Using an angle unit (FS-KS) with a MFT?

[Toller]

I have a shopbuilt MFT/TS outfeed table.  I used it quite a bit in making a china cabinet and it works great.  Only problem is that I have to take some or all of the hardware off to use it as an outfeed table, and then it takes a while to get everything aligned again.  That is fine if I am going to use it a lot, but impractical for a single cut.

I just bought a "used" angle unit from hissatsu's ad on the classified here.  It seems to me it would be ideal for making a single cut on the MFT.  It works off the guide rail rather than the table, everything is immediately aligned.  I haven't actually tried it, but it seems like it ought to work.  Sure, a longer base would be nice, but it should be reasonable accurate.

Any thoughts on this? 

 

[Tinker]

a while back we had a rather lengthy discussion on the FS-KS angle unit.  I found that putting a couple of washers in the joint helped to stiffen it up.  i also found that once you determine that you can make it tight enough, you must loosen the bolt when not in use.  No matter, for me, i eventually put the darned thing back in the dust collection drawer.

Others have tried other methods, but i seem to recall that in general, it just ain't one of Festools prouder moments.  John Lucas (www.woodshopdemos.com) came up with another solution which might help. It did not work for me.  If you come up with a fool proof solution, this old fool would love to hear of it.
Tinker

 

[Toller]

I did a search and read many of the old posts.
The main problem, other than it just being too short, is that it doesn't hold the angle it was set to.  Does it change without being observable, does the indicator stay where it is set and the angle changes; or do both change?  If both, wouldn't simply keeping an eye on it work?

I don't intend on using it often, but it would be nice if it worked for a one up.

 

[Qwas]

When it moves, the indicator moves also. If you're making a long cut, like on a piece of plywood, just a small miniscule movement is all it takes to make your cut off considerably.

 

[Toller]

Okay, it can move during the cut.  That is a definite problem for its intended purpose of cutting big panels with just a guide rail.

But if I have the guide rail mounted on a MFT and just use the angle unit to put the stock square to the guide rail, then it should be more stable. The guide rail can't move, and the stock shouldn't, so as long as everything is set before cutting, it should be stable during the cut.

I cut one piece today and it was perfect, but that doesn't prove anything.

 

[Tinker]

Toller,
I spent a lot of time fiddeling with that FS-KS unit and finally just gave up playing with it.  I have an architets adjustable protractor that i use for setting angles exact.  I line up my MFS template (400 and 700) with guide bar and/or fence, clamp all in place and have at it. 

The FS-KS is ok if you do not exert any lateral pressure or you give extra lateral pressure to the center bolt (with extra washer).  It seems that no matter how careful, sooner of later you will end up with atleast one piece of wood from you project being used for a smaller project, or fire wood.  I just finally got tired of messing around with the darned thing.  (really, my only Festool complaint)  It now is collecting dust as I await somebody to come up with a fool proof (maybe the fool is me :) solution for putting it back into reliable use.

For 45? and 90? cuts, i line up my 12" plastic easy square with the MFT fence, MFS template (either one of the side extrusions will work) and guide bar. Clamps as necessary.  That is quick, accurate and rock solid. 

Tinker

 

[pingvinlakrits]

Toller:
If I had read Tinkers take on the FS KS I would have saved a trip to my Festool dealer's...

I got one this morning, took the demo unit as I was going to use it straight away. After using it, well trying to use it, I handed it back the very same afternoon. I tried being careful but it is simply too easy to knock out of alignment so I could not trust it. Good thing I could return it.

Save your money and don't risk popping a vein... 

 

[JayStPeter]

Here's what I did:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=2674.0

Jay

 

[Tinker]

Toller:
If I had read Tinkers take on the FS KS I would have saved a trip to my Festool dealer's...

I got one this morning, took the demo unit as I was going to use it straight away. After using it, well trying to use it, I handed it back the very same afternoon. I tried being careful but it is simply too easy to knock out of alignment so I could not trust it. Good thing I could return it.

Save your money and don't risk popping a vein... 

Henrik, Sorry i was so late with the help.

I'll bet your "toy" salesman had two very distinct reactions to your visits
#1 as you walked out the door with your AU in hand >>>  "Whew!!!  ;D"
#2 as you walked back in the door with AU in hand and unhappy look in eye >>> "Dammit!!!  "

every once in awhile, i drag my FS-KS out of the drawer and try it out thinking something might change with time.  It still does a great job of gathering dust.  It still, no matter how many other's "fixes" I have tried, SLIPS out of adjustment in use.
Tinker