Brand new Festool owner-and TS 55 overheating?

[mbira]

Hi folks,
I'm sad that this is my first post, but hopefully someone can let me know if this is a known issue or if I got a defective unit.  I just got a new TS55 req plus. 

I primarily work with hardwoods and this weekend I was cutting some 4/4 red oak.  The saw worked really well and the cuts were better than I ever was able to do with my crappy old table saw.  I was thrilled!  I then needed to cut a straight edge on three 16' lengths of 6/4 cherry.  The saw handled the first one pretty well, but I was surprised that it seemed to be bogging down.  The second piece, the saw seemed to trip some internal breaker and turned itself off.  After a few seconds I turned it back on and it worked for a few more seconds and did the same thing.  I waited a minute or so and then was able to finish the cut.  It then did the same thing with the third board and I noticed that the body of the saw seemed pretty hot as well. 

I was really surprised because with all the reviews I've been reading, it seems like people are talking about even cutting 8/4 maple, etc, with this saw. 

Is my saw defective or is it really not able to handle something like several cuts into 6/4 cherry?  I'm not a weekend warrior and need my tools to be able to stand up to regular work (this is my profession).  Any tips would be helpful!

I also have a second question.  After watching a video of the parallel guides, I got really excited and went out and bought them today (before the above issue happened).  I got the extensions because as I said, I'm primarily working with hardwoods and I was hoping to rip 3" strips from boards that are sometimes less than 7" wide.  I was having problems as the tracks were hanging over the boards since they weren't wide enough.  Is there a way to handle this easily?  I was wondering if people clamp down the track at several spots from the top and then maybe remove them and reset them behind the saw as you are cutting? 

Again, I'm really hoping to get this stuff sorted as the cuts themselves have been really nice and I hope I can make this work!  Maybe I need the TS75?

 

[tjbnwi]

I rip hardwoods all the time, up to 8/4 white oak.

The saw did what it is designed to do.

If you are using the stock 48 tooth blade (came with saw) you will need to get the 28 tooth or Panther rip blade (really you need both).

If you want to use the 48 tooth blade make the cut in steps, set the depth setting to 18 mm, make the rip, do not move the rail set the depth to 36 mm and finish the cut.

I don't have parallel guides, search this site for rips in the field. It's a post I started about how I rip my material.

Clean sharp blades are a must, I have 12-15 blades for my TS-55's so I always have sharp blades while other are out being sharpened.

The TS-75 will work, just heavier.

Tom

 

[semenza]

Yup. As Tom said. Wrong blade.  Ripping 6/4 hardwood of just about any type with the 48 tooth blade is going to bog and over heat. That blade is design for cross cut sand sheet goods.

Seth

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I opted for the TS75 for exactly the type of work you are doing. It is heavier, but more powerful. I have cut all kinds of wood from 4/4 to 8/4 and it handles it well, even with the standard 36 tooth blade that comes with it. To me, the TS55 is really designed to excel in sheet goods. Not to say that it cannot work well with solid wood, but I have found the motor can bog down and it is slower when I have used it in the past. If you are cutting this type of solid material every day, then I would consider the TS75. You could try the different blades, but keep in mind that blades are not covered by the 30 day trial - so, if you really like the features and function of the 55 I would try a different blade and see if that works well for you. If not, then return it for the bigger saw.

 

[mbira]

Thank you for your reply.  Good to hear that what I'm needing to do will work.  Yes, I'm using the stock blade.  Will those other blades give good clean cuts or do you recommend doing it in passes?  I can afford getting one of those two blades you mentioned-do you recommend one over the other? 

I'll look for those threads on ripping thinner stock.  Thanks again.

 

[mbira]

I'm seriously considering just getting the 75 as the size isn't really an issue for me.  However, I hope woodcraft doesn't give me a hard time as I already threw away the cardboard box that the track came in.  I also bought the 7' track that I think comes with the 75, so hopefully I can work something out with them.  I am using the smallest vacuum that festool sells (I bought it with the 5" random orbital).  Is that going to be an issue with the saw?  I'm not going to be able to get a different vacuum any time soon. 

Thanks again guys.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

The return is for the saw and what it came with - not sure that you need the cardboard box with the rail - cannot imagine that would be the case, but Shane could answer that. That is the point of the trial to see if a tool works for you. I think that the 75 is really built for more solid wood. It is a great machine that also does well in sheet goods. It is just heavier and it has not been updated with the fine depth adjustment and some of the other features of the new 55. But, I have never regretted my purchase of it.

 

[tjbnwi]

I'm seriously considering just getting the 75 as the size isn't really an issue for me.  However, I hope woodcraft doesn't give me a hard time as I already threw away the cardboard box that the track came in.  I also bought the 7' track that I think comes with the 75, so hopefully I can work something out with them.  I am using the smallest vacuum that festool sells (I bought it with the 5" random orbital).  Is that going to be an issue with the saw?  I'm not going to be able to get a different vacuum any time soon. 

Thanks again guys.

Don't know of a 7' track---8+'(2700)? The track will work with the TS-75, just not as easy to set in place. I like the 3000.

28 tooth blade should work well for you. The cut will not be as smooth, but still very nice.

CT should be fine, just have to change the bag more often.

Tom

 

[mbira]

The saw came with a smaller track and I guess when you buy the 75 it comes with a bigger track.  That's what I mean about not being sure if they'll give me a hard time about not having the box for the track.  I assume if I return the 55 and get the 75 that they will want the small track as well...