Fitting ATF 55E into Basic 1A Saw Table

[malcolm]

I am having problems fitting an ATF 55e handsaw into the basic 1a table.

1. It is always a struggle getting the handsaw into the sliding carriage. I have done this so many times now that I can maneuver the handsaw around until it fits. The problem is a gap of about 2mm between the hand saw and the carriage at the back of saw. Festool instructions say the washer should be directly behind the locking knob. Although it looks as if it would fit better between the carriage and the handsaw thus filling the 2mm gap. I am aware that the bracket plate connecting the front of the carriage to the rear is adjustable by means of 2 Torx screws. Using this adjustment I have reduced the gap considerably.
The problem now is because of the reduced front to back carriage distance the saw is even more difficult to fit into the table.

2. Another problem I have is setting the ATF 55e handsaw perfectly parallel to the table parallel guide. I cut a lot of melamine coated board using the 2 cut scribe and full cut technique. Because the saw is not parallel I get breakout on the cut edge. The carriage has 2 brass allen key screws at the rear to make the saw parallel. However they don´t seem to have much effect. I am measuring using a micrometer between the fully raised saw blade (back and front) and parallel guide. Afterwards I cut a piece of wood which will get cut first at the front edge of the blade and, if not parallel, again at the back edge.

Does anybody have ideas on how I can solve the above problems?

In advance many thanks

Malcolm

 

[Frans]

I assume with the table parallel guide you mean the guide you mount on the table to move your piece of wood against (this one). This guide is notoriously hard to position square to the table, which is the reason Festool changed it with the CMS. It also isn't really sturdy, so you should use an extra clamp to secure it at the back of the table as well (parts 27+ 30-35 here). This clamp used to be available seperately, but I can't remember its name or number.

The saw should be adjusted so the blade is parallel to the pulling mechanism. Fix you micrometer to the table or put it in a guide slot, and pul the saw back and forth to check it. Adjust with the brass allen key screws you mentioned.

When sawing, make certain that the guide is mounted parallel to the blade (or guide slots, since you now aligned it).

Frans

 

[malcolm]

Hi Frans,
thanks for your answer. I can´t seem to open your pictures but I think you may be referring to the LA650 plus a guide clamp: I am using both. I take your point about aligning to the table and not the parallel guide which I think can be adjusted afterwards anyway.
Something else which I have noticed is that the metal plate holding the 2 brass allen key screws is way out of being parallel to the hand saw. At the front end of the diecast handsaw cover it is approx 4,5mm and the back end 6mm.
Malcolm

 

[Frans]

Hm, my links to the ekat don't work, but I did indeed mean the LA650. If I've got some spare time tonight I'll take a look at my Basis. (No promises)