Popular Woodworking 2009-04 № 175, страница 44

Popular Woodworking 2009-04 № 175, страница 44

Plunge-cut Saws

MAKITA #SP6000

The 12-amp motor on Makita's plunge-cut saw spins the 61/2"-diam-eter (165mm) blade between 2,000 and 5,200 revolutions per minute (rpm). This saw has a number of features I find useful. Being able to cut to a maximum 48° with a flip of a lever is nice, but to quickly find and set angled cuts at 22 and 45° with built-in positive stops is great -even ifthe221/2° and 48° settings are factory set and not adjustable.

Additionally, this is the only saw that allows a -1° cut option. To reach that angle, you need to push in two stops at the saw's base, then lower the body of the tool. Once you're finished, a simple lift of the saw above the 0° line resets those stops.

On the downside, Makita chose not to include a riving knife on its plunge-cut saw, and the power cord is short - at 8' this cord doesn't cover the standard length of sheet goods.

An SP6000 will set you back around $384, and don't forget to pick up a guide rail. Two guide rails are available: 54" ($80) and 117" ($200). The cost of a replacement blade is $45.

DEWALT #DWS520

Spinning a 6V2", 48-tooth blade to a variable speed between 1,750 rpm and 4,000 rpm is no problem for the 12-amp motor. In fact, there's plenty of power to make the maximum cuts of 2 Vs" at 90° and 1V2" at 45° while on a track. The saw can reach up to a 47° bevel cut and weighs in at 11.2 pounds, easily the heaviest of the three saws.

The DeWalt saw's built-in kickback catch is a unique feature, but there are two issues to consider. First, the feature is only usable when working on DeWalt's track. And second, while this catch works to thwart backward movement, it does nothing to keep the saw on the track. And once the saw is lifted from the track, the catch action is eliminated. But if you're looking to use this setup as a panel saw, the kickback catch is top shelf.

DeWalt's saw is priced at $499 including a 59" track. Three track lengths are available: 46" ($80), 59" ($100) and 102" ($230). Replacement jlades are available at $60.

FESTOOL #TS55

Festool has had its plunge-cut saw available in the States longer than either of the other saws. The TS55 saw has a 10-amp motor that produces sufficient power for variable blade speeds between 2,000 and 5,200 rpm. The saw includes a 48-tooth, carbide-tipped blade with an alternate-top-bevel (ATB) design that is 6V4" in diameter or 160mm. This blade (as on the other saws) has a 20mm arbor hole. Street price for replacement blades is $58.

At a weight of 9.92 pounds, I found this saw easy to maneuver alongthe guide rail and no trouble with day-long use.

The Festool cord is 13' in length, which makes it easy to stretch alongthe length of most sheet goods. And because this cord detaches at the tool, you'll be sure the power is off when making adjustments.

After a recent price increase, a TS55 is priced at $500 including a 55" guide rail. Other Festool rails are available in eight different length*, from 32" ($63) to 197" ($474).

MAKITA

Model SSP6000 makita.com

FESTOOL

Model -TS55

festoolusa.com 888-337-8600

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DEWALT

Model *DWS520 dewalt.com 300-433-'