Use of TS55R in CMS unit

[cliffp]

I am contemplating the purchase of a TS55R module for a CMS system and wonder how to use this set up for making accurate cross cuts. The fence doesn't appear to be positioned very far from the saw so I would have thought it wouldn't be easy to make cross cuts of more than 30cm or so with any degree of accuracy. I realise the the system isn't suitable for breaking down large sheets but would like to be able to make accurate cross cuts of maybe 1 metre or so (this being the distance at right angles to the saw blade). Maybe a sliding table or extension table is needed? If anyone could help or point me in the direction of relevant threads or supplemental manuals I would be very grateful.

Cliff

 

[Stone Message]

Hello Cliff

I have the CMS with the TS55R and do no cross cutting - I do not have a sliding table. If the piece that you wanted to cross cut was quite wide compared to the amount that you want to cut then you might be okay just using the side fence but for regular cross cutting the sliding table would be better.

I am not sure that I would ever want to cross cut as the TS, rail and MFT3 are such a perfect set for such work.

Peter

 

[RC]

I don't see the point of doing large sheet xcuts on the CMS either. As Peter said, I would chop the sheetgoods into manageable size with the TS saw on its rail and then do the precision work on the CMS. This does mean that you would be moving the saw a bit back and forth between handheld and table mode, but with some planning ahead you can minimize this.

The TS saw attachment to the CMS module is rather straightforward, so doing it a couple of times a day is well within my tolerance at least.

 

[Wood_Junkie]

I don't see the point of doing large sheet xcuts on the CMS either. As Peter said, I would chop the sheetgoods into manageable size with the TS saw on its rail and then do the precision work on the CMS. This does mean that you would be moving the saw a bit back and forth between handheld and table mode, but with some planning ahead you can minimize this.

The TS saw attachment to the CMS module is rather straightforward, so doing it a couple of times a day is well within my tolerance at least.

Eh!?? Wha?!? That's nuts!  Get TWO saws!    [wink]
 

 

[Stone Message]

Eh!?? Wha?!? That's nuts!   Get TWO saws!    [wink]
   

Of course I understand where you are coming from but in my case...

I sold my big table saw and radial arm saw. I had more than enough money to buy my Kapex, MFT3, TS55 and some rails. It is not such a big deal getting a second TS if your are getting a CMS unit - it does improve productivity which is where the money comes from. My new setup is more versatile, can be portable if required, is more accurate and is a pleasure to use.

Peter

 

[RC]

I'm just waiting for the mythical TS65R to happen so that I can leave my TS55 in the CMS and cut 2x4 without effort on the rail [big grin]

 

[Alan m]

if i ever got the cms i would get a ts75 instead of ts55. that way you have the best of both worlds

 

[RC]

Well yes or even better get a Precisio for sawing and leave the CMS fir the router ;-)

 

[Nigel]

Hello Cliff,

As you say cutting sheet goods down is not what the cms is designed for. If I understand you correctly you're asking whether the cms is suitable for cutting and squaring components like rails and stiles to length.

The answer is certainly yes and very quickly and accurately too. You definitely need the sliding table and the mft fence if possible as the standard fence isn't long enough.

I am not sure of length possible but 80cm is possible for sure with the mft fence- I'd have to check to see the max limit.

With this set up you can square,then using the flip-stop cut to length very quickly as you can on any slider.

 

[cliffp]

Hi Nigel

Thanks for that. It is good to know that I could use the MFT/3 fence on the sliding table. I wouldn't want to have to buy another fence. I am happy to buy the saw module and sliding table if it means only having to take the saw out of the module for >80cm cross-cuts.

 

[RC]

Actually the TS module comes with the angle stop you can use on the sliding table and you would want to get the optional fence or 492 095 'Stopper' as its titled on Festool Uk site to have a more solid fence. (Thats on my shopping list next)

 

[cliffp]

If it is necessary to buy a sliding table and 'stopper' in order to make accurate cross cuts with a cms, it would seem to me to be better to buy a second TS55R. This could then be used for cross cuts and breaking down sheet goods.

 

[Stone Message]

If it is necessary to buy a sliding table and 'stopper' in order to make accurate cross cuts with a cms, it would seem to me to be better to buy a second TS55R. This could then be used for cross cuts and breaking down sheet goods.

Exactly, well done Cliff - you can over do the CMS and lose sight of simpler ways of doing things and having a second TS also means no more inserting and removing a saw from the CMS.

Peter

 

[Nigel]

Hang on guys, the stopper is a superior ripping fence and is used for ripping. You do not need nor should you use it for cross cuts.

To keep it simple. To accurately and safely cross cut you really need the sliding table [which is excellent] and that's all because the fence that comes with the cms saw module fits the sliding table. Nothing else is neccessary.

You can in fact cut any length timber [or try to] with this set up. I have easily cut architrave and skirting miters two meters long with it.

Now using the mft fence or just the straight profile which is the same as the standard one only longer lets you use the flip- stop for cutting precisely longer pieces and gives more support as well.

I have both mft and cms and always choose the cms for rails or stiles . For panels the mft is king!