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.

What Is A Planer Thicknesser And Do I Need One?- Kendal Tools

Sometimes referred to as a thickness planer and often confused with a surface planer, the planer thicknesser is an essential woodworking machine for hobby and trade woodworkers alike.

Here at Kendal Tools & Machinery, we believe a planer thicknesser is the most important woodworking machine and should be prioritised when you begin to order your own machines and tools.

So, why should you own a planer thicknesser? Read on to find out now.

What is a planer thicknesser used for?

Designed for trimming down boards to a consistent thickness and width, the planer thicknesser works by drawing the board through a set of rollers until it comes into contact with a set of cutting knives, which removes large amounts of material in a single pass.

Planer thicknessers focus on ensuring a consistent thickness throughout the length of the board, reducing stock to the exact thickness you need, and smoothing rough stock- making them suitable for a wide variety of construction projects.

Usually freestanding machines with feed-in feed- out surface tables, there is now a range of planer thicknesser bench models suitable for smaller woodworking environments.

What is the difference between a thicknesser planer and a surface planer?

While similar, a planer thicknesser and surface planer shape and calibrate wood in very different ways.

A planer thicknesser is a woodworking machine used to create boards of an even thickness, making the first face of the board parallel to the other and smoothing rough stock in the process.

This thickness is consistent along the length of the board, avoiding tapering and ensuring an accurate, high material removal rate.

The surface planer, on the other hand, is a hand-held power tool that can be used to create a smooth, level surface on a piece of wood by hand. It allows for an accurate finish and is adjustable, making it useful for bevelling and chamfering when used alongside additional jigs.

The surface planer, however, cannot make a straight cut on the opposite side of the board if the underside isn’t even, or close to even. The planer thicknesser can get around this by flattening the board to match any imperfections on the opposite side.

Is a planer thicknesser worth it?

For those who are passionate about their woodworking hobby, or who dabble in commercial woodworking, a planer thicknesser is an essential bit of kit.

Not only will it improve the likelihood of success in your projects, but it can allow you to save money on lumber.

Start new projects off right from the beginning

An integral part of woodworking is ensuring your raw materials are suitable for the job at hand, and with your very own planer thicknesser, you can be sure that every board will be perfectly straight, flat, and matches any thickness you need.

Getting your project off to the best start.

Save money on materials

A planer thicknesser can also save you money on materials.

Instead of buying new timber for every project, a planer thicknesser can allow you to repurpose reclaimed or scrap wood or buy cheaper lumber that you can clean up yourself quickly and easily in a matter of minutes.

What is the best planer thicknesser?

The best planer thicknesser for one person, may not be the best for others. As such, we have picked our top models from Kendal Tools & Machinery.

For those with small workshops and limited storage

A 2 in 1 planer thicknesser saves the room needed for two tools and saves valuable space in smaller wood workshops.

The Scheppach HMS1070 Planer Thicknesser combines the thicknesser planer and surface planer in a smaller size machine with no impact on power and ability.

With a 1-year warranty and free delivery, and easy ways to pay, a small workshop is no barrier to owning a powerful, dependable, high-quality 2 in 1 planer thicknesser.

For those looking for trade-quality results

If you work in a busy workshop that completes commercial projects, a trade-quality thicknesser is essential for creating the best starting point for any job.

The Charnwood W583 Trade Quality Planer Thicknesser combines both a thicknesser planer and a surface planer, with an easy-to-use transition between the two.

With a 5-year warranty and a 3-knife cutter block that is capable of 5mm cuts in a single pass, the Charnwood W583 is ideal for busy workshops.

Contact the experts in planer thicknessers

Whether you are still new to planers or are a veteran woodworker looking to upgrade your current equipment, you can browse our whole range of planer thicknessers.

If you have any questions, you can speak to one of our friendly experts by calling 01539 733 774. Alternatively, you can fill in our enquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as we can.