TS55 to break down sheet goods

[madera]

Just wondering if anyone uses a Ts55 with the angle unit to break down a stack of sheet goods.

I first want to know if the angle unit can accuratly make a square 8' cut.

Secondly what sort of setup do you use to accomplish this?

I was thinking about building a shop cart say 6'x3' and then stacking a large pile of prefinished birch to be broken down. I was thinking of using a sheet of XPS foam or something under the top sheet. After the pieces were cut I would finish sizing them on the cabinet saw.

Any recomondations?

 

[Sparktrician]

The angle unit really isn't up to Festool standards for an accurate, consistent angle cut.  When I break down sheet goods, I prefer to do it using an accurate square like the Woodpeckers 1281 (http://www.woodpeck.com/1281.html) to validate the squareness of my angles before cutting.  The Parallel guides are a huge help in keeping things consistent.  While I know that the MFT tops are sacrificial, I generally use a sheet of rigid foam under the piece being cut to save wear and tear on both the MFT top as well as the blade in my TS55.  Also if you use multiple guide rails (as opposed to a single 3000mm rail) you use a known-good straightedge to verify that the straightness of the joined rails before cutting. 

[smile]

 

[AdamM]

I second Willy's comments.  The only time I've ever used Festool's 30 Money-Back Guarantee was on the angle unit.  It tends to move when you tighten down the knob to set an angle.

Use a real square and you'll be much better off.

Building a 3x6 table with foam on top should work well.

 

[madera]

So even if I have a stack of say 30 sheets the concensus is to not use the angle guide even as a square to just cut the sheets into rough widths to be sized on the table saw.

 

[Brice Burrell]

So even if I have a stack of say 30 sheets the concensus is to not use the angle guide even as a square to just cut the sheets into rough widths to be sized on the table saw.

I have the angle unit and I'll admit it is one of the least used Festool products I own.  That said, you could use it for rough sizing of stock as long as you aren't counting on getting perfectly square cuts.  I'd still look for another alternative, possibly a homemade  square/jig or spend some money on Woodpeckers or another quality band.

 

[tDot]

I prefer the Qwas Square.  I use it regularly for squaring cuts that are too large for the MFT.  I played with the Festool unit once at a store and I was really disappointed, I dont think they wanted to have competition for the MFT from one of their own products.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I prefer the Qwas Square.  I use it regularly for squaring cuts that are too large for the MFT.....

Me too, nice after market accessory.  I don't they're available at the moment but maybe sometime in the future they will be again. 

 

[Qwas]

I prefer the Qwas Square.  I use it regularly for squaring cuts that are too large for the MFT.....

Me too, nice after market accessory.  I don't they're available at the moment but maybe sometime in the future they will be again.  

Yes, real soon... really.  [smile] Really soon, for real.  [big grin] Really really soon, I promise.  [scared]

 

[MarkF]

So even if I have a stack of say 30 sheets the concensus is to not use the angle guide even as a square to just cut the sheets into rough widths to be sized on the table saw.

I just lay out my cut marks, bring the rubber edge to the mark and make the cut.  Rearely need the tablesaw other than a palce to support the sheet of plywood while I cut it with the TS55.  If you already have the angle guide there are improvements you can make to keep it more stable.  It can be disassembled and a sandpaper washer inserted to give it better bite for holding an angle. 

 

[Dongar]

I have the angle unit and it is useful for cutting rake cuts on vinyl siding. You would just set it on top of the last installed piece and push it against the soffit and lock it. Then if you were careful it would stay aligned for the whole side. The setting wasn't very critical in this use because the J molding covers the end and you have to leave expansion room. The problem with your use is accurately setting it square and making sure it stays square. I recently found a Wood River Guide Rail Jig that with a very easy modification works with Festools  rails. It includes a tapered set pin to lock it in to common angles. I have found it to be accurate for some recently built bookshelves and cabinets. I talked about it here http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/guide-rail-cross-cutting-jig/
Donald

 

[Kodi Crescent]

This may be off topic, but I wanted to give a plug for the QWAS dogs and rail dogs.  Makes cutting on the MFT much easier, at least for me.

 

[RDMuller]

Here is a table I made about a year ago.  Three videos were placed on line.  I am in the process of revising the table a little and moving from a 3' by 7' to two tables, either ( 3' by 5'  or 3' by 4') and one that is 3' by 4'.  Having 2 tables will permit me to place them some distance apart for pieces longer than 8' .  I will simply span the 2 tables.  It will also give me some "overhang" when I need it when cutting extra long pieces with the parallel guides.  they do need a place to rest upon.  [url=http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/parallel-guides-and-extensions-3-videos-on-usage-and-cutting-sheet-goods  [

 

[nickao]

I really hate most videos. I must say I do not hate these!    

The only comment I can make is the music could be updated a bit.