TS 55 (FEBQ) not cutting straight

[martin_josef]

Hello everyone, I've been reading the forum for a bit and decided to set up a workshop with Festool products. I am, however, a novice. I upgraded from an average plunge saw and ran into an issue with the TS 55: the cuts are not straight, they have a slight belly of about 1mm per meter (or 1/25" per 40"). The belly is facing away from the saw.

This does not seem to be common, I did however find this thread:https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-problems/ts55-not-cutting-straight/.

My technique is surely not good, as I am not very experienced. I do not however put excessive pressure on either side. I use an mft table and use the rail, I stand pretty much behind the saw. I have the same issue when cutting along the long side of the table, also with a rail but clamped down instead of mounted to the table.

The two small screws are tightened to the point where there's no discernible wiggle-room between the rail and the saw.

I use three different rails, I have the same issue with all of them.

You can notice in the image I attached what it looks like when I do a straight cut, then go to the center of the board, and plunge in the center of the board. It takes away quite a bit of material, that's the belly I am referring to.

Any help would be appreciated. Kind regards, Martin

View attachment 1

 

[Vtshopdog]

My guess is that your stock and rail are moving relative to each other during your cut.  Try securing the stock to your table while cutting and see if your result improves.  If this doesn’t help then possibly the rail is moving relative to the table (and stock). 

When you plunge the “belly” of your cut your rail has returned to a neutral position giving you the kerf line.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I mostly agree with [member=68668]Vtshopdog[/member] but would add at least a theory behind the problem.
I would guess that your saw is slightly "toe out" and as such it is pulling away from the track. Since it literally cannot move from the track, it is "stretching/bowing the track outward in the middle. Then the fact that the track is clamped at the end makes it impossible to pull it over, so the cut moves back on-line. As a result, rounded cut.
It is possible that the adjusters are slightly loose, allowing the pulling, but that wouldn't explain it "coming back" at the far end.

 

[martin_josef]

Thanks to the two of you, I will try your ideas next week and report back. If I can fix this, maybe it's of help to others as well. Last resort will be to send it back to Festool, I am sure they will be happy to have a look.

 

[GaryA]

You could look at the blade
I had this issue cutting 40mm worktop and found the used saw blade had a bit of flex
A new blade had no issue

 

[waho6o9]

View attachment 1

Clamps work for me

 

[martin_josef]

Hello Gary,

I think that is the solution. I went a bit too fast with the fairly bend-y saw blade that came with the TS55 and that causes the uneven cut.

I can't be 100% sure, but clamping down, well, everything, and going much more slowly causes the line to be straight. I will report back if I understand the issue better.

Thanks for the help everyone!