TS 55 FEQ to TS 55 EQ conversion?

[j41385@hotmail.com]

This is my first post on here so please be gentle with me if this has been asked or if it's impossible. But I would like a Brand-New Saw not a used one, but I see that they don't make a ts-55 that has the full length (blade length) Riving knife like they used to with the EQ version, now they only offer a sheet goods or thin stock length riving knife. Would it be possible to Buy a New FEQ model then buy the spare parts, or repair parts from Festool and convert the new saw to an EQ model? I was thinking of Buying the full-length Riving knife, and maybe a Blade shroud and base if needed to do this. Then just use the REQ 2.2mm Blades to match the riving knife. Is this possible, or should I just buy the new Milwaukee 6 and a half inch saw when it comes out instead- so I can get a full-length riving knife? Thanks for your advice.

 

[Ron B]

I would check to see if I could find any NOS at a dealer.  With the shortages most dealers probably sold their old stock, but try little niche dealers, they may have old stock.  Spread your search out beyond the well known on-line dealers.  Look for odd-ball dealers, like Dynamite Tools in NY that specializes in concrete tools or other niches.  (I have never purchased from Dynamite so cannot give them a yah or nah)

Or contact Chip at Nirvana Tools in Chicago.  I have purchased from them and Chip is excellent. This is a bigger firm that does a lot of on-line but I will highly recommend them.  Just shot him an e-mail and he may be able to point you in the right direction or at least give you the model numbers you need to search for.  I tried to pull up the part numbers but frankly Festool changes their part numbers so often I am afraid to give you the wrong model. Festool changed their systainers in the recent pass, and that created a whole new series of model numbers, and to me their model numbers have little rhyme or reason. 

With that said, it looks like 201394 is available on Amazon.  That is a basic battery model with no batteries and I THINK it the series you want.

Good luck in your search.

 

 

[j41385@hotmail.com]

I would check to see if I could find any NOS at a dealer.  With the shortages most dealers probably sold their old stock, but try little niche dealers, they may have old stock.  Spread your search out beyond the well known on-line dealers.  Look for odd-ball dealers, like Dynamite Tools in NY that specializes in concrete tools or other niches.  (I have never purchased from Dynamite so cannot give them a yah or nah)

Or contact Chip at Nirvana Tools in Chicago.  I have purchased from them and Chip is excellent. This is a bigger firm that does a lot of on-line but I will highly recommend them.  Just shot him an e-mail and he may be able to point you in the right direction or at least give you the model numbers you need to search for.  I tried to pull up the part numbers but frankly Festool changes their part numbers so often I am afraid to give you the wrong model. Festool changed their systainers in the recent pass, and that created a whole new series of model numbers, and to me their model numbers have little rhyme or reason. 

With that said, it looks like 201394 is available on Amazon.  That is a basic battery model with no batteries and I THINK it the series you want.

Good luck in your search.

Thank you for that advice and I just looked up and emailed one close-ish to where I live with your advice to ask about NOS. About that Amazon number I looked at that saw and it is the REQ battery one with the short riving knife. The REQ and the New thin kerf 1.8mm FEQ have the short riving knife for thin stock and sheet goods. I would like the full blade length of the EQ TS55 EQ. Corded Preferred.

Used is tough, because you don't know if the person before you used the heck out of it and it will need work, and brushes and if it has been dropped on the floor or not. Ideally I could find one that was only used a couple of times. I would just buy a TS 75 because it has the full length riving knife but no one has any. I think it's because Festool has been Gearing up to release their all new TS 60 in October. But they claim they still make them.

 

[AlexThePalex]

If you have the skill to place a riving knife in a saw that was not designed for it, you have the skill to replace a part here and there in a used saw if it might be necessary. Save yourself a lot of trouble and buy a used saw. Just make sure you pick it up in person so you can have a thorough inspection before you hand over your money.

 

[Coen]

Yeah I noticed that too with the new F compared to the 1st version TS 55. However, the riving knife did get an increase in the other direction.

You are not gonna find a new TS 55 EQ (no brake in 110V land I guess?). The riving knife got shortened with the R version already and that was 9 (?) years ago.

I noticed it too. Kinda weird move if you ask me.

 

[Cheese]

Ya, Coen's right...finding a new TS 55 EQ will be impossible. I purchased mine new in 2010.

However if you're interested, I've been "going to sell" my TS 55 EQ for the last 6 years, just haven't gotten around to it. PM me if you're interested.

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[Coen]

Seems yours already has the improved base regarding how it slides over the rail.

 

[guybo]

Hi, welcome to the fog,tenryu makes this blade w/a thin 1.6 riving knife shim is for blade arbor. great blade for sheet goods.I use it on my ts55eq and other thin kerf blades [big grin]