Thread: Kickback stop

good point matt, i remember many years ago when i first used my brand new festool atf 55 plunge cut saw, within 20 minutes i had gouged the rail, so i swapped the rails over and proceeded to gouge the other shiny new rail as well!

the lesson i learnt the hard way was that even though that saw was advertised as a plunge cut saw, it was hopeless at plunging. i had to bring the rail back far enough so when i got the motor up to full speed and in the plunge down position, then i could move forward into the timber/sheets.

the atf 55 did not have the spring loaded riving knife which the new and improved ts-55 does have. and what a difference it makes!
i have not experienced any kickback with the ts-55 at all.

if i am making a true plunge cut into hardwood flooring for example, i always make sure 2 hands are holding the saw, so i am confident it cannot kickback on me. i would not have done this with the older atf 55.

i agree with you 100%. the kickback stop should be included with the saw. a lot of reasons why i personally buy festool, is because of their high safety standards, it defeats the purpose having to buy a safety item as an accessory.

sorry for ranting, since i found out about the festool price increase, i have not been very happy with festool, i was going to buy $5000 worth of tools this month, but i am now looking elsewhere.

regards, justin.

The TS55 does not come with a kick back stop, but the TS75 does come with one as standard. It even has a home on the saw base so it is always within easy reach.

My experience is that it is a must with the TS75, and not required so often with the TS55. Maybe this is the reasoning behind the kick back stop coming with one saw but not the other. I am only second guessing Festool here.

But I think a kick back stop as standard equipment with the TS55 makes sense for added safety especially for new users of this type of tool.

Uh oh. The TS-55 does come standard with a kickback stop in the USA. AT least mine did.

Hi Bob - Some people are just luckier than others getting a kick back stop with the saw. But we (AUS) get the saw with the electronic brake.

Seriously, a kick back stop in the Sys with the saw would be a welcome inclusion.

Yep just wrecked my first guiderail due to kickback.

My fault for being in a rush and not putting the kick back stop on.

My hands are still intact, so am thankful for that. Fortunately its only a 1400 rail, so not as pricey as the longer ones.

Quite impressed with the standard Festool blade. It survived the 50 mm cut it put thru my rail, not to mention the nasty encounter with the top of a steel trailer. Still cuts nicely, no damaged/missing teeth.

Originally Posted by jatt

Yep just wrecked my first guiderail due to kickback.

Bugger - I have to admit it's not a good look, but the guide rails with blade damage to them are not usually wrecked. In most cases people nick he working edge, and I have one someone (with me helping ) put a nice gash through the middle of the rail.

None of that impacts on future cutting with the rail except for the damage to the splinterguard strip along the edge. These need to be replaced if damaged to avoid alignment error on the workpiece.

I just don't understand why the kickback stop is an option with the circular saws. At the very least they should supply it with the rails.

Totally agree with that.

Then there is less chance of something like (see foto) this happening.

Since pic was taken have gently tapped the damaged bit back into place with a soft blow hammer and filed a bit off the end. Ran a straight edge along damaged part of rail to check damaged part wont foul the blade. Emery to smooth out teeth marks in the rail. Quick test run on some scrap form ply, no worries. Hardly notice the fact the splinterguard strip is dodgy.

hi jatt, that sure is a ripper! mine were tiny little scratches compared to that gash. i reckon it would have brought tears to my eyes doing it that bad!

you could always repair it with 2 part epoxy. or maybe you are happy the way it is.
the good news is...we tend to only make these nasty gashes once, or, like me, twice!

regards, justin.

Yep thought about repairing it, however the saw runs fine over it.

Honestly didnt think anything would stay adhered to the ally rail without cracking and falling out. As anyone who has used this rail would know, the ally isnt that thick there.