MFT alteration

MTbassbone

Member
Joined
Oct 24, 2016
Messages
62
Has anyone tried to inset their TS55 into the MFT and a fence that would connect to the sides of the MFT?
 
A fellow sold a version of this many years ago for a short time. Most people wanted to wait for Festool to introduce the TS55 module in the US. Oops.

There have been other discussions I believe.
 
But it still won’t do dadoes. Id rather get a portable table saws with a proper fence.
 
To me,  the essence of a table saw is total stability (heavy and massive) and a extremely accurate and solid fence. Neither of these would be easily obtainable with the MFT/TS55 combo.

Also, access to adjustments would be difficult and rapid power cutoff would be dangerously awkward.

On the other hand, it would be a blast to build.
 
If anyone tries this, you really want to use a HK 55, not a TS 55 as without the CMS module assembly holding the saw in place it can be pretty dangerous with the tracksaw mechanics making it inherently unstable.

Then you absolutely need an external NVR for this. A good idea is to source the Festool CMS safety switch as a spare part.

And, lastly, new tools have NVR built-in hence they are impractical with an external switch => you would need an older saw and/or make sure what you got does not have an NVR.

All things considered, if you really want this, just get the CMS-VL extension and either source the original saw module from Europe ebay for TS55 or have your own module made for use with a circular saw (not tracksaw). You can then use the CS50 fence for example, extension table, sliding table etc. which are still available from Europe.

ADD:
IMHO (ab)using a Festool TS in a fixed table setup is a waste. Even the quick-change assembly from CMS does not really work as no one bothers to remove/install it all the time. It is much more sensible to take a quality circular saw with a basic base and none of the features which make a Festool TS a Festool TS.

Taking a 7" Makita circular saw or Festool AP65/85 which-you-do-not-use-mostly and installing it in a CMS(ish) table makes sense. Taking a TS 55 and abusing it even in a CMS setup is IMO just stupid. A secondary TS75 which one uses rarely I do understand.

For fun and thought about a TS 55 in a table:

This is a toy I just purchased for $600 that will go to a table saw setup and into the occasional hand use for beam ripping. Think about it.
View attachment 1View attachment 2

Protool CSP 145 E, 2600 W, 3100 rpm, 380 mm blade, 145mm cut capacity, pole-based height adjustment ...  [smile]
 

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If this were my project I'd just be on the lookout for a TS 55 module for the CMS. That makes life easier and that module could be fit into an MFT.

[attachimg=1]

 

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