Things to Consider
Quality
As with most power tools…you usually get what you pay for. While every now and then, you might find a simple and inexpensive solution, rarely will you find a quality built tool at a discount price. How many times have you had to buy another tool, because you bought cheap instead of buying right? Let’s face it… a quality tool, built with quality materials will cost you more than you might want to pay initially. But, the good news is that the difference in what you paid up front should end up saving you more money in the long‐run.
Good design, tight tolerances, use of quality materials, and uncompromising attention to detail will almost always create a tool that you can enjoy for many years. Saws should use top quality motor bearings to support the shaft and extend the useful service life of the tool. All moving parts should operate smoothly and should be adjusted easily. Tight tolerances and a smooth plunging action are good indicators of the quality of the tool. Other things to consider: How strong is the warranty? What do owners say about the tools?
Does the brand have a good reputation for manufacturing quality tools? Does the company have a good service department in the unlikely event that there is a problem?
Straight Cuts
When used with a quality guide rail, plunge cut saws are hard to beat for straight cuts. The guide strip on the edge of the rail acts as a zero clearance surface, and can be used to place the saw blade exactly on the cut line. Being able to maintain an accurate cut line is important regardless of the bevel angle of the saw. A good saw will use a pivoting mechanism to ensure that the cut line stays exactly on the edge of the guide rail regardless of the saw’s bevel angle setting.
The rails should be strong, light, and easy to adjust, and should come in a wide assortment of lengths with the ability to connect two or more to create custom lengths. Thin anti‐slip bottom strips, and an easy way to clamp the rail down for added safety should be high priorities, as this will improve the cutting results significantly. Base plate adjustments should be easy to adjust, so that there is zero‐play in the system, and tool‐less adjustment knobs will make set‐up easier.