Replies

1. 
   harrisdog43 | Nov 06, 2003 09:46pm | #1

   I have the 55 circular saw. Paying that much for a saw almost caused me to choke...but I saw a reviewer that said he considered it a jobsite table saw which I had already been considering and my Milwaukee needed major repairs.

   Check out http://www.cjohnhebert.com and click under Festool. He gives another reason if you have it hooked up with the vacuum.

   What I like: it is very accurate, the guide works very well even without clamping it down; the plunging mechanism causes the blade to retract when you finish a cut thereby avoiding cutting something besides what you are working on, and it leaves a very smooth cut. They give a 30 day money back guarantee.

   What I do not like as well: when you are trying to cut on a bevel, you have to be careful because if you try to sit the saw down with the blade tilted, it is off balance and I have almost lost it off the edge of my sawhore workbench...this may sound weird but if you use one you will understand.

1. 
   graffito | Nov 07, 2003 08:09am | #2

   You're right. That does sound "weird." Or at least unclear. I'll have to get my hands on one and see.

   Do you mean that, with the saw OFF, but set to a bevel, it's not stable on a flat surface unless completely supported along the length of the guide, because of the odd angle that the saw and guide make with the table top?

1. 
   harrisdog43 | Nov 07, 2003 04:49pm | #3

   To retract the blade the saw sets up above the table. When it is angled, the center of gravity is off to the side and it falls over. It is very stable when the blade isn't angled, but tippy when it is, especially if it is at a 45.

   I guess the best thing I can say is that if it got stolen, I would start saving for another one. I accidentally left my saw guide (rail) at my sister's house (500 miles away) and I called Festool and ordered another one so I could rip the lip off of some siding. Works very well for ripping with the guide rail.

   Try looking at http://www.woodshopdemos.com to see John's evaluation. It really shines on cutting down case goods.

   john