Festool PM561556, PI561556, PD561556, PD561432 user manual Operation, Setting the Blade Depth

Operation

Setting the Blade Depth

The TS55 is equipped with a depth stop for setting the depth of the blade during a plunge cut. Using the correct blade depth improves cutting safety, cut quality, and motor efficiency.

Multi-Function Tables

When the saw is used in conjunction with a Multi-Function Table (MFT), the blade depth is typically limited to be 2mm deeper than the thickness of the workpiece. This limits the amount that the blade cuts into the table.

Off-table Cutting

When the saw is used for off-table cutting, the blade can be set deeper without cutting into the worktable. The follow- ing guidelines can be used to determine the optimal blade depth.

Effects of Too Shallow of a Setting

►► Higher drag on the sawblade, requiring more power and effort to complete the cut.

►► Increased chance for kickback.

►► Increased chipping and splintering on the underside of the cut, especially with melamine and veneers.

►► Increased burning of the cut, especially in certain hard- woods like cherry and maple.

►► With the exception of underside chipping, all of these effects are greatest with finer-toothed blades.

Effects of Too Deep of a Setting

►► Increased danger with more of the blade exposed below the workpiece.

►► Increased sawtooth marks in the cut.

►► Increased top-side chipping and splintering, especially without using the guide rail and splinter guards.

Blade Depth Recommendations

There are no set rules for setting the depth of the blade with respect to the underside of the cut. However, a common industry guideline is to have the gullets of the blade even with the underside of the workpiece. This will therefore be used as a baseline to describe optional depth settings.

Gullet

►► If a material is prone to burning in the cut, increase the depth slightly. This includes ripping hardwoods such as cherry and maple.

►► Using a combination blade in solid wood may perform better with a slightly deeper setting.

►► Using a coarse blade in sheet materials may be improved

with a shallower cut.

►► Cutting dense and/or hard materials may require a deeper setting to decrease heat and load on the tool.

►► Cutting fragile or shatter-prone materials such as plastics or countertop laminates is best with a shallow setting (and low speed).

►► Cutting aluminum may be improved with a semi-shallow setting, but not too shallow.

►► When Used with the Multi-Function Table (MFT) you may wish to keep the blade depth shallower.

►► Cutting non-fragile, non-shattering plastics such as poly- propylene or solid-surface countertops may be improved with a deeper cut.

►► More aggressive blades, such as the Panther ripping blade, can be used at a shallower setting.

Using the Depth Stop

The depth stop has two index pointers 5mm apart. One is used to indicate the blade depth when used without a guide rail, and the other is used to indicate the blade depth when used with a guide rail.

The TS 55 REQ also includes an optional imperial (inch) depth gauge sticker. Refer to “Installing the Imperial Depth Gauge” on page 23 for instructions on installing the sticker.

►► To change the depth setting, press in on the index pointer and slide it up or down to the desired setting.

►► When precise depth control is needed, rotate the fine adjustment screw using the blade wrench. This is typically needed only when making trenching cuts.

Depth Without

Guide Rail

Depth With

Guide Rail

Fine

Adjustment

Press In to Slide

12 TS 55 REQ