PSB 300 Trion Jigsaw. ..Melting Blades

[btracey1]

I cannot figure out what I'm doing wrong. I purchased my PSB 300 Trion almost 60 days ago and have been unable to use it. The first time I tried to use it (trying to cut 3/4 " pine, I used a S75/2.5 blade and adjusted the saw blade guide as stated in the manual. I started the cut and the saw blade wanted to go to the left, as i tried to steer it back onto line gradually sparks started to fly and then the saw blade guides turned red the wood started to smoke and then burn and the saw blade itself started to melt and started curling to the left. The cut in the wood started off at about 90 degrees but then gradually started to go to where it was approaching 45 degrees. I tied again and again and had the same results again and again.
I called Festool Technical support the next day and spoke to a helpful gentleman that sent me replacement parts (saw blade guides- part 3491571- and a new chip guard) which arrived about 10 or 12 days later. This weekend I tried again this time checking the fit of the saw blade guides precisely, making sure everything was aligned and the blade was free to move. Same results. As soon as I start the cut the saw wants to go left. I screwed a makeshift fence to a scrap of 3/4 inch pine and there is no way to get the saw to go straight. Same results every time. I have tried pendulum stroke settings, I have ruined at least 25 blades (both Festool and Bosch)
This is a very Frustrating!!!
Can anyone give me an Idea of what I could be doing wrong?
Thanks in advance,
Brian

 

[bruegf]

Brian,

It sounds like the carbide guides are too tight.  The should be just snug enough that the paint on the bade is scraped off as you use the saw, but not so tight that blade turns blue from heat (or red).

A simple way to adjust the guides is as follows:

1) insert the blade that will be used  (loosen the guides so the blade fits between them if necessary)
2) set the saw for the largest pendulum action
3) pull the blade down until it reaches its maximum point of extension
4) using the supplied wrench tighten the guides so that they are tight, ie you can push on the back of the blade and it doesn't move
5) Now, using your thumb to put pressure on the back side of the blade, slow loosen the guide adjustment screw until the blade "pops" out of the guide.

That provides the perfect guide adjustment.  This was one of the tricks they showed us at the end-user-training session this summer.

Fred

 

[btracey1]

Fred,
Thanks for the suggestion. That is what I have been doing. I will try it again.
Brian

 

[score0matic]

Brian.
First off thanks for posting your problem.
As Fred stated it sounds like your guides are too tight.   loosen them with the little Allen wrench
If it is still tracking left  i am sure Shane (from Festool Corp) will pop in and let you know where to send it in for repair.
Craig

 

[btracey1]

Thanks guys,
I have gone back out to the garage and tried two more times. Same results two more blades ruined. When I look (with magnification) closely at the action of the chuck as it clamps the blade, it seems to be rotating the blade slightly to the left. I now feel that I have tried everything as far as the guides go....tight, tighter , loose, looser.  Same exact results. The saw literally tracks to the left. I have even tried with a guide rail on both sides and the blades just light up faster. My wife is starting to wonder if she should run to Home Depot and get another fire extinguisher.
Brian

 

[justinmcf]

how long have you had the jigsaw. i just got mine back this morning, it was fixed under warranty.
the carbide guides were worn down and left the blade very loose.
festool replaced the whole carriage/chuck.
you cant ask for better service than that!

do yourself a favour and bring your jigsaw into your local festool dealer. i am sure they will be happy to help.

regards, justin.

 

[btracey1]

Just an update...
Shane from Festool contacted me and had me contact Festool Service today. The Trion Jigsaw is to be replaced with a new one that will be tested out before they send it to me. I'll let you know how the next one works! I'm sure it will be fine.
Thanks again for your comments and help.
Brian

 

[btracey1]

Further Update,
OK today is Wednesday, and UPS just delivered a replacement Trion Jigsaw from Festool! I spoke with Lester on Monday. The saw arrived today....I am impressed!  They not only replaced the Jigsaw and Blades, they tested the replacement to make sure it's working correctly.
Thank you Shane, Lester and Festool.
Brian Tracey 
P.S.  If I could figure out how to insert a big smiley face.....it would be right here!

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Glad to get you back in business, Brian.  Lester and gang simply rock!

Here's a little help on the smiley.  I thought this would be cooler

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Another reason Festool is my first choice when looking at new tools.

Your service is hands down the best!!!

 

[Bob Marino]

Your service is hands down the best!!!
[/quote]

Ditto!

Bob