FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers
Which Festool saws currently feature the SawStop AIM technology?
At the moment, the SawStop AIM technology is installed in the TKS 80 EBS table saw.
How can I be certain that the SawStop AIM system is activated and working?
The saw will only start if all self-tests (saw blade/cartridge inserted correctly, etc.) have been performed and the SawStop AIM technology is activated, although it can be switched off manually for conductive materials.
Can I machine conductive materials with the TKS 80?
Yes, but the SawStop AIM technology must be switched off to do so. It's then possible to saw aluminium, wet wood, etc.
Can I test a material for conductivity?
Yes: With the machine in standby mode, hold the material against the saw blade – if the red LED flashes, the technology will be triggered.
What will break or need to be replaced if the SawStop AIM technology is triggered?
The cartridge and the saw blade must be replaced. The saw itself will not be broken and will not need to be sent to the customer service team. Users can replace the saw blade and cartridge themselves.
Does the TKS 80 require an earthed power source?
The SawStop AIM technology only works if a protective earth connection is present and the power source is earthed. For more details, please refer to the operating instructions for the TKS 80 EBS.
Is it possible to retrofit the SawStop AIM technology on other Festool circular saws?
It is currently not possible to retrofit the SawStop AIM technology. This technology only works in the product combination/system for the TKS 80 table saws.
What is a KickbackStop?
A KickbackStop, also referred to as kickback control, is an accessory fitted to tools to protect users against sudden kickbacks. The installed KickbackStop function helps to detect if the tool abruptly kicks back or lifts. The motor is then stopped by emergency braking in order to avoid dangerous kickbacks. However, the way the KickbackStop works varies from tool to tool.
How is the KickbackStop technology in plunge-cut saws and screwdrivers different?
During sawing with the TSC 55 K and TS 60 K, the KickbackStop's feeler wedge rests on the guide rail or on the material that is to be processed. If a kickback occurs when plunging into the workpiece or when sawing, this wedge immediately detects this and triggers emergency braking almost simultaneously. This stops the plunge-cut saw from moving backwards unpredictably and therefore minimises the risk of injury. When drilling and screwdriving with the
Can the KickbackStop be deactivated (bypass option)?
It is different for the plunge-cut saw and the (percussion) drill.
In the case of the TSC 55 K or TS 60 K, the KickbackStop function can be deactivated. This is mainly used when working without a guide rail for sawing uneven workpieces. Since machining an uneven workpiece with the KickbackStop activated would cause the function to be triggered incorrectly, it is recommended that you deactivate the KickbackStop function. The KickbackStop is automatically reactivated the next time the plunge-cut saw is switched back on – for maximum user protection.
In the case of the TPC 18/4 and the TDC 18/4, the KickbackStop function cannot be deactivated for safety reasons.
What are the advantages of dust extraction for me?
Where there's planing, there's chipping. In other words: there is dust! Whether in the workshop or on the construction site, manual activities usually generate dust in varying quantities and particle sizes - all with a considerable impact:
- Dust hinders your work progress
- Can damage your tools and machines
- Can reduce the quality of your work
- Dust is harmful to your health
Therefore, chips and dust should not be released into the air in the first place, but should be extracted directly. At Festool, we offer you different vacuum cleaner models with different dust classes - depending on the activity and application, so that you can use the right vacuum cleaner for every job:
From small cordless vacuum cleaners for assembly work to large-volume workshop vacuum cleaners supplemented by extensive system accessories. All dust extractors can be quickly and safely connected to your Festool tool via the connection port. With a Festool vacuum cleaner, you can achieve high-quality, clean working results in less time, your customers and your health will thank you for it!
Why do I need an air purifier? I have a dust extraction unit.
Correct dust extraction can capture up to approx. 90% of the dust, depending on the material and application. An air purifier filters the dust that your vacuum cleaner does not capture or that cannot be extracted at all. And thus improves the air quality.
An air purifier is therefore not a replacement for a vacuum cleaner, but a necessary addition. Dust extractor + Air purifier = best possible dust management!
What are the different dust classes?
Dust generated during work is categorised into three classes. This defines the suitability of the vacuum cleaner for the respective dust class and the occupational exposure limit values (OEL). The dust classes also define the degree of separation that the corresponding filter systems must provide for dust-free working. A distinction is made between
- Dust class L
- Dust class M
- Dust class H
Class L dust is considered "slightly" hazardous. Dust class L therefore includes simple and harmless dusts such as house dust, soil, lime, paints and varnishes.
Class M dusts are labelled as "medium" hazardous and include, for example, wood, concrete, cement and screed. This class is used for dust that has a MAC value of more than 0.1 mg/m³. For this, the permeability of the vacuum cleaner should correspond to up to 0.1 % (MAK = maximum workplace concentration) to enable almost dust-free working.
Dust class H, on the other hand, includes "highly" hazardous dusts with germs, bacteria, asbestos, viruses, mould, cadmium, formaldehyde, potassium dichromate or carcinogenic substances. This class applies to all dusts with a MAK value of less than or equal to 0.1 mg/m³ and a maximum vacuum permeability of 0.005 %.
Can I also use a Festool vacuum cleaner to extract power tools from other manufacturers?
As the sockets of the individual devices vary, it is not possible to make a general statement here. Depending on whether the specific power tool from another manufacturer is compatible, you may be able to combine it with a Festool dust extractors. Festool does not offer sleeves for other manufacturers, as the system concept takes centre stage here. For clean and virtually dust-free work, the tools should fit together as well as possible. However, if you are using power tools from other brands, you can use a different connection and connect it to the appropriate Festool Hose.
