I recently added the Cover Plate ( Festool item number 491 750 ) to my TS55. I definetly see an improvement in DC in almost every situation. I used the ATF55 for several years without the plate, and have used the TS55 both ways enough to know that I like using the cover plate.



There is some improvement even when just removing a kerf, because it prevents the dust from being blown out to the right. So even if not much more actually gets picked up, the plate still keeps it in check so that it falls right next to the saw body. Not spraying on everything to the right of where you are working. This can be especially useful working inside a house or if you want to cut down on general shop clean up. Also on MDF, the cover plate really helps keep the fine dust from escaping through the openings.

I remove the cover plate and put the splinter guard back on when it really matters. But it is possible to use the CP as a dust deflector even with the Splinter Guard installed.




You can actually leave the CP (Cover Plate) on for about half of the bevel range, It just needs to be adjusted out away from the saw body to allow the saw to tip. The openings in the blade shroud will not be closed off, but the dust is still prevented from blowing out to the right. I did this just a couple days ago when beveling a board along its edge.




One other thing is that the CP is also a guide to run up against a wall or the like. Say when cutting floor near a wall, or something of that nature. That is why the plate is covered by that brown (phenolic?) material, like on the router bases, along the lower edge. I have not used this feature.





I took some pics and did some test cuts. I was not able to get any good pics that would actually show the dust but I will describe the results. I used a piece of MDF and made the same cuts for each saw set up.

First I cut with no CP ( Cover Plate ) and no Tape. A good size cloud of dust was blowing out the front of the saw and all over everything within 2 – 3 feet to the right. As well as drifting into the air all over the shop.

Second I made the same cuts with tape covering the two openings on the side of the housing. This did a good job and kept most of the dust in check. And is worth doing in conjunction with the Splinter Guard.




Third I used the CP. This did a very good job of controling the dust with some blowing out in front of the saw, and none to the right.

I would say that the tape does about 50% - 75% of what the CP does. If you want some improvment without shelling out any money go with the tape. A couple drwbacks to the tape- might be a nuisance if you change blades often,. Some possibility that it could get into theopening and be sucked up by the blade. If you are after the most DC you can get then get the CP. Whether or not it is worth the $44 USD is going to be highly subjective. For my use I feel that it has been worth buying. Not being able to use the Splinter Guard is irrelevent for many cuts. To be honest I used the ATF55 (which does not have the splinter guard) for years and had no real splintering problems in most materials anyway.

The lower edge gap that the plate covers.







Hi, A little update.

After using the Cover Plate for a more extended period of time. There is no doubt that the CP improves DC a good amount. It will be on my saw unless I really need the Splinter guard.


Seth



srs