How to Change the Blade on a Festool Ts55 (Quick & Easy Guide)

The Festool track saw TS55 is an exceptionally efficient plunge cut saw that is often used in the construction and woodworking industry.

This saw is highly recognized for its precision, versatility, and dust collection making it the best track saw option among professionals and hobbyists alike. T

o keep it running at its peak performance, one should be aware of when and how to change the blade on a Festool TS55.

That’s what you’re about to discover, and as an intro, I will shortly list you how to change the blade on a Festool TS55 here and go deeper into it (with pictures) later in this article:

• Lift the blade lock lever and plunge the saw down.
• Use the Allen wrench to rotate the screw in an anticlockwise direction to detach the blade.
• Remove the blade from the saw.
• Secure the new blade onto the arbor and attach the locking washer and fasten it clockwise.
• Unlock the blade lock lever and carefully release the saw.

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Importance of changing the blade

The TS55 Festool saw’s efficiency depends heavily on the status of its blade. The tool comes with a standard ripping blade and when this 160mm saw blade is dilapidated or broken, it can cause jagged cuts and pose a danger. Frequently swapping out the blade yields both time-saving and cost-saving advantages in the long term.

Note: a track saw is a dangerous tool to have in the workshop. Always be repaired in case of an emergency. That is why I recommend you have a well-equipped first aid kit in your workshop. In my article How To Make A Workshop First Aid Kit – N°1 Guide | FREE CHECKLIST, I’ll teach you how to put one together.

When should you change the Festool plunge saw blade?

It is essential to change the blade on your Festool TS55 as soon as any signs of wear or dullness appear. Not only will this ensure superior results with the saw, but it is also key to keeping it in good condition and enhancing its longevity. Inspecting and replacing the blade on a regular basis is an integral part of preserving the Festool TS55’s performance. If you’re unsure if your saw blade needs replacing, take a peek at my article ‘How Do I Know If My Table Saw Blade Is Dull (6 Simple Ways)‘ to see more.

How to change the blade on a Festool TS55

Before we dive into these step, it is very important to understand that you have to use the appropriate track saw blade for the job. That is why you should dive deeper into this knowledge and visit my article What Are the Different Types of Track Saw Blades – Quick & Easy Guide first. After you have gone through that information, you can come back and continue reading.

Preparing to Change the Blade

Safety precautions

Before changing the blade, ensure that you disconnect the saw from its power source or remove its battery. Doing so will guard against accidental activation which could result in serious injury. Once the saw has been secured, you can start replacing the old blade.

Also, before attempting to replace the blade on a Festool TS55, it is important to read the user manual and follow all safety precautions as outlined by the supplier. For added protection, it is also advisable to wear protective gloves while making the switch.

Secure the saw on a firm surface to prevent it from slipping while in use and to avoid injury or damage from accidental falls.

Gather the necessary tools and materials

To change the blade on a Festool TS55, you will need the following tools and materials: A new blade that is compatible with the saw ( notice that the latest version of the Festool blade has a 1.8 mm kerf), A blade wrench or Allen key (which is included into your saws handle or systainer), and a piece of scrap wood for testing.
Related article: The Important Role of Track Saw Blade Kerf Width (Quick Answer)

Next to the Festool saw blade standard 495379, you can have other blades for festool ts 55 as well. The Festool ts55 blade size will always be 160mm, but it will change according to the material you are cutting. The most used and best blade for festool ts 55 are:

• Festool 495381 fine 52 tooth saw blade. Related article: 5 Best Track Saw Blades for Making Crosscuts (Fine Tooth Saw Blades)
• Festool laminate saw blade 495382
• Festool 495383 aluminum/plastic 72-tooth saw blade

Removing the Old Blade

Firstly, lift the blade lock lever and press the saw down firmly until it locks into position. This will guarantee that the blade is securely attached and won’t budge while you’re changing it.

Using the Allen wrench, rotate the screw counterclockwise to unfasten the blade from the saw. Exercise caution when removing from the saw as its edges are extremely sharp. Inspect it and set it aside.

Installing the New Blade

To install the new blade, simply place it on the arbor, making sure the teeth are facing the correct direction. Then, install the locking washer and tighten it clockwise using the Allen wrench. Once the new blade is securely in place, close the blade lock lever and gently release the saw from the locked position.

Now that the blade has been replaced, it’s a good idea to test the saw with a piece of scrap wood. This will help ensure that the blade is properly aligned and that the saw is operating smoothly. If everything is working correctly, you’re ready to start cutting again with your newly installed blade.

Note: Before turning on the saw, make sure the blade is properly secured, and the blade release lever is in the lock position.

Final Steps on how to change the blade on a Festool ts55

After substituting the saw blade, test it on some scrapwood to make sure it is operating efficiently. Put the sample material onto the saw’s trajectory and attempt a practice cut. Pay attention to the tool’s operation and observe for any problems like cutting unevenly or cramming up.

After conducting the cut test, ensure that the blade is aligned perpendicularly with the saw’s base plate and Festool guide rail to guarantee a seamless operation. In case of any misalignments or operational discrepancies, consult the instruction manual or speak to the manufacturer for assistance.

Maintain the saw by regularly wiping away debris, greasing the track, and inspecting for any worn parts or bolts. By consistently performing upkeep, you’ll guarantee that the saw continues to work efficiently and extend its life expectancy.

how to change the blade on a Festool ts55 – Conclusion

Recap of the steps on how to change the blade on a Festool TS55

In this article, I have outlined the steps for changing the blade on a Festool TS55. We covered the importance of safety precautions, the tools and materials needed, and the process of removing the old blade and installing the new one. Here is a short recap:

• Secure the saw by lifting the blade lock lever and pressing it down so that it is firmly secured in position, guaranteeing that the blade does not move when changing it.
• Utilize the Allen wrench to rotate the screw in an anticlockwise direction to detach the blade from the saw.
• Gingerly take the blade from the saw, staying alert to its sharp edges, and scan it for any signs of erosion or impairment and put it aside.
• Secure the new blade onto the arbor, ensuring that the saw teeth are pointed in the proper direction. Attach the locking washer and fasten it clockwise with an Allen wrench.
• Unlock the blade lock lever and carefully release the saw from its secure position.
• Verify the saw’s accuracy and performance by testing it on a small piece of wood.

In summary, it is straightforward to change the blade on a Festool TS55 with the proper tools and understanding. By adhering to the measures detailed in this article and doing normal maintenance, you can make sure that your saw stays performing optimally.

If you want to know how to make your blade last longer, than you need to go to my article 8 Tips to make your track saw blade last longer (money-saving info)