Q: How do I change the splinter guard on my guide rail?
A: To replace the splinter guard on the guide rail, first peel the old one off. You will notice that the adhesive backing remains on the guide rail. It is not always necessary to remove this, and it provides a sticky base to attach the new splinter guard. To remove the adhesive backing, use either a plastic scraper or piece of hardwood to avoid scratching the guide rail. You will be able to remove most of the adhesive with a little work. What residue remains can be removed with solvent. You will want to make sure that the surface is clean and dry before applying the new splinter guard. Apply the new splinter guard being careful to avoid wrinkles and bubbles. After it is applied, you will want to roll something along the splinter guard to assure good adhesion. You will follow the same procedure you used initially to cut back the splinter guard with the saw.
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Q: How long is your longest guide rail?
A: Guide rails are available in lengths from 800mm (32") to 5000mm (197" or 16' 5"). You can connect different size guide rails to create virtually any length guide rail, using connector (482107).
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Q: What is the appropriate length guide rail needed to rip 8' sheet goods?
A: For the TS 55, the FS 2700 (2700mm or 106") guide rail is ideal for rip cuts on sheet goods as you avoid starting with a plunge cut, and you finish with both guide rail gib cams — the knobs to adjust lateral alignment — on the rail for a perfect, straight cut.
The FS 1400 (1400mm or 55") guide rail is perfect for cross cuts for the same reason, there is extra room to start and finish your cut. Two FS 1400’s can be joined using guide rail connectors to make an 110" guide rail to rip sheet goods.
For the TS 75, the FS 3000 (3000mm or 118") guide rail is ideal for rip cuts on sheet goods as the saw table or is larger than on the TS 55 and requires a longer rail.
The FS 1900 (1900mm or 75") guide rail is perfect for cross cuts for the same reason, there is extra room to start and finish your cut. An FS 1900 can be joined with an FS 1400 using guide rail connectors to make an 130" guide rail to rip sheet goods.
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Q: Can I exchange a FS 1400/2 for a longer guide rail when I purchase the TS55?
A: Yes, you simply pay the difference in cost. You can also join two guide rails to create a longer rail using connectors (482107). Two are required to join the new style guide rail.
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Q: Are the bags for the CT22 and CT33 dust extractor interchangeable?
A: Both bags have the same mounting flange. In an emergency the smaller CT22 bag can be used in the CT33 if you place something underneath it to support it. The larger CT33 bag will fit in the CT22 as well.
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Q: Can I get a longer hose for my dust extractor?
A: We cannot exchange the hose the dust extractor comes with, it is prepackaged at the factory. We do sell hoses up to 23 feet, which is the maximum recommended length. You can connect two shorter hoses using a connector sleeve (493047) and corresponding rotating adaptor specific to your hose diameter, either D27 (452892) or D36 (452894).
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Q: Will the 36mm diameter hose work with all Festool tools?
A: The 36mm diameter hose is recommended for use with the planer HL850 and the routers OF1400 and OF2000. It will improve dust extraction as it has a 33% greater capacity. The 36mm hose will not work with the sanders, the OF1010 router and the jigsaws since the dust port has a 27mm diameter.
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Q: How do I attach my Festool tools to another brand dust extractor?
A: To attach your Festool to another brand dust extractor, simply purchase a Festool hose (item 452877), which has a standard 2 1/4" sleeve. Keep in mind that the connection between the tool and the hose is more critical than the connection between the hose and the dust extractor. You want to have a snug fit on the tool side to make sure the hose doesn't come off when you are working with the tool.
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Q: How loud are the Festool dust extractors?
A: The Festool dust extractors peak at 72db, though their low resonance is engineered to be more pleasing than the high pitched whine of a standard shop vac. When operating a power tool with our dust extractor, you will normally only hear the tool, and not the extractor.
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Q: I bought your dust extractor, but where is the hose?
A: The hose is shipped in the unit itself, simply open the latches to lift the lid and you find it where the dust bag goes.
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Q: When would you recommend using the Long life filter bag?
A: The long life filter bag is not recommended for fine dust as emptying it is not convenient and exposes you to environmental hazards. The long life filter bag is recommended for sawing, planing or routing operations where you generate considerable mass and coarse dust. The long life bag will pay for itself over time as it lasts about as long as 500 filter bags.
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Q: Why does my D27 antistatic hose seem stiff and tend to curl up?
A: All thermal formable materials like plastics have “memory”, they tend to retain their shape. Like your garden hose, unless you warm it, it will tend to coil in the same diameter that it came. If you warm your hose up by simply laying it in the sun, you can retrain it or straighten it out. The conductive carbon used in the Festool antistatic hose is partly what makes it stiff. The non-antistatic hose is more flexible but not suggested for sanding due to the static charge generated by moving dust. The Boom Arm attachment (item 492753) provides the ideal solution for hose snags. With the hose up off of the floor, it’s no longer a trip hazard, and more maneuverable. Working is easier, with fewer restrictions. Plus your hose won’t get hung up on your work piece.
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Q: How do I attach another brand power tool to my Festool dust extractor?
A: To attach another brand tool to your Festool dust extractor, consult the manufacturer. The Festool dust extractor has a standard 2 1/4" hose port which will accept all standard tool hoses. Your Festool hose may fit either the inside or outside dimension, there is also a larger 1 3/8 (36mm) hose end available (item 487721). Your local tool store may carry a universal step adapter if those options don’t work.
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Q: How do I connect two tools to my dust extractor?
A: Item number 452898 is a “Y” adapter which will allow you to run two tools at a time. The adapter includes a plug if you are only using one.
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Q: What are the different hose diameters for?
A: The D27 hose works on all tools but the HL850 planer and on all cleaning sets except the Industrial cleaning set. The D36 hose is recommended for the router, planer and cleaning sets but will not work on the sanders or the Industrial cleaning set. The D50 hose is used on the Industrial cleaning set and can be connected with other hose diameters to create a longer hose.
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Q: How big of a compressor do I need to run Festool airsanders?
A: The sander requires a minimum 3/8" air line and couplings. The compressor must produce 15 CFM per tool at 90 PSI tool flow pressure. We recommend a 2-stage compressor with a cast iron pump and at least an 80 gallon tank.
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Q: Why does the polishing pad for the RO 150 FEQ (493914) only measure 130mm?
A: The polishing pad on the RO 150 FEQ provides for a 10mm or 3/8" overlap when using the felts, sponges or sheepskin to prevent the possibility of marring the surface with the edge of the pad. Best results are achieved by keeping the pad flat.
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Q: What is the difference between the FiberFix and the StickFix sanding pad for the RAS 115?
A: The StickFix pad accepts hook and loop sanding discs. The FiberFix pad has an arbor to attach grinding discs.
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Q: What is the 6" interface pad used for?
A: It acts as a cushioning device. It helps with sanding cambered surfaces or profiles. It is very good for extra fine sanding.
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