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.

@TheHonestCarpenter

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Paul! It’s always been one of my top priorities, and always will be 🙂

@RickieBeubie

Жыл бұрын

totally agree, straight to the point, helping to save our fingers, super clear explantations and demonstrations → total gold

@Bomtombadi1

Жыл бұрын

@@TheHonestCarpenter hey, just letting you know, there’s someone pretending to be you spamming your channel. They’ve sent several “you’ve won,” messages

@mrgeorgejetson

Жыл бұрын

Totally agree. Also, he's got the best theme music on KZread.

I've learned that you can TRUST Ethan's channel for solid advice on carpentry and proper use of the tools.

You can also drill holes in the corners for that nice finish.

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.

@TheHonestCarpenter

Жыл бұрын

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 😬

Thank you, great video and well done for showing the controlled kick backs!!

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.

@slatsgrobneck7515

Жыл бұрын

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 agree with the comments about your channel being safety considerations foremost and appreciate learning from you. Great video Ethan.

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

Thanks for the video. I learn more every time I watch a new one.

You have provided us with very good explanations and guidance, and we thank you for such training.

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.

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!

Thank you for the video. Good warning and guidance as always. Appreciate it.

Always enjoy your your tips and techniques. Thank you for them

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.

Practical, well thought out, and right to the point. Every...single...time. Love your channel.

@TheHonestCarpenter

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Jonathan!

I just went out and got the Makita plunging track saw a couple of years ago. My favorite tool in the shop by far.

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.

Great content. No nonsense and no fancy tools or trying to sell stuff thx a ton

This saw kzread.infoUgkx84IcU5pbZd1Qrz8u4-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

Thanks for this info. Makes total sense. I’ve always done this the risky way.

I have used a skill saw more then most people and I completly agree with everything said in this video. Good advice.

We can't thank you enough. So helpful. You are a master

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 👏👏

@TheHonestCarpenter

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, JJ!

شكرااا يا مبدع .. انت حقا تنفع الناس بارك الله فيك 🥰🥰

Great and useful recommendations ! (Made some mistakes explained in the video...😮‍💨) Thank you Sir ! Regards from Belgium.

It’s always good to get a refresher thanks

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.

Always great and safe hints. Thanks!

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.

@TheHonestCarpenter

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Jonesy! I’m really glad the tips are helpful-and that you’ve remained safe this far. Keep it up in 2023!

@peterbarlow8912

Жыл бұрын

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've used the tilt and drop method for almost 30 yrs for cutting out windows, medicine cabinets, vents for a roof, etc. It's the only method I use, even when I started carpentry this method just seemed logical. It is a good practice to use and safer, I've seen other people try the other two ways where the saw does kick back or tweeks the blade. Great video.

THANKS ETHAN,GREAT ADVICE FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL…ESPECIALLY NEW ONES 👍💚💚💚

Thank you for these safety videos

I really like your videos they are such great help for me the DIYer . Thank you for all your tips.

Great advice for DIYers.

I've done a cut like this one. But I didn't have any problems. Thanks for the tips on cutting it like this. It's very helpful. 😎👍

This is the only way I learned, never considered doing it any other way. Well done!

Thank you! Thank you! Your channel and your content is awesome.

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.

Good advice! I use your method exactly. I've never felt unsafe making a plunge cut.

@TheHonestCarpenter

Жыл бұрын

It’s very stable with the right technique 😄

Really well done, thanks!

Thanks for the tip.

Excellent safety well explained...thank you again Ethan! Cheers!

@TheHonestCarpenter

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Chef!

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.

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.

Excellent advice! Thank you.

@TheHonestCarpenter

Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome!

Smart man... Love your post.

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.

@johncarlson7955

Жыл бұрын

Totally agree, never heard of this either

@suedenim9208

Жыл бұрын

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?

Thanks for sharing!!

Concise and common sense advice s always, thanks The Honest Carpenter.

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.

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.

I always love right tool for the right job

Very good advice. I rate the dangers of a circular saw right up there with a table saw. But with a few precautions (such as what you just explained) Both saws can be relatively safe. Great video btw.

@suedenim9208

Жыл бұрын

Table saws can be very good at launching missiles, but they'll never kick back and slam a spinning blade into you.

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

You do an especially good job on your presentation videos. Additionally, for a rather young man you seem especially well versed and level headed in all things carpentry. Congratulations and keep on keeping on.

@TheHonestCarpenter

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Mustang! I’ve gotten a lot of good guidance from many older tradespeople over the years, starting with my dad when I was a kid on job sites in the 90s 🙂

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.

Thanks for the tip

Tks for the tip men

@TheHonestCarpenter

Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome!

Valuable information. I never try that plunge cut ...

Ótima explicação arespeito dessa ferramenta show parabéns 👍

Thank you Sir.

Very valuable advices

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.

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!

