Why no brake on US-spec TS55??

[Zaphod]

Just curious if any one knows why Festool omitted the brake for the U.S. market.  We get the TS55EQ rather than the EBQ variant.

 

[jonny round boy]

Just curious if any one knows why Festool omitted the brake for the U.S. market.  We get the TS55EQ rather than the EBQ variant.

Didn't realise that the US one didn't have it, TBH. If I were to take a wild stab in the dark, I'd say if the uS one doesn't have it, it's because there's no requirement for it to have one, whereas here in the UK (& the rest of the EU) I believe there is.

 

[Kevin Johnson]

I seem to recall that the US version of the saw did not get a brake because UL would not approve it.

 

[semenza]

Hi,

      Some saws in the US have brakes and some do not. So I guess it is not a requirment.  But that just seems odd that UL would not approve an extra safety feature ???

Seth

 

[joiner1970]

What none of you seemed to have noticed is that the UK 110v TS55 EQ also has no electronic brake thats why there is no B in the product code.

I imagine its not missing on the American version just because its American but rather that its 110v too.

Must be something to do with the lower voltage.

 

[Zaphod]

The lack of a brake is unrelated to the 110/220 voltage difference.  I'm assuming it was some esoteric UL red tape. 

 

[extiger]

UL approval ( and the Canadian Safety organization) held up the release of the Domino in North America for more than one year. In particular, any machine with soft-start features has complicated circuitry which, in the eyes of some regulators, can cause fires. I was told that by someone in the Festool organization.

On the whole, the  safety requirements in Europe are far stricter than in North America. Over there, all table saws must spool down within a few seconds after the STOP button is pressed. They must have a blade guard which can be removed in a short period. And so on. We should benefit from those higher standards.

Unfortunately for us consumers, a manufacturer won't speak of these matters because they can't predict the outcome nor say for sure when approval will be granted. In short, a simpler design is better when dealing with these regulatory agencies.

Gary Curtis

 

[Programmergeek]

YEa but if they can get the soft start through they should be able to goet a break through.  This is a nice feature if they ever bring there retro fit table saw over.  My guess is cost it is just easer to make it without the break.  I wish it had a break though, just makes me feel safer.  I also aggree all table saws should have a break.  Unfortinally US tool regulations are poor in some areas and UL is to slow and insurance is costly both make for a bad mix for the consumer.  Wish insurance wasn't so much sawstop would have out like 4 different saws by now for cheaper. 

 

[joiner1970]

The lack of a brake is unrelated to the 110/220 voltage difference.   I'm assuming it was some esoteric UL red tape. 

Dont just brush my comments away with out an explanation.

How do you know its not because of the voltage difference if you look on the UK version as I said the 240v has a brake and the 110v does not so surely that has nothing to do with regulations or laws as the 240v version does have a brake here in the UK.

 

[neoshed]

forgive my ignorance.....but as the blade goes back into the house when you release the handle why would you need a brake?

 

[Bob Marino]

The lack of a brake is unrelated to the 110/220 voltage difference.   I'm assuming it was some esoteric UL red tape. 

Dont just brush my comments away with out an explanation.

How do you know its not because of the voltage difference if you look on the UK version as I said the 240v has a brake and the 110v does not so surely that has nothing to do with regulations or laws as the 240v version does have a brake here in the UK.

I think you hit on it - the 110 (higher amperage) versions would have some problems with the brake, whereas the 220 motors would be able to handle it. Exactly what "stresses" a brake places on the motor or switch, I am not sure.

Bob

 

[joiner1970]

Thanks Bob

I have emailed Festool Germany to find out why no brake on 110v for you ZAPHOD. :

 

[Zaphod]

joiner1970,

Don't get your feathers ruffled over your perceived brushoff, none was intended.  I have(had) a PC router, Bosch router, Bosch SCMS, and PC circular saw which all run on 110 volts, draw 12-15 amps, and have motor brakes which stop the blade/bit in about one second.  Equipping a 110V tool with a brake is not uncommon and surely not beyond the engineering gurus at Festool.

 

[Dave Ronyak]

I recently sold a >20 yr old Craftsman RAS whose induction motor leads could be switched to enable it to run on 110 or 220V.  The motor brake worked in either mode.  It worked via electomagnetic (reversed) fields.  It was not a mechanical brake.  Stopped in about 3 seconds with a 10" blade.  But it did not have any soft start or variable speed, or constant-speed-under-load control like many Festool products do. 

Dave R.

 

[joiner1970]

Zaphod

Maybe you can phrase your answers better in future, as I said you didnt explain your answer you just said oh no its nothing to do with the power difference with no explanation that would wind anyone up.

No worries anyway mate hope you find your answer.

 

[Zaphod]

joiner1970,

Still not sure why a succinct and accurate response riled you.  I'll make a concerted effort to respond to your "What none of you have seemed to notice...." posts with more verbose phrasing to avoid winding you up.

 

[Loren Hedahl]

I don't see any reason to complicate the TS55 saw with a brake.

Consider this:  If the saw blade is down and cutting wood, as soon as you release the trigger the blade would stop.  Probably faster than any electronic setup they might devise for that saw.

Also:  If the blade is retracted, i.e., not cutting wood, it will spin down normally, but who would care?

So, I have a hunch that the reason European saws have a brake is to get around their universal safety requirements.

(Actually I'm quite proud of myself for not putting in my usual 'two cents' about politicians, protecting the public from their own stupidity, etc.)

 

[joiner1970]

joiner1970,

Still not sure why a succinct and accurate response riled you.  I'll make a concerted effort to respond to your "What none of you have seemed to notice...." posts with more verbose phrasing to avoid winding you up.

Hope you like it mate 

 

[Bob Marino]

joiner1970,

Don't get your feathers ruffled over your perceived brushoff, none was intended.  I have(had) a PC router, Bosch router, Bosch SCMS, and PC circular saw which all run on 110 volts, draw 12-15 amps, and have motor brakes which stop the blade/bit in about one second.  Equipping a 110V tool with a brake is not uncommon and surely not beyond the engineering gurus at Festool.

The TS saws were designed for 220. The 110's have thicker wires and would need a larger switch and would not fit in the TS handle as currently designed. Can be done, but might add to the expense mof the tool. Maybe, they figure it's not that big of a deal because the saw blade retracts into the housing.

Bob

 

[joiner1970]

Thanks Bob,

It sounds like it is down to the voltage difference then like I said Zaphod.