Thread: TTD Plunge Track Saw

Well, I just bought the Trade Tools Direct plunge saw ( I am usually a Festool junkie but will only use this type of saw occasionally). Judging by the sticker on it, TTD have had it certified to meet Australian Regulations.

This is the saw:

TradeTools Direct - Serious Tools...Seriously Discounted!

It is very well made - far better than the cheap circular saws that are on the market. Contrary to the reviews mentioned in an earlier thread, there is no gap between the edge of the track and the cut line - just like other plunge saws.

This thing works and works very well indeed. It is very accurate and was perfectly aligned out of the box. The motor is powerful and it effortlessly cut through 38mm Jarrah as easy as anything else. I replaced the standard blade which enhanced the cutting performance. And the rubber sacrificial strip ensures splint free cuts as well .

Dust collection is excellent - a pleasant surprise for me as there was very little saw dust on the floor after making several metre long cuts through Jarrah. It looks like the track will accept Festool clamps but the rubber strips on the base ensure that there is no slippage on the work.

One thing to watch out for though is matching any new blade kerf to the retractable riving knife. The new blade I bought was much thinner than the original and the riving knife was consequently a bit too thick for the blade. A temporary solution was to remove the riving knife, which on the work I was doing didn't seem to create any problems. I will look for a blade matching the riving knife for future use.

Overall I think this is an excellent buy and any hobbyist looking for a quality plunge/track saw at a reasonable price will not be disappointed. I have to add that I cannot see myself using an ordinary circular saw again.