Straight Talk…About Straight Cuts. There are a lot of people who still believe you can only get straight, splinter‐free cuts in a shop using expensive panel saws, table saws, and CNC equipment. Getting quality cuts with portable power tools doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. The truth is…that with the right tools, anyone can get great results in the shop or on the jobsite. Straight, splinter‐free cuts are easy, once you know the secret. Let’s start with the basic causes of poor quality cuts.
The smooth pivoting action, and minimal blade exposure during the cut is ideal for starting a cut in the middle of a panel. This design allows the blade to pivot into the material smoothly and accurately. Precision cuts starting from any point are easily accomplished.
Things to Consider Quality As with most power tools…you usually get what you pay for. While every now and then, you might find a simple and inexpensive solution, rarely will you find a quality built tool at a discount price. How many times have you had to buy another tool, because you bought cheap instead of buying right? Let’s face it… a quality tool, built with quality materials will cost you more than you might want to pay initially.
Power Having a strong and reliable motor is important to getting good results. How much power is enough to do the job? The answer depends on the job. If you are going to rip 3 inch hard maple boards all day, then you should get a larger saw with extra power. If, on the other hand, you will be making a few cuts in ¾” plywood, you might prefer the comfort of a smaller and lighter saw.
Here are a few features that will help ensure high quality cuts. Look for easy tool‐free saw to guide rail adjustments that ensure zero‐play between the two. For the best quality cuts, use a system that has splinter guards on both sides of the blade (one on the rail, and one on the saw.) MMC electronics and a variable speed setting will ensure that a consistent and correct blade speed is used for the material being cut.
Dust Extraction When making any cut, a saw is going to generate a lot of sawdust. Fine dust that is ejected into the air can make you sneeze, cough, and experience other allergy‐like symptoms. It’s small, lands on everything in sight, and gets inside your tools. Experts agree that limiting our exposure is the best protection. Good dust extraction extends the life of your tools by reducing dust‐induced tool fatigue.
Other Considerations A quality tool should be comfortable to use, and feel balanced in your hand. The use of soft grip materials, color coded switches and controls, and the use of tool‐less adjustments combine to make the user experience much better. Detachable power cords can be convenient, as they allow you to disconnect from the power source at the saw instead of the receptacle.
Festool TS Saw Key Features Festool TS saws deliver panel saw precision in a versatile, portable design. We invented the guide rail over 40 years ago, and have continuously set new and higher standards for precision cutting with our plunge cut saws. Accuracy and splinter‐free cuts on both sides of the blade The guide rail and saw splinter guard create a zero clearance cutting surface that you can place directly on the material to be cut.
Setting the standard for Precision Item # Included in Package High Quality Carbide Blade Guide Rail Included Slip clutch Splinter Guard Limit Stop Plug‐it Power Cord Systainer Specifications Power Consumption Saw Blade Speed Saw Blade Diameter Bevel Cuts Cutting Depth on Rail Cutting Depth without Rail Arbor Size Weight TS 55 EQ TS 75 EQ 561 174 561 188 48 tooth (491 952) 55” (1400 mm) No Yes Yes Yes SYS 4 36 tooth (493 198) 75” (1900 mm) Yes Yes Yes Yes SYS 5 1200 watts / 10 amps 120v AC 2,000 ‐5,0
Accessories that help you work faster, easier, smarter Parallel guide For guided cuts that run parallel to the edge of the board. This sturdy, and well designed attachment is a must have accessory. Use it to quickly trim the edges of boards to the right width. Splinter guard These disposable splinter guards, when used with a guiderail, create a zero clearance base for the TS saws. By supporting the fibers on both sides of the blade, you can get splinter‐free cuts in the most difficult materials.
Plunge Cut Saw Blades Anatomy of a Festool saw blade Festool plunge cut saw blades are engineered and designed for cutting efficiency, long‐life, and superior cutting results. Festool offers seven different blades for various applications.