Plunge cut saw useage

[buckmaidt]

Am considering purchasing one of the plunge cut saws in hopes of minimizing the amount of times I will need a table saw on the job site.  I would like to know how well they function without the track.  Is there a chance that one will eliminate the need for hauling around my skill saw for those few times that I need it?  Hoping to cut down on the number of tools I need to haul around.

Thanks for any input.

 

[John Langevin]

     Why would you want to use it without the track? I have used the Festool ATF55 and TS 55 E for about 4 years combined and never even considered using them without the track.
     I would think that the plunge action and relatively slick bottom surface of the saw would make free-hand use a bit iffy at best, especially when starting the cut. If I need to cross-cut 2x stock I would use a chop saw or hand saw.
     If not, I would use the shortest track possible with some sort of square stop under the rail to keep it from sliding. The other problem using the rail to cross-cut narrow stock without clamping it is that when you plunge the saw the far end of the rail wants to come up off the stock towards you.

 

[Warrior]

For me, as a finish carpenter, I can take care of everything that comes my way with my Festool set up. Kapex on saw helper stand, TS, MFT, routers, drill, sanders, and vac. I don't know what you do but I dont bring my table saw to the job any more. I only bring my regular circular saw if I have to cut some rough or framing lumber. It is so nice that is only takes about 10 - 15 min to set up the work station at the start of the day and if you are good about putting the tools backk into their systainers when you are finished with them, break down is about the same plus a couple of min to vac or sweep up the small amount of dust on the floor.

One example of how my work has changed:

cutting to a scribed line on baseboard- I used to use my Makita 5/12" circular saw and cut at a bevel free hand then belt sand to the line. Dust was everywhere and I mean everywhere. It was all over me, in the air, and on the floor and work area. And with mdf base, forget about it.

cutting to a scribed line on baseboard- I now cut the bevel with my TS and guide rail the belt sand with my little PC belt sander that I have outfitted with a plug it adapter. With both operations connected to the vac there is minimal dust and about zero dust from the sanding. The task takes about the same amount of time but it is just soooo much more comfortable to do. Plus you have to take into account the amount of dust you wont hae to sweep up and dust off yourself. I have tried to sand a scribe with the rotex but that was to hard to control.

 

[buckmaidt]

Thanks for the replies.  I was interested in how it would work for rough cutting 2x stock on the job site.  I am a finish carpenter as well Eiji, and like you am trying to simplify my operation and Festool's system seems to be the answer.

Eiji I am really liking what you are saying about scribing base.  I have been cutting my bevels with my table saw and scribing with the same PC sander that you are using.  Where did you get the plug it adapter (I have several tools that could use them  )  Also since my CT 22 will not arrive until Wed. will it hook right up to my little PC or will I need an adapter?

Also which model plunge saw are you using?  Do you find that the 55 is enough or do you recommend stepping up to the 75?

Thanks again.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

It sucks trying to use the 55 for cutting off a 2x4 or what not.

A: You cant see what the heck you are cutting.

B: Its kind of dangerous.

C: I learned these the hared way because I didn't want to have to walk back to the trailer and get my Makita Circular saw.

Keep the rail saws on the rails.

 

[Warrior]

The vac adapter comes with the sander. I just cut the outside ring off so the 27mm hose could fully seat. Unmodified the adapter works will with the 36mm hose. I got the plug it adapter from a friend in the UK. Put a WTB in the classifieds someone may be willing to help you out. They are not cheap but are worth it.

Eiji

 

[buckmaidt]

Is this the adapter by chance?

Festool Pig-tail

 

[nickao]

No that is a short extension cord that comes with the CT vacs. I believe this is what you  want:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Festool-Plug-it-Conversion-Kit-420mm-110v-494910_W0QQitemZ110349208562QQihZ001QQcategoryZ11705QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1713.m153.l1262

 

[jmbfestool]

It sucks trying to use the 55 for cutting off a 2x4 or what not.

A: You cant see what the heck you are cutting.

B: Its kind of dangerous.

C: I learned these the hared way because I didn't want to have to walk back to the trailer and get my Makita Circular saw.

Keep the rail saws on the rails.

I agree you cant see and also because its a plunge cut saw you gotta make sure you keep pressure on the tool other whise it kicks back out. I have tryed cutting 4X2 and its dodgy. Its because the festool TS55 /75 dont like binding so doing it by free hand you dont keep it straight and BANG it flicks back on you because it binds on the wood.

I did the same thing I could not be botherd to get my Makita Circular saw.

Keep the tool on the guide or use the other accessories like the  PA-TS55/75 or ABSA -T55/75 with a straight edge or wall.

The tool is amazing it was the first Festool I bought and now i got loads more and loads loads of festool and Tanos Boxes! All good stuff.

I have saved hours of work using the Festool TS55 no need to plane the edge of the wood because the finish it leaves is soo smooth! Brilliant.! Also cutting MDF is sends all the dust throught the back so using either a normal extractor or festool you have a clean enviroment!

 

[justinmcf]

hi bucketmaidt, the ts55 is useless without the track, i take a small skill saw with me. you cant see where the blade is cutting at all. the plunge action works against you. as you try to push forward the spring in the plunge action wants to kick up, so i reckon it is dangerous to try and use freehand. but i love this saw, its a pleasure to use every day (with the track)! best tool i ever bought and it paid for itself in 1 day.

 

[Eli]

I bring a small Ridgid 24V circ trim saw with me the few times the other saws don't cover it. The only way I'd cut framing with a TS55 is if I made a short piece of rail to guide the saw. Much as you'd use a speed square next to a conventional circ saw. Too dangerous otherwise.

 

[wnagle]

A short piece of rail with a dewalt 90 degree stop would work nicely... at least thats one thing to do if you have a damaged rails....

 

[tbellemare]

I've cut a lot of framing lumber with the KAPEX and used the TS 55 free hand a few times on 2x4's. The KAPEX is great, the TS 55 not so great but possible.

Tom

 

[Dave Ronyak]

     Why would you want to use it without the track? I have used the Festool ATF55 and TS 55 E for about 4 years combined and never even considered using them without the track.
/quote]

John,

I intend to use my TS 55 equipped with Parallel Edge Guide Item 491469 to rip cut 20 ft long LVL joist members.  Use of this edge guide negates need of a guide rail, but requires a reasonably straight edge to begin with.

Dave R.