TS55 question

[Jonhilgen]

Hey guys,

Relatively new to FOG and to Festool.  I have had a ts55 for about 4 or 5 months and I haven't begun to realize it's true potential...yet. 

Which leads me to this question:  Can this saw handle ripping stacked sheet goods?  I know it has the depth capability, but I have a rather large job to cut up, about 72 sheets of ply ( I wouldn't have even considered bidding this job prior to owning this saw) and I'm thinking I could cut my bench time in half by stacking two sheets of 3/4 ply and doubling up on my cuts. 

I don't want to kill my saw, but I don't want to baby this thing either...

 

[jmbfestool]

The work shop was way to busy when we needed some units making. I just bought the TS55 so the company decided to make me build everything one site. So I had loads of cutting MDF sheets  form 9 - 12 and 22 mm.  One of the first things I had to do was help the work shop out and cut No400  90mm rips. The sheets arrived on a pallet and all I did was place 4 pieces of Lath under the first 3 sheets and cut the 3 together. It was loads quicker than doing it in a workshop and only needed one person. Also making the wardobes I placed two 22mm MDF  together just one problem I had is that sometimes the sheets try and slide to I would recommend claming the sheets. It cuts through two sheets of MDF like butter!

 

[paul_david_thomas]

yes... i was cutting up some 2800mmx2070mm sheets - i stacked them 2 deep (18mm each). i used the geko on the guide rail - so it did not slip at all... works just fine two deep.  Just go a little slower... oh an use a vac  on it.

 

[Martin Johnson]

It will be fine cutting two up...I've done it a number of times.  Dont' know the application, but if you are making a lot of repetitive cuts to the same width (like shelving or panel sides)...You could also save time by using the parallel guides, so you don't have to keep measuring...then it is only a matter of crosscuting to size.

 

[honeydoman]

yep it will work fine as mentioned, just have to cut slower.  make sure that they are squared up good.... also the parrell guides are great for repeated cuts and the long rail the 105" one or whatever it is close.......  I have been using the parrell guides this last week and I am very happy with them. saves time.

so good luck.

 

[johnbro]

Saw a great gang cutting tip over on finehomebuilding.com. Square up your stack and start cutting to full depth. The piece that doesn't get cut all the way through becomes the layout for the next set--just lay the rail on the cut line adn cut again. You just have to be sure your stack is squared up nicely. Maybe with a little jig?

 

[steelydev]

My table saw was down last week and had to rip everything with my 55.  Boy!  What a job it did on the 1x6 ripping it into 2" strips.  Here's how I did it.  Joined two 55" guides using a 4'level at the joint to ensure straight.  Then put the FS rapid underneath with an 8' 1x6 (checked for straight) then clamped the guides onto the 1x6 with 2" overhanging to the splinter guard.  Then I just slid the 1x6 under the splinter guard to contact the 1x6 clamped under the guide rail and jiggled left and right a little to ensure contact, hooked up the Porter Cable vac and went to town with the 55.  Compared to pushing the 1x6 through my Freud ripping blade, the combo blade on the 55 made a cut that was 100% better, and I'm told the Festool ripping blade is even better.

While I had this rig set up, I also made eight 2" rips off the side of a sheet of 1/2" plywood and half-lapped them into a cutting grid for future use.  I don't have a MFT...

 

[Brice Burrell]

....Compared to pushing the 1x6 through my Freud ripping blade, the combo blade on the 55 made a cut that was 100% better, and I'm told the Festool ripping blade is even better.......

Welcome to the FOG.

I think the term better is up for debate. Yes, it rips better but it leaves a much rougher cut and tears up the rubber edge of the guide rail.

 

[steelydev]

Thanks.

I was very happy with the speed of the standard 55 blade and the cut is fabulous.  So I'll stay away from the ripping blade....why mess with perfect.