Cutting plunge saw guide...

Discussion in 'Carpenters' Talk' started by wizwoz, Apr 30, 2014.

  1. wizwoz

    wizwoz Member

    Hello all. Having just acquired a Makita plunge saw with guide rails etc. it strikes me that 1.4m guide rail is a little cumbersome, especially in a confined area. Most of my work is fitted kitchens so I’m cutting 600 w/top and panels etc. I’m contemplating cutting one of the guide rails down to 800mm. for ease of handling. Has anyone done this without problem, or is it a case of “NO! It’ll cause…..whatever”?
    As ever, any input appreciated.
    Cheers.
     
  2. R.W_Carpentry

    R.W_Carpentry Active Member

    Yes not a problem, cut a couple down before on a chop saw, no reason for it to have any ill effects, if possible I'd say do it on a chop saw rather than by hand, it'd probably be fine doing by hand but think there would be a slight risk of flexing/bending the rail if you're too heavy handed.
     
    wizwoz likes this.
  3. chippie244

    chippie244 Super Member

    Go for it, I did.
    You can also drill and countersink holes in the track so you can cut doors or whatever in walls.
     
    wizwoz likes this.
  4. joinerjohn1

    joinerjohn1 Screwfix Select

    Perhaps cut it down to 1m in length, It can them be used for breakfast bars too (usually 900mm wide) ;);)
     
    wizwoz likes this.
  5. goldenboy

    goldenboy Super Member

    Ditto I have cut them down a couple of times before and its fine
     
    wizwoz likes this.
  6. metrokitchens

    metrokitchens Screwfix Select

    Not sure about Makita but I have a short festool one about 800mm long.
     
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  7. wizwoz

    wizwoz Member

    Thanks for the replies guys. I shall cut in confidence. I take the point about b/bars but I have two guide rails so I figure to use the 1.4m lg when that situation arises., plus the 1.4 m joined to the 800mm covers for larder panels.
    Many thanks :)
     
  8. big all

    big all Screwfix Select

    just make sure you know the minimum length you need for your saw to work smoothly
    for example i have a dewalt track saw and you need somthing like 200mm at the front and about 75mm at the end
    the overlap at the front stops the base hooking up on the end off the rail as well as helping the accuracy off the cut
    the overlap at the end is purely to aid accuracy so could be reduced slightly if required
    in otherwords a 600mm cut would require 875mm and 1220 would require 1495mm and the rails are 1500mm

    i have a pencil line at the start off the rail that i line up with the board edge to give me the correct overlap
     
    Last edited: May 1, 2014
    wizwoz likes this.
  9. wizwoz

    wizwoz Member

    Good point Big All. I haven’t used the saw yet but it had occurred to me that I need to check the length req’d front & rear for the saw to seat the whole cut. Seeing your post has just reminded me how important that point is.
    Cheers.
     
  10. wiggy

    wiggy Screwfix Select

    You are going to want ideally +200mm either side of the work piece so the saw has a steady start and finnish
     
    wizwoz likes this.

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