chipout cutting melamine

[Kevcoleman]

Any recommendation for how to reduce the chipout when cutting melemine sheets.  I am using the stock fine cutting bland, with my TS55.  The bottom cut is fine but I get a fair about of chipout on both sides of the top cut, although the chipout is relatively small. 

 

[Brice Burrell]

Try this link, its to John's site Woodshop Demos. Best blade for melemine

 

[Kevcoleman]

Thanks.  I did see that.  I think I needed to slow the saw down and got much better results.  Not perfect but usable.  I am using a new freud blade in my tablesaw made for melamine and that puts a perfect edge on it so I am cutting large and cleaning up most of the show faces as necessary.

 

[ririmarqueverte]

Hi,

Try this trick. When you have positioned yr rail, take yr saw all the way forward and set the depth at 1-2mm. Switch on and plunge and work yr saw BACKWARDS all the way. Then set the normal depth, plunge and work forward. I guarantee chipfree cuts.

riri

 

[woodshopdemos]

Thanks.  I did see that.  I think I needed to slow the saw down and got much better results.  Not perfect but usable.  I am using a new freud blade in my tablesaw made for melamine and that puts a perfect edge on it so I am cutting large and cleaning up most of the show faces as necessary.

This pains me. You should be able to make as good or better cuts in melamine sheets than on table saw....really. Keep working on your Festool saw system. You can refine the cut so that all for edges are perfect.

 

[bruegf]

I got better cuts using the Festool laminate blade than I did with the standard blade.

Fred

 

[Kevcoleman]

When using the festool I got mostly chip free cuts on the guide side but the other side had a reasonable amount of chipout.  Not really sure about what to do.  It was a brand new blade.  When using the freud as I mentioned, absolutely no chip out whatsoever. 

 

[woodshopdemos]

Kev,
   Are you using the little green splintor guard and is it new and set to the blade you are using?
It is meant to give a good cut on this outside diemnsion,

Here is the Festool website for it:  http://www.festoolusa.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProdID=491473&ID=0

 

[Dan Clark]

Kev,
   Are you using the little green splintor guard and is it new and set to the blade you are using?
It is meant to give a good cut on this outside diemnsion,

Here is the Festool website for it:  http://www.festoolusa.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProdID=491473&ID=0

To extend John's comment a bit... 

The first thing you do when you get a splinter guard is to cut it with a blade so that it forms a zero clearance with the blade.  Since each blade has a slightly different kerf, it is important (IMO) to match the splinter guard to the blade.

I have a pack of these splinter guards.  When I get a new blade, I cut a new splinter guard and mark the blade's part number on the side of the guard.  When I change blades, I change guards. 

Anal retentive?  Perhaps, but I notice a slight improvement in chip out.  In other words, it works for me.

Regards,

Dan.

 

[Warrior]

Don't these only work at full depth cuts?
when i cut 3/4  material I set the saw to 24 or 25mm depth of cut. At that depth the front of the blade doesnt come in contact with those funny green things. I have a pack of 5 but never use them. They belong in my bin of fstool flops.