Thank you sir, of all the power saws I find the circular saw the most difficult to learn to use safely and effectively. I greatly appreciate all the tips and tricks you provide! And yes, as a noob I have not yet spent enough hours to develop the fine motor skills required to use this saw professionally, so my attempts at long straight cuts do get "squirrelly" haha

@TheHonestCarpenter

Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome, Bruce! It’s the most dangerous saw, so it’s the one I cover most thoroughly 👍

@jodilea144

Жыл бұрын

@Bruce Le Smith find a good straight edge and, with it clamped down securely, run the plate of your saw along it to make long, straight cuts. I was nervous of it myself at first, but once I learned the dos and don’ts and had some practice, I became more confident. That’s not to say that you should ever get so confident that you stop following safety rules! I’m sure you’ll be running nice, straight cuts in no time. 🙂

Great video - thanks. It made me think about a few times I've had to do this and yes, some of them ended in kickback and a messed up piece. I went out and tried something - clamping a wood baton at right angles to a cut line on a board, and bracing the sole plate against the corner between the baton and the board. It worked a treat to make the first cut and it lines the blade up exactly. Here's exactly what I did - 1 set the cut depth to be 1" below the board, 2 clamp the baton at right angles to the intended cut, 3 place the front of the saw sole plate into the corner between baton and board, 4 turn on the saw on and gently lower to make the plunge cut, 5 turn saw off and remove baton, 6 reduce the cut depth to 1/2" below the board, 7 with saw still off, drop the blade into the cut with the reduced depth giving enough blade clearance front and back to avoid kickback on startup, 8 complete the cut. This all takes a minute or two longer, but I got three perfect cuts out of three. I hope that helps somebody!

@ericgee9745

Жыл бұрын

Great solution imho

Spinning-disc tools are sooooo exciting to use....tears and lacerations always a heartbeat away!

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.

@KJ110813

Жыл бұрын

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.

All really good advice! Retired carpenter here.

As a noob, I like my fingers and hands. Valuable tips. Thank you!

Yes! There are some folks out there who are going to keep their fingers because of this video. Thanks Ethan.

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!

First and only time I’ve ever seen this technique is on another KZread 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.

@TheHonestCarpenter

Жыл бұрын

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!

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...

@jodilea144

Жыл бұрын

Perfect analogy.

Very good points 👍

Great video many thanks. For an amateur would it be worth screwing a fence to the floor before starting the cut?

Most useful video ever.

Great advice.

As a semi pro haha I think you've done a great job explaining the how's and why's for both how not and how to perform this potentially catastrophic technique. Maybe an add on for a future video might include why you DO NOT want to skip the circular saw all together and just start the plunge with the jig saw haha. If you only want to use the jig, drill a hole in the field big enough for the jig saw's blade so you can start cutting with the jig saw table flat on surface as per normal operation. I think it's great to show the DIY'ers how to do a more dangerous technique the safest way possible with the plunge cut using a circ saw but the "drill a hole to get the blade started" method can make it so don't even have to use the "Plunge cut technique", depending on the situation it could be a better way to go and decrease the odds of an amputation even further haha

Thanks Ethan!

Great stuff. Easily overlooked in your video is the bit where the work piece is clamped down. I have seen WAY to many sketchy things on job sites where guys have plywood on top of rickety horses or a small piece sitting on a drywall bucket and everything is skating around. Doing plunge cuts are a recipe for disaster if you don't have a stable work piece AND total control of the saw.

Great video, when l plunge cut l clamp a piece of wood across the timber i'm cutting through so the plate has something to pivot against

Good advise!

Good advice folks.

Superb video !

Great tips!

Very informative video, as always. What would be your thoughts on this: I have ordered a DeWalt DWE576K with a guide rail. do you think it would be safe to use the loose plate technique when said plate is resting on the track, or would you still recommend the tilting method? It seems the tilting method might risk cutting into the track?

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.

@a___________r414

Жыл бұрын

absolutely correct!!!

@sergeyn.syritsyn6748

9 ай бұрын

plunge cutting with ease into wallet! sorry, could not help myself

@Raptor-700R

6 ай бұрын

​@@sergeyn.syritsyn6748😂😅🤣😭exactly

good point!

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.

@TheHonestCarpenter

Жыл бұрын

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!

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

@paulcarey1708

Жыл бұрын

Soooo.... the guy with 11 fingers tired of getting teased by the other woodworkers? ;^)

Always tight plate plunge cutting! Good advise

Great video. I really appreciate all the info you provide, and the clear and concise delivery. Given the risks involved with plunge cutting using a circular saw, is there perhaps a safer tool for it? Maybe use a jigsaw? Something else?

@chrisburns5691

Жыл бұрын

skilsaw is safe to do a plunge cut with if you are comfortable with the tool and have some experience. If not, best to drill out the corners and use a jig saw. it will take more effort to keep a nice strait line over any distance though.

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.

@TheHonestCarpenter

Жыл бұрын

Good to hear, Al!

Good information!👍

Great tips

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.

@TheHonestCarpenter

Жыл бұрын

It’s never a bad idea to err on the side of safety, John!

Great advice, I’ve never needed to make a plunge cut with a loose shoe plate.

I have a circular saw that works with a guide rail. Would loose plate cutting be appropriate there? It seems safer in terms of the plate not moving around as compared to the method you outlined here. And because the guide rail will be aligned well with the blade, I won't need to make any corrections to the angle or the position. But on the other hand I'd still have to contend with the blade likely being deeper in the material than it needs to be. (And just to have said it: It's not a plunge saw.)