Don't Try This DANGEROUS CUTTING TECHNIQUE! (Here's How To PLUNGE CUT W/ Circular Saw Instead!)
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- Опубликовано: 7 янв 2023
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Don't Try This DANGEROUS CUTTING TECHNIQUE! (Here's How To PLUNGE CUT W/ Circular Saw Instead!)
I'm focusing on controversial cutting techniques this year, and one circular saw method in particular is very worrisome. It's called LOOSE PLATE CUTTING. This short video will explain what it is, why it's dangerous, and how to avoid it by using proper plunge-cutting techniques!
A PLUNGE CUT is a cut that starts in the field of the board, rather than at the edge.
Loose Plate Cutting is a technique of cutting with the circular saw where the operator loosens the sole plate, and uses the free-swinging action of the plate to make a plunge cut into a piece of wood.
This is especially dangerous because the sole plate is a crucial safety feature on the circular saw (sometimes called a skilsaw or skill saw). It helps maintain stability, and also CONTROL DEPTH.
Loose plate cutting is dangerous because the loose sole plate wants to slide around, and it's very hard to control depth as you sink the circular saw blade.
DON'T USE IT! Instead, set your sole plate depth, and make plunge cuts the right way...
Use the front of the sole plate as a pivot point for the rest of the saw. Lift the blade guard lever, and establish that the blade is positioned at your cut line as much as possible.
DON'T have the circular saw blade in contact with the wood surface when you pull the trigger. Instead, make sure it is slightly above the wood surface, then pull the trigger. Let the saw spin all the way up.
Slowly lever the saw down into the material, sighting down the wall of the blade to make sure it is indeed cutting at your marked line. Lower until the sole plate is sitting flush on the wood surface, then begin driving the cut forward like normal. Cut until you reach a stop-mark, release the trigger, let the saw spin down, and remove the blade from the material.
That's the right way to make a circular saw plunge cut.
Thanks for watching!
The Honest Carpenter 
Хобби
I've learned that you can TRUST Ethan's channel for solid advice on carpentry and proper use of the tools.
This is such a great channel... practical, no gimmicks, and I especially appreciate the fact safety is always there... sometimes front and center as with this video, or in the background of other videos... but never too far away.
Thank you, Paul! It’s always been one of my top priorities, and always will be 🙂
totally agree, straight to the point, helping to save our fingers, super clear explantations and demonstrations → total gold
@@TheHonestCarpenter hey, just letting you know, there’s someone pretending to be you spamming your channel. They’ve sent several “you’ve won,” messages
Totally agree. Also, he's got the best theme music on RUclips.
In 1976 I joined the Carpenters Union and began framing tract homes in So Cal. Back then everyone used the Skillsaw 77 with guard held up with a 16d nail. No hard hats. In the summer we all wore shorts and tennis shoes. No handrails. We walked the tops of the walls for rolling joists and setting beams and rafters. I did this for 14 years. After that I was a Licensed Contractor until 2013. I am very glad to see that today all that has changed.
I’ve seen a LOT of that same stuff myself, Joe. I too am glad safety is getting a bit more of a look these days!
You can also drill holes in the corners for that nice finish.
This saw ruclips.net/user/postUgkx84IcU5pbZd1Qrz8u4-YRLmJax7kdRi7B comes in handy in many ways. When I had a small (dead) tree fall I started the process of disposal by using this saw and cutting off the small branches. Then slowly work on the small trunk with undercutting and letting it fall down. With many trees on acres of land paying for a tree service can be expensive. It also is nice in that it can be used in hard to get areas like along my creek. It's also safer and quieter than a chainsaw. It obviously can't cut down massive trees but it does work fine for small ones or brush. And of course since I already own a Black
I'm 71 and not a pro by any means. I've not done that many plunge cuts but the ones I've done have all been your way, I have never ever even thought about using a saw without everything being tightened down properly. A coworker used to chock the blade guard up on his saw and still did it even after setting the still spinning blade down on his thigh. Nasty gash, some people are just stubbornly ignorant.
As a DIYer, I've done the loose plate method once. It worked, but something about it didn't seem right to me. I figured out the better method on my own. I'm glad you're putting this kinda info out there.
Yep, there’s something just insecure-feeling about it Bruce! One of those things you can’t pinpoint until a really bad kick happens when you’re right in the middle of a cut 😬
Grateful for your channel-especially for the videos regarding safe techniques. Safety is often neglected in this line of work. We get confident using our shortcuts when accidents don't occur. Gives us a false sense of security, and we stop being careful. As soon as that happens, injury becomes a matter of 'when' rather than 'if'. Sure, shortcuts potentially save time, but they can also take things that time won't give us back.
