best accessories for TS55?

[eruby]

Santa brought a TS55 and am looking for some guidance about which attachments are "needed" and which to avoid.

I already have the Rotex and CT33 CT-22 E.  (so dust control is already handled).  
On the short list is a track long enough to rip a sheet of plywood (106" rail good enough?)

V/R
Eric

 

[jmbfestool]

Why have you started another similar topic? just ask the question in your other one.  As you will just be back and forth and discussing the same thing in both topics. I know they are different questions but you will get replies which are not relevant to the question as people on here try to help you as much as they can and talk about the tool and tell you what you need and want and ask you what will be your main use for the TS55 and so on if I was you I would remove one of the topics and just use the one topic.

JMB

 

[nickao]

Because he is taking the categories literally and technically he is correct.

The other question is for non Festools. This category is for "Festool Tools & Accessories" his other question is in "Other Tools & Accessories".

 

[jmbfestool]

Because he is taking the categories literally and technically he is correct.

The other question is for non festools. This category is for Festools

yes technically he is but it would be much easier to talk about his situation in one place and give him advice and tips and so on in one topic. Also technically accessories can be none festool aswell  [tongue]

JMB

 

[tiralie]

Yes, the 106" works well.
For cross cuts etc. I find the 55" to be much more useful than the 42" that comes standard with the MFT.
Get the quick clamps as well. A pair is great 4 is better.
For cross cuts I would get the get a splinter guard in case you damage the one on your rail.
Good luck.
Tim

 

[Bob Marino]

Eric,

Here's some useful accessories - in no particular list of importance.

LIMIT STOP                -    http://www.festoolusa.com/products/plunge-cut-circular-saws/stops-and-accessories/limit-stop-491582.html

TS SPLINTERGUARDS -    http://www.festoolusa.com/products/plunge-cut-circular-saws/stops-and-accessories/splinterguard-5pack-491473.html

COVER PLATE            -    http://www.festoolusa.com/products/plunge-cut-circular-saws/stops-and-accessories/parallel-guide-491469.html

PARALLEL GUIDE        -    http://www.festoolusa.com/products/plunge-cut-circular-saws/stops-and-accessories/parallel-guide-491469.html

Bob
Also, clamps area good thing.  As a note though, the TS Cover guard can't be used with the TS splinterguard and is not for cuts other than at 90 degrees.

 

[eruby]

I guess I just can't win.  I was going to post the questions in one place but I did take the categories literally and was sure I would take flak for asking a question in the wrong place.

Initially I plan on using the TS55 for breaking down sheet goods and cutting panels to their final dimension.  I am sure I will find may more uses as time goes by.

Are their any accessories that anyone regrets getting or don't use as much as they originally thought?

 

[rwdawson]

Eric,

As usual, Bob's recommendations are spot on.  While not an accessory for a saw, if you have or are considering a MFT, you might consider an extra stop flag, http://www.festoolusa.com/products/mft-multifunction-tables/accessories/stop-flag-495542.html . They seem a bit pricey, as with many Festool items, but are very useful if you are cutting multiple pieces to different lengths.  An example would be rails and stiles for a door frame.  Another example would be cutting multiple pieces, such as drawer bottoms, where the length and width are different.  The list goes on.

Richard

 

[Brice Burrell]

I guess I just can't win.  I was going to post the questions in one place but I did take the categories literally and was sure I would take flak for asking a question in the wrong place.....

First, welcome to the FOG Eric.  Don't worry too much about where you post questions and don't mind JMB, sometimes he gets up on the wrong side of the bed. [big grin]

The most important things for the TS saws are the rails.  I'd recommend a second 55" rail and connectors at a minimum.  Even better (although, a bit of a luxury) would be the 75" and 118" rail.  That way you've plenty of room to start and end your cuts.  Honestly, I don't use the clamps much for cutting.  I'd start with on set of the smaller screw type clamps.  Can't go wrong with a pack of the green splinter guards (again, not something I use all of the time, but still nice to have).  Don't forget blade(s). For ripping I prefer the 28 tooth blades (Tenryu blade, not Festool's) over dedicated rip blades. 

As for what not to get, I'd say the Festool guide rail accessory kit.  There are plenty of complaints about the angle unit in the kit.   

 

[Sparktrician]

If you're going to be doing breakdown of sheet goods, the Parallel Guide Set (P00108) would be great in conjunction with the 3000 mm guide rail (491937). 

[smile]

 

[davee]

I guess I just can't win.  I was going to post the questions in one place but I did take the categories literally and was sure I would take flak for asking a question in the wrong place.

Initially I plan on using the TS55 for breaking down sheet goods and cutting panels to their final dimension.  I am sure I will find may more uses as time goes by.

Are their any accessories that anyone regrets getting or don't use as much as they originally thought?

A great question regarding regrets with regards to purchases.  I initially regreted purchasing the Trion Jigsaw until I understood how to set the blade guides correctly.  Now I really like the product.  On a whim, I purchased the Festool tape measure and find it a bit gimicky and not as robust as I expected.  It does have some nice features but I don't find myself using it frequently.  I regret some of the lesser products (mostly Craftsman) that I purchased in the past thinking to save money and have subsequently replaced.

 

[nickao]

Some Craftsman power tools are horrible, others are the leaders in their category, it is hit or miss. Just like Festool and any other brand really.

