Happy TKS 80 owners?

[Tazio]

Here's a further video showing a miter sled in use on a 70, running independently of the fitted slider, where both sides of the sled are registering in the v grooves.  The more I look, the more I can see some good options that would be relatively straightforward to build.

Thanks Paul for the info and sled vids I am still on the fence as regards both saws …but will have to make up my mind soon as I am selling up my joinery after 25 years and my panal saw will soon be leaving .
It is quite different going from full joinery cabinet making kit spindles, planers, thicknesses ect ..to more portable smaller options I used to have 4 cabinet makers /joiners with me but now am on my own so wish to be more portable in the future !…

 

[Tazio]

Hi there Tazio,

I actually went for the Erika in the end. It's on it's way from Germany at the moment. I would have loved if the TKS 80 was suitable but there just seems to be so many quality control issues with it and the Erika has a bullet proof reputation.

It wasn't an easy decision, I have a lot of festool tools and really like them, but this machine seems to have issues. I also found a third party rail for the Erika where you can attach it to the side and use it as a mitre track and that sealed the deal.

Hope this helps. Good luck with your decision!
Kevin

Hello Kevin have you had the Erika delivered yet ? I am still on the fence as I also have a guy that works for me so the festool with the safety features does have an appeal .
But would be interested to hear your opinion of the Erika !.

 

[jeh]

With respect gents, neither of you have used the TKS 80, so I think it's a bit premature to slate a saw based only on the musings of a limited few on the internet, or to label what is a good quality site saw as 'dubious'.

I'll pile it on...anecdotal and unverified information is not helpful unless one has firsthand experience. The exception would be from someone with a track record of detailed, accurate and non-jaded reviews.

 

[Exodies]

If I’ve counted correctly that’s two happy TKS 80 owners.
After several months I’m still trying to get mine aligned and have the workpiece not hit some edge while feeding it.

 

[Paul_HKI]

If I’ve counted correctly that’s two happy TKS 80 owners.
After several months I’m still trying to get mine aligned and have the workpiece not hit some edge while feeding it.

Two who replied here.  Doubtless there are many others across Europe who just use it and don't even know about FOG!

What's catching?  The throat plate is easily adjusted.  The protractor fence when used on the sliding table on mine was catching until I actually levelled the table with the main table surface. 

The rip fence will catch when moving it if you're using the right hand table extension and haven't seated it correctly after removal/refit.  It will also not be parallel with the blade in such instances.  Both of which are operator error, I don't mind admitting it anyway.

Finally, check that the riving knife is actually centred with the blade.  It's easily adjusted, and something I do when I fit non-Festool blades to mine as they're two different kerf widths.

Not exactly a 'catching' kind of cause, but remember to actually adjust the levelling leg adjuster if you've moved the saw around.  It can leave the table top high on two opposing corners if you haven't adjusted it.  Won't bother a builder in most cases, but worth checking if you're using it for finer work.  It will make a difference and it's something I think others overlook or take for granted when they're complaining about the table flatness.

I'm still using mine several times a week, and still very happy with it.

If you have some feedback on what's causing you trouble, folks will try to help.  It's up to you if you want that, or want to complain.

 

[rocky100370]

Great post Paul. Ive had mine for a little over a year and can't say enough good things about it. Since Im just a hobbyist it doesn't get used very much which is why I felt the need to sell her.

Merry Christmas

 

[Exodies]

Not exactly a 'catching' kind of cause, but remember to actually adjust the levelling leg adjuster if you've moved the saw around.  It can leave the table top high on two opposing corners if you haven't adjusted it.  Won't bother a builder in most cases, but worth checking if you're using it for finer work.  It will make a difference and it's something I think others overlook or take for granted when they're complaining about the table flatness.

Thanks, I have overlooked this.