Are plunge saws right for me?

Plunge saws are perfect for tradespeople or hobbyists that need to make long straight cuts with precision and don’t want to use very heavy equipment. Plunge saws are very versatile, making trimming off excesses or handling precision work a breeze, without the worry of heavy, clunky tools. Plunge saws are light and portable, easy to handle and store, without taking up large amounts of room in your workshop. They also have increased precision, so woodcutters can make precise final cuts the first time, without the need for extra cuts, tools or machinery. If you’d like to know more, feel free to contact us on 01539 733 774 to speak with one of our team directly.

Do I need a guide rail or track with my plunge saw?

No matter how experienced we are with woodworking equipment, cutting an extended line perfectly straight can be almost impossible. Arms and hands can change position by less than a millimetre, resulting in a cut that is now wonky and needs fixing. Guide rails or tracks were designed to remove this issue, as well as decreasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Guide rails for plunge saws help keep the saw steady, decreases the chance of wobbling and guides the saw along a perfectly straight line from start to finish, without the chance of change halfway along. All models of plunge saw from Kendal Tools & Machinery come with at least one guide track included, meaning that any plunge saw you buy from us will have everything you need to get started.

How can I keep safe when using a plunge saw?

Keeping safe while using power tools is essential and should be considered mandatory. Common steps and equipment for using a plunge saw safely include: • Wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, and appropriate clothing. • Always use the guide rail or track, it will keep the saw still and steady. • Keep the working area clean and clear of debris and offcuts. • Ensure safety features are engaged and you know how to use them. • Utiliser outfeed tables or stands when appropriate so you can focus on the machine. • Always disconnect the power before touching or changing the blade, even if you are in a hurry. • Do not start power saws with the blade already engaged- it is important that the blade reach full speed before starting to cut. • Keep good posture and a strong base. • Use a push stick if the timber is too close to the blade- save your fingers! If you do not keep yourself safe when using plunge saws and other power tools then the chances of serious or life-changing injury increase vastly, putting you and others at risk.

How to store my plunge saw when not in use?

To keep your plunge saw and other power tools safe and in the best possible condition, it is advised clean them thoroughly and store them within the case or box they originally came in, as this will protect them from falls, knocks, water, and dust. Storing them in original boxes and bags also lessens the chance of injury associated with falling tools. With the sharp blades safely covered, you may receive a bump and bruise if the saw falls, but it will not be able to cut or stab passers-by. Top Tip: put a few silica gel packets inside the box in case of moisture ingress. You can find these in new items such as shoes or clothes. To store the case or box, most people utilise shelves or storage cabinets/ chests, as this will keep them off the ground, protecting them from moisture which will minimise the risk of rusting. It will also help ensure debris cannot accumulate in and around your tools, which could lead to long-term damage. Moreover, it keeps tools at temperatures that will not damage the battery and are out of the way of children, inexperienced users, and potential thieves.

Top 5 tools for Christmas – the gift they really want!

With Christmas rapidly approaching, it can be easy to panic-buy slightly impersonal gifts – especially now you can pick them up in the supermarket with your weekly shop.

Although you may mean well, chances are woodworkers, craftspeople, or DIY enthusiasts will have a list of tools on their wish list that would make a much better gift – even if it might not fit beneath the tree!

So, read on to find out the best tools for Christmas gifting this festive season and get that to-do list ticked off in no time!

1. Bandsaws

Designed for every kind of woodworker, from the professional trade to woodworking enthusiasts, a bandsaw can allow you to carry out a large range of cuts, from crosscuts and mitre cuts to straight cuts and freehand cuts.

They are great for cutting down larger pieces to the required size, making them much easier to manage and making projects safer – while also allowing you to make more accurate cuts, as well as completing intricate details, like curves.

Bandsaws are frequently favoured because of their relatively small size and the amount of heavy lifting you can avoid – in comparison to handheld tools.

2. Circular saws

Just like the bandsaw, the circular saw is an essential piece of kit for woodworkers of all types, from craftspeople to professional teams, like kitchen fitters.

Utilising a circular blade that runs along rail tracks for increased safety, the circular saw can make all manner of cuts, from rip cuts to cross cuts while also being able to cut bevels – which are widely used by furniture makers and joiners alike.

They are not only more energy efficient than other saws, thanks to their continuous cutting motion, but are also easy to use and versatile, making them a treasured gift for your loved one.

3. Planer thicknessers

If your family member or friend is often working with large lengths of stock, a planer thicknesser can help save them hours of sanding, by planing lengths to a consistent thickness and width.

Free-standing or table-top to save space in the workshop, you can easily provide a practical solution for workshops of all shapes and sizes.

This machine is especially necessary for those who build furniture or fit kitchens and bathrooms.

4. Workshop heaters

While less impressive than a new woodworking machine, a workshop heater might well be more appreciated in the short term – thanks to its instant warming effect!

Keeping their workshop warm allows your loved one to continue their hobby all year round, which gives them time for some much-needed rest and relaxation to escape the day-to-day stresses.

With a wide variety to choose from, you can also play savvy and choose the heater that is the cheapest to run, including:

Diesel/paraffin/kerosene space heaters
Propane heaters
Infrared heaters
Electric fan heaters

Some heaters are even portable, so can be brought outside during the summer if you are hosting BBQs or parties and the weather doesn’t play ball!

5. Replacement blades

For those working with a smaller budget, replacement blades are also an excellent gift – or stocking filler – for your loved one.

As each woodworking machine works only as well as the blade it is using, it can make a real difference in breathing new life into older machines, helping them to last as long as possible.

Circular saw blades come in many variations, depending on the job your loved one is looking to complete, or the materials they are using, for example, softwood or hardwood.

Bandsaw blades are also dependent on the materials being cut, so be sure to check if your loved one is working with wood, non-ferrous metal, or plastics before you order!

Order treasured gifts from the wood-working experts at Kendal Tools & Machinery

Whether you know exactly what you are looking for or have a vague idea and nothing more, tools and machinery make excellent gifts for friends and family – no matter your budget.

For help ordering or for advice from one of our friendly experts, you can call us on 01539 733 774 or fill in our enquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as we can.