The TTB689CSW Mini-plunge saw remains one of the most impressive micro tools that Titan have ever released. Well-built and robust it was almost perfectly matched for boat building and renovation. We pose the question, why was it ever taken out of production and will we see its return under a new model name?
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Why Are Mini-Plunge Saws So Useful?
When it comes to cutting thin sheet materials like plywood, Dibond and GRP mini plunge saws really excel. They're lightweight, easy on the wrist and can be used swiftly. If you are making complex patterns it's good to be able to quickly cut a sheet material without setting up fences or clamped straight edges.
The TTB689CSW was an ideal tool for boat construction and maintenance. Its ability to be crammed into small spaces like engine compartments, locker spaces etc made it a must-have for any boat renovator. it's design wasn't cumbersome and had no major protruding motor to deal with, unlike other saws on the market. The guard didn't obstuct your view or cause any issues with access.
In contrast with boat building, you're not always cutting sheet material in a workshop ready for a fit-out. You are often removing damaged sections of bulkheads where plywood has delaminated. Its size meant it could easily be hauled around in small tool bags, hoisted up quay walls and stored in lockers onboard when out of use.
Why We Prefer It
Receipicahal and wrecking saws have their place. They're brutally effective at making quick work of framework and just about any sheet thickness you can throw at them. The problem is the finished result looks like a scene from a chainsaw massacre movie.
Jigsaws don't really cut the mustard either. They give a relatively rough cut in comparison to a fresh blade on a plunge saw. You also stand the chance in hitting a wire or steering cable if you're cutting into an unknown or unaccessable wall.
Grinders and plywood sheet cutting don't mix. You'll end up with a snapped blade sticking out of your cranium or worse damaged flip-flops.
The TTB689CSW Lives on - 5 Years Later
Below is a photograph of Titans mini-plunge saw after 5 galant years in service. A few thousand cuts later the electric motor still purs like It did on purchase. Ear piercingly loud and dry as bone.
TTB689CSW Features
- Compact, powerful saw allows both single and 2-handed use.
- A maximum power consumption of 230v AC 500W - ideal for low-power inverter setups on boats.
- Easily adjustable plunge depth Max. Cut: 25mm
- 80 / 20-Tooth HSS, TCT & Diamond Blades were originally Included in the set.
- Featured a soft start trigger.
- Blade dia. 85 x 10mm bore.
- A 7000 RPM blade speed.
- Just under 2kg of weight.
- Dust extraction tube.
- Simple hex nut for blade changing in a hurry.
- Built in laser site for straight-cut guidance.
The Down Sides
The motor can handle the majority of sheet materials but it struggles with plywood sheets over 18mm thick, even though it claims to be able to handle 25mm sheets. Fortunately for us this could be mitigated by using fresh wood blades fit forpurpose. Ultimately the motor occasionally struggled to keep up on thick sheets, but the thermal cutout switch preventing the motor from spinning could be reset using the small yellow button on top.
The laser located ontop of the tool generally fair well compared to the rest of tthe mechanics. This means you'd have to use the cutting notch to allign a cut.
Why was the TTB689CSW discontinued?
It's likely that hobbyists were using the saw to cut materials that were out of specification. If this was happening the thermal cutout would of been regularly kicking in as it was intended. This was to protect the motor and give the saw some longevity in the field.
Now this wouldn't be an issue until one major and dangerous error could occur. A user might be tempted to hit the thermal cutout button while the saw was plunged and seized mid-cut. This means you'd hit the reset button, the saw would start to rotate at 7000 rpm at a place it's already seized.
Though not advisable this isn't a major issue unless you have the grip strength of a newborn toddler. The saw could potentially fly out the cut and skip around like rat in a frying pan. Rendering your average hobbyist sliced and diced and in the court room.
One other speculation is Titan made a tool that was so damn reiliaible people stopped buying them as it was already on there shelf. Perhaps it's just BRP that appricated its beauty, lets here your thoughts down below.