Turn track saw into circular saw

[treesner]

Any mods to simply make the plunge track saw not plunge for normal circular saw use? I'd like to not keep around two saws but I find the pre wood plunge very hard to use without a track. Sometimes I don't need to make precise cuts I just need to make cuts

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[kevinculle]

That would mean working with an unguarded blade unless you were going to jury-rig a guard.

 

[peter halle]

Unfortunately if any are pictured here or described in detail here the post will be deleted per the Forum Guidelines. 

If someone wants to PM ideas to you we can't monitor that.

Peter Halle - Moderator

 

[PeterK]

I would just purchase a second circular saw. Mine is a battery powered Makita for the occasional use cuts. Also have the cheapo $25 B&D saw for the really nasty jobs.

My experience using my TS55 freehand convinced me to always use it with a track! Most likely my mistake or stupidity but the TS wanted to jam and kick back fiercely when trying to freehand cut with it. Ruined the blade as it got jammed and bent. I have used conventional circular saws for over 40 years but the TS for some weird reason did not act like any other saw I have used. Love my TS but will always have a second conventional saw for freehand use.

 

[Stephen B]

If you are an ocaisional user there are any number of reasonably quality circular saws available from US big box stores. Corded and Battery powered.  Even if you are a pro, the same stores I am sure have Makita, Bosch, DeWalt, or even Milwaukee/AEG.

Then there is a Festool HK55 which can be used on and off its own rails or the TS rails.

Modifying a TS could cost you a lot more than the relatively inexpensive and safer alternatives.

 

[BigfootBuilder]

I second the aboves. Get a battery powered circ saw especially if it's only occasional use. So great not to have cords dragging around for something you only occasionally (heck, or frequently for that matter) would use...

 

[smirak]

Third the above...Check your local craigslist for a circ saw. 

 

[Naildrivingman]

I'm going to start by stating that I am not bragging. I own four circular saws and each one has its dedicated purpose:  Demo, framing, tight confines and precision work. From the sound of your post you may not have that same need, but I feel using a TS to do other than TS work is at the least inefficient and at the most dangerous. The advice above is sound. Garage sales,  Craigslist and demo refurbished items will yield a better result than converting the TS.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Don't fool around with modifying a circular saw if it's easy to find one for $50 used.

 

[flair woodworks]

Sounds like you want the HK Carpentry Saw.

 

[aloysius]

To disable the plunge function of any Saw so configured is to create a rather unsafe, unpredictable & thoroughly inappropriate accident waiting to happen.

A saw's guarding is designed and intended to... well... guard.  Disable it at your peril.