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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    brisbane
    Posts
    5

    Default using the basis as an all round table saw

    Hi guys,

    First time poster - but long time lurker.

    I have been looking around for a portable but deadly accurate table saw to replace my so-so triton 2000. Having seen the typical chinese table saws around that weigh a ton that are proberly no better than a proper setup triton, I am prepared to pay the premium for the festool basis table if it does the job as the reps tell me it does.

    Can anyone vouch for the basis + module 1A (turns it into a table saw), plus the extension table with fence as a very good all round panel/table saw ?

    Is it as accurate as the reps tell me it is ?

    Is the fence dead firm and not flimsy like most of the fences on the chinese models ?

    I am looking to go this way as I can take out the TS55 anytime (old triton habits never die) and use it as a panel saw with the guide rail as well for large sheets. Plus obviously leave my options open later on to add a router table or other modules to the basis.

    Any other hints or recommendations would be great.

    Thanks in advanced,

    AC

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    1,091

    Default

    Welcome to the forum AC.

    Firstly, the BASIS has been superseded by the CMS (Compact Module System). And the BASIS 1A module did not fit the TS55. But the CMS module (CMS-MOD-TS 55 AUS) does.

    I will let others comment on the accuracy and sturdiness of the BASIS or CMS systems.

    It took me a while to let go of the features of the BASIS for the new features of the CMS, but I can admit to myself that I now prefer the CMS over the BASIS. Which is a non-argument now as the CMS is the only system you can buy new.

    What you have to remember with the CMS is you are buying a portable and modular 'stationary machine'. So your investment is going into light weight materials and the compact size. Specifically addressing one of your questions, the fence/protractor (code WA) that comes with the saw module does have some movement in it. But it is designed to enable mounting on all four sides of the table, plus the sliding table, and side extension table. This fence has one fixing point only, so it can have some flex if forced. But it is very quick to set-up and I personally do not point the blame for any flaws in my panel sawing results in its direction

    There is the optional ripping fence (code CS 50 LA) which locks at both front and back, and has a micro adjustment control - this is excellent and rock-solid. If you go for this additional ripping fence, the original one can then be mounted full time on the sliding table for cross cutting at right or other angle.

    You might find the insertion and removal of the TS55 a bit slow at first, but you quickly get the hang of it and do it in pretty fast time.

    What you do get with the CMS system of course is an excellent 'tool component'.... the saw itself, router etc. The TS55 in the CMS produces brilliant results. As the TS55 comes with the fine blade as standard you can cut melamine, veneers, ply, etc with virtually no chip-out or splintering - and a very good quality edge. Plus you have variable speed control, electronics managing that speed making it constant under no load and under full load, no arbor wobble, vibration, and all that good stuff you know expect with the TS55. And you can put a panther ripping blade on it for ripping hardwood at the full 50mm depth of cut with ease.

    Something to keep in mind is the electronic blade brake of the TS55 is not enabled when fitted to the CMS as its trigger is locked in the on position when mounted in the module, and it is the release of the trigger that activates the electronic brake. But then most table saws don't have an electronic brake.

    Something to consider, if you are primarily after accurate sawing in a compact and lightweight machine, there is the Festool Precisio CS 50 dedicated table saw. A lot like the CMS (and many accessories are interchangeable), but it is a saw only and no other tool modules fit into it like the CMS can do. This obviously does not take advantage of your TS55 as it has it own motor, but it does have the pull-saw function and which is nice.

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Broken Hill
    Posts
    540

    Default Festering...

    Hello
    I don't own any Festool...
    Just wondering "how accurate is accurate..."
    Maybe just as accurate as the operator...
    Seems to me that yur TS needs to be set up when you unpack it...
    How accurate do you want it to be...
    Same adjusting screws and bolts...
    Tweak here - tweak there...
    Fore and Aft of blade parallel to mitre slot...
    Fence parallel to blade...
    Why pay an extra 1000's for a name and a colour...
    If we're artisans - we can set up our own equipment - Right...
    Jedo
    When all the world said I couldn't do it - they were right...

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Perth
    Age
    56
    Posts
    89

    Default Great reply

    Quote Originally Posted by nt900 View Post
    Welcome to the forum AC.

