AC Only Table Saw

[Luquillo Music]

Understanding the challenges in providing AC power to the existing battery powered saw, Festool please develop an AC power table saw. No need for it to fit in a systainer. Not everyone needs it to be portable.

 

[smorgasbord]

The company that owns Festool also owns SawStop, so I wouldn't expect a regular size/mains-powered tablesaw from Festool. Here's what SawStop makes in a compact size:

Compact Table Saw - Sawstop

www.sawstop.com

 

[onocoffee]

I have the SawStop CTS that Smorgasbord linked to. I really like it. Not as compact as the SYS 50 but after having the CTS (as my only table saw), I do feel that the SYS 50 would be a bit "too small" for the work that I do (mainly building chairs). The CTS isn't ideal for cutting up full sheets (thought it does have the capacity), and I use the TS55 for that.

 

[luvmytoolz]

@onocoffee I'm curious what's the noise level and the adjustment repeatability like on that saw?

 

[onocoffee]

@onocoffee I'm curious what's the noise level and the adjustment repeatability like on that saw?

You know, I never had a table saw before this one and don't really have a point of comparison. There is a particular sound that I notice the SawStop PCS/ICS makes when spinning that I really like - the CTS doesn't sound like that. It doesn't sing in that manner. I do wear ear protection when using the saw so it's difficult for me to really tell. It certainly is not as loud as the DeWalt 735 planer.

Maybe I'm a little haphazard in my methods but I find adjustment repeatability to be fairly easy. The markings on the fence tape are accurate and the blade height is easy to adjust. Even the blade angle is pretty easy to use - though I will put a digital gauge on it to confirm the angle.

Don't know if those comments really gave much insight. If not, my apologies.

 

[luvmytoolz]

@onocoffee That's good info thanks, I've been after a smaller footprint saw for some time and did look at this, but have never seen it run or how "fiddly" the controls might be. The form factors good so I might look further into it. The other similar brands offerings are very ordinary I've found.

 

[Luquillo Music]

Thanks everyone for your input. I’m relatively new to Festool. Really like using the guide rails, FSK 420, TS60, 1400 router, CT26 and soon the ETSC 2 150. I retrofit existing kitchens with pullout draws and I am a finishing carpenter. Replace stairs with hardwood etc. I like the controls Digital display, automatic positioning etc. the Festool Saw offers. I will look into the Saw Stop recommended. Anyone has the plans to build the Adirondack chair shown on today’s Festool Blog mass email the gentleman is sitting on? Thank you.

 

[onocoffee]

@onocoffee The other similar brands offerings are very ordinary I've found.

The space in my shop is limited so compactness is paramount for me - and a primary reason why I couldn't consider something like a PCS. The CTS fits that bill very well.

I have to agree with your thought and am reminded of this every time I go to a store and see other compact table saw offerings, like the ones from DeWalt, Skill, Kobalt, etc. They're "nice" but compared to the fit and quality of the CTS, there is no comparison. I find that even the DeWalt 749 pales to the CTS.

If budget is an issue, I got mine used on FB Marketplace. At the time, I think the new price was US$900 and I found a guy selling a year old CTS, in great condition, for $750 - even came with a Freud Thin Kerf Rip blade extra.

Where I am a bit disappointed is in the dust collection. Knowing that SawStop is owned by TTS, I thought that SS would have similar attention to dust collection as Festool. They do not. I guess this is due to its heritage as an American company. The CTS uses a 2.5" port and I connect it to a 16ga Ridgid shop vac - and it does a decent job at dust collection. After a cutting session of any length, there will be dust under the saw and dust flings from the blade when in operation. Perhaps not as much as my old miter saw but more than I expected - especially with the guard.

But when I was thinking about getting a saw, it came down to the CTS and SYS 50 - and perhaps my issue is that I just presumed the CTS would be as good in DC as the SYS 50 (though I have not seen the SYS 50 in operation).

@Luquillo Music - I don't think you'll necessarily go wrong with either saw, just consider the size of pieces you need to cut. If you're in customers houses, I think the SYS 50 will contain the dust better than the CTS. For field use, I would keep the CTS outside - or at least in the garage.