TS 55 R depth setting problem

[neeleman]

Has anyone already noticed problems with the depth setting?
On the TS 55 R the depth setting can be adjusted with the black screw depending on the blade diameter/radius.
I assume Festool noted that when blades are sharpened they normally become smaller.
But with one of my oldest blades (still Festo) the depth setting cannot be adjusted enough to get a correct scale.
The blade is sharpened probably 3-4 times during the 15 years I use it.
And the diameter is reduced to 155 mm instead of 160 mm. That's only 2½ mm per side.
But hey don't we all want to work with sharp blades and the Festool blades are expensive enough to sharpen them several times.
It's still cheaper then buying new ones.

Solution: I replaced the standard plastic screw and spring with a M5 Allen bolt and now I can screw it down enough for adjusting the blade diameter.
I still find it strange that Festool has not thought of that.
I tried removing the whole green depth setting block from behind because I think it can be adjusted but did not go so far to dismantle the whole saw.
Maybe somebody from Festool can reply to that solution.

 

[Peter Durand]

Now that is a cool way to adjust it. Thanks.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Not trying to be a wise guy, but what application are you guys using the saw for that you need the depth perfectly dialed in so tight?

For me, if it's within a few millimeters, it's good.

Shane

 

[galwaydude18@gmail.com]

Shane isn't that part of the sales pitch with the new TS 55R? That you can dial the depth in so well that you can cut on top of a bunch of sheets and not damage the one below it with a saw blade mark

 

[joiner1970]

Not trying to be a wise guy, but what application are you guys using the saw for that you need the depth perfectly dialed in so tight?

For me, if it's within a few millimeters, it's good.

Shane

Wow surprised to hear that from a Festool representative.

I quite often use the saw to cut a trench for a door lining or something like that where you would need to be spot on depth wise. Yeah in general use you don't need to be spot on. I think all the gauges are a real let down on the new saw compared to the old one. I just decided to just put up with them as there's not a lot you can do about it.

 

[galwaydude18@gmail.com]

Ya joiner I often need the saw depth to be accurately for different jobs and within a few millimeters wouldn't cut the mustard.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Guys, believe it or not, I don't run tools for a living. I can learn and this is one example of where I'm trying to learn how the feature is being used. I'm not trying to say that it's a useless feature.

I've seen the example of cutting through a sheet of ply without damaging the one below. I just wanted to hear other ways it is being used. That's all.

Shane

 

[tjbnwi]

Shane did ask the application where this type of accuracy was necessary.

In his experiences he has yet to need that type of accuracy, I'd guess 95% of the members here do not need to be that accurate where depth is involved.

The previous model TS 55 had the same capability, just no screw in the hole. I would think the range of adjustment for the REQ would be somewhere in the literature.

The photos show cutting out a floor board (laminate with factory installed liner), you can see the saw is not an REQ. No marks in the sub floor. I use the same method for hardwoods, setting the depth so I don't cut the felt.

Tom

edit; I see Shane posted before I did.

 

[galwaydude18@gmail.com]

Shane we are all here to learn from each other  [smile]

 

[joiner1970]

Guys, believe it or not, I don't run tools for a living. I can learn and this is one example of where I'm trying to learn how the feature is being used. I'm not trying to say that it's a useless feature.

I've seen the example of cutting through a sheet of ply without damaging the one below. I just wanted to hear other ways it is being used. That's all.

Shane

Not having a go at you mate

I realize you don't do it for a living like us. You'd be surprised the things we use the ts55 for, I use it for rebates, trenches and I've even used it to do a long chamfer on some material by adjusting the depth by 1mm and moving the rail each time. Hope that makes sense, all of these jobs need accuracy.

Cutting sheet material on top of something else and not damaging it is just a gimmick really I couldn't ever see myself wanting to do that as I always cut through by at least 5mm as its better to do that

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Thanks, Tom. That was an application that I thought about, but I doubt a millimeter into the subfloor would make a real difference.

Though crowd...  [unsure]

I do my best to be well educated on applications, and I do use the tools myself, but there's always room to learn.

Rock on.

Shane

 

[tjbnwi]

The one I showed is a basement with DriCore sub-floor. I have done basements with laminate floors over 6 mil plastic per manufactures spec. In that case you don't want to cut the vapor barrier or hit the concrete with the blade. Accuracy really helps and seeing as the saw can do it why not utilize its capability? Cutting felt under a hardwood floor, especially in an older home with a sleeper sub floor is a big no-no also.

Tom

 

[Deansocial]

Yeah cutting floor glued to or floating on concrete is where I want accuracy

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Ok, now that's a good example of needing the accuracy, on concrete. That's what I was looking for, perfect. Thanks.