Looking forward to the next one.
And for someone like me that doesn't use a circ saw regularly, knowing the safe way to do things is critical. I don't want to 'learn the hard way'. lol
I attempted plunge cut without knowing the proper technique 😱 and got a lot of kick back and wood damage. After watching this video and applying what I learned, plunge cut on point. Thanks honest carpenter!
I'm not exaggerating when I say this but yesterday I had to do several plunge cuts into plywood and I used the exact method you described. Measure the depth. Pivot on the plate. Go slow. Lift your cut material off the surface.
Everything worked perfectly.
Another suggestion for alignment, Measure the distance from back of blade to front of sole plate. Draw a perpendicular line to each cut line at this distance from the back line. Line up the front of sole plate to this line when beginning the plunge cuts
Great job! As a professional carpenter, I was always taught never to use the loose plate cutting method as an apprentice. The master that taught me told me to think of the circular saw as a portable table saw. You never would use a table saw with a loose table...
Perfect analogy.
Yes! There are some folks out there who are going to keep their fingers because of this video. Thanks Ethan.
I have never done loose plate cutting and it never occurred to me to even attempt it. I plunge cut the safe way that you mentioned. Thanks for the tips. I love this channel.
As a noob, I like my fingers and hands. Valuable tips. Thank you!
This is the only way I learned, never considered doing it any other way. Well done!
I agree 100% - loose plate cutting is only for people who don't want their fingers any more
btw: I find a line perpendicular to the intended kerf, about where the toe of the sole plate would be, helps line up the cut. you don't have to line up with it perfectly but it helps
oh, and watch out where the rear of the blade is. it's easy to start too far back and make a mess of the corner
I hardly ever start a cut in the classic style when I'm cutting sheet material because it's so easy to have the edge tear out, making an ugly corner
Soooo.... the guy with 11 fingers tired of getting teased by the other woodworkers? ;^)
Call me a sissy, but I've seen too many accidents with fingers lost and severe cuts to body parts. I much prefer to use my drill to start an opening and my jig saw with a guide for face plate to keep a straight cut. Appreciate the video and channel. You always bring up issues and/or tips to make me think about how much I love my fingers. 🙃
Call me Chicken Chuck, I still won't lose any sleep, cause hopefully when I walk into my shop, I'll be able to count to 10 without using my toes. 🤣
Sissy. 😂😜
@@Texas.Tactical Don't forget Chicken Chuck. And you won't find me shopping for prosthetic devices to replace my fingers. Awfully tough to grasp a hammer with half a hand.
Chuck, I added my reply before reading your’s. I totally agree with you!
In case it wasn’t obvious, I was just joking. Everyone should only do things they feel comfortable with.
I don’t blame you! I got nervous on the loose plate gang plunge here. That technique has ALWAYS made me nervous 😅
I've been working in residential construction for over 10 years, I had never heard of this! Of course you set the plate depth, always! Any lower and you're wasting energy and material of whatever is below
I just went out and got the Makita plunging track saw a couple of years ago. My favorite tool in the shop by far.
If you're gonna need a jigsaw to finish the corners of a circular saw plunge cut, you might as well make the entire cut using the jig saw. I think it's safer and easier to drill two holes in opposite corners and use a jig saw to make cuts away from the holes before cleaning up the two corners that have the drill holes with the jig saw. I used to hate my jig saw, but learned that using a short blade and cutting slow yields nice straight, square cuts.
I agree, that is exactly what I would do.
And a lot safer too.
Depending on the depth, you might just need a hand saw for the corners. Also, maybe use a circular saw for the initial cut, and then a jigsaw for the rest.
Over any sizeable run the jig saw always gonna have some waviness even with the steadiest of hands.
You Can never cut as straight with a jigsaw as with a circular Saw - unless you use some kind of guiding rig
this man knows how to save alot of fingers and limbs
Spinning-disc tools are sooooo exciting to use....tears and lacerations always a heartbeat away!
Thank you for your insight. I must say that I don’t perform a lot of this type of work but am a diy type of guy and always feel more confident after having watched your videos. Appreciate the safety
All really good advice! Retired carpenter here.
One way to help get the cut lined up is to put a reference line on the piece. Figure out about where you are going to start the cut, make a mark on the piece at the front of the sole plate, then mark a line 90 degrees to the cut line at that point. Then you have a reference line to put the sole plate on when you start the cut.
