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Ever heard of a saw called “Toe kick saw”? It is a small, specialized saw that is used for cutting holes in the toe kick area of cabinets. It is specifically designed to cut through the material without damaging the finish. You may also have heard about it, but under a different name, Flush Cut.
A toe kick saw is commonly used for hard-to-reach areas such as the tile or flooring under cupboards or dressers. Removing the flooring from under these areas is so difficult to the point where they designed a specific tool for it, the toe kick saw.
While it isn’t a usually required tool, it makes the job much easier since you won’t need to take off the cabinets just to cut a specific area.
What is a toe kick saw?
A toe kick saw is a tool with a rounded blade that hangs from an extended arbor. The handle is much farther than the actual blade and it’s built that way for this specific purpose.
Toe kicks are the gaps between the cabinet, the base, and the floor. Thus, a toe kick saw is specifically shaped in a way that can easily be inserted into those areas.
In a way, having this saw is more of a privilege rather than a requirement. You don’t need to purchase it to do your job but it does make it easier.
If you often tackle kitchen jobs and want to do them as quickly as possible, then you should definitely invest in a toe-kick saw.
Can you use a toe kick saw on tiles?
Well, it depends on what type of tile you have. If it’s a natural tile then go for it as long as your blade is sharp enough. If it’s one of those that are adhesive-backed then consider using a wet saw like you would a sheer knife.
Because saws are usually cut from one direction to the other when used on stone and bricks, it might cause uneven edges. That’s why if you’re going to use a line or circular saw then you better be careful.
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Precautions for using a toe kick saw
Of course, after the usual routine check of double-checking the wires, power supply, and other stuff, there are still tool-specific problems that need to be addressed.
Kickback
If you’re unfamiliar with the tool, you might be surprised by its kickback. You should test it out and get a hang of it before using it on your project since it can be dangerous to handle.
The saw can easily bind and cause the blade to stop abruptly. When this happens, the handle will be forced upwards which can cause serious injury if you’re not careful.
Dust
Using a toe kick can gather a lot of dust. To prevent dust from entering your mouth and eyes, wear goggles and a mask.
You should also be mindful of where you’re cutting and what materials are nearby so that none of the dust will scatter.
Overall, a toe kick saw is a great tool to have if you often work with cabinets or flooring in your home. With the right care and attention, it can help make your projects much easier!
Unsmooth cutting
To guarantee a smooth cut, position your blade well and flush against the wall. That way, it’s easier to slide it from left to right and helps with precision cutting.
Also, be sure to use the right speed setting for your blade and a steady hand. This will ensure that you get a clean cut every time without ruining the surface finish of whatever you’re cutting.
Overall, taking these precautions can help make using your toe kick saw much easier and safer. So if you’re planning to invest in this tool, be sure to keep these tips in mind!
Keeping a tight grip
Having a firm grip over the tool not only increases the quality of the cut but also prevents you from injuring yourself.
You might accidentally release the tool, knocking it back to the cabinet or worse, your body. That’s why you have to ensure that you have a tight grip at all times.
If you want an extra level of safety, you can also use gloves. Just be sure that they’re not too thick or bulky that it would affect your grip on the tool.
Alternatives for a toe kick saw
Since it’s mostly just handy for a specific task, it might not be worth using the saw, especially if you’ll only be using it once.
Here are some alternatives that you can use. It might not be as effective as the toe kick saw but it still does the job done and it’s less pricey.
Oscillating saw
It’s a pretty versatile tool for sawing corners and such. It’s handheld and your hand is much closer to the blade than the toe kick saw but you can also use it for other projects, unlike a toe kick saw who’s mostly used for one specific purpose. As it happens, this actually is my personal favorite tool!
It’s versatile and accurate which makes it one of the most beloved tools of all kinds of people that work with cabinets and floorings.
Inside cut-off tool
Sawing under stuff is definitely the job for an inside cut-off tool with its 4-inch diameter blade. It provides a more accurate cut while fitting in even the tiniest spaces.
The best part is that you can cut horizontally or vertically. This way, you won’t have problems twisting your whole body just to angle the cut right.
Reciprocating saw
While it may not be an ideal alternative, it still gets the job done. It can be quite tricky to reach into tight spaces due to its thicker design but it’s still a good choice for a one-time project.
Overall, there are many alternatives that you can use instead of a toe kick saw. Just make sure to do your research and look for the one that best suits your needs.
Chisel
We used to do these things by hand, not relying on machines but on patience and willpower. And this one is going to rely on a lot of patience.
On the bright side, chisels provide accuracy and more access to tight spaces. All you need to do is angle it in the right way and tap with a hammer.
Actually, whenever there’s a spot that toe kick saws missed or are unable to get, carpenters usually bust out their chisel and hammer.
How to use a toe kick saw
Position it
Positioning the blade is one of the most important steps in using a toe kick saw. It’s so important that it’s preferred to position your blade before even plugging it on.
It should be angled at around 45 degrees under the toe kick before lowering it on top of the floorboard. This will ensure the accuracy of your cut.
Plugging in the power cord and grip tightly
After plugging it, make sure that you have a firm grip on the safety button. This will help you prevent any mishaps in case of an accidental discharge.
It’s important that you practice reaching for the safety button. Remember to always try to stay calm, it would do you no good to panic and would probably lead to worse situations.
When the motor starts up, carefully release the safety button. Continue pressing until it reaches full speed, that will be the time for you to release the button.
It’s also important to see that the blade is running at a consistent level. If the speed is continuously fluctuating then it might be broken.
Tilting the saw
Once it has been fully powered up, slowly turn it until you’ve reached your desired depth. Be careful, if you hear a grinding noise, you’ll need to reposition the blade because it probably went too far.
You should make sure that there’s enough room between the ground surface and the bottom of the blade, this is probably what causes the grinding noises.
Release the trigger
Once you’re done and satisfied with your cut, release the trigger. Wait until the movement of the blade stops before removing it from the position and unplugging the cord.
Tips on safe and efficient usage
Make sure that it’s not damaged at any point. If you see that the cord or even the blade is a bit off, get it repaired and do not try to use it.
It’s also better if you clean up the surface of the material that you’re going to cut. Sometimes, there may be screws that will hinder your tool from cutting straight.
Conclusion
All in all, it is still a specialized tool that is made for a specific purpose. If you’ll only be using it on one occasion, it’s much better to save your money and settle for an alternative.
If you do want a toe kick saw, then it’s advisable to follow all of the precautions instructed above. It can be quite dangerous to handle especially if you’re not used to its kickback.
One of the most important parts of using a toe kick saw is your grip. A loose grip and a harsh kickback are the perfect ingredients to cause an accident. So, make sure that you’re holding it tight and you’re focused enough to not let your grip slip.
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