Thread: Thermal overload protection

Had a trouble shooting visit today, that thought other forum members may find interesting.

The symptom the TS55R was showing, was after a period of use, it would suddenly slow down, though continue to spin.

This is caused by the thermal overload protection cutting in to prevent any damage to the saw.

Customer is ripping KD Hardwood edges off doors. He was doing this with a fine tooth blade, set as shallow as possible to get through the material. He was not using dust extraction.

Recommendations;
A fine tooth blade is great for cutting across the grain of timber (Crosscutting). When ripping, either a universal blade, 496302, $72.00 or a Panther saw blade, 496301 $62.00 would give him a faster cut, with less strain and hence less heat generated. As there is next to no arbour float on the TS55R, there should be no noticeable drop in cut quality when ripping.

By increasing the depth of cut of the blade, to the maximum depth, fewer teeth are cutting at the same time. This too leads to a faster and cooler cut.

Using dust extraction not only gives a cleaner and healthier work environment, but also greatly increases the air flow through the saw motor, keeping it cool.

The other potential cause can be a blade that is blunt, or dirty, with sap etc. This was not the case here.

If you find yourself ripping hardwood, particularly thick (more than 20mm) pieces, try a Universal Blade.


NOTE: I had the issue of thermal overloading come up while selling and servicing another brand of power tool in Japan. The symptom there was a failed armature that would cost a substantial amount to replace. At times, if the housing was damaged also, the saw was a write off. One of the key benefits of the Festool power tools is this Thermal overload protection that helps protect your investment.

FWIW

Steve Liston