Cutting MDF with the TS55

[BOXNOG 2000]

Hi, I was wondering if anybody could just clear this up for me I've recently bought a TS55 and can anybody tell me if theirs cuts through 25mm MDF in one cut as mine simply can not jams and cuts out? I've had to revert back to my. Old hitachi circular and now feel like I've wasted a lot of money on something I will barely use now, tbh it struggles cutting 18mm ply! Can anybody shed any light onto this for me please?
Kind regards

 

[eddomak]

Hi, and welcome to the forum!

I am probably one of the least experienced here, but I have been able to cut 18mm ply (single pass) with no problems at all, and also 18mm laminated high moisture resistant MDF with no problems either. 19mm Melamine particleboard, 25mm mahogany also a breeze. All of this on the blade that came with it, using the top speed.

If you can post a couple more details about what is happening (saw blade stopping, burning marks, etc) then I am sure that someone here can help you out quickly and easily.

Hope this helps.

 

[Deansocial]

I cut a shed load of 18mm mdf yesterday even some 45° miters not a problem at all

 

[JoggleStick]

I've regularly cut two layers of 16mm HMR melamine board.
6 mm Aluminium sheet.
Hardwood planks ~ 35- 40mm Rip and Crosscut.

All no problems, but obviously ripping 40mm hardwood is slower than 16 mm board, but given the size of the saw I have been very happy with it's performance.

It's no 'powerhouse' but certainly adequate.

Sounds like you either have a dud saw or someone used your blade to trim a little concrete.

 

[Bigchasbroon]

Are you plugged into a dc? If I plug mine into my midi then there's not quite enough power to run both at full tilt. If you turn the dc down to about 50% you should get on better or plug the saw directly into a wall socket. Daft I know but that's the way it is.

Also, and I apologise in advance for stating the obvious, make sure the mdf is well supported and fairly level. Don't tell your father how to make babies I was told so sorry again if that insults your intelligence.

 

[Roseland]

I have a TS55 plugged into a CT26 and it has plenty of power to cut through 1" MDF without breaking a sweat.

You should check it is running properly on the track, and isn't squinted.

Beyond that, check the blade is sharp and (dare I say it) the right way around.  I bought a thicknesser once that came with the blades the wrong way around, so it can happen!

Andrew

 

[Mickfb]

Stupid question, are you using a track. If so have you adjusted the saw to run smooth and true on the track.

 

[joiner1970]

Is it a 110v UK saw by any chance ? Mine struggles sometimes if on an extension lead.

 

[Stone Message]

I cut loads of 18 mm MDF and have never had any problems. Not long ago I had to cut 2 x 18 mm MDF clamped together to guarantee two pieces exactly the same size and shape. Again, no problem at all. I am using the blade supplied with the saw. I have a CTL26 and use a 36 mm hose. For quick cuts I sometimes use a 27mm hose. The saw must not labour and so take it at the rate the saw is happy with and make sure the dust collection is working as it should.

Peter

 

[bkharman]

I agree with Andrew above... Check to make sure the blade is on the right direction.

Have you cut other materials?

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[sancho57]

Mines a 110V US saw being used on 3.3 KV tranny with a CT 26, I cut a lot of 30mm pine no problemo, is your blade sharp? What blade are you using?try and Panther blade

 

[Gary in Texas]

Any chance you have the saw on its slowest setting???  Saw is definitely able to cut the MDF, I've used mine to cut through 2 sheets of 3/4" ply (stacked) no problem. 

 

[juststartingout]

I put together a plane sled with 3/4 slabs of MDF (~19mm) doubled up so ~40.5mm thick without any issues.  How fast are you pushing the saw across the material?  Have you checked the speed?

 

[Deansocial]

Is it a 110v UK saw by any chance ? Mine struggles sometimes if on an extension lead.

I have the 110v ts55r and have no problem with power. Blade selection is important

 

[joiner1970]

Is it a 110v UK saw by any chance ? Mine struggles sometimes if on an extension lead.

I have the 110v ts55r and have no problem with power. Blade selection is important

48 tooth blade that came with it. Never had any problems with my old ts55 but since upgrading to the req it's seems underpowered at times. It's been running on a 5kva tranny this week and been ok cutting worktops

 

[Birdhunter]

What is a tranny? Transformer?

 

[semenza]

What is a tranny? Transformer?

Yup.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to the forum BOXNOG !  [smile]

Seth

 

[Stone Message]

Welcome to the forum BOXNOG !  [smile]

Seth

Yes, but is he still there? I would love to know what he has discovered about his setup after all the advice above.

Peter

 

[Stephen B]

[size=12pt]
Welcome to the FOG.

I suggest that you download the Supplementary Manual, read page 7 and check the rail cams are set evenly and correctly.

https://www.festoolusa.com/media/pdf/TS_55_EQ_US.pdf

 

[Deadskins]

Actually, I had a similar problem with my new one this past winter.  Then, a big puff of smoke and electrical smell.  I took it back and exchanged it.  Never a problem with the new one.