Riving Knife

[semenza]

Hi,

        Does the riving knife on the TS 55 retract on its own when making actual plunge cuts? Or does it need to be removed like on the ATF 55?

Seth Semenza

srs

 

[Forrest Anderson]

        Does the riving knife on the TS 55 retract on its own when making actual plunge cuts? Or does it need to be removed like on the ATF 55?

One of the advantages of the TS55 over the ATF55 is that the it doesn't need to be removed for plunge cuts.

In the words of the TS55 brochure, "the spring-supported riving knife even makes light work of plunge cuts because it retracts into the housing automatically when plungecutting". The brochure continues to say:

A riving knife is essential for safe working. It's just annoying that
you normally have to attach/detach the riving knife before and
after the plunge cut. This wastes valuable time.
It's different with the TS 55. The riving knife on the TS 55
retracts into the housing automatically when plunge-cutting.
The saw then moves forward and the knife slips into the saw
notch behind the saw blade. This means that you can enjoy the
benefits of the riving knife, even during plunge-cutting!
The riving knife on the TS 55: maximum safety even for
plunge cutting.

The automatic retraction can be seen about half-way through the product video.

The knife in the larger TS75 is the same, and there is an animation of the TS75 which shows the plunge action and automatically-retracting riving knife (look under "spacer wedge").

The knife can be removed if necessary, for example when mounting the saw upside down in the CMS (not available in the USA), which is why Martin said recently "Fitting the saw in and out of the table is slightly involved, you have to remove the riving knife, and fit the splitter and guard (one allen key)...".

Forrest

 

[semenza]

Hi,

    Thanks.

Seth

 

[Toolpig]

It occurs to me that "spring-loaded" riving knives would be a great feature on table saws.  I know that some table saws already have riving knives, but you have to remove them for non-through cuts.  If they were spring-loaded, you wouldn't have to.

Why aren't the table saw manufacturers thinking of stuff like this??

TP

        Does the riving knife on the TS 55 retract on its own when making actual plunge cuts? Or does it need to be removed like on the ATF 55?

One of the advantages of the TS55 over the ATF55 is that the it doesn't need to be removed for plunge cuts.

In the words of the TS55 brochure, "the spring-supported riving knife even makes light work of plunge cuts because it retracts into the housing automatically when plungecutting". The brochure continues to say:

A riving knife is essential for safe working. It's just annoying that
you normally have to attach/detach the riving knife before and
after the plunge cut. This wastes valuable time.
It's different with the TS 55. The riving knife on the TS 55
retracts into the housing automatically when plunge-cutting.
The saw then moves forward and the knife slips into the saw
notch behind the saw blade. This means that you can enjoy the
benefits of the riving knife, even during plunge-cutting!
The riving knife on the TS 55: maximum safety even for
plunge cutting.

The automatic retraction can be seen about half-way through the product video.

The knife in the larger TS75 is the same, and there is an animation of the TS75 which shows the plunge action and automatically-retracting riving knife (look under "spacer wedge").

The knife can be removed if necessary, for example when mounting the saw upside down in the CMS (not available in the USA), which is why Martin said recently "Fitting the saw in and out of the table is slightly involved, you have to remove the riving knife, and fit the splitter and guard (one allen key)...".

Forrest

 

[richard.selwyn]

I like the idea, as removing the riving knife on my euro/combo (Felder) table saw wastes time, but I don't quite see how they could make a spring loaded riving knife on a table saw, unless it was something you pushed down and locked down before starting the cut?

 

[Forrest Anderson]

It occurs to me that "spring-loaded" riving knives would be a great feature on table saws.  I know that some table saws already have riving knives, but you have to remove them for non-through cuts.  If they were spring-loaded, you wouldn't have to.

Why aren't the table saw manufacturers thinking of stuff like this??

I don't know about other manufacturers, but Festool has certainly thought about it, and they have implemented the idea in their own Precisio CS50 and CS70 table saws 

The saws are actually termed trimming saws, but unlike the similarly-looking CMS and BASIS systems, which have removable router, belt sander, and saw modules, the CS50 and CS70 have non-removable saws.

The riving knife pushes down out of the road if you are wanting to do something like this:

Sadly, neither of these saws are available in the US.

Forrest

 

[Michael Kellough]

Forrest, It will be our loss when you finally give up researching Festools to begin using them 

Thanks for taking the time to share what you've discovered.

 

[Forrest Anderson]

Forrest, It will be our loss when you finally give up researching Festools to begin using them 

Thanks for taking the time to share what you've discovered.

I've been a self-employed researcher for the last 10 years, so I use my research experience to help others in the community in the best way I can. Since I'm just a hobbyist woodworker, I leave it to those with more experience in woodworking to advise on techniques.

Unlike those who have stacks of Systainers, my minimal budget means that I've only got a TS55 and rails at the moment, but I reckon that I've made pretty good use of the system since I bought it. Until I came down for a snack a few minutes ago, I was happily using it to make panelling for a bathroom, and before I started that particular project, I used it to make a shelving system for the garage and several built-in 8ft bookcases for the house.

Be assured that I will continue to research and use Festools, and when more money is available, I look forward to adding to my rather meagre collection. However I have discovered that 4.54am, which was the time I posted my riving knife reply, is better suited for research than use - or so my neighbours tell me...

Forrest

 

[Michael Kellough]

Forrest said; "Be assured that I will continue to research and use Festools..."

My mistake Forrest. Reading a thread about the C12 trigger took me back to your very first post prior to buying your TS55 and I didn't notice the date. As I poured over your posts trying to find the source of my mistake I became even more impressed by the depth and quality of the information you have assembled and contributed to the forum. Thanks again!!

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Unlike those who have stacks of Systainers, my minimal budget means that I've only got a TS55 and rails at the moment, but I reckon that I've made pretty good use of the system since I bought it. Until I came down for a snack a few minutes ago, I was happily using it to make panelling for a bathroom, ...

Forrest

Forrest,

How are you using your TS55 to "make paneling for a bathroom?"  Are you actually making paneling or using the saw to trim panels for your bathroom?  I'd like to know how to make paneling with my TS55, or my floor model TS.

Dave R.

 

[Forrest Anderson]

How are you using your TS55 to "make paneling for a bathroom?"  Are you actually making paneling or using the saw to trim panels for your bathroom?  I'd like to know how to make paneling with my TS55, or my floor model TS.

Oops - I have given the wrong impression. The wood is 8mm x 90mm x 2.4m tongue and groove pine siding. I am using it to make panelling for the side of the bath, below the basin, and behind the WC. Instead of the panels being fastened directly to a wooden framework, short lengths of T&G siding are glued to 35mm x 20mm battens, and these form panels which slot into the wooden frame. This allows the panels to be easily removed for access to pipes, or washing the floor. The TS55 is mainly used just to cut the siding neatly to length, and the battens to length and width. However I also use it to get a nice edge when I want to create an extra-wide board by cutting off the tongues and grooves, and gluing two lengths side-by-side. The glue joint is nearly invisible, and everything fits together beautifully, so I am well pleased with the saw.

Sorry for getting your hopes up!

Forrest