TS 55 Tipping

Tinker

Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2007
Messages
3,796
I have had my ATF 55 for a few years now.
The main problem i have had with it has been its tendency to tip when i try to cut with it at a negative angle.
It becomes a two handed job requireing total consentration to keep the base in contact with the guide bar.

Is the TS 55 any better in this respect
Tinker
 
In a nutshell, no, it will still tip.

Sorry if you wanted to hear a different answer! 

 
I put some 1/64" thick slick tape under the base of my TS55 and it stopped the tipping.
 
Tinker,

I'm assuming you're talking about a bevel cut.  I bought a Makita SP6000K instead of a Festool saw.  One of the reasons I went with the Makita was the tab that slides over into the groove in the Makita track that prevents the saw from tipping.  The tab does work to prevent tipping, but when cutting I still keep one hand on the base.  If not, the tab has enough play to let the saw move slightly and can cause a burn on the cut.  I know you didn't ask about a Makita saw, but I thought my experience might be of value to you.

Les,

How does the slick tape prevent the saw from tipping?

Marcus
 
Marcus,

If you put the saw on the guide rail and press on the side you can see it tip. The green strip is not far enough out board from the blade. I could put a .015 shim between the saw base and the aluminum part of the rail.
 
Thanks guys.
I will try some of the suggestions with my ATF 55 and see how they work.
I have been thinking of upgrading my 55 and the tipping problem, i had hoped, would not carry thru to the TS 55.
I am sure that even with the clamping devices it would be a good ideat to keep both hands on the saw and base.

my main reasons for going (hopefully) to the TS 55 is that I can see the numbers for height and tilt.
They are nearly invisible on the ATF. 
Tinker
 
Tinker,

The tipping is caused by the rail so you will have the same problem with both saws. If you have down pressure on the saw it has to be between the two green strips. If you have to reach across say the work piece, the saw will have a tendency to tip. Just put your saw on the rail and try tipping it, you will see what I mean.
 
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