The Festool Guide  kit I don't like either. I actually am selling mine. 

 

[davee]

Some Craftsman power tools are horrible, others are the leaders in their category, it is hit or miss. Just like Festool and any other brand really.

I agree.  Interestingly (at least to me) the first stationary power tool I purchased was the Craftsman radial arm saw which I still have and use.  It is a fixed cutoff saw at this point but at one time I used it for ripping. dados, etc.  It sometimes scares me thinking of the ways I have used the saw.  I also still have their stationary belt sander which has worked well. 

 

[jmbfestool]

I guess I just can't win.  I was going to post the questions in one place but I did take the categories literally and was sure I would take flak for asking a question in the wrong place.

Initially I plan on using the TS55 for breaking down sheet goods and cutting panels to their final dimension.  I am sure I will find may more uses as time goes by.

Are their any accessories that anyone regrets getting or don't use as much as they originally thought?

Dont worry to much about what category your question goes in. I was only suggesting to use one thread as it would be better and easier to help you as this topic grows people dont read every topic and same questions could be asked i in both topics ie. what would you use the TS for this question would be relevant in both of your topics.  Any way dont mind me I do talk alot of **** some times.

Any way I wouldnt buy a Parallel guide nor would I buy the splinter guard as you get one when you buy the TS any way and you will see how much you use it I have never used my splinter guard and I have never thought to my self I need a parallel guide. The TS75 comes with a Limit Stop but the TS55 does NOT  well I have my TS55 for a long time and never needed or thought to buy a Limit stop.  

You do need the Limit stop for the TS75 I do use it with my TS75 though and I did find it use full as I marked a line on my rail to where my blade would stop and so I knew when the saw hit the stop the mark would tell me where the blade would cut so I could place the rail on a worktop with the stop already attached in place and simply drop the rail with on my rail marks and I could basically cut with my eyes shut as I know my saw would stop on the mark. Dont cut with your eyes shut though lol.   BUT saying this I still dont use it for my TS55.

I would recommend a few rail sizes

400mm
600mm
800mm
1400mm
1400mm
1400mm
2 x rail connectors

2x quick clamps  (the cheaper one are rubbish)

I thats my rail collection and I use all of them all the time.   Cutting a small piece of MDF with a 1400 rail is awkward and you can easily tilt or knock the rail (yes you can clamp the rail but time is money and clamping waists time and if you can avoid clamping then don't clamp) so having a 400 or 600 rail makes cutting small sheets up easy and avoids clamping. Also if you was to cut out some flooring or something in a small place the smaller rails are great or cutting nosing of stairs something like that to do a repair job or cladding with oak.

I bough another 1400 rail because when I connect my 1400 together making 2800 I sometimes need a 1400 to cross cut a sheet and swinging a 2800 rail is awkward so thats why I have 3 and would definitely recommend 3

edited:  Just thought unless you work in a workshop and have the room to store a large rails just buy one 1400 and a large 2800 3000 rail to replace the two 1400 and connectors

JMB

 

[jmbfestool]

I guess I just can't win.  I was going to post the questions in one place but I did take the categories literally and was sure I would take flak for asking a question in the wrong place.....

First, welcome to the FOG Eric.  Don't worry too much about where you post questions and don't mind JMB, sometimes he gets up on the wrong side of the bed. [big grin]

The most important things for the TS saws are the rails.  I'd recommend a second 55" rail and connectors at a minimum.  Even better (although, a bit of a luxury) would be the 75" and 118" rail.  That way you've plenty of room to start and end your cuts.  Honestly, I don't use the clamps much for cutting.  I'd start with on set of the smaller screw type clamps.  Can't go wrong with a pack of the green splinter guards (again, not something I use all of the time, but still nice to have).  Don't forget blade(s). For ripping I prefer the 28 tooth blades (Tenryu blade, not Festool's) over dedicated rip blades. 

As for what not to get, I'd say the Festool guide rail accessory kit.  There are plenty of complaints about the angle unit in the kit.   

Cheers Brice!  [tongue]

 

[mouppe]

Jmb I think the ts saws come with limit stops in n.a.  At least mine did.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Its interesting and a testimonial to the product that no one has recommended additional blades.

Most saws in the US come with a really crappy blade that has to be replaced asap, but the blade the TS55 comes with is a darn good blade.  Only additional blade I have bought is another one just like it to use while the original one is getting sharpened.

Of course, if your cutting a lot of masonry, aluminum, etc. you might want to consider some special purpose blades...

 

[jmbfestool]

Jmb I think the ts saws come with limit stops in n.a.  At least mine did.

In the UK only the TS75 comes with stops NOT the TS55 maybe cus the TS55 doesnt need it unlike the 75 is a bit dangerous for plunging with not stop.  People  in the UK must be stronger so festool didnt think we needed a stop for the 55 as its only a small saw where strong enough to hold the saw from kicking back [tongue] heeehee

JMB

 

[Redfox]

Likewise in Denmark  [big grin]

Cheers,
Jacques.

 

[tiralie]

I would recommend a few rail sizes

400mm
600mm
800mm
1400mm
1400mm
1400mm
2 x rail connectors

JMB

400, 600 rails? Did you make those (cut from larger) or buy them?
I agree that
Tim