I’m a DIY’er and have done plunge cuts, I have never thought to loosen the plate or just float the blade down. I love my hands and fingers.
I have used a circular saw, both casually and professionally, for over 30 years; often on sheet goods and occasionally requiring a plunge cut. I have never heard of the loose plate method and certainly would never attempt it. The way you show has always worked for me.
Nothing is more precarious than taking off 3/8" of a custom cabinet that has been waiting f
or a Sub Zero since the pandemic started. Then sometimes you need to take some off the height! Great video and you're a great teacher
If you're talking about widening the opening or removing part of the scribe on the face to fit it between other cabinets you're talking about something that works far better with a router than a circular saw. That's especially true if you're removing something so it will be flush to the side of the cabinet. You definitely need to be mindful of the grain, and make sure you don't let it split out more than you want to remove. A saw works fine for taking down the sides to adjust height, but anything will show needs to be scored with a utility knife and then taped to prevent splintering.
I've used loose plate plunging for years, it was certainly VERY uncomfortable (read, scary!) for a long time.
Your tutorial is thorough and accurate.
I still use the 'learner' way, as it is so much more stable. I could see that when you knew there would be kickback it was still horribly quick and unexpected
Keep well, and thanks for your video
Yep, I hate making the saw kick for these videos, don! But I see it as important to get it in camera so people can see how fast and nerve-wracking it is 😓
Learned plunge cut decades ago. Never loosened base plates. Never had a problem. Always set the blade depth before cutting.
Excellent video! Anyone who works with wood or who want to work with wood should see this and then get trained on how to use a saw. Loose plate cutting is dangerous so I would avoid it
Beginner here. Helpful video. I have a plywood floor down in my minivan and want to cut access holes to underfloor storage but keep the "lids" intact. Was trying to figure out how to get started. Plunge cut was recommended to me but I couldn't visualize it. Now I can.
It’s always good to get a refresher thanks
Thank you, great video and well done for showing the controlled kick backs!!
Thank you for these safety videos
I agree with the comments about your channel being safety considerations foremost and appreciate learning from you. Great video Ethan.
I've been a carpenter for 35+years and never even heard of anyone doing loose plate cutting. I plunge cut exactly as you showed in this video. Good job! PS: if money is no object...buy a Festool circular saw... it does plunge cutting with ease.
absolutely correct!!!
plunge cutting with ease into wallet! sorry, could not help myself
@@sergeyn.syritsyn6748😂😅🤣😭exactly
Really well done, thanks!
Thanks for the video. I learn more every time I watch a new one.
Always enjoy your your tips and techniques. Thank you for them
I have always done it the way you recommend here. Of course, that might be because I had not thought of the loose plate method.
First and only time I’ve ever seen this technique is on another RUclips channel. I started as an apprentice in 1972. Id never seen this and it really made me think. The carpenter doing it was very comfortable with the technique and obviously had been doing it for years. I tried it but did not like it. I don’t frame so much now anyway I build cabinets and do finish work. Love your channel.
Thank you, Bob! That’s how I felt about it when I first tried it-just didn’t feel quite right. I appreciate you watching and writing in!
Always great and safe hints. Thanks!
I have never "loose plate" plunge cut before in all my years of cutting. I was taught to adjust the plate to the depth of your material. Pretty much common sense if you ask me.
Good advice! I use your method exactly. I've never felt unsafe making a plunge cut.
It’s very stable with the right technique 😄
Excellent advice as always. I've seen loose plate plunge cuts done but would never try it myself. Thankfully I have a track saw which is perfect for plunge cuts because it's made for it. Love your channel 👏👏
Thank you, JJ!
Superb video !
You have provided us with very good explanations and guidance, and we thank you for such training.
Good video, I'm a 23 year pro and your advice is right on.
Loose plate is not only dangerous, You can damage expensive material. Exactly how I teach my guys to plunge cut.
Good to hear, Al!
We can't thank you enough. So helpful. You are a master
THANKS ETHAN,GREAT ADVICE FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL…ESPECIALLY NEW ONES 👍💚💚💚
Spot on advice! I'm a professional carpenter and remodeler, and I couldn't agree more with everything you said in regards to plunge cutting! Play it safe y'all, some things in life are worth the risk, playing games with circular saws isn't one of them!
Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for the tip.
I really like your videos they are such great help for me the DIYer . Thank you for all your tips.
I have never heard or even considered this loose plate technique, I guess that is a good thing but always good to learn something new (even if it is something NOT to do). Keep up the good work on the channel and its content.
