Lot's of praise for the tools, here's some complaining about the ribbed vac hose

[Julian Tracy]

I know, Festool's great...  Nice tools, well made, great dust collection, yada, yada yada.

I've had some of the juice and have 5-6 systainers to prove it.

But what bothers the heck out of me EVERY time I use my TS55, is that darn vac hose getting stuck on everything!

As almost an admission of how poorly designed it it, they've made an almost useless accessory that is supposed to keep the hose and cord on track at the end of the rail.

That little sucker, if you don't already use it is just about useless.

For all that money and all that engineering, you telling me they can't figure out how to make a smooth vac hose???

And the angle tube on the saw could have a bit more length to it and offer some better angles to try and keep the hose directed away from getting tangled up...

OK - rant over.  It just kills me that the hose tugs on whatever it touches and holds up your cutting at the most in-opportune times.

Anybody else want to chime in, or did I already hurt some feelings?

JT

 

[justinmcf]

i agree with your statement wholeheartedly, however, having made my own version of the festool boom arm for 60 dollars, it makes a huge difference.

some members here have posted great photos and descriptions with regards to making your own boom arm. search for "home made boom arm" and you will find lots of great ideas.

but, getting back to the original question, i would also love to see a smooth anti-static hose.

smoother, faster, smarter......

justin.

 

[Corwin]

Hi Julian,

Yeah, we've all dealt with this problem.  As Justin says, a Boom Arm setup will help a great deal.  Another helpful solution is to use a hose wrap like the Techflex that is illustrated in the link in the following post:

Here is my solution.

http://www.forcemachinery.com/festoolmods.htm

You might want look further down that thread too, as there is more discussion that you may be interested in reading about that and other brands of hose wrap.

I have the Festool Boom Arm and am very pleased with how well it helps dealing with the hose and cord.  I haven't tried any of the hose wraps available, but they do look like another great addition.  While one or both of these fixes should resolve your problem, you do have a valid complaint and Festool could/should look into other type hoses to eliminate this issue.

 

[ossietim]

Quote"But what bothers the heck out of me EVERY time I use my TS55, is that darn vac hose getting stuck on everything!

As almost an admission of how poorly designed it it, they've made an almost useless accessory that is supposed to keep the hose and cord on track at the end of the rail.

That little sucker, if you don't already use it is just about useless."

How about a stretch hose?
Oneida make a static dissipating hose vinyl coated wire helix with a 4:1 stretch ratio .The only problem is it is 20' [eek] (so it can strech to 80') [eek] so you might have to buy it betwwen a few!
Part no#VSHSFZ150  cost about $185.00
Heres a pic (top hose)
EDIT: Actually it's now cheaper (page 4) http://www.oneida-air.com/files/DustCobraQQ1_09.pdf

 

[zapdafish]

haha, I was just thinking the same thing then came across this post. too funny. I agree 100%. They definitely are not ribbed for pleasure. That Texflex sleeve looks interesting, I'll have to check it out. Any idea what that thing is on the end of the guide? I taped that area to try and reduce the chance of the hose getting caught.

 

[peter halle]

Any idea what that thing is on the end of the guide? I taped that area to try and reduce the chance of the hose getting caught.

I believe that is the Guide Rail Deflector:  Deflector

 

[daviszr1]

The rail deflector works pretty well for me.  I do agree that the hose gets caught at times, but the deflector nearly eliminated it getting caught on the rail.

 

[Rhett]

But why doesn't the deflector align with the rail? That is a pretty stupid idea. I mean it hangs off of one side and leaves part of the rail exposed so the power cord gets caught on the edge. Or am I putting it on wrong.

 

[justinmcf]

the deflector overhangs that little bit so you still have access to the groove for sliding on your clamps.

if you take a look at the link that peter has provided. it shows the deflector sitting flush with the rail.
the reason being....this is the old rail system and the old atf 55 saw. notice the rail in the picture does not have the 2 teflon strips.

i first thought i had installed the deflector wrong too, but it is designed to overhang a little.

i still recommend everyone to build their own boom arm, its amazing what you can do with a couple of plastic pipes and a couple of 45 degree bends.....

justin.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I suggest you mind your hose.

 

[Holzhacker]

As far as the guide rail deflector, I like it and it seems to work pretty well for me. I have two that get used on various rails. As far as the hose, I also can't stand it. I've complained about it in the past, real PIA. My Fein hose is much better. If Festool is listening and wants something to redesign, I nominate the hose.