TS55 Capability

[Tim Sproul]

I'm with minimal on this. Make partial cuts, then a full thickness cut?
Please explain.

Partial cuts are because you are making a full kerf cut.  Yes, if you really wanted the saw to make the full kerf cut in a single pass, you can.  But like many other cutting operations, taking too big a bite winds up costing you.  It dulls the teeth faster.  It wears the saw faster.  You risk safety more.

After cutting through the full thickness from repeated passes, I suggest you can make a full thickness cut in a single pass because you were supposed to make the 'rough' multiple pass cuts just proud of the final dimension.  This means the final cut at full thickness will not be a full kerf and so won't be as taxing on the blade or saw.  You do need to take care with a less than full kerf cut since taking this cut too quickly can cause noticeable blade deflection.

The analogy is routing.  Yes, you can take an OF 2200 and hog out a 3/4 wide by 1/2 inch deep dado in a single pass.......but does that mean that is best way to rout that dado?

 

[paulsomlo]

All,

I bought the TS55 on Friday and got the countertop cut to length.  The noise the saw made was somewhat disconcerting until I read the posts regarding.  The cuts were not absolutely free of sawmarks - I did a little bit of sanding, but they were free of burn marks and were far better than my Porter Cable saw was able to provide.  I bought the quick clamps (can't believe I spent $72 for two small clamps) and they work extremely well.  I'll need to work on the dust collection - I've read the posts regarding the sheet of foam supporting the work and the attachable side plate.  I'm somewhat spoiled in my shop, as I have an Oneida cyclone with very short runs ( my chopsaw sits three feet from the inlet with a large box behind the saw that sucks up anything small enough to become airborne).  I may experiment with a downdraft table for cutting on.  My next Festool will be an OF1400, since I do not yet own a plunge router.

I want to thank all of you who replied to my original post - I realize that I barged in from nowhere expecting answers, which many of you readily provided.  After nosing around the group a bit, I'm very impressed with the amount of info being shared and the professional manner in which it is done.  Suffice to say, not all woodworking groups on the web conduct themselves to the same standard.  Also, nice to know that I'm not alone in my addiction. 

Look forward to corresponding with all of you in the future.

 

[Eli]

And...SCENE!! Everyone take five. ;D

Welcome Paul. Bring us fresh pictures, traveler from the outside.

 

[dirtydeeds]

you film "lovies" are all the same

air kissing then taking a 5 minute break  ;D

 

[festoolgolfer]

i have the older atf55 and last year made a farm table out of 1-1/4" hard maple. i trimmed both ends with no burning and the cuts were like glass. hth

 

[pmkierst]

I'll need to work on the dust collection - I've read the posts regarding the sheet of foam supporting the work and the attachable side plate.  I'm somewhat spoiled in my shop, as I have an Oneida cyclone with very short runs ( my chopsaw sits three feet from the inlet with a large box behind the saw that sucks up anything small enough to become airborne).  I may experiment with a downdraft table for cutting on.  My next Festool will be an OF1400, since I do not yet own a plunge router.

I use a sheet of foam. As long as I am taking a full cut (i.e. the blade has wood on both sides of it), the amount of dust kicked up is *extremely* small, a little at the ends. Damn near zero. This is with a CT33 attached. The dust intake is quite small; if you are trying to use your Oneida, you'll have to bleed air in somewhere to keep t from stalling. Although it doesn't really generate enough airspeed to do the "right" job for this one, careful stepping down of the size should help.

 

[greg mann]

I may experiment with a downdraft table for cutting on. 

The downdraft table may work with your Oneida but, for the most part, it will be unnecessary for Festool work (saws, sanders, router, etc.). Did you use Your Fein with the saw? And, how did you wind up making the cut? One pass? Three passes and a cleanup pass?

 

[paulsomlo]

Yes, I used the Fein.  I made one of the cuts in three passes, the other in three passes with a cleanup pass, they were'nt significantly different.  I read some posts about "toe in" on the blade, my blade looks to be about the same clearance front and back.