Hi Guys,
I've spent a few hours browsing the web and FOG trying to find a solution to my problem and although some people seem to experience some similar issues, I haven't been able to find a conclusive solution.
So, for many years now I seem to have predominantly been using Makita tools and the odd Dewalt. Not for any particular reason, just that I have never had any problems with them and they seem to last a long long time. I still use there 18v range daily now. However, I have recently been drawn in by the powers of Festool and being a kitchen fitter, my first two purchases were the CTM AC 36 extractor and the TS 55 plunge saw (both 110v).
I was very pleased with how these looked and the engineering of them. However, since I've started using them I have had nothing but frustration. I have a 3.3KVA transformer and usually do not use any extension lead...I just plug the extractor straight into the tranny. Between them, there is a max running wattage of 2400w, which should easily be within the transformers limits. I understand that the startup wattage for powertools is greater than the running wattage but as there is a delayed start on the vac, i don't think this will be the problem. Whenever I use the saw to cut 38mm chipboard worktops, running off of the extractor, I have to do it in two cuts else the blade will stop due to lack of power. I have also tried to turn the power of the extractor right down but it doesn't seem to make a difference.
I've already messaged Festool about it and one of their guys rang me back a few days later saying that I should purchase a new blade with less teeth and run the saw at a slow speed. He also said that this is a common issue with Festool and I should purchase a 5kva transformer which should help.
I'm not happy with this response at all. Having spent around £1000 on two 'premium brand' power tools, I don't expect these problems and certainly don't want to have to purchase additional equipment at a greater cost. I didn't have these problems with my old Dewalt plunge saw. I was looking at buying the OF2200 router but being a higher wattage than the TS55, i guess that I have no chance of using this without problems.
It's also worth mentioning that another kitchen fitter that I work with also uses a lot of Festool stuff including a 110v TS 55 & a CTL extractor. He also has the same problems on 110v using a 5.5kva generator and is talking about sticking his stuff on ebay and converting back to Dewalt. He went to the last Festool show in the UK and spoke to one of the reps there, who told him (being honest) to stay away from the Festool 110v stuff as they always seem to have the problems crop up. He said that the tools are mainly designed for those people working in clean workshops on 240v.
Can anyone shed any light on this please and end my frustration? Surely a high end brand like Festool wouldn't put up for sale 110v tools that perform this badly? If I can't find a solution then i'm left with no choice other than to sell up and get Makita/Dewalt that I know will work but i'd rather avoid the massive expense!
Thanks guys [fingers crossed]
I've spent a few hours browsing the web and FOG trying to find a solution to my problem and although some people seem to experience some similar issues, I haven't been able to find a conclusive solution.
So, for many years now I seem to have predominantly been using Makita tools and the odd Dewalt. Not for any particular reason, just that I have never had any problems with them and they seem to last a long long time. I still use there 18v range daily now. However, I have recently been drawn in by the powers of Festool and being a kitchen fitter, my first two purchases were the CTM AC 36 extractor and the TS 55 plunge saw (both 110v).
I was very pleased with how these looked and the engineering of them. However, since I've started using them I have had nothing but frustration. I have a 3.3KVA transformer and usually do not use any extension lead...I just plug the extractor straight into the tranny. Between them, there is a max running wattage of 2400w, which should easily be within the transformers limits. I understand that the startup wattage for powertools is greater than the running wattage but as there is a delayed start on the vac, i don't think this will be the problem. Whenever I use the saw to cut 38mm chipboard worktops, running off of the extractor, I have to do it in two cuts else the blade will stop due to lack of power. I have also tried to turn the power of the extractor right down but it doesn't seem to make a difference.
I've already messaged Festool about it and one of their guys rang me back a few days later saying that I should purchase a new blade with less teeth and run the saw at a slow speed. He also said that this is a common issue with Festool and I should purchase a 5kva transformer which should help.
I'm not happy with this response at all. Having spent around £1000 on two 'premium brand' power tools, I don't expect these problems and certainly don't want to have to purchase additional equipment at a greater cost. I didn't have these problems with my old Dewalt plunge saw. I was looking at buying the OF2200 router but being a higher wattage than the TS55, i guess that I have no chance of using this without problems.
It's also worth mentioning that another kitchen fitter that I work with also uses a lot of Festool stuff including a 110v TS 55 & a CTL extractor. He also has the same problems on 110v using a 5.5kva generator and is talking about sticking his stuff on ebay and converting back to Dewalt. He went to the last Festool show in the UK and spoke to one of the reps there, who told him (being honest) to stay away from the Festool 110v stuff as they always seem to have the problems crop up. He said that the tools are mainly designed for those people working in clean workshops on 240v.
Can anyone shed any light on this please and end my frustration? Surely a high end brand like Festool wouldn't put up for sale 110v tools that perform this badly? If I can't find a solution then i'm left with no choice other than to sell up and get Makita/Dewalt that I know will work but i'd rather avoid the massive expense!
Thanks guys [fingers crossed]
