Replies

1. 
   ring | Apr 04, 2010 11:52am | #1

   I have the TS75 and it's a great tool, but if you're just going to use it for cutting panels then the larger saw has no justification.  I've been working on large beams lately, using the saw to plunge cut the full depth for various notches and cutouts, so I'm grateful for the depth.  But basically it is not a builder's saw - it is wonderful for panel work but not ideal for the kind of timber framing I'm currently doing.  You're probably OK with the smaller saw, but do not under any circumstance forego the aluminum guide tracks.  They are such a pleasure...

2. 
   RalphBarker | Apr 04, 2010 12:29pm | #2

   alternatives

   Perhaps the best way to decide is to do an analysis of the work you've done in the last 5 years, or so, tallying up the range of stock thicknesses you've worked with, and compare that to the capacity of each saw. There will be Festies who like each saw, but their experience may not translate directly to what you do with your's.

   Or, put a 6 1/2" blade on the 75.  ;-)

3. 
   bones | Apr 04, 2010 06:53pm | #3

   either festool will do a fantastic job.

   I had to make the same decision as you and found that for me it came down to the real basic need that I would have.  As a hobyist I did not see a need to cut 2" stock with mine.  If my stock is that big I'll be using the TS.   I had a limited budget and went with the TS55 and the mft3 heck of a combo.  I find myself using the festool setup more than the ts anymore.   I love the blade turning down instead of up.  Again if you envision the need to cut 2" stock, go with the TS75.  Also keep in mind the 75 is a bit heavier, and your rails will need to be a bit longer.  Its not a limiting factor just a point.  If you want a wide host of responses on this topic (I mean a ton) go over to http://www.festoolownersgroup (FOG) and look there.  Hey BTW they have a 10% off sale right now (un heard of) on the saws and saw accessories.   Perfect time to buy.   I'm going to pick up a 104" rail myself.    Have a good one.

1. 
   Stvchmn | Apr 04, 2010 11:46pm | #4

   what is the mft3?

1. 
   bones | Apr 05, 2010 12:03am | #5

   the mft3 is ...

   the mft3 is a great table used in conjunction with the TS55 or 75.   Awson tools for making from small to large cuts.  Here is a good video that speaks to its virtues.  It aint cheap but is very fersatile.   Go to 11:00 and start from there.  You get a slight discound if you got the two together. 

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB9WhNdgP0k

2. 
   salamfam | Apr 05, 2010 07:01pm | #7

   "I love the blade turning

   "I love the blade turning down instead of up."

   Bones,

   I'm not sure I follow you on this one, the blade on all of the Festool saws I have seen turn in the same direction as any other hand held circular saw.  It seems to me that the blade turning down would create a very dangerous situation with the saw trying to climb through the material being cut.

1. 
   bones | Apr 06, 2010 10:34am | #8

   I love the blade turning explained

   What I mean is I like the way with the ts55 the blade's business side is pointed down (cutting tip) and has a side guard since it only exposes the dangerous part as it is pushed down into the material.  Your hands are safer than a TS where the blade is inverted and the business end is stairing up at you.   Hope that clears my point.    Take care and have a good one. 

1. 
   salamfam | Apr 06, 2010 12:00pm | #9

   I get it now. I was mistaken in thinking you were comparing a Festool TS-55/75 with other hand held circular saws and not a table saw.

   Thanks.

4. 
   pakman1 | Apr 05, 2010 04:19pm | #6

   I was in the same fix and decided to go with the TS 75. I just figured that even though I probably wouldn't need it all of the time, but when I did, I'd HAVE the extra depth and power instead of WISHING I did. Also, they're having a 10% off sale, I think until the end of May, on the saws and all of the accessories for it. Good time to buy if you want one anyway.

   Pat

1. 
   Domer | Apr 07, 2010 01:25pm | #10

   Festool TS 55 vs TS 75

   My son and I are looking at buying one or the other this month while they are on sale.  

   I bought the old version of the MFT3 when it was being closed out and got a short rail with it.  The odd thing is that is is less expensive to buy the TS 75 that comes with a 75"rail than to buy the TS 55 with the 55" rail and buying an additional 55" rail so we can cut a standard plywood.  It is about $60 less to buy the TS 75.

   We may still get the TS 55 because we can't think of a time we will need the extra depth and the TS 75 is about 4# heavier.

   I think the rails are invaluable and would not want to buy the saw without them.

   One of the bad things about Festool is that every things is separate.

   Domer

1. 
   bones | Apr 07, 2010 02:33pm | #11

   That sounds like a good deal.

   I think I understand you that you can get two 55" rails connect them and cut ply long ways.   My only thought is while they work ok, they will not be perfect (at least the ones if seen unless you don't disturb it much once set up) over the lenght of the ply (long side) My preference and i'm using the discount to get it, is to get a solid one piece rail to cut long ways on ply.   It aint cheap but where required I don't want it off.   Either way you will love the tool!   Previous to the TS55 I used a PC CS with a forrest WWII 7 1/4" blade with a strait edge.   Massive improvement.  My CS has not been out of its case since.  Take care.

5. 
   mufti | Apr 08, 2010 03:52pm | #12

   Festool Plunge saws

   Some time ago I sugested modifications to my 55 Festo plunge saw and these worked well.  Just envisage crawling over large sheets of ply which are supported by spacers on the floor.  The depth of cut is less important than your ability to keep the trigger pulled and the plunge depth just enough to sever the work without falling over or tying yourself in knots,

   I found the smaller saw more than enough and when used with the guide rail it works well. The situation mentioned arose when I was doing emergency repairs to single story school roofs, and the work got us by for a couple of years.