Totally agree, never heard of this either
It sounds to me like a solution to a non-existent problem. You can pivot on the front of a locked plate just fine, so why would you even bother to loosen it?
Great tips!
Thank you! Thank you! Your channel and your content is awesome.
Very valuable advices
Thanks for this info. Makes total sense. I’ve always done this the risky way.
Practical, well thought out, and right to the point. Every...single...time. Love your channel.
Thank you, Jonathan!
Good information!👍
Thanks for the tip
I've never seen or will use the loose plate plunge. I do mine like you do, line up my front plate notch & my blade (adjusting my kerf with my line) then start the blade. I find plunge cuts are easier with my Skil worm drive than my M18 sidewinder. Another great video.
I found plunges easier with the skil worm too until I started clamping the blade guard open. Something I would strongly advise against any diyer doing and any pro making a habit of it. I will never clamp a worm drive open and probably not even a corded sidewinder. My M18 fuel though... That thing is so fucking smooth and has never kicked on me.
Thank you for the video. Good warning and guidance as always. Appreciate it.
Great advice for DIYers.
Great content. No nonsense and no fancy tools or trying to sell stuff thx a ton
Very good points 👍
Great advice.
Smart man... Love your post.
Great tips
I have used a skill saw more then most people and I completly agree with everything said in this video. Good advice.
Excellent advice! Thank you.
You’re welcome!
Thanks for a great video Ethan. Plunge cutting is something as a noob DIYer, I avoid. At my skill level too much can go wrong.
It’s never a bad idea to err on the side of safety, John!
Good advise!
Dewalt built a saw with the blade adjustment in the front. The most dangerous saw on the planet...!! Yep cutting out a sink. I backed it up right across a yellow counter top... !! Damn it I said... skillsaw is a great tool. I'm a retired carpenter with ten fingers. I've been tested....lol!
Damn this is one of the best DIY videos I think I've ever seen. Very well explained. You probably just saved me a bunch of time, effort, material, and perhaps even a few fingers or a chunk of thigh 😅
🙏😁
Carpenter of 27 years and I’ve never seen anyone do a loose plate cut. Plunge cuts aren’t very difficult…just hold on tight and be steady.
Love your safety tips. Of course my heart is always in my throat when you demonstrate what not to do. Can't even imagine the number of DIYers who have been hurt with by improper use of cutting tools. I realize now that I was doing a bunch of unsafe things with my table saw. I'm so grateful I didn't irreparably harm myself before I found out how to execute a proper cut.
Thank you, Jonesy! I’m really glad the tips are helpful-and that you’ve remained safe this far. Keep it up in 2023!
If you run you cut lines out beyond the corners of your cutout it’s easier to see where to stop cutting. Sometimes after making a the initial cuts I lower the blade to get closer to the corners after making sure there is clearance. Haven’t tried the loose shoe trick but you definitely want the toe of the shoe registered on the material.
I made all those mistakes before I came across this lol. Liked, and subscribed.
Thanks Ethan!
Most useful video ever.
Good advice.
شكرااا يا مبدع .. انت حقا تنفع الناس بارك الله فيك 🥰🥰
Excellent safety well explained...thank you again Ethan! Cheers!
Thanks Chef!
I learned carpentry from trial and error so it’s always refreshing to hear the technical terminology. I often make plunge cuts but never without the bottom plate secure.
Great and useful recommendations !
(Made some mistakes explained in the video...😮💨)
Thank you Sir !
Regards from Belgium.
Concise and common sense advice s always, thanks The Honest Carpenter.
Tks for the tip men
You’re welcome!
Very good video for dyi ers
Good advice folks.
Thank you Sir.
Good tips
I couldn’t help but hold my breath as you demonstrated those poor techniques. Thanks but your words are enough description!
Happy 2023 for The Honest Carpenter.
As a beginner woodworker I'm glad I did it like this from the start intuitively. It's kinda reassuring that there's some common sense in me. Thanks for this video, I'll have to check out your channel!
Anyone else hit the like button before the video has even started? I've seen enough Honest Carpenter to know that his videos never disappoint.
Thanks for this! Was able to safely (and quickly) notch the back face of a vanity drawer to make clearance for a drain line using your technique.
As a DIYer I have done quite a few plunge cuts over the years. I always used the correct method you showed because that is how I instinctively did it. Never even thought about other methods cause it worked well for me.
You've probably saved my fingers my guy. Wish you were around during high school wood shop!
Thank you, stay safe! 😁