    Firstly, the BASIS has been superseded by the CMS (Compact Module System). And the BASIS 1A module did not fit the TS55. But the CMS module (CMS-MOD-TS 55 AUS) does.

    I will let others comment on the accuracy and sturdiness of the BASIS or CMS systems.

    It took me a while to let go of the features of the BASIS for the new features of the CMS, but I can admit to myself that I now prefer the CMS over the BASIS. Which is a non-argument now as the CMS is the only system you can buy new.

    What you have to remember with the CMS is you are buying a portable and modular 'stationary machine'. So your investment is going into light weight materials and the compact size. Specifically addressing one of your questions, the fence/protractor (code WA) that comes with the saw module does have some movement in it. But it is designed to enable mounting on all four sides of the table, plus the sliding table, and side extension table. This fence has one fixing point only, so it can have some flex if forced. But it is very quick to set-up and I personally do not point the blame for any flaws in my panel sawing results in its direction

    There is the optional ripping fence (code CS 50 LA) which locks at both front and back, and has a micro adjustment control - this is excellent and rock-solid. If you go for this additional ripping fence, the original one can then be mounted full time on the sliding table for cross cutting at right or other angle.

    You might find the insertion and removal of the TS55 a bit slow at first, but you quickly get the hang of it and do it in pretty fast time.

    What you do get with the CMS system of course is an excellent 'tool component'.... the saw itself, router etc. The TS55 in the CMS produces brilliant results. As the TS55 comes with the fine blade as standard you can cut melamine, veneers, ply, etc with virtually no chip-out or splintering - and a very good quality edge. Plus you have variable speed control, electronics managing that speed making it constant under no load and under full load, no arbor wobble, vibration, and all that good stuff you know expect with the TS55. And you can put a panther ripping blade on it for ripping hardwood at the full 50mm depth of cut with ease.

    Something to keep in mind is the electronic blade brake of the TS55 is not enabled when fitted to the CMS as its trigger is locked in the on position when mounted in the module, and it is the release of the trigger that activates the electronic brake. But then most table saws don't have an electronic brake.

    Something to consider, if you are primarily after accurate sawing in a compact and lightweight machine, there is the Festool Precisio CS 50 dedicated table saw. A lot like the CMS (and many accessories are interchangeable), but it is a saw only and no other tool modules fit into it like the CMS can do. This obviously does not take advantage of your TS55 as it has it own motor, but it does have the pull-saw function and which is nice.
    Hi Anthony,

    Thanks for the great reply...I know I didn't ask the question but I have a similar need also and your response was very informative. I am looking at the TS55 and like the thought of being able to use it with a portable set up like the CMS if I need to.

    I can't imagine any of the Festool products failing to live up to the marketing hype. Yes I am a proud Festool owner having purchased the Domino last year. I can only see more Festool products finding a home in my cubby as funds permit.

    Cheers,

    Buz.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    brisbane
    Posts
    5

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Jedo_03 View Post
    Hello
    I don't own any Festool...
    Just wondering "how accurate is accurate..."
    Maybe just as accurate as the operator...
    Seems to me that yur TS needs to be set up when you unpack it...
    How accurate do you want it to be...
    Same adjusting screws and bolts...
    Tweak here - tweak there...
    Fore and Aft of blade parallel to mitre slot...
    Fence parallel to blade...
    Why pay an extra 1000's for a name and a colour...
    If we're artisans - we can set up our own equipment - Right...
    Jedo
    Jedo,

    I did say 'portable' and also mentioned 'dead accurate' and mentioned 'will 'pay the premium, so yes I am looking at Festool because I want the accuracy and convienence.

    There's not much difference in price between the festool TS and a chinese table saw with upgraded after market fence, mitre guide and portable wheels - not to mentions the crappy height adjustment and mitre tilt guides.

    Gee if I can just wheel out the Festool and open it up and its all square and ready to run without having to adjust everything you mentioned, well...

    and at least with the Festool I can pull out the saw for accurate freehand work as well.

    cheers,

    AC

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    1,091

    Default

    Let me walk through some of assembly steps and identify those which you can be confident of being adjusted as they were when you packed up the CMS, and those that require checking to be sure of alignment etc. I will go through a complete CMS/TS55 saw set-up with all optional accessories being fitted. When I mention there is no need to check, read into this that there is not need to check it every thing you set-up the CMS, but with all equipment periodic checking and maintenance is recommended and the frequency will vary depending on how much you use the tool, and whether is is transported gently or not.

