Set up help

[Aegir]

So I decided to take a leap into the Festool world, just because I can and like the idea of a “ system”
I am transitioning from metal working to wood, and decided to go this route , almost from the outset. So I bought a T55 saw with the CMS table and 26l vacuum so far,  oh and a track to use the saw off the table. So the table wobbles a little, is that normal? And the user manual is basically non existent. I have sliding table with it, and not really sure how to set it up or even why I want a sliding table ( which I am sure I do ) I found one video that showed the saw being attached and a “ brake” was added, thought I only seem to have the trigger clamp and no brake. In the saw box, there is a green piece of plastic, no idea what that is for, so any really good videos out there or sites that show the full setup?  If this goes well, I am going to add the Kapex 120 next week, but want to make sure I am going in the right direction.

 

[RKA]

One of the CMS legs should allow you to twist at the bottom to eliminate the wobble.

The little green plastic is usually used to lock the finger trigger to the on position so you can use the CMS switch to turn the tool on and off. I don’t have the CMS module you’re talking about, so there is a small chance I’m wrong.

Festools instructional information is lacking, but usually you can find set up videos and other tips on you tube. It does take a bit of searching through the muck to find the good ones though. 

Make sure you read up on the Kapex threads on these forums before deciding.  They have had some issues with the motors (which may or may not be consequential to you), so you want to go in with your eyes open.  Not going to discuss further here as there are adequate threads and posts on this topic already.

 

[peter halle]

Welcome to the Forum!  We have several members here who have gone thru what you are experiencing since our forum is global.  I suspect that you might reside in a country that has ‘Roos.  Hopefully we can get you some advice from those who have your exact setup.  That setup is not officially offered in every country.

Peter

 

[Aegir]

Yes, I be Down Under.
I have searched videos , but mostly router setups, not the the saw. The trigger lock I have, the Green plastic bit was in the saw box and a mystery to me. The video I watched attached a “ brake” , which was a black plastic bit and I don’t have it. Not sure how to get the best out of this table with the sliding attachment , and have searched without finding what I am looking for. As for the motor on the saw, well we have 240v and protection for all electrical goods warranties that other countries do not have, so not worried at all on that front. The 120 is not really a giant leap from other brands anyway. Sure, it’s another 1/4 of the price or so over a Dewalt, but.... not that bad. I am just left a little confused by the CMS and so forth, so any links that can help? I have made a search here of CMS, but was mostly for sale items etc

 

[Aegir]

Oh, and that “ wobble” is not from corner to corner, it is in the the area where the legs fold, almost like they are not tightened enough, which they are. I can rock the table back and forth, which seems a little odd as you would be feed wood in that direction. There is maybe 1cm or more play in it. Maybe that is normal, thought I would ask here

 

[peter halle]

  It is designed to be portable and there is usually a compromise between foldability and rigidity and weight.

Peter

 

[Aegir]

Thanks. I can live with it, as long as it is normal for that table

 

[Euclid]

It’s hard to be sure without seeing it, but if the small green item came with the saw - rather than the CMS components - I wonder if it’s the ‘foot’ which can be attached to the right-hand side of the saw and provides some measure of anti-splintering on the upper surface of the offcut (right hand) piece of stock?**  Mine was supplied loose and not attached to the saw.

Just a thought...

Also, there is a “supplemental manual” for the TS55, downloadable. These are, or so I understand, compiled by a Mr. Christopherson - (I may not have the spelling correct) - if that’s helps to find it. They have much more detail and explanation than the booklet in the box. The very little I know about CMS has already been covered by others above.

Edit:
** that’s when the saw is used on a guide rail - I don’t imagine it’s relevant when used a table saw, is it?

 

[RKA]

Can you post a video of the wobble you're talking about?  I still don't understand, but 1cm of play suggests something needs to be fixed, adjusted or otherwise remedied. 

 

[Aegir]

It’s hard to be sure without seeing it, but if the small green item came with the saw - rather than the CMS components - I wonder if it’s the ‘foot’ which can be attached to the right-hand side of the saw and provides some measure of anti-splintering on the upper surface of the offcut (right hand) piece of stock?**  Mine was supplied loose and not attached to the saw.

