes with 1400 watts of power and features a 165mm 60TCT blade with a bevel range of 0-48 degrees.

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Notable points of this saw are its onboard tool storage and accessible shaft lock with makes changing the blade very easy. It additionally has a 5,500 rpm plunge cut speed too.

This plunge saws flat design allows it to get closer to the material, making it great for cutting near door edges, it also has one dust extractor and rubber over mould grip for extra comfort and safety.

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Further safety features include its overload protection system and constant speed.

An anti-kickback system is additionally included with the saw to prevent it from jolting while in use, and it comes with measurements of 26.6 x 34.4 x 27 cm with a weight of 5.5kg.

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Conclusion

This is the best beginner plunge saw on our list due to its extensive safety features and simple to use design, making it a great entry tool if your still a beginner when it comes to using power tools.

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Negatives of the plunge saw have to be its kit which does not include guide rails or other acessories, this will have to be bought separately and can add to the overall cost.

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The model additionally is reported to have inaccurate angle quality.

Pros

  • High powered model for deep plunge cut.
  • One 165mm blade.
  • Onboard tool storage.
  • Rubber over mould grip.
  • Anti-kickback system.

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Cons

  • Does not include guide rails.
  • Poor build quality.

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The Product Below May Be Currently Unavailable.

Our recommended alternative is the Dewalt DWS520K-LX Heavy-Duty Plunge Saw!

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Dewalt DCS520T2-GB XR Flex Volt Cordless Brushless Plunge Saw

The Dewalt plunge saw features an 18V/54V lithium-ion battery system and comes with a parallel plunge design which gives you better stability when cutting.

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Main specifications of this track saw are it’s 48 tooth blade to give accurate cuts, and it’s rail adjustment which can be brought separately with a guide. The design of this plunge saw is additionally cordless.

Extra acessories of the plunge saw are it’s carrying bag and charger which are included with the plunge saw.

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Conclusion

Overall, this plunge saw by Dewalt truly is a durable piece of kit thanks to its high battery-powered system that allows for extra flexibility and it’s one 48 tooth blade which quickly gives accurate cuts on a variety of material.

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Some downfalls of this Dewalt plunge saw have to be its the price which is a little expensive. You also need to purchase the guide rail seperatley, which can be an extra cost to consider.

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Pros

  • Durable design.
  • Flexible battery power.
  • 48-tooth blade.
  • Cordless.
  • Carry bag & charger included.

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Cons

  • High price.
  • Guide rail needs to be brought seperatley.

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GMC GTS165 Plunge Saw

If you are looking for a plunge saw kit on a budget, it might be worth considering this model by GMC.

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It’s model comes with a 1400W 230V power for vertical plunge cutting and boasts a speed of up to 5,200 rpm.

Best features of its design are its included 1400 mm extended track that has a non-slip base, allowing you to perform light rip cuts or cross cuts efficiently.

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This best plunge saw further comes with a blade guard, aluminium base and a dust port for cutting wood. Its blade features 48mm carbide teeth too.

Design-wise the saw has an easy bevel and cut adjustment along with variable speed control. It also has maximum cutting depths of either 57mm at 90 degrees or 42mm at 45 degrees.

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The model itself has an over-moulded main handle for adjusting controls and has a polished coating.

Extra acessories included with this plunge saw are its; two hex keys, soft carry case and two clamps.

Conclusion

To conclude, this plunge saw by GMC is one of the best plunge saws on our list due to its incredibly low price and high build quality.

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The track saw model has an excellent 48mm blade which allows you to plunge cut easily and is great for making internal cuts on materials such as wood or plastic with its saw blade.

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There are some negatives of this plunge saw, for example, the plunge saw does not come with guide rails, and its low build quality means you may have to do alot of adjusting for the saw to be able to cut accurately, however, this is probably due to its very low price.

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Pros

  • Very affordable kit with 1400mm track included.
  • High power for a speedy plunge cut.
  • Comes with blade guard and dust port.
  • Variable speed cutting.
  • Maximum depth of 57mm.
  • Polished coating for increased durability.

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Cons

  • Does not come with guide rails.
  • Poor design quality.

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Festool 561554 TS 55 REQ-Plus GB Plunge Saw

This Festool plunge saw is a little more expensive than other plunge saws on our list but features a guided wedge and has a 100V 1200 watt power with 7,300 rpm of speed.

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Main features of the Festool plunge saw are the flat design which allows you to cut 12mm from a wall, it also has an angle setting with snap-in points ranging from -1-47 degrees. Maximum cutting depth of the model is 55mm.

Design-wise the plunge saw boasts a sliding view window for a view of the saw blade and scribe mark. It also has an anti-kickback safety mechanism in case of the tool jolting while in use. The plunge saw is additionally corded for extra power when cutting materials with thickness up to 55mm.

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Conclusion

The Festool model is a little expensive but great value for money thanks to its circular saw blade and guide rails which allow for extra accuracy when cutting.

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This track saws model also has a considerable depth which will enable you to use it with thicker materials than other plunge saws with guide rails.

Negatives of this plunge saw have to be the high price; however, this is probably due to the guide fence being included.

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Pros

  • High speed.
  • Can cut close to materials due to flat design.
  • One sliding view window.
  • Can cut the thickness of up to 55mm.
  • Guided rail included.
  • Adjustable angles.

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Cons

  • Expesnive price.

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Our Final Judgement – Which Is The Best Plunge saw?

To conclude, the best plunge saw on our list has to be the Makita DSP600ZJ BL LXT Track Saw. This number one plunge saw has a fast cut speed and considerable blade size/depth, allowing you to cut thicker materials effortlessly and fast.

