CMS sliding table and TS55R

rod_carr

Member
Joined
Aug 30, 2018
Messages
3
I wonder if anyone can help me - I have a problem with the sliding table when using my TS55R - probably my own lack of understanding, but I've been searching for a bit now.

Problem is this.

With the fence set exactly 90 degrees to the saw plate, the table is not running parallel to the saw. If i set the edge of the fence against the plate at the front of the saw, then slide the table forward so that the fence is at the back of the saw, there is a 1/2mm gap - it's almost impossible to get a square cut, regardless of fence adjustment.

Am I being a complete blockhead and missing something? Any help/pointers gratefully received.
 
It appears the rail, on which the table slides, is not parallel to the saw blade. I don't know whether there are adjustments, but you could use shims to make it parallel.
 
Hopefully a UK or other non-North American member can chime in here whereas these are not distributed here and most of our members are here.

Peter
 
rod_carr said:
I wonder if anyone can help me - I have a problem with the sliding table when using my TS55R - probably my own lack of understanding, but I've been searching for a bit now.

Problem is this.

With the fence set exactly 90 degrees to the saw plate, the table is not running parallel to the saw. If i set the edge of the fence against the plate at the front of the saw, then slide the table forward so that the fence is at the back of the saw, there is a 1/2mm gap - it's almost impossible to get a square cut, regardless of fence adjustment.

Am I being a complete blockhead and missing something? Any help/pointers gratefully received.

Could you post photos? It will make it easier.
 
Are you using the sliding table accessory on a standalone CMS or on the MFT/3 add on? The latter needs two plastic thingamingies that slide into the side, before you attach the sliding table.
 
IIRC: When puttin the TS into the CMS plate you should tighten the two green knobs on the TS that are to make the TS slop-free on a FS rail - the rail on the CMS plate where the TS registers on could be a bit thinner than the one on the normal FS - so the saw might turn a litte out of alignment.

When pausing=194 at the linked time (3:14) you see the two green knobs I refer to (and unpausing you can see Frank ingoring them, most likely as of them already being set correctly for his plate).

In case that dosn't explain the issue: release the two screws holding the sliding rail to the CMS, then re-tighten them while pushing the rail down (hard) from above at the screw you're working on, start with the short (not overhanging) side of the rail. Then rail then registers correctly into the v-grove.
In case it isn't completely seated down into it... sidewards movement can occur.
 
Thats very true Gregor. When I bought my TS 75 CMS module in the UK,I had a issue getting straight cuts. I even had the festool rep to look at it. We could figure it out. Then I had a chat with  [member=41214]Phil Beckley[/member] and he told me to tighten up those knobs when mounting the saw to the CMS.

I couldnt find that info anywhere in the manuals or Utube.
But it is necessary when installing the saw in the CMS as the CMS track (for lack of a better name) might be different then the guide rail.
 
rod_carr said:
I wonder if anyone can help me - I have a problem with the sliding table when using my TS55R - probably my own lack of understanding, but I've been searching for a bit now.

Problem is this.

With the fence set exactly 90 degrees to the saw plate, the table is not running parallel to the saw. If i set the edge of the fence against the plate at the front of the saw, then slide the table forward so that the fence is at the back of the saw, there is a 1/2mm gap - it's almost impossible to get a square cut, regardless of fence adjustment.

Am I being a complete blockhead and missing something? Any help/pointers gratefully received.

I just thought of something. I was having a issue with the CS 50 fence on my CMS. A good friend of mine ( a very good pro wooodworker) visited my shop and we talked about it. What we realised is when I adj the fence I didnt account for the toe in of the saw.

So that is something you might want to look at. I suggest using some feeler gauges to check to see if your fence is aligned to include the toe in.
 
Many thanks to all, especially Gregor. The saw was set to run my guide rails, but I had not thought to check it was sitting tight in the TS55R CMS mount. Also, a good call on making sure the slide rail was down tight in the groove before tightening up.

I will try these in the shop on Monday and report back - hope you all have a great weekend.

Also a good shout on the toe-in, thanks Jobsworth.

regards, Rod.
 
Many thanks all for the suggestions - problem solved by tightening the saw using the rail guide tensioners - turns out the 'rail' in the module is a good 1/2mm thinner than the rails on the guide.

Cutting spot on now.

Cheers all.
 
Thanks for the feedback, good to hear that it works now.

Have fun with the tool!
 
Sounds like you almost need a 2nd saw. That would be a lot of fiddling every time you installed it into the module.
Glad to hear you got that working.
 
jarbroen said:
Sounds like you almost need a 2nd saw. That would be a lot of fiddling every time you installed it into the module.

Takes 5 seconds to adjust it between rail and CMS plate (or the other way around), one just needs to remember doing it.
 
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