Track saw question

[BillN]

I bought a Makita track saw several years ago but have only used it for making regular guided cuts - end to end. Now I have a need to make a plunge cut along a line in the middle of a panel, then make two diagonal cuts to meet the line. 

If you have a track saw and make plunges cuts can you tell me what your process is? 

Thanks, Bill

[abernat]

I've plunged before and it's not that hard. I place the saw in roughly the right place (specifically farther forward from the back of the plunge than necessary), start the saw, and slowly lower it. I'd rather sneak up to the back of the cut in several goes than overdo it.

[iclark]

You may want to consider a stair saw to clean up the 2 intersections if you don't want a lot of overshoot in the 3 cuts.

[fredhargis]

Mine has a stop to lock in place behind the saw when starting the cut that's actually fairly useful. I suspect the Makita came with something similar?

[Cooler]

My Festool came with two stops.  I can set the beginning and end of the cut.  But I have never had occasion to use them, so no further information.

[BillN]

I made the cut yesterday. I don't have any stops so the saw or track didn't come with any. I just carefully lowered the saw, made the cut(s) then cleaned up the corners with a jigsaw. 

I have a stairsaw somewhere, probably in my storage unit but in honor of that saw I made the finishing cuts with a cordless jigsaw. 

[ajkoontz]

<p>

I made the cut yesterday. I don't have any stops so the saw or track didn't come with any. I just carefully lowered the saw, made the cut(s) then cleaned up the corners with a jigsaw.&nbsp;

I have a stairsaw somewhere, probably in my storage unit but in honor of that saw I made the finishing cuts with a cordless jigsaw.&nbsp;<img src="https://www.forums.woodnet.net/images/graemlins/yellowsmile.gif" data-sceditor-emoticon="
" alt="
" title="
">

</p><p><br></p><p>FWIW, the Dewalt tracksaw accessories are (more or less)&nbsp;interchangeable with the Makita track. I can also confirm that the shop fox track works with the Makita tracksaw. This may or may not help you in the future, but I found a good deal on some Dewalt tracksaw accessories&nbsp;so I snagged them to use with my Makita tracksaw. I bought the smaller Shopfox track so I didn't have to cut my 10' Makita track.</p>

[rwe2156]

I don't use stops - I never knew Festool had them maybe I should check the box.

I watch as I'm plunging if its too far forward I raise the saw, slide back a little and replunge. NEVER try to run the saw backwards. I suppose you could hold a finger on the base, but I've never seen the need for it.

I finish the cuts with a Ryoba saw.

[BloomingtonMike]

I bought a Makita track saw several years ago but have only used it for making regular guided cuts - end to end. Now I have a need to make a plunge cut along a line in the middle of a panel, then make two diagonal cuts to meet the line. 

If you have a track saw and make plunges cuts can you tell me what your process is? 

Thanks, Bill

I made 120+ box cuts through plywood for installing outlets in my wall panels. I used a rockwell versacut saw with a 3 3/8" blade on it and finished the cuts for the box with a jigsaw. The box lines were short. The saw plunges straight down.

If using my tracksaw Id just practice the cuts in ply on scrap to learn my offsets, mark offsets on fence in pencil or on wood, lay the track down, and plunge and make the cut.

[BillN]

I made 120+ box cuts through plywood for installing outlets in my wall panels. I used a rockwell versacut saw with a 3 3/8" blade on it and finished the cuts for the box with a jigsaw. The box lines were short. The saw plunges straight down.

If using my tracksaw Id just practice the cuts in ply on scrap to learn my offsets, mark offsets on fence in pencil or on wood, lay the track down, and plunge and make the cut.

Pretty cool, I may need one of those.