TS 55 Saw Blade Update - Universal Blade 2.2mm Kerf

[Administrator_JSVN]

The 28 tooth Universal saw blade for the TS 55, item number 495 376 is being changed to 496 304. The update reflects a change to the kerf (thickness) from a 2.5 mm kerf to a 2.2 mm kerf. There is no change to published price.

Distribution of the new blade will start to dealers in the coming weeks. Check with your preferred dealer for product availability.

 

[Mr. Jeff Smith]

I'll bite.  Why the change in thickness?

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

So that all of the kerf thicknesses are the same across the entire offering of blades.

 

[Bob Marino]

I'll bite.  Why the change in thickness?

I am going to guess (primarly)  that this will keep/maintain a constant (or closer) edge against the rubbber splinterguard - no need to recuts sp when using different blades.

Bob

 

[harry_]

But how will Festool sell more splinter guards now?

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

But how will Festool sell more splinter guards now?

Seems everyone in that other thread thinks they put less sticky glue on them. [big grin] [big grin]

 

[ajones]

True [doh] [doh]

 

[harry_]

True [doh] [doh]

+1

 

[decoy]

I'll bite.  Why the change in thickness?

To save money on metal, while charging you the same or more. Isn't it obvious?

 

[zapdafish]

ah, guess that explains the random splinter I was pulling outa my hands when I switched to a panther blade this weekend.  I didn't realize how usefull the splinter guide was.

 

[atomicmike]

The 28 tooth Universal saw blade for the TS 55, item number 495 376 is being changed to 496 304. The update reflects a change to the kerf (thickness) from a 2.5 mm kerf to a 2.2 mm kerf. There is no change to published price.

Distribution of the new blade will start to dealers in the coming weeks. Check with your preferred dealer for product availability.

And of course, I just bought one a few weeks ago.  [smile]

Is there any plan to make this change to the other blades for the TS 55?

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Mike, I believe the plan is to transition all of the blades to a common kerf size.

 

[tbellemare]

All the TS 55 blades now are 2.2mm kerf unless you're getting old stock.

Be sure that the number starts with 496.

Tom

 

[Kevin D.]

Is this happening with the TS75 blades as well?

I bought a bunch of blades when they were on sale a few months back, and I kept to all the ones of the same kerf.  There were a couple of them that were different kerf there as well, but due to the splinter guard issue, I opted not to get them.

At that same time, I had contemplated getting a TS55, but the kerf issue again, stopped me in my tracks.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

This was one reason I bought a Tenryu 24t for my 55.  It was the same kerf as the standard blade.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Kevin, these changes are only effecting the TS 55 blades. The TS 75 blades have a thicker kerf due to their larger diameter.

 

[Kevin D.]

Kevin, these changes are only effecting the TS 55 blades. The TS 75 blades have a thicker kerf due to their larger diameter.

Thanks Shane.  So I guess all the TS55 blades will be of the same kerf for all of them.  Smart move imo, and better for the TS55 users.

I guess my question should be expanded.  The TS75 blades - per my 2009-2010 catalogue, are also of different kerf thicknesses also.  Will they also follow with making them all the same kerf for the TS75 blades?

Per my catalogue, the Standard 495 379 & the Panther 495 378 are both 2.6mm kerfs.  The Universal 495 380, Fine Tooth 495 381, Solid Surface Laminate 495 382 & the Aluminum/Plastic 495 383 are all 2.4mm kerfs.  The odd man out is the Steel/Multilayered Board 495 384 which is a 2.2mm kerf.  Will these blades be going to a single kerf size, and which kerf size will it be?

 

[Alan m]

ok i know im asking a stupid question , but here goes

why does the thickness of the kerf matter to the splinter guard . is it not regestered off of the flange on the arbor of the motor .
have they reduced the amount of clearence between the side of the tooth and the body of the blade

 

[Coen]

Is this only now hitting the shores of the USA? Here in Nortwestern Europe we have all TS55 blades 2.2mm for quite some time already.

Yes, the more recent transparent splinter guard doesn't stick to it's rail too well... Anyone some old stock of splinter guard?

 

[Kevin D.]

ok i know im asking a stupid question , but here goes

why does the thickness of the kerf matter to the splinter guard . is it not regestered off of the flange on the arbor of the motor .
have they reduced the amount of clearence between the side of the tooth and the body of the blade

The kerf is actually the width of the teeth.  The body of the blade is narrower, and is in fact irrelevant insofar as to how it affects the guiderail splinterguard.  So if different blades have different teeth widths/kerfs, the splinter guard is being recut off when using the wider kerfs.  When you go and put back on a smaller kerf blade after having used a wider kerf blade, now the splinter guard will no longer be zero clearance for the norrower kerf blade(s), and you'd need to go and reposition/re-cut the splinterguard again.  This dilema also applies to the splinter guard attachment that is also fastened to the outboard side of the saw as well.

From a consumer perspective, it is best they are all the same kerf, but I wonder also if certain performance issues will change modifying certain kerfs to a common kerf width.  I just don't know squat about blade construction/performance characteristics to know if there is a trade-off as a result.  I think very few folks would know.