TS55 REQ - blade not retracting after cut

[pjcoop]

So I bought a TS55 REQ on the weekend and finally got to use it today. My first impressions are it was great, I was able to do stuff in the field that i never would have been able to do before. I could cut custom pieces that fit perfectly, I could never do that before. Always taking measurements and going back to my shop and do my cuts.
So my problem or maybe question, when i finish my cut, the blade stays plunged when i pick up the saw off the track. To get blade to retract back i have to to knock the base plate from the top and it snaps down real hard.
Is there an adjustment screw or something that i am missing.
Just thought I would post here before I try and call somebody, might be easy fix.
Thanks
Peter

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Make sure the FastFix lever on the handle is fully depressed. In fact, lift it and then reseat it. See if that fixes the problem. The blade should retract on it's own. If those doesn't resolve it and there are no recommendations from other members, call the service number for assistance. I would recommend that you discontinue using the saw for safety reasons until it's fixed. Sorry for the problem.

Feel free to contact me via PM or email if I can assist in any way.

Shane

 

[tbellemare]

That's really sound advice that Shane gave you, especially the safety part...

You might also check it for detritus that's impeding the plunge return. Please unplug the cord while checking it out.

Tom

 

[pjcoop]

Nope sorry,  I tried releasing it and setting it properly didn't do anything. As i was just playing with it, it moves up and down freely until it hits the depth stop and then it locks in position and needs a hit to release it.
Peter

 

[tbellemare]

At what depth is your depth stop set. I'm trying to repeat it with mine and can't.

Tom

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I was able to replicate it by having the FastFix lever out about 3/4" give or take.

I'd give service a call in the morning. Their number is below in my signature. Alternatively, if it's convenient call your dealer to see if they have another one in stock and go swap it for a new one.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Mine would hang up just like you are describing. The issue is it rubs on something (saw is 20 miles from me right now) having to do with the depth lock (fast fix).  It got better with use, but I had to do a little filing on the edge of a plastic part.  Works fine now.

 

[tbellemare]

I was able to replicate it by having the FastFix lever out about 3/4" give or take.

Me too, Shane, if the depth stop is set at or beyond about 21mm. It seems like that behavior might be normal.

I also noticed that at about 1/2" out, it feels like it's starting to engage but not actually engaging. Furthermore, the FastFix function doesn't disengage until it's completely retracted, where it engages only at about 18mm out when measured at the scallop in the handlle.

I'm thinking this is a feature.

Perhaps the OP's saw is a little touchy and the Service Dept. can figure that out?

Tom

 

[pjcoop]

I had the saw depth adjustment at 25mm, when i set it to 30mm the saw goes up and down okay but when it passes the 25mm mark it catches.
Peter

 

[tbellemare]

I had the saw depth adjustment at 25mm, when i set it to 30mm the saw goes up and down okay but when it passes the 25mm mark it catches.
Peter

I'd definitely call Service. That doesn't seem normal unless the FastFix lever is not seated.

You got me curious so I checked out my older TS 55 and TS 75. They had similar behavior as my new TS 55 R. They were all somewhat different in the depths of plunge required and the angle of movement of the FastFix lever but they all had similar behavior.

Tom

 

[pjcoop]

After looking and playing with it more. The Fast fix tab that engages in the notch seems to be the problem. Even with the lever down in the proper position the little black tab is sticking out far enough to catch in the notches. Can this be filed down or will that affect the locking for blade change.
Peter

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I would recommend that you not modify (or file) the saw. Doing so could void your warranty. I've emailed you and provided your information (name/phone) to our service department. Let's get them in the loop and see if they can walk you through a fix over the phone. Or, like I suggested, swap it for another saw at your dealer if that's convenient.

Shane

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I would recommend that you not modify (or file) the saw. Doing so could void your warranty. I've emailed you and provided your information (name/phone) to our service department. Let's get them in the loop and see if they can walk you through a fix over the phone. Or, like I suggested, swap it for another saw at your dealer if that's convenient.

Shane

Now where is the fun in that?   [tongue]

That is what the issue was with mine, it would barely catch on it. It was a minuscule amount and I could not get to the bottom of why it was off just that tiny little bit.

 

[jimbo51]

I was at Woodcrafters this weekend comparing the plunge action of the old and new TS55. On the old model, the plunge action is completely smooth. On the new one, there is a definite bumpiness to it as if something was slightly binding repeatedly. I definitely prefer the feel of the original model.

 

[Flynnworx]

I am having same issue with my new TS 55 req right out of the box [sad]
Keep thread updated please! I dont have time to send mine back right now.
Btw what glue can i use on the splinter guard strip on tracks? One of mine is peeling slightly

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I am having same issue with my new TS 55 req right out of the box [sad]

Welp, I know of 3-4 of these now. It's sounding like there may have been a small batch of these unfortunately. I've already sent you an email and received your response so we can get it fixed for you promptly.

Jimbo, the plunge mechanism was unchanged between the 55 EQ and 55 REQ. To me at least, they operate the same.

 

[Flynnworx]

Update

Customer service from Festool is on the ball! Shane contacted me and sent my info to Lester who called me first thing this morning to help me ship saw as quickly as possible.

Now the update; I had to cut off some doors this afternoon and since it was the end of the day I started fiddling with the plunge lock lever and alternately full plunging the saw (unplugged of course) This repeated action seated or adjusted the little catch that was happening  [big grin]

 

[spanz]

i have a Festool circular saw, and it too would not retract if i made a very deep cut.  I read up here, and heard about stuck wood, and filing some plastic piece down.  So back i went to the shop and opened up the blade guard--nothing in there.  Then screwed around with it a bunch of times, and each time i tried to plunge the saw deep, it stuck.  If i only went 1" deep it would retract normally.

THEN i noticed this is BY DESIGN.  There is a small black lbuttonthat you slide sideways to "unstick it" after making a deep cut. 

Mine is a fall of 2018 vintage saw.  But, so you do not look like a shmuck and try to send back a perfectly good saw...see if your saw is just acting normally, and NOT retracting on deep cuts until you slide that little black lever!!!

 

[Mike Goetzke]

i have a Festool circular saw, and it too would not retract if i made a very deep cut.  I read up here, and heard about stuck wood, and filing some plastic piece down.  So back i went to the shop and opened up the blade guard--nothing in there.  Then screwed around with it a bunch of times, and each time i tried to plunge the saw deep, it stuck.  If i only went 1" deep it would retract normally.

THEN i noticed this is BY DESIGN.  There is a small black lbuttonthat you slide sideways to "unstick it" after making a deep cut. 

Mine is a fall of 2018 vintage saw.  But, so you do not look like a shmuck and try to send back a perfectly good saw...see if your saw is just acting normally, and NOT retracting on deep cuts until you slide that little black lever!!!

Where is this small black button?

Thanks

 

[citroen42]

I had the same problem with my TS55 and it doesn't look to be by design. In my case it was cause by the FastFix locking mechanism catching when pushed down. I fixed it by applying a a drop of UV hardening glue (or any other) on the lock lever (not the cam) so that it is pushed in a little further when the FastFix handle is closed. Picture attached and marked with a red circle.