FS-KS angle unit adjustment???

[Sparktrician]

I was cutting some material recently using the angle unit with my TS55 and a rail, and noticed that the angle when set to 90? is NOT truly 90?.  I grabbed my known-accurate framing square and verified that the angle shown is slightly off.  I took the cover off under the knob to see if there was a calibration possibility, but found none.  That having been said, how does one "tune" the angle unit such that it truly provides 90? when the scale reads 90??  ??? 

 

[atomicmike]

If I remember correctly, you can loosen the two screws on the black cover without removing them. That will provide you with enough play to re-calibrate the marker. You'll probably have to do this with the knob loosened as well.

- Mike

 

[Sparktrician]

Nope.  Tried that originally.  Those two screws just hold the dust cover in place.  There was no discernible means to adjust the unit that I could find (aside from a judicious hammer tuning effort).  Thanks anyway.  [unsure] 

 

[Corwin]

Nope.  Tried that originally.  Those two screws just hold the dust cover in place.  There was no discernible means to adjust the unit that I could find (aside from a judicious hammer tuning effort).  Thanks anyway.   [unsure]  

I believe that Mike is correct.

The cover that is held down by those two screws has the pointer on it.  When I loosen the cover on mine, I can move that pointer a total of about one full degree -- so, the pointer can be tightened in a position +/- 0.5 degree from a centered position.  I don't know if this is enough adjustment to align your Angle Unit, or not.  Before you attempt to adjust your pointer, you should adjust the tabs that fit within the T-track slot on the Guide Rail to remove any play at that location first.  Hope this will help to resolve your issue.

 

[tbellemare]

I don't know how far off your calibration is but the black plastic cover, of which you both write, is also the pointer. I experimented a little and it can be readjusted by about a degree. The holes for the screws that hold that cover have counterbores, not countersinks. This allows it to be fine tuned.

Also, check the connection to the guide rail. There are possibilities for error there too.

Tom

EDIT:

Corwin:

You posted while I was about to post this. I think we agree...

 

[Corwin]

Good post, Tom!  [thumbs up]    [big grin] [wink]

 

[Sparktrician]

Thanks, guys.  Good suggestions.  I'll revisit it again this evening.  Will also use two framing squares since it's not likely that both will be out of kilter...   [unsure]  Tom, I was checking the angle in degrees with the angle unit NOT connected to the rail.  I'll test it again both ways to confirm. 

 

[Sparktrician]

There's good news.  I did tweak the cover/pointer such that it does show 90 degrees at the same time it gives 90 degrees.  I do tend to feel, though, that this device is, well, not up to Festool standards for accuracy.  As it stands, the cover is pushed hard up against the cover screws to get it to indicate properly, and if further adjustment in that direction is required, I'll have to relieve the holes slightly to accommodate the the needed adjustment.  I did have a good, constructive conversation with Bob Marino about this issue this morning, and he was on the money, as were all of you.  And so, I thank you all for your input that led to a successful resolution.   [smile]