TS55R Angle indicator

[markwm]

Just got a new TS55R, the angle indicator is different to the one I was expecting:

Instead, there is no notch hanging over the scale, instead merely a small indented arrow in the metal which is quite hard to see and also doesn't appear to be very accurate. Is this a known change to the saw since it came out?

 

[Timtool]

I will check mine today, can't tell from memory if it is different from the pic.
What i did notice recently is that on mine the zero degree stop was on the -1 degree, so when i wanted to use the -1 feature i noticed the saw didn't move while it should fall down a notch.
So i had been cutting all this time at -1 degrees! I only noticed when i was doing more precise work with it.
Now i manually tried to set the stops, but when setting the zero degree stop right, the 45 is off by 1-2 degrees... At least on the scales, i never measured the 45 degree angle yet.

 

[Alan m]

thats odd mark.
welcome to the fog

 

[peter halle]

It will be interesting to hear what the TS55R ships with as an indicator.  Sometimes the products shown in early videos / images are pre production models and there are changes prior to coming to market.

Peter

 

[markwm]

Most of the pics I've seen of users machines and in reviews etc show the indicator as above.

The online manual shows the arrow, like on my saw:

http://www.festool.net/webmanual_international/index.php?CHAPTER=2730&L=9306&sLanguage=English

oddly, the paper manual that came with my saw shows the notch over the indicator as in the pic above.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I had heard there was a change to the indicator, but the version I have seen is the same as the video. I don't know the reason for the change, if it is indeed changing.

 

[jonny round boy]

I've just checked my TS55R, and it's like the picture above.

 

[Timtool]

I checked and mine is exactly like on the pic.

 

[markwm]

 

[jonny round boy]

Yep, it certainly looks like they've changed it. Can't think why they would though - unless it's "too similar" to how the indicator is on Mafell or someone elses saw? Kinda like the whole pin to paddle change on the domino?

I don't have any info or proof on the above, just guessing.

 

[Timtool]

Yeah that looks inferior, must be some patent related issue.
While we are at it, can someone with a R tell me if theirs was/is set right and the stops actually stop the saw at zero and 45 degrees on the scale? I played around with mine but there always seems to be a 1 degree error on either one, can't set both right!Did they change the scale indicator for that reason because it was not in the right spot?

 

[Stone Message]

I have had a TS55R since about the time they came out here in Europe. My angle gauge is like the advertsing picture and I do not know if current models here are any different. Mine is pictured below.

The angle stop can be adjusted easily if it is not right on delivery. If you are at all worried then get Festool to sort this out for you or...

Take a look at the second picture. There are two screws, A and B, that once loosened allow the plate, C, to move. Make the adjustment and tighten the screws.

I hope that this helps.

Peter

 

[Deansocial]

Did that part get outsourced to china [eek] putting your own indicator on wouldnt be had but not what you want on a new tool.

 

[Kev]

What'd be really cool would be digitally displayed depth and angle that self calibrated automatically ... c'mon Festool  [wink]

 

[Stone Message]

Everything Festool make is digital - my tools are - I use my digits to make the tools work!

Peter

 

[Timtool]

.

The angle stop can be adjusted easily if it is not right on delivery. If you are at all worried then get Festool to sort this out for you or...

Take a look at the second picture. There are two screws, A and B, that once loosened allow the plate, C, to move. Make the adjustment and tighten the screws.

I hope that this helps.

Peter

Thank you Peter but i had figured that out already, the problem is that on mine it can't be set properly. When i set the zero correctly, then the 45 stop is offset by 1. I played around with it for a long time and it seems impossible to set right.

Can you tell me if your stop detends make the angle indicator stop perfectly on the 0 and 45 mark?

 

[Kev]

Everything Festool make is digital - mine tools are - I use my digits to make the tools work!

Peter

... and here I was thinking you were so sophisticated that you used telekinetic powers to operate your Festools.

Oh how the mighty fall  [big grin]

Kev.

 

[Stone Message]

Thank you Peter but i had figured that out already, the problem is that on mine it can't be set properly. When i set the zero correctly, then the 45 stop is offset by 1. I played around with it for a long time and it seems impossible to set right.

Can you tell me if your stop detends make the angle indicator stop perfectly on the 0 and 45 mark?

Hi Tim

These scales can never be called 'spot on' as they do not resemble a vernier in any way - the thickness of the line on the scale and the painted edge of the pointer make it unlikely that anyone could expect anything close to 1/2 a degree of accuracy. When I tested the TS55R I checked the 0 degree and 45 degree positions using a combination square and they were spot on. I did not check any of the intermediate positions - if I were to want to use the saw at an intermediate angle I would use a calibrated protractor to set that cut up. I have done loads of 45 degree cuts and had no problems. I set the saw up for a couple of 30 degree cuts and they were excellent too.

I have attached a picture of my TS55R which shows that at 0 degrees the marker is just a smidgen off the mark - not something that worries me as I know that on the indent it is exactly in the right place.

If you are unable to adjust your scale/detente plate (of whatever it should be called) then it might be best to get Festool to do it for you. Having looked at mine I suspect that if the screws A and B were to be loosened then there would be quite a bit of freedom of movement and it might not be a simple job of moving the plate through an arc to the right place.

Peter

Peter