Fantastic Festool Fence Fix
Intro: Fantastic Festool Fence Fix
This fix is actually a little upgrade – necessitated by a knob stripping out. Ever since I bought this saw (around 2000/2001) I’ve been irritated with a few minor design issues. In general it’s a fantastic piece of equipment, but it could be better. As time goes by, I’ll be replacing most of the knobs on this fence with bicycle style cam-lock quick-releases.
This fix involves replacing the set knob on the saw-fence with a camlock/quick-release locking system from a bicycle. This is to replace the original steel bolt/brass and plastic knob combo. I understand the need to have brass on steel locking, and I can also say that replacing the original knob with a new Festool knob is not expensive, but my fix makes this a little better and easier to work with.
Problem:
Brass in plastic knob stripped out after years of loosening and tightening (and over-tightening). The actual strip occurred on a day when it was suddenly a lot colder than the previous day, so who knows, the temperature difference may have had some influence on the whole process.
This fix involves replacing the set knob on the saw-fence with a camlock/quick-release locking system from a bicycle. This is to replace the original steel bolt/brass and plastic knob combo. I understand the need to have brass on steel locking, and I can also say that replacing the original knob with a new Festool knob is not expensive, but my fix makes this a little better and easier to work with.
Problem:
Brass in plastic knob stripped out after years of loosening and tightening (and over-tightening). The actual strip occurred on a day when it was suddenly a lot colder than the previous day, so who knows, the temperature difference may have had some influence on the whole process.
STEP 1:
Remove the stripped brass and plastic knob, bolt, and the aluminium spacer (little piece of pipe that prevents over tightening and damage to the lock-tab.)
STEP 2:
Insert the quick release skewer and mark the point where this should be cut – be generous – it’s easier to trim it again if it was cut too long.
STEP 3:
Cut new thread on the skewer.
STEP 4:
Insert the skewer, nut and aluminium spacer and tighten the nut while “feeling” the cam-lock to determine the ideal pressure.
Job done! Enjoy how quickly you can now set your fence!
Job done! Enjoy how quickly you can now set your fence!
2 Comments
scot2go2 10 years ago
audreyobscura 10 years ago