Why can't I get my TS 55 to slide with no play?

[Benjamin Miner]

Hey all - I just "upgraded" (I hope) to the newer version of the plunge-cut saw. I was after the right-side splinter gaurd and the plug-in connection. While I haven't fired it up yet, I was just checking it out and noticed that I couldn't seem to get the saw to slide as nicely as my old one does. That is to say, I tighten the cams all the way (it's the updated version, with the black strips), but there's still some play there. Suggestions? Has any one else noticed this? I worry that it won't cut as cleanly as I've come to expect...

Thanks,

- Benjamin

 

[Brice Burrell]

Hey all - I just "upgraded" (I hope) to the newer version of the plunge-cut saw. I was after the right-side splinter gaurd and the plug-in connection. While I haven't fired it up yet, I was just checking it out and noticed that I couldn't seem to get the saw to slide as nicely as my old one does. That is to say, I tighten the cams all the way (it's the updated version, with the black strips), but there's still some play there. Suggestions? Has any one else noticed this? I worry that it won't cut as cleanly as I've come to expect...

Thanks,

- Benjamin

Benjamin, I've never come across this issue before, I'd call Festool and see what they have to say.

 

[ccmviking]

    Because there's metal on metal contat, well at first its metal (rail) on paint contact and then it goes metal to metal.  Mine does the same thing.  You need to put some dry lube on the rail and try it.    I think this particular lube was recommended at first by John Lucas but I could be wrong.  Mine is nice to use with it and frustrating without it.  My saw base now has nice grooves cut into it by the guide rail.  There was an upgrade made to the base where it has some plastic or teflon strips on the side that's now metal (opposite the green adjuster thingys).  Do a search and you will find more about this not so good design.
http://www.amazon.com/Empire-Manufacturing-OCDTS-8B-8oz-Dri-Tool-non-aerosol/dp/B00092DAK6

Chris... 

 

[Toller]

Before I used it I thought mine had too much play also, but in use it doesn't seem to be a problem.

 

[thewoodwhisperer]

I actually wax every one of my tool bases, as well as the guide rails themseleves.  I like to use Renaissance Wax (pricey), but good old Minwax Furniture Wax or Johnson's Paste Wax will do the trick.  Really reduces the friction big time, which allows you to get the tightest possible "no-slop" fit.

marc

 

[Dave Ronyak]

I spray Dri-Cote on my Guide Rails and on the base of my TS 55 and wipe the excess immediately with a scrap rag or paper towel.  The result is Very low friction with no slop relative to any of my Guide Rails. If the saw is unplugged and unattached to a vacuum hose, one little push will send the the saw gliding several feet along a Guide Rail. 

Dave R.