Thread: TS55 Blade burn

I'd say blunt Scally but if you changed to a new blade and it made no difference then something is out of alignment. Check the alignment of the blade to the fence and mitre slot.

Edit: just realised what the TS55 is. Sorry about that. Substitute 'fence and mitre slot ' for 'track'.

Yes, what NCArcher said.

Check for obvious out-of-alignment of the blade to the track, they should be perfectly parallel. If out of alignment, or if in doubt, chat to your dealer about it or call Festool service department and discuss the problem with them.

Thanks guys
I agree something might be out of alignment.

How could the track get out of alignment?

I used it with the old blade against a wooden guide and it was the same. I'll try the new blade.

Is it possible the rear splitter could get out of alignment. I had a quick look along the blade and it seemed in line. If it is the problem then there should be a way to realign it?

Originally Posted by Scally

Thanks guys
I agree something might be out of alignment.

How could the track get out of alignment?

I used it with the old blade against a wooden guide and it was the same. I'll try the new blade.

Is it possible the rear splitter could get out of alignment. I had a quick look along the blade and it seemed in line. If it is the problem then there should be a way to realign it?

I think the first thing to look at is if your blade is dulI. From your description it doesn't sound like the splitter is out of alignment. The track isn't going to become misaligned but the saw housing to base connection can (see comments on toe/skew below).

Originally Posted by nt900

Yes, what NCArcher said.

Check for obvious out-of-alignment of the blade to the track, they should be perfectly parallel. If out of alignment, or if in doubt, chat to your dealer about it or call Festool service department and discuss the problem with them.

I hate to contradict Anthony but that's not correct. The blade should be toed or skewed (at a very slight angle to the track). See Rick Christopherson's TS55 supplemental manual (this is a Festool sanctioned manual). http://www.waterfront-woods.com/festool/TS_55_EQ_US.pdf Check out the "Matching the TS 55 to an Existing Guide Rail" section on page 12. This section talks about how to share rails with multiple saws, this section goes over the procedure of how to correctly set the toe/skew. Rick suggests you use a piece of paper to set the skew, I believe Festool now recommends using a thin business card instead of paper.

Before you make any kind of adjustment to your saw I'd recommend you follow Anthony's advice to call your dealer or Festool service. Good luck.

Originally Posted by Brice Burrell

I hate to contradict Anthony but that's not correct.

How dare you Brice

Actually you are right. What I said was not very accurate. Its not the blade to the track alignment exactly, its the blade to the bade, and the base to the track that all need to be aligned. Appropriate skew is a better term and its when the blade (and motor assembly/housing it is contained within) is out-of-skewed to the real issue, because then is is poorly aligned to the rail and the workpiece.

Rick's manual is awesome, everyone should download a copy.

Also, worth pointing out, has the obvious been checked, are the adjustment cams in the saw base been suitable tightened to take out slop on the rail.

But if you feel that adjusting the skew of the saw is something you don't want to do, if the saw is within warranty and not cutting right, that's what Festool dealer and Festool service department support is for.

Is the fit of the saw on the track OK?

I.E. are the gib cam washers worn?

Good thoughts, thanks.

The blade is fine and the saw fit to the track and cams are fine.

Brice, It is possible that I have knocked the saw and slightly moved the base alignment.

I am downloading the manual and will give it a good read.

I have had the saw for a while so the warranty is well past.
It is a handy saw and has been working fine with and without the guide track.
I am sure it is something simple but just haven't found out what is is yet.