    These steps and equipment mentioned should make sense to anyone having used or studied the CMS system. But I will embellish this message with some pictures when I get a moment.

    Step:
    1. Main CMS stand - Unfold legs and lock, and rotate the height adjustable foot to compensate for any unevenness of the floor. No checking required . The blade garage is already fitted to the legs.
    2. In most cases the TS55 is already fitted to the stand, so nothing to do there and no checking required . But I will discuss the module in more depth later.
    3. Fit sliding table to side of stand. No checking required as such , but make sure you place firm hand pressure down on it when tightening the two knobs, so it fits into the bottom of the V-track (on the stand to which the sliding table is fixed). Also, make sure the V-track is free from debris.
    4. The WA protractor/fence is usually left attached to the sliding table in its 90 degree setting, so all that needs to be done is move it to the desired angle. No checking is usually required for this , but if the unit has just been transported and in danger of being knocked around I would check it. To do this, set the protractor to 0 degrees and confirm the fence is parallel to the front of the CMS stand. Use the table front edge just behind the scale.
    5. The ripping fence is mounted to the right side of the blade and clips into the front V-track and under the rear V-track. Just slide it on from the right hand side. I would always check this for being square to the CMS table surface . Rather than pull out a square, I check the fence aligns to one of the lines in the surface of the CMS stand.
    6. Add the extension table to the right side of the CMS stand. As with the sliding table, make sure you place firm hand pressure down on it when tightening the knobs underneath and support arms knobs. Again, make sure there are no debris in the V-track. This side extension table is one I do like to check . Place a convenient straight edge across it and onto the CMS stand table surface. If necessary raise or lower its height with the support arm adjustment nuts so you have a perfectly flat surface.
    7. Add the extension table to the rear of the CMS stand. No checking usually required . But if you want to check it with the straight edge until you are confident, no harm in that.
    8. Plug in the dust extraction hoses and plug the power and dust hose into your dust extractor.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    1,091

    Default

    As mentioned in previous post, the saw module with TS55 is probably already in the CMS stand, but if you have to insert the module into the stand, these would be the steps, and what you might need to check for.

    Step:
    1. Place saw/TS55 module into the CMS stand - plug the saw into the CMS stand switch using the saws plug-it cable. No checking required . But blow out any saw-dust from the mounting tracks. It is possible to throw the saw module out of square to the CMS stand if you tighten one of the locking cams with excessive force compared to the other one. So tighten the cams with a screwdriver from above the table at even pressure.
    Next postI will walk through the steps for inserting the TS55 saw into and removing from its module.

  9. #8
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    brisbane
    Posts
    5

    Default

    Thanks Anthony for you input.

    I will be attempting to locate a festool test centre with this setup to test rip cutting and panel cutting against the fence.

    Altermately that will determine if I go this way of start looking at the MFT option.

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Blue Mountains, NSW
    Posts
    305

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Jedo_03 View Post
    Hello
    I don't own any Festool...
    Jedo
    and
    Quote Originally Posted by Jedo_03 View Post
    Why pay an extra 1000's for a name and a colour...
    If we're artisans - we can set up our own equipment - Right...
    Jedo
    You've got no idea.
    "the bitterness of poor quality is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten"

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Netherlands
    Posts
    82

    Default

    Booboo,

    You might also want to look at a Precisio 70 TS from festool. It's a little bit different from the basis since it has a fixed engine. This also means less readjustments (when you say dead accurate readjustments might be necersarry after reinstalling the circular saw in the basis or CMS). The precisio also has a pulling saw capability. The precisio is also portable but a little bit heavier than the basis or CMS.

    The Basis or CMS has the capability to hold other machinery like a router or a jigsaw. The precisio doesn't have this capability.

    So choose your pick...

    The MFT is a great addition on the Basis, CMS or Precisio. I do not see it as a replacement.

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