cutting composite deck boards with Kapex and ts55req

[Foghat]

Hi,
I need to cut some composite deck material (like Trexx or Azec) this weekend. Are the blades that came with the Ts55req and Kapex good for that, or do I need a different blade for it?
thanks,
Foghat

 

[TOOLTOWN]

Whenever we have customers looking to install composite decking we suggest a blade with a triple chip or modified triple chip grind.  It gives a clean cut, and based on the geometry, extended service life.

Festool offers blades with a triple chip design.

For the Kapex:  495385

For the TS 55:  496307

Ken

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

The blades that Ken recommended are designed for use with plastic and composites like that type of decking. However, if you're only going to be doing a single deck, using the stock blade should work fine.

Shane

 

[Brice Burrell]

The blades that comes with those saws will work fine.  As Ken mentioned a triple chip grind blade will hold up much better cutting composites over the long haul.  I don't think it's worth the investment in the plastics/composites blades for a small project.  I'd suggest you clean whatever blade(s) you decide on after use cutting composites.  If you do use the blades that come with the saws you'll want to see how the cut afterwards.  It's possible they'll need sharpened.  

 

[JayStPeter]

I'm not sure if my comment here will be valid with the improved dust path in the TS55R, but ... I had problems with the saw clogging cutting Trex using the chip deflector.  I absolutely had to connect dust collection to my ATF55 or it would clog up to the point where the blade wouldn't retract.  Took me several months to get all the little bits out and have the thing functioning smoothly again.  My Delta miter saw clogged the dust collection chute and also took quite a bit of effort to make the DC work again.

 

[Foghat]

Thanks, guys. Man you get answers fast here!  [big grin]
I just got some cedar home for a few projects, which meant I needed to buy another accessory for my saw....this Festool habit is scary!
I am just making some test cuts and a small project with the composite stuff to see how it works. If I have to do a larger project, I may get the different blade for the track saw, since that's what'll be doing most of the cutting.
Thanks for the help.
Have a great long weekend everyone. [big grin]