Just a thought...

Also, there is a “supplemental manual” for the TS55, downloadable. These are, or so I understand, compiled by a Mr. Christopherson - (I may not have the spelling correct) - if that’s helps to find it. They have much more detail and explanation than the booklet in the box. The very little I know about CMS has already been covered by others above.

Edit:
** that’s when the saw is used on a guide rail - I don’t imagine it’s relevant when used a table saw, is it?

I found the supplemental manual, thanks for that, and yes you were correct, is is the splinter guard. Great that someone has done that, will help a lot. I tried to capture the movement of the table on video, but it does not come through well enough, but nothing I can’t live with.

 

[Mortiser]

Here's a resource you'll want to check out...

and another...

Welcome to the Festool world!

 

[Aegir]

Here's a resource you'll want to check out...

and another...

Welcome to the Festool world!

Thanks, busy with it now

 

[sancho57]

Im pretty sure you are talking about the normal shaking thats inherent with te table. Festool does make some accessories that limit the shaking.

FestoolTV on you tube has alot of videos that you will find helpful.

 

[harry_]

The video I watched attached a “ brake” , which was a black plastic bit and I don’t have it.

Check the tail end of the saw. When I bought my TS 75 I didn't think i got that either...... Now I have two.  [embarassed]

 

[jjowen]

Yes, I be Down Under.

Which city?

It might take a few months to settle in to the Festool way. Once you become more familiar with the bits and pieces, it will all make more sense. I find that when using power tools you don't need to the workbench to be as rock solid; the operation of the tools should not be causing concern with any potential movement in the portable tables. Some of the little accessories are quite functional but perhaps don't seem to quite match the quality of the rest of the gear. You seem to spend more time setting up for each cut than actually cutting, but in a short time you will be producing high quality results. The manuals are written by Germans and accordingly rather terse. I lived in Germany for a couple of years so perhaps I adjusted more easily. You will soon be enjoying your new tools.

 

[Aegir]

Yes, I be Down Under.

Which city?

It might take a few months to settle in to the Festool way. Once you become more familiar with the bits and pieces, it will all make more sense. I find that when using power tools you don't need to the workbench to be as rock solid; the operation of the tools should not be causing concern with any potential movement in the portable tables. Some of the little accessories are quite functional but perhaps don't seem to quite match the quality of the rest of the gear. You seem to spend more time setting up for each cut than actually cutting, but in a short time you will be producing high quality results. The manuals are written by Germans and accordingly rather terse. I lived in Germany for a couple of years so perhaps I adjusted more easily. You will soon be enjoying your new tools.

I am In Perth. I also spent a few years in Germany, though with my work never picked up the language. Lived in Melsungen, a small Tuder village near the city of Kassel.
I discovered what the wobble issues are on this table and that is the legs themselves where they are press fitted. No fixing that, but it is not so bad that it interferes, was just surprised to have it.

 

[jjowen]

I am In Perth. I also spent a few years in Germany, though with my work never picked up the language. Lived in Melsungen, a small Tuder village near the city of Kassel.

Ah, I am in Melbourne, so that does not help. I grew up in Perth - Claremont area. In Germany I was in Heidelberg and later Mainz.

 

[Aegir]

I am In Perth. I also spent a few years in Germany, though with my work never picked up the language. Lived in Melsungen, a small Tuder village near the city of Kassel.

Ah, I am in Melbourne, so that does not help. I grew up in Perth - Claremont area. In Germany I was in Heidelberg and later Mainz.

Shame, I could have used some help with this sliding table. Another set of eyes.
Other than the isssues with this table, I like the Kapex and dust extraction a lot, so today am adding the MTF table. After reading this site, I am also going to pick up today, the 150/5 sander.
I am not giving up on the cms, as I plan to add the middle size router to it in the coming couple of weeks, which is part of the reason I bought it in the first place.What I might do, is hand back the sliding table to Festool, after the rep fails to line it up as I have. Like the brand in general so far, as I am real about things and appreciate there are occasional issues with anything. I am still thinking about making it level myself, as I have the tools and ability to do so, but have stopped myself doing it so far, as I shouldn’t really have to. But if all else fails, I might have to do it