TS55 dust collection with other vacuums?

[jetset95]

Hi all, my apologies if this has been asked and answered many times before, but I have received a TS55 track saw to go with my new (to me) MFT/3 table and it works great.The only problem I have is that I just have a generic shop vac which I hook up to the saw, using the new screw in connector which came with it, but even with this there is dust and wood chipping all over the shop after I cut with it.

Is that simply because it's the combination of a TS55 and a Festool vac which works so well, or could it be something else isn't set up correctly? I have a green splinter guard tab on the saw, and new track I'm using with the MFT/3.

Any advise very much appreciated.

Thanks James

 

[Naildrivingman]

Try using some blue tape to cover the rectangular hole on the right side of the saw.  See if that helps.

I have a TS 75 and I'm impressed how well it throws the dust through the exhaust port.  I have to believe that the 55 is the same.  After witnessing this, I have to think that dust collection in track saws is more related to the design of the saw than the collection device.

Have you checked the exhaust path of the saw and the vac hose for obstructions?  When you say that dust is all over, could you guess at the amount that is being collected?  I have the CT 26 and I would be that after ripping 3/4" stock 6 times, I would have several measured cups of dust and debris on the floor.

I don't think the vacuum is the entire culprit.

Good luck.
Chris

 

[jetset95]

Thanks Chris, the dust seems to be thrown out from where then cut is being made - it's mainly on the right side of the saw - the side of the blade, and in front of the saw - looking face down I'd say most of it would be from 12 to 4 o'clock. Cutting one piece of 6" x 3/4 left dust all over the MFT/3, in the T track grooves and it spewed about 2 feet out to the right. I can't guess how much there might be, but in YouTube videos demonstrating how good the Festool dust collection system is, I have a lot more than in those videos - hence my question.

I can't see any obstruction, and suction of the vac seems to be fine when not connected to the saw - but it may be that my cheap and cheerful system can't cut it. I'll try the tape trick and see what happens, thanks.

 

[flair woodworks]

Trimming cuts, where the side of the blade is exposed, create a lot more dust that is hard to capture.

Another brand of vac should be fine provided there is adequate suction. Lower the green splinterguard or clear window so it touches the workpiece. Covering the window as the other Chris mentioned will focus the suction force, too.

 

[jetset95]

Thanks Chris, I'm using the TS55 on the MFT/3 so there shouldn't be any exposed blade, or very little anyway but I'll take a look at the splinter guard and make sure it's low enough when it's on the track.

 

[Naildrivingman]

Cutting one piece of 6" x 3/4 left dust all over the MFT/3, in the T track grooves and it spewed about 2 feet out to the right. I can't guess how much there might be, but in YouTube videos demonstrating how good the Festool dust collection system is, I have a lot more than in those videos - hence my question.

I can't see any obstruction, and suction of the vac seems to be fine when not connected to the saw - but it may be that my cheap and cheerful system can't cut it. I'll try the tape trick and see what happens, thanks.

The tape improved my dust collection. It is not elegant, but oh well. Festool makes a cover for the 55, but I know nothing about it except that it is probably expensive [scared]

Based on your description your dust escape is far greater than mine.  When ripping sheet goods, try the suggestion above and use a salvage piece underneath.  See if you can borrow a CT extractor, but I really don't think the extractor is a major part of the cause.

Keep us posted.
Chris

 

[jetset95]

Thanks Chris - all good advice - the dust plate is around £30 here in the UK - not prohibitively expensive, but I'm sure I could knock something up to do the same job so I may give that a try if the blue tape doesn't work!

 

[semenza]

Here is a review that I did 10 years ago. Pics are currently only thumb nails due to picture fiasco on FOG a few years ago. But I think you can still see what's what from them.

  http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/cover-plate-review-ts55/msg13459/#msg13459

Seth

 

[grbmds]

It is possible that a Festool CT has more suction than many other vacs on the market, but a good vac should work as well. I have always believed that most of the dust collection efficiency is due to tool design. I used my TS55 with a Fein vac at first till I bought a CT and the dust collection was still good, but probably not as good as with the CT.

[member=1619]SRSemenza[/member] Is the Cover Plate easy to take on and off the TS55? I am definitely looking for a way to improve the dust collection when cross cut trimming with no waste on the outside of the cut. That does produce more dust and chips.

 

[semenza]

It is possible that a Festool CT has more suction than many other vacs on the market, but a good vac should work as well. I have always believed that most of the dust collection efficiency is due to tool design. I used my TS55 with a Fein vac at first till I bought a CT and the dust collection was still good, but probably not as good as with the CT.

[member=1619]SRSemenza[/member] Is the Cover Plate easy to take on and off the TS55? I am definitely looking for a way to improve the dust collection when cross cut trimming with no waste on the outside of the cut. That does produce more dust and chips.

Yes, it is east to put on and take off. It attaches with the parallel guide (rip guide) thumb screws. Turn two thumb screws slide into place, that's it.

You will still get quite a lot of blow out on "no waste side" trim cuts. But not as bad and it seems more "controlled" ..... falling closer to the saw.

This is all personal judgement and guesstimating based on my usage.  Over all the cover plate helps quite a bit.

Seth

 

[antss]

I seem to recall that CT vacs have less suction than competitors anytime I've seen a head to head test. 

Not a significant amount , but less.  Nothing I'd worry about when using it with a single tool and a standard length hose.  And the others ,with limited exceptions, don't offer the tool box carry ability or an easy path to an anti-static hose.

If you are running a cyclone and a long 50mm hose, more power may benefit you.

 

[rst]

I installed a 1" brush dust sweep on my 55 and 75 attached with thumb screws tapped into the side cover.  I cut more plastics than anything and this traps 85-90 % of chips.  My next version will have the extended aluminum flange that is where the thumbscrews go through.  This way is can make the attachment point a slot so I can lower the brush for when making edge cuts.
View attachment 1

 

[Naildrivingman]

That looks ingenious and I like you 2.0 idea even better!  Is that a door sweep you are using?  Where did you buy it?

 

[rst]

I use National Guard Products but Pemko also sells similar products.  The one in the picture is NGP 601A. The version with the extended flange I referred to is NGP 611A.  The flange will need to be trimmed as it is way too high but that is a minor fix.

 

[Birdhunter]

If my TS55 blade is buried in the wood during a cut, I get a little dust at the very end of the cut and that's all. It sounds like something is obstructing the airflow. If the shop vac is generating decent suction, you should see very little dust.