TS-55 dust extraction

[Chub]

Whoeiwiee my first post on this forum.
Today my gf suprised me with a TS-55, with 2 rails and an extra 28theeth blade. The way to a man's heart is....uhhh with Festools ;D

I was doing some test cuts in some MDF. I noticed some more then expected dust flying out beneath the saw. I know MDF can be a pain with regard to dust extraction, but especcialy with MDF dust I'm picky. The saw was hooked up to my dustextractor using the D27 hose. I've yet to try my D36 hose.

Are there any other ways to further improve dustextraction? Anyone got better results using the Coverplate?

I also was wondering how you guys, when you join up two guiderails, get them straight/square in a quick and easy way.

Btw what a great saw. [big grin]

 

[fatroman]

Welcome to the forum [welcome]

and congrats on getting such a nice present!

If you put some hard foam insulation, like XPS, underneath your MDF, you'll find that cuts down on the dust spray. The coverplate is supposed to help, but you might also try to fashion something like it yourself and have close to the same results.

I use a 6' level to align my rails and then tighten the connectors. Seems to work fine for me.

 

[RPSmith]

Chub,

Does your girlfriend have a sister?

Fatroman nailed the answer.  You may also want to check the depth of the saw blade in the MDF.  Is it too deep?  I, too, hate MDF dust more than others.  The blue foam is a key improvement.

Welcome to the FOG.

RPS

 

[Michael_MA]

Hi Chub and Wellcome to the FOG...

If there is another sister..  [smile]

Well, back to the TS55, i#m using the coverplate and find it a great improvement if doing rip cuts in sensitive rooms, cause it really helps to catch the chips and dust of the TS.
When using the coverplate, you find virtually no dust escaping the saw line.
I use it mostly, with MDF, Chipboard and Drywall.

I'm using the 36mm hose and the SRM45 dust extractor.

kind regards, Mike

 

[Chub]

Sorry guys no more sisters available  [tongue]

If you put some hard foam insulation, like XPS, underneath your MDF, you'll find that cuts down on the dust spray.

Definitly gonna try that. Sounds simple.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Sorry guys no more sisters available  [tongue]

Chub, just tell them they're NAINA.

 

[LostInTheWood]

Recently I had to cut some styrofoam sheets. Since I don't have the coverplate I put some painter's tape over the access hole in the upper guard and used the splinterguard attachment.  Works well, but I am curious if the coverplate is that much better. 

 

[Julian Tracy]

Here's a nice tip if you are cutting outside and not using a dust extractor (I know, I know, howe could I suggest such a practice - HERESY!)

Anyhow, the Bosch handheld planer comes with a nice wire-framed square dust bag, and it fits the TS55 port perfectly.  I've found it very handy to use when I'm cutting outside and don't really need full dust collection yet would like a reduction in the mess.

Also - super handy when cutting sheet goods outside with or without a vacuum - I use my Makita cordless blower a lot to periodically blow off the sheet goods surface.

Unlike the Domino, I've found the cut quality to not be all that affected by whether you are using a vac hooked up to it.

And yes, it's NOT a dust extractor, it's just a vacuum... (fancy pants Festool names)  I'm surprised they don't call their routers: advanced high-speed rotational cutting devices

Julian

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Julian,

How do you find that Makita blower compared to using a blow gun off a portable air compressor?

 

[norwegian wood]

Recently I had to cut some styrofoam sheets. Since I don't have the coverplate I put some painter's tape over the access hole in the upper guard and used the splinterguard attachment.  Works well, but I am curious if the coverplate is that much better. 

i took some velcro tape strips and some vinyl cove base and made a cover that sticks right on and is easier to put on and take off then the festool cover plate.

 

[Kodi Crescent]

The girlfriend is giving you a not so subtle hint that she wants you to make her something.