VS600 - copying ring to long?

[hwambacq]

Hi all,

A friend of mine just got a brand new VS600 with the slotted box joint template (FZ10) which we use together with a OF1010 router. We're able to make the joints, but the combination of copying ring and template seems wrong. I think the copying ring is slightly to long (less than 1 mm), so every time the ring bumps into the workpiece and you have to lift the router a little, which for me seems not the way to go, since if you lift it to high, you'll destroy the template. I've tried another OF1010 and the problem was not solved. I also tried another ring, which was a bit better, but there was still a slight bump on the way into the wood...

The only thing we think we could try is to grind a bit of metal from the copying ring. (diameter now is 13.8 mm, which is ok, but heigth of the relevant part is 3.5 mm which seems a bit to high...)

We already contacted festool directly and they would try to help me out as soon as possible, but any help is welcome. Anyone who has an idea?

Best regards,

Hans

 

[ccmviking]

   
    Are you setting the template up to where it's flat on your workpiece and not tilted slightly?  I could see it hitting if it was tilted a little.  The template collar may well be too long but one way you can get around it for now rather than grind the collar is to just add a little more thickness to the bottom side of the template.  Where the black strip is add some layers of painters tape, etc. and it will space it off the work piece more.  Good luck getting the issue solved.  Post some pics if you can...

Chris...

 

[tbellemare]

Are you using the correct ring(s)? There are shallow ones for the VS 600 and there are others.

Tom

 

[DavidCBaker]

Tom might be onto something--the wrong ring is a distinct possibility. See discussion of that exact template here:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/member-projects/curly-burly-maple-box-with-finger-joints/

You should be using part no. 492-180.

 

[hwambacq]

A little update:
First of all: Thanks for all the replies!

I've compared the copying ring with the "regular" one and there was no difference, but I'm sure it came with the template... can someone perhaps measure the height of theirs? Also the idea of putting something between the wood and the template will work, but if you just spent a few 100 dollars on a jig, I think it should work out of the box. Festool also replied, and one of their representatives would come and have a look as well...

Best regards,

Hans

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Tom might be onto something--the wrong ring is a distinct possibility. See discussion of that exact template here:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/member-projects/curly-burly-maple-box-with-finger-joints/

You should be using part no. 492-180.

Hey David,
Part no.492-180 is for the OF1400.  The op is using an OF1010.
Router accessories drive me nuts.  I am toying with the idea of springing for a 2200, but collecting a whole new set of accessories is daunting...

 

[DavidCBaker]

Thanks, Jesse. My mistake. I missed that in his post.  [eek]

 

[hwambacq]

Another update & problem solved: the problem was the copying ring...it was a little to long. A guy from festool had a look and just gave a new one.

Hans

 

[Guy Ashley]

Hans

How do you find the VS600 as a dovetail jig?

I have the Leigh D4R and it works very well. I just wondered if there are any advantages of the VS600 over the Leigh Jig

Regards

Guy

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Hans

How do you find the VS600 as a dovetail jig?

I have the Leigh D4R and it works very well. I just wondered if there are any advantages of the VS600 over the Leigh Jig

Regards

Guy

I'm not Hans, but here's my two cents worth....  I have used both the Leigh and the VS600.  The VS600 requires less setup, but is less flexible (it will not do variable spaced tails).  I suspect the VS600 is built more robustly than the Leigh, but haven't used the 600 long enough to be sure.  Both are excellent jigs that will produce quality work.

The 600 is expensive, with no substantial advantages over its competition.  In the US, you can find them used, which makes us for some of the price difference.  Like the Leigh, even after you have the basic jig, there are lots of accessories (templates, copy rings, bits, etc.) that you need to buy.

Frankly, if you have the Leigh and are happy with it, I see no reason to convert to the VS600.  But maybe I missed something... [embarassed]

 

[hwambacq]

Until now I've only tried it with the faulty copying ring, but in the next few weeks I'll have a go with the good one and keep you informed. I once got a demo model to test a few things and at that point, even without any experience, it turned out quite good. The only worry I have is that you can destroy your VS600 when your router is in the wrong setting... but I guess that is also the case with the other jigs...

Hans