Long beveled rips using TS 55 cs

[atroder]

I need to do some projects that include ripping some 1x5x8 trim lengthwise into half using a 45 deg bevel. Rather than buy a table saw, I'm hoping the Festool  TS 55 will do that job and everything else I need to do. Based on what I have read, it seems that long bevel rips using the rail are a bit tricky since the body of the saw is now tipped. Can anyone share their experience on this?

- Thanks.

 

[Dan Lyke]

I've done rips of 2x8s down to 2x4 size with the TS55, clamping the rail to another board along side the board I was ripping, and wouldn't hesitate to try it with some bevel. The first time I tried 45 degrees I'd want someone else there to help hold things for the unexpected, and I'd play with ways to hold the trim against the makeshift fence, but as long as things are clamped so that you can have both hands free to hold the saw down on the rail (because, at a 45 degree angle, it will want to fall off unless it's held) I don't think you'll have a problem.

I should note that I was particularly impressed with my most recent ripping attempts because pre-Festool I'd ripped a 2x4 in half at about a 15 degree bevel with a Skilsaw and another 2x4 as a straightedge, and a helper and lots of clamping, and I managed to generate a heck of a lot of smoke and leave saw marks and scorched wood everywhere. Recently with the Festool saw I trimmed down 2x8s to about 2x4 (I needed some 2x4 sized stock that was very straight, so I took slices off either side to let the wood relax) by myself, with two rails joined by the rail connectors, and had beatifully finished edges with no saw binding whatsoever.

 

[woodshopdemos]

I need to do some projects that include ripping some 1x5x8 trim lengthwise into half using a 45 deg bevel. Rather than buy a table saw, I'm hoping the Festool  TS 55 will do that job and everything else I need to do. Based on what I have read, it seems that long bevel rips using the rail are a bit tricky since the body of the saw is now tipped. Can anyone share their experience on this?

- Thanks.

  A bit tricky -- yes. Impossible -- no.  The trick is to keep uniform weight on the TS55 during the cut when the saw is at a tilt angle. I find that if you 1) plan your movement; 2) spray the rail for smooth transverse; 3) have a solid work surface; and 4) use the boom arm.  Of course, you don't have to have all of that...but it is what I consider the best set up.

Here, Andrea sets up the rail for perfect cutting:

A page on it:http://www.woodshopdemos.com/fes-61.htm

 

[atroder]

Thanks to all for the helpful replies.

John, I looked at the tutorials on workshopdemos.com and they are an excellent reference for a beginner like me. I look forward to the DVD!