What do you need for asbestos?
If asbestos is present during extraction work, you should only use dust class H vacuum cleaners - such as the CTH 26 - for clean, safe working. As this type of dust is considered highly hazardous, certain requirements apply to the Dust-extractor:
- Integrated measurement of air velocity (20 m/s)
- Dust-free disposal
- Filtering: 0.005 % max. permeability of the vacuum cleaner
To enable largely safe and low-dust work with asbestos, the highest requirements must be met. Permeability of the Dust extraction unit
In order to enable largely safe and low-dust work with asbestos, the dust extraction unit must meet the highest requirements. This is governed by the Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances (TRG) 519, which apply to the protection of employees and other persons. It must be observed for virtually dust-free work when working with asbestos and hazardous substances containing asbestos.
Why is dust dangerous?
Tradespeople and other employees working on construction sites often generate a lot of dust during their work. Some of the dust contain extremely hazardous substances, which means that even small amounts can enter the respiratory tract and cause illness if they are not extracted or are extracted incorrectly. Dust work can cause irritation or other illnesses, for example:
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Lung cancer
- Bronchial cancer
- Mouth and throat cancer
- Skin cancer
- Nasal mucosal cancer
Fine dust in particular is too small to be filtered through the nasal hairs or mucous membranes and can therefore quickly enter the lungs. This can cause serious damage. Quartz and asbestos dust are particularly dangerous and are considered carcinogenic. However, wood dust can also potentially lead to nasal cancer in the long term. It is therefore essential to avoid ingesting large amounts of dust over a short period of time and to take appropriate precautions to minimise dust when working.
How do I know which dust class is required?
Firstly, you should clarify which type of dust you are confronted with in the workplace. This will give you an initial assessment of the correct dust class. In many cases, a class M dust extractor is sufficient. These extract most type of dust that occur on construction sites or in a workshop, including building dust, house dust, plaster, clay, ceramics, paint, lime, varnish, wood, concrete, cement or screed.
If harmful substances such as asbestos or mould need to be extracted, there are certain special vacuum cleaners (CTH) that fall under class H and enable virtually dust-free extraction. Festool also offers suitable devices for explosive dusts such as aluminium and flour to enable low-dust work without any risk to health.
What limit values apply to the air in the workplace?
In accordance with the Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV), all employees must be able to work as dust-free as possible in the workplace. The maximum workplace concentration (MAK) is a suitable guideline value for this. The lower this value is, the more dangerous the dust is in the workplace. Dust class L devices are suitable for dusts with MAK values > 1 mg/m³. The Mobile dust extractor should have a maximum permeability of 1 % and it should be possible to dispose of the associated Filter bag in a dust-free manner. Dust class M lists dusts with MAK values > 0.1 mg/m³. Accordingly, the Dust extraction should have a permeability of 0.1 % and be able to be disposed of with low dust levels.
Dust class H, on the other hand, refers to highly hazardous dusts with MAK values < 0.1 mg/m³. Only Dust-extractors with a maximum permeability of 0.005 % and completely dust-free disposal are suitable for this. When working with asbestos or substances hazardous to health, you need dust extraction units of dust class H, which are also labelled for asbestos. The maximum degree of permeability and disposal correspond to class H.
Class "Zone 22" includes explosive dusts. The maximum degree of permeability and disposal correspond to dust class L and M.
Due to legal regulations, M and H vacuum cleaners must also warn the user with an acoustic signal as soon as the air velocity in the Hose is 20 m/s or less.
Can a dust extraction unit be used for the workshop and construction site at the same time?
Yes, but you should make sure that your vacuum cleaner is not too big or too heavy for use on the construction site. The automatic cleaning function (AUTOCLEAN) is also an advantage here.
In a workshop, it is not advantageous to use a small CT SYS vacuum cleaner when using machines that generate a lot of dust such as Routers or Planers. This is because the container of this vacuum cleaner would be full within a few seconds. In such cases, devices with a larger dust container should be used, such as a CT 26 or larger.
Depending on the material to be vacuumed, the appropriate dust class should be selected - whether on the construction site or in the workshop.
Why should I buy a Festool Dust extraction unit?
Dust-free working is a top priority for Festool. This is demonstrated by the fact that we at Festool develop and produce our own dust extractors. And they are also optimally matched to our power tools. After all, the best suction performance for virtually dust-free work can only be achieved if the tool, Hose and dust extraction unit are perfectly matched. All devices are subjected to tough test conditions and must fulfil our highest expectations. Based on your requirements and experience, we develop products with optimised ergonomics, the best possible suction power and useful accessories. Our vacuum cleaners are constantly being further developed to support you in your work quickly, easily and cleanly. In addition, the vacuum cleaners offer many other benefits such as:
- All-inclusive warranty for 3 years, including spare parts and theft protection
- Very powerful suction power and adjustable suction volume
- Bluetooth technology
- Coupling option for Systainer (T-LOC)
- Touch control panel
- Suction hose antistatic version
- Stable, construction with steel axles
- Large wheels and reinforced body
- Fully utilisable container volume
- Cable rewind
- Perfectly fitting connections to Festool tools (bayonet lock)
- Hose holder and secure storage area for tools
- Automatic main filter cleaning AUTOCLEAN
- Depending on requirements, we offer mains-powered vacuum cleaners for the workshop or with a rechargeable battery for mobile work