When a circular saw warrants a name change

Lets face it : most circular saws are less than interesting. They basically cut straight lines across materials, and they all do it in pretty much the same manner. Spin a blade, cut along a line. However, the Festool TS55EQ is much different. In fact, it is so different that it warrants a different name.

Visible Differences
The first thing I noticed is that the blade is covered a bit more than normal. They also always picture it with the guide rail and the vacuum hose attached. But those differences aren't enough to warrant changing the name. Sure, it has some nice stuff with the guide system that is accurate regardless of the angle of the cut. Sure, the dustless cutting system is nice. But that's not the real change. Someone might also notice that there is a knife blade right behind the saw blade. More on that in a bit.

Plunge Cutting
Festool calls this saw a plunge cut saw, and for good reason. This particular saw is capable of doing "Plunge Cuts". As I mentioned in my simple overview of routers, plunge means you start above the material and drop down into it to begin a cut somewhere other than an edge. The knife blade will retract automatically when doing a plunge cut, then drop down into the cut slot as you begin doing a cut. The knife blade is to prevent the saw blade from getting pinched as you move along a longer cut. Older models required removing the knife for plunges, but this time around it is spring loaded.

Where Would I Plunge?
At first, this was a "Cool" type of a change to me, but I couldn't think of a use. Of course, there are lots of uses. If, for example, I need to cut a window out of a cover (I do this for car audio on a regular basis), I don't need to use a jigsaw and hope to get a straight cut. I can plunge this saw instead and use the guide to get a perfectly straight cut, all without the need to pre-drill anything. Anywhere that a straight cut is desired that doesn't go all the way to the edge is a perfect spot for this saw.

I Want It!
Knowing how much of a pain using a jigsaw for the straight line is, I really want one of these saws. Once again, I don't do it enough that I can warrant spending the money, but the saw is just unique enough that it's on my wish list. Of course, it still works exactly like a circular saw when you need to use it that way (with the additional function of the spreader knife), but plunging with a circular saw is just way too cool for a geek to miss.