Replies

1. 
   ring | Dec 17, 2009 02:05am | #1

   I've got the 75 but only use
   I've got the 75 but only use it on jobsites. Don't need it in the shop for anything. It's great for cutting up sheet goods which of course don't need much depth at all, but if you're gonna cut the occasional 2x4 you want the depth of cut option. The depth of cut adjustment works very well and it's fast to set. However - remember that these are plunge saws - they go down to the depth you set and you cannot lock them there. They will return to 0 when you let up the downward pressure.

   Neither of the Festool saws are good for building contractors. You cannot see the line of cut - you're depending on the guide, which works very well, but it's not suited to construction work. Accordingly, Festool has brought out in Europe a second line of tools called ProTool which are specifically designed for the building trade. I don't think it's released in the US yet.

2. 
   bones | Dec 17, 2009 09:26am | #2

   Well, I have the TS55 and the MFT/3. I bought them as a combo. My decision was based on my personal need. The big difference is oomph, and cutting capacity. I did not want it to take to a job site and if I'm going to be cutting really thick stock I'd be doing it on the Cabinet saw. Secondly, since I did not need all that capacity I wanted a lighter saw. Again that fit my need. I have to admit though since I've purchased I seldom use the cabinet saw any more. That MFT/3 is so dang handy and I like the business end of that blade pointing down instead of up. Some things are defininately better with a cabinet saw, but either the TS55 or TS75 will make you smile. Take care.

3. 
   ASK | Dec 17, 2009 09:29am | #3

   I have the 75 with 2 50" guides that I can attach together. I have used it in situations where I needed to cut large, very heavy slabs of solid wood which I could not manipulate on the table saw. And the cuts were perfect.

   ASK

1. 
   bones | Dec 17, 2009 05:59pm | #6

   I use to question the same thing, but once you own that first one, you will understand. From DC, to how it works everthing. Is it worth it, worth is in the eye of the beholder, but as someoen who loves his money, yes. I have the Domino, CT33e, ETS150, TS55/MFT3, OF1400,T15+3, and various guide rails. I will also point out I have a grizzly tablesaw, 12" jointer, and 17" BS. So I have tools that vary in price greatly.

4. 
   Eireannach | Dec 17, 2009 11:57am | #4

   It seems like Festool tools are good, but are they really good enough to justify how much more they cost than anything else I've seen? Just wondering.

1. 
   floormeister | Dec 17, 2009 12:20pm | #5

   i have never owned one but have used one. the high points to me are:the guide rails,the edge of the rubber is exact where the cut will be,ditto if it is a 45 degree.the rubber under the guide rails,holds without clamps, just friction.finally, it is a well thot thru system:rails,special table/workbench,vacuum,special clamps for guide rails,+other festools also use the guide rails. rob

1. 
   James R. | Dec 21, 2009 03:13pm | #11

   I have the 55 and use it a lot. I like it for all the reasons posted plus I love the splinter guard. There is no tear out on the primary piece or the waste. You get smooth edges regardless.

   Jim

2. 
   ring | Dec 18, 2009 12:40am | #7

   Justifying an expense is so subjective that the best you can do is gather info and put it into your own context. The Festool saws, like all their tools, are really well-designed and manufactured. If you use the tool for your livelihood then I would say it's worth the added cost. If you're a hobbyist then it mostly depends on what makes you feel good: How important is the DC? Will you use the guide rails for other Festools such as the router? Would you be happy with a plain old Skil? Will you get flak from someone for buying your own Xmas present?

   I can't recall hearing anyone who bought Festool and regretted it afterwards, but that's not a blanket recommendation. You've got to establish what your expectations are from this tool.

1. 
   bones | Dec 20, 2009 07:58pm | #9

   "If you're a hobbyist then it
   "If you're a hobbyist then it mostly depends on what makes you feel good: How important is the DC?"

   I've been doing the ww thing now for a long time and have not always cared about DC. As I've aged and listened to the stories from my wife who works at a hospital as a resperatory threrapist, I only hope that youthful mistake does not come back on me one day. COPD is a terrible thing to live with. She compares it to drowning only without the water.

5. 
   sapwood | Dec 18, 2009 12:52am | #8

   I have the 55 and I love it. I've also used the 75 but found it overly heavy, sort of clunky to use. Both cut equally well although my saw is set up better then the other that I used, so it seemed to cut a bit better. Unless one really needed the extra depth and power, I'd go with the 55. With your forum name, I'd assume that you're doing a lot of floor work. That means usually 3/4" material. That is easily handled by the 55.

6. 
   JeffHeath | Dec 21, 2009 11:57am | #10

   I have the TS55 with the CT33 dust extractor (vacuum) and love the setup. The TS55 can cut to a depth for any cabinetmaking situations I can think of, which is why I bought it. I've never needed a deeper cut with it. If I did need to cut thicker hardwood stock, I've always used my cabinet saw for that.

   Festool quality is unmatched by any other tool that I've seen available, and worth the investment if you don't mind buying the best.

   Jeff