HiKOKI C3606DPA 36v Brushless Track Saw REVIEW

HiKOKI was last on the scene with their C3606DPA Cordless Plunge Saw.

And for British Team Green tradies – the agony was all too real. With UK shelves among the last to stock the product 😖 😭 😤

 

The clouds started to lift in March 2024…

 

When HiKOKI released their hybrid, guide rail compatible, 36v Circular Saw. The C3606DUM works on most rail designs; so a handy tool for basic OSB sheet cladding, or shuttering ply scenarios.

And easier to fetch on site than a table saw for certain tasks.

So plenty of smooth ripping potential – but no plunge 😕

 

HiKOKI hounds were stoked for the UK release of an actual plunge saw! And only had a few more weeks to wait for its arrival ✨

 

 

While US chippies shared our wait until Spring 2024. When the product slinked onto their sites, on an undercover ninja mission 🐱‍👤

(of sorts!)

As the Metabo HPT *

 

So UK & US tradesfolk received a power tool put through its paces around the globe. Even if the wait saw Team Green lose a few players on the plunge saw score 😏

 

To perfectly decent picks of a vibrant tool tech market.

 

As ever, a lot depends on the everyday feel of a power tool for an individual user.

 

 

And that’s where patience with HiKOKI engineers is often worth it 💚

So what does HiKOKI offer Plunge Saw operators?

 

Well there’s all the basic product boasts you’d expect from a top tool platform:

(precision. accuracy, durability, user-friendly controls/safety switch, powerful cutting without a wheeze)

 

As you’d expect – now for a closer look

 

When you pick up the saw and explore its advantages, you’ll find the Cordless C3606DPA

• fits easily to a range of rails
• provides smooth push & go performance
• has a simple slot-in extension for HiKOKI tracks
• a bevel range of -1° to 46° for undercuts, to really clinch joints
• affords butter smooth depth lock adjustment
• along with 14mm wall clearance for neat floorboard trimming

 

Which provides a basic checklist of working chutzpah! 😎

So how about alongside other major platforms?

 

The HiKOKI C3606DPA Multivolt Rail Saw: Gliding Along With The Best Of Brands 💫

 

Pop a Multivolt battery into place and you’re good to go – no big deal?

Well it’s worth remembering Festool and Makita have 2x battery operating requirements. And when you look at the features of leading plunge saws, the landscape levels rapidly.

HiKOKI have either matched, or manoeuvred their product into the realm of outstanding performance.  

 

To stay at the top of their Green Game!

 

The C3606DPA provides a soft start and 12 power settings (2500-5200 RPM) to suit any material. For easy flow through solid timber worktops with a 165mm blade.

 

✅ Press 

✅ Plunge 

✅ Push 

 

JOB DONE! 💚

 

Depth setting is swift: with bold markings and a fixed position for blade changes.

 

 

For bevel cuts, the exclusive scissor hinge extension is as sweet as you’ll get 👌

 

Back in January 2023, at a preview exhibition in Berlin, top UK Carpenter Robin Clevett was instantly impressed:

 

“It’s so nicely engineered – for angled cuts it’s got this beautifully articulated mechanism which just makes the rigidity absolutely perfect as well”.

 

Robin Clevett

 

 

All in all “an absolute winner” – and has anyone tried and tested more kit over the years to voice otherwise!

 

For workshop joiners there’s the option of mains power supply with an AC adaptor lead. And an adjustable mitre fence is another available accessory. Which allows you to set the rails with variable alignment to the material being cut:

 

HiKOKI are fully focused on spare part availability too. Every last component has a catalogue number for easy repairs. Right down to replaceable plastic and rubber track strips – if they ever get worn away!

(or if you’re using older rails there’s always guide rail tape or GT 85 spray)

 

And when you look around the C3606DPA compares very favourably for price among the major Plunge Saw producers.

 

Lastly, let’s look at...

HiKOKI C3606DPA 36v Plunge Saw: Edgy Perks & Minor Misses!

 

So far we’ve looked at:

• Easy squeeze and release button control
• Innovative bevel cutting performance
• Extensive choice of rails (Festool, Makita, Milwaukee, Metabo, Hilti, Bosch & Mafell)
• Simple and Precise depth settings

 

Other unique features are a mix or real wins and over-engineered gimmicks!

 

For example, a micro-depth adjustment knob (while handy on routers) is unlikely to matter.

And an inspection window by the blade is really just a clear plastic version of the Festool splinter guard.

 

 

So pretty much obsolete for a cut line that’s catered for by the track. Especially, as almost every rail saw is for right-handed operation. Which means leaning over the saw to inspect the cutting process isn’t exactly tempting for 90% of carpenters.

 

However…

 

HiKOKI have set new standards with some bonus innovations 🥼

 

There’s:

• An advanced base adjustment mechanism: so a twist of the single knob ensures a snug fit on the track at both ends of the saw base.
• 66mm depth of cut is available (with a conventional skill saw fence). On the track you’re looking at 61mm and 43mm maximum depth for bevels
• A 1600mm (L) rail provides an overhang which avoids any wobble at the end of 1200mm wide sheets.
• And a neat Swivel design on the dust extractor port keeps the hose out of your way. While a cap on the dust bag is a nice touch when you’re packing your kit away!

 

 

 

Now on the ‘shortfall’ front!

There’s no:

• anti-tip mechanism
• riving knife, or kickback-stop features
• specific setting to score materials

 

And in fairness, any serious tradesman will find no issues with the above factors.

 

Hasty plunges are the main cause of kickback and best avoided anyway. And a riving knife prevents the blade pinching when your saw strays from the cut-line. So it’s really for freehand wavering issues.

 

There’s a large side-handle and slightly heavier weight to the HiKOKI Plunge Saw. Which provides full control and reduces tendency to tip (if the bench is properly set up). Also, Rail Clamps can be used for extra grip on bevel cuts.

 

 

And while a couple of high-end competitors do offer a setting to score sheets, it hardly matters.

HiKOKI’s plunge saw affords complete control of depth. So it’s a simple matter to set the C3606DPA to 5mm or less.

 

 

Whether you’re making media walls, reducing doors, fitting worktops or just running rips off MDF sheets: the HiKOKI C3606DPA is your perfect cutting companion for factory smooth work!

 

🟩 👈 👍💚 😎

 

 

* HPT = HiKOKI Power Tools: distinct from the regular Metabo industrial range. And sporting a familiar shade of green + model numbers. 

(All 3 brands belong to Koki Holdings)

 

 

Original Reviews of HiKOKI products 

 

DISCLAIMER: The advice, guidance, and principles outlined in this review are not guaranteed to be appropriate for your unique situation or business