We also recommend this Makita plunge saw because of its variable speed which allows you to have much more control over the speed of your cut.

As a second alternative, we would recommend the Triton TTS1400 Plunge Track Saw due to its high power and extra-large cutting blade.

The plunge saw additionally has excellent safety features for extra confidence when using your plunge saw.

What To Look For In a Plunge Saw (Buying Guide)

Now, there are many features to consider before buying a plunge saw, you firstly need to think about what kind of materials you want to be cutting, so as you can determine what budget and strength you need your saw to be.

You may also be wondering if you if even need a plunge saw or if you should stick to a circular saw instead.

Well, not to worry, we’ve got you covered with our best buying guide below.

Best Features To Consider In a Plunge Saw

There are many best features to look out for in a plunge saw, some necessary and some that can give you a better cut.

From the speed of your motor to the track saws depth, you need to make sure your plunge saw will be right for the kind of DIY jobs you want to do.

We’ve listed out the key feature to look out for in your best plunge saw model below –

  • Cutting depth – The depth of your saw will determine how big of a material it can cut, this isn’t usually too much of an issue as you will eventually be able to cut through the material with its plunge cutting mechanism anyway.
  • Battery power – Battery capacity of your cordless track saw matters as this will determine how much power is given to it for cutting, some corded models will often have a higher cutting power but much less portability.
  • Cutting speed – Any speed of around 5000 rpm and above should be more than enough for high speed cutting with your track saw. It’s a good idea to make sure there is a variable speed option too.
  • Guided rail – A guided rail with your saw is necessary to ensure more accurate cuts, some models have this included, and some don’t so it’s essential to consider if this will be an extra cost or not.
  • Riving knife – Some of the best plunge saws should have a riving knife. A riving knife helps maintain an even distance between the two cut sides of your material.
  • Blade – The blade of your plunge saws model should be large enough to cut thicker materials, you should also consider the teeth of the blade, a higher amount of teeth tend to give a smoother finish on the cut.
  • Track length – Your plunge saws track distance can offer you a place to put your wood planks while working, if you are looking for a saw with a saw track then consider what size you will need it to be.
  • Bevel angle – The bevel angle of your track saw is in vital if you want to cut wood pieces with a bevel, this should range from 0-45 degrees.
  • Warranty – As with all power tools, your track saw should come with at least a one year warranty for buyers confidence.

Circular Saws VS Plunge Saws

Circular saws and plunge saws can both cut material fast, and efficiently, however, there are some differences between the two that you should know before making your decision on what model is best for you.

Plunge saws

Plunge saws are also known as track saws and make straight plunge cuts into the material along its track, this cut is made via its circular blade and can be set to cut at different speeds and depths.

These saws often come with dust extraction too and have excellent safety features.

Plunge saws, however, are very bulky as they are typically mounted to a long track, they are also less versatile than circular saws and can’t cut in many different positions.

Advantages

  • Can cut material at any point, not just on edge.
  • Large cutting depth.
  • Very safe to use thanks to blades position.

Disadvantages

  • Not portable.
  • Can be expensive.
  • Most don’t include a riving knife.

Circular saws

Circular saw models, on the other hand, operate by using a spinning disc blade that is propelled by its motor, these circular saws are most commonly used for wood cutting.

You can also use a variety of different blades with these models and make various kinds of cut, such as crosscuts.

However, circular saws do require more safety practice and tend to be less accurate than tracks saws.

Advantages

  • Can be portable.
  • Lower-priced.
  • Can make a variety of different cuts.

Disadvantages

  • Less safe than plunge saws.
  • Can be hard to make an accurate cut with.
  • Rougher cuts and you have to start at the edge of a material.

Overall, as you can see, there is not much difference between the circular saw and plunge saws as both can cut a variety of different materials with there power.

Are you are looking for accuracy and are not too concerned about your model being portable? Then you should go for a track saw.

If you want to be able to move around with your saw and you are experienced with power tools, then it might be worth checking out the best circular saw.

FAQs

Is dust extraction necessary on one of these models?

Yes, dust extraction will help reduce mess while you work, they are essential, especially if you are planning to saw materials like wood.

Why does this track saw tend to be more expensive than a circular saw?

This is most likely due to all the acessories a track saw comes with such as its guided rail, a circular saw is much more straightforward however and needs its motor only.

Can you use this saw without a track?

It not recommended to try and use your track saw without a track as it can cut unevenly and has much less stability.

A plunge saw with guide rail options will always give you more accuracy.

What are the main specs I need to look for in a track saw?

The main specs to look for in your model should be track size, cutting depth/speed and blade size.

Why do I even need a track saw?

Track saws allow you to make extremely accurate cuts due to their low blade guards and guided rails that have extra stability.

A track saw can additionally be placed anywhere on a material to make a cut and don’t have to start cutting at the edge like other saws.

Our #1 Plunge Saw For Getting Those Accurate Cuts

Our number one best plunge saw is the Makita DSP600ZJ BL LXT Track Saw due to its large blade size and variable cutting speeds.

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We also suggested checking out the Triton TTS1400 Plunge Track Saw because of its high power, broad blade and excellent safety features.

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Elliot

I'm Elliot Higgins the Founder of multiple hardware stores around the UK. I love wood and wood working. Watching a fine piece of pine or cedar turn into a work of art is extremely satisfying. The one thing I love more than woodworking is the toys that we use! On HandyToolsHome.com; we bring you information and reviews on all kinds of tools.

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