Can "but" be set off by commas on rare occasions?

Don't overuse the comma.

Ex. "I cannot say that I agree with everything being said, but still, it's a great breakdown." OK

"I cannot say that I agree with everything being said, but, when he gives a detailed argument for each of his major points, he is very convincing."

When "but" is followed by a dependent clause that precedes the independent claus

Thanks for the answer.

Yeah, sure, the basic usage is pretty simple: "but" being a coordinating conjunction, you put a comma when joining 2 independent clauses or you omit the comma when the 2nd clause is dependent — even though those rules are flexible too; you can omit the comma when joining 2 independent clauses if they are short or if you wish to have a better flow; and you can add a

Daithy. This is the flow I wanted, but how can I justify it in terms of punctuation rules?

The "rules" for commas have their limits. After the obvious certain places (eg. in lists, non-restrictive elements, an initial adverbial phrase), it is just a matter of style and author's preference.

Yes, but there is more to it. For example, when you are joining 2 strong clauses with a conjunctive adverb, a comma, then, would be considered weak. For example: You are entitled to this claim; however, the claim must follow within the next 28 days. As opposed to, You are entitled to this claim, however, the claim must follow within the next 28 days.


Than

DaithyAs opposed to, You are entitled to this claim, however, the claim must follow within the next 28 days.

The comma is incorrect here; a semicolon is the proper punctuation.
The error is called a "comma splice."

AlpheccaStars DaithyAs opposed to, You are entitled to this claim, however, the claim must follow within the next 28 days.The comma is incorrect here; a semicolon is the proper punctuation.The error is called a "comma splice."

Yes I know