Nervous about what I'm hearing...HELP!

[trendspotter]

Hello Everyone,

I'm happy to announce that I have just received my first Festool system; the TS55 EQ, with the CT22, combo of course. Well, after studying the manual to the point of memorization, read all of the set-up pdf's at FestoolUSA and watched all the videos on youtube, I was ready to rip some wood. ALL SYSTEMS WERE A GO!
I set my speed a #1 preparing to trim the splinter guard, I flipped up the safety, I engaged the trigger, My eyes widened, my pulse quickened, my fingers tightened around the grip, when I heard and felt....the sound of metal to metal contact. I was almost brought to tears.

At every speed the blade starts with a loud metallic grinding sound which fads away to a smooth hum, the sound I thought the saw should make from the very moment the trigger is pressed. Now the sound doesn't last for very long (a second or two) till the blade reaches top speed.

So, I'm turning to you, the all knowing and wise men and women of FOG to tell me that what I'm hearing is OK and that I should just calm down and get cutting. Or, am I experiencing Toeing in or Toeing out of the blade?  I look forward to reading your wise comments.

Thank you all.

 

[semenza]

HI,

      Is it a real metal on metal sound or more of a low, growly , vibrating, hum?  If the later, then it is just the sound of the  electronics adjusting to the blade speed selected. It is the normal sound the saw makes.

Seth

 

[Eli]

yep, that's my vote unless there's teeth marks on the rail....

It's different, both the sounds and the action of the saw. It took me a long time to get used to the trigger config and the noises.

 

[Tinker]

I have not had the enjoyment  :-[ of tearing into anything metal with my ATF 55 other than the aluminum guide bar with my very first use. I am reasonably certain that if you are tearing into anything metal, there would be plenty of metal shavings mixed with sawdust, or severe scarring of any surface the teeth might have ben intruduced to.  I am sure the carbide of Festool blades is of the same quality as that which goes into their router bits.  I have experienced the collision of metal to metal when i ran a brandnew Festool bit into a hard pocket screw.  Upon inspection, the screw head was quite recognizably scrathed up.  When I inspected the brand new bit, I could find absolutely no evidence of any damage.  I even got out a magnifying glass to inspect. I then ran the bit thru a scrap of white oak and a scrap of cherry.  No burning.

If you do not find damage anywhere else, I am sure you are not hitting anything with your blade.
Tinker

 

[trendspotter]

Thank you, Seth, Eli and Tinker.

In the bright morning light I've examined both the blade and the saws' inner housing closely; good news... no damage.
You're right Seth and Eli, the noise is absolutely a grumbling, growling, vibrating noise which leads to a smooth running hum with no vibrations. The sound of a quality tool.

My inexperience with Festool (and a long history with cheap tools) played tricks with my confidence and my tool is going to be OK.

Thanks again,  ;D

 

[Dan Clark]

Growling, grumbling noise?  That's either me in the morning or normal for Festool TS's!  ;D

Enjoy,

Dan.

 

[Forrest Anderson]

At every speed the blade starts with a loud metallic grinding sound which fads away to a smooth hum, the sound I thought the saw should make from the very moment the trigger is pressed. Now the sound doesn't last for very long (a second or two) till the blade reaches top speed.

I'd agree with other members who have said that the sound is probably quite normal. Your reaction to the sound is also quite normal! If you have a look at the thread entitled "Do TS55s make a cheap rattle sound?", you'll be able to read about someone else who was also worried about the noise. If you look at my reply in that thread, you'll find the official response by Festool in their database of frequently asked questions.

Forrest

 

[trendspotter]

Forrest,

Your response explains it all...
I feel like a new parent that freaks out everytime when their new baby hiccups or burps. Well enough babying, lets gets a cutin'

Thanks Guys.! ;D

 

[woodshopdemos]

It also sounds as if the blade is not fully seated. Remove it and insert it again and be sure it is rotated so that it fits snuggly on the short shaft. Then tighten the screw. There should be no wobbling of the blade.