TS 55 Blade Speed Adjustment - how to know what speed is best?

[MikeDVB]

Hello!

So I just picked up a TS 55 a few days ago and prior I had been using a Bosch Circular Saw [with no speed adjustment].

That said the TS 55 does have a blade speed adjustment and I'm not entirely sure how to know what speed I should be using.  I know that it would vary with material - but how does one know whether to use a higher speed or a lower speed?

I do have the 3 blades from few teeth to lots of teeth although I'll most likely be using the middle one most often.

 

[Birdhunter]

Look at page 13 of the Supplemental Manual. It lists speeds for various materials.

 

[MikeDVB]

Look at page 13 of the Supplemental Manual. It lists speeds for various materials.

Will do .

 

[MikeDVB]

It looks like the speed 6 is within the recommended range for everything I want to do [hard and soft wood] - no plastic or aluminum or anything.

 

[Birdhunter]

I didn’t see any differentiation for blade type just materials.

 

[MikeDVB]

I didn’t see any differentiation for blade type just materials.

Yeah. I’ll be using the universal blade most.

 

[semenza]

I run it on 6 for all types of wood and sheet goods with every blade. Exception being cutting plastic for which I use 2 or 3.

I have not ever put in the effort to experiment though.

Seth

 

[bertv]

I keep it on 5, for no other reason than being able to notch up to 6 when I feel like it. Makes no sense, I know…

 

[MikeDVB]

I run it on 6 for all types of wood and sheet goods with every blade. Exception being cutting plastic for which I use 2 or 3.

I have not ever put in the effort to experiment though.

Seth

Yeah the supplemental manual suggests 4-6 for just about everything but metal and plastic.

 

[sancho57]

I run mines on 6 no matter what

 

[rst]

Speed # 3 works for the majority of plastics that I cut.  I have other saws that I use for aluminum although I rip up to 1/4" aluminum on my table saw with no speed adjustment, same for my chop saws.  That being said, I keep aluminum/plastic blades in all my stationary equipment...Amana's Blucoat blades are fantastic.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Cut a lot of aluminum with my 75 last year. Started off at speed 4 but soon increased to full speed with no visible penalty. I did frequently lube the blade with waxy stuff meant for that.

So, as most do, I run the saw at full speed for everything but plastics.

 

[MikeDVB]

So to cut acrylic - 2 or 3?

 

[rst]

I cut acrylic, polycarbonate, and ABS all at 3.

 

[Cheese]

So to cut acrylic - 2 or 3?

I'd start at 3 and if you're melting the acrylic too much then bring it to 2.

Porcelain is 1 with a diamond blade.
Cement board is 3 with a PCD blade.
Aluminum is 4 or 5 with an aluminum blade.
Wood is 6