bigger saw is better???

[hisparadox]

Im in the process of considering festool circular saws, as they are a considerable investment that will currently postpone a table saw, I was wondering, does it make sense to "overbuy" and go with the ts 75 over the ts 55 for the added capacity, or is the comfort involved in using the smaller saw that much greater than the larger saw?

also, what additional deals should I request from the dealers when buying festool tools?

 

[martingchapman]

I have the TS75 which I bought to use primarily in a CMS but I have used it several times hand held on a rail and didn't find it too heavy or awkward.
You don't need to be Arny S to be able to use the TS75 on the rail as once you have it in place it just glides along (I am on the petite side).
I only use it in my workshop or the house, the size and weight may be more of an issue if you are intending to carry it round from site to site.
If I had bought the TS55 I would be very disappointed the first time I had to cut something larger than 55mm and found my nice expensive green and black toy was not up to it.

I suggest you think about how often you are going to be moving the saw from site to site, how often you will need to cut more than 55mm and how frustrated you will feel when this happens.

Martin.

 

[Frank Pellow]

I use my TS75 saw in the conventional way in my shop in Toronto and, in that location, have never need the extra depth that it provides.  Deep cuts are made on my table saw.

But I also use the saw off-site, most notably in the shop at my summer place which is 1000 kilometres away in quite a remote location.  There, it replaces my table saw and I have often used the full depth, particularly with bevel cuts.  Also there, I have used it off the rail cutting large timbers where the extra depth is valuable. 

I have no trouble managing the saw, in spite of it's size.  It is very well balanced.

 

[Bob Marino]

This particular topic comes up quite often and here is just one link to a discussion.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=412.0
Bottom line is that much depends on what your applications will be - primarily sheet goods and 5/4 and thinner stock or will you be cutting thicker stock too? Other questions and considerations:
Do you want to merely postpone a table saw or consider using the saw in lieu of a table saw?
Do you have a bandsaw?
The 75 comes with a Universal blade as opposed to the Fine tooth blade for the 55.

Bob

 

[Notorious T.O.D.]

I recetly purchased the TS55 saw with the MFT/3 table in combination to save about $50.  I was originally leaning toward the TS75 but the groups seemed to say that 95% or more of what I would use it for could be done by the TS55. When used with the MFT/3 you are lifting it on and off the rail it seems for each cut, At least that is my work mode at this early stage, so not having to move the additional might be a factor even though it is only 3 or 4 lbs difference IIRC. 

At this point I sm happy with my choice of the TS55, but I also have a Unisaw, bandsaw and SCMS in the shop for cutting too. I don't have to take the saw from site to site it will just be in the workshop so that was not an issue for me.  I would suggest that you work with a dealer who will let you pay the difference and get a longer track than the one that comes with either saw if you pay the cost difference.  The shorter rail with the TS55 is sort of a regret for me at this point.

Best,
Todd

 

[tbellemare]

Here is what to consider related to packaged deals:

There are currently some promotional packages...

There is an MFT Clamp Set that saves $14.50 over buying them separately. It can also be combined with the MFT/3 until the end of the month for a total savings of $44.50.

There are also blade packages:
The Blade Assortment & Accessory Pack for TS 55 saves you $18.50 over buying them separately. If you buy it with the saw, you can save an extra $25.00 so both together and you save $38.50. The saw with blade package deal expires at the end of the month.
The Blade Assortment & Accessory Pack for TS 75 saves you $26.00 over buying them separately. If you buy it with the saw, you can save an extra $35.00 so both together and you save $53.50. This saw with blade package deal expires at the end of the month also.

If you buy the TS55 EQ Circular Saw + MFT/3 Multifunction Table Pkg. you save $57.50.
Or if you buy the TS75 EQ Circular Saw + MFT/3 Multifunction Table Pkg. you also save $57.50.

You can see that if you get things together, there are some savings to be gained.

On Super Bowl Sunday, the price changes take effect.

Tom

 

[romlee]

I own a one-person custom furniture business.  Scope of work includes casework and face frames, adapting antique architectural elements to new or remodeled work and incorporating reclaimed wood into contemporary furniture.  I have the standard outfit in the shop:  table saw, band saw, jointer, portable planer, router table, 16-32 drum sander, and etc. 

I had purchased the TS55 originally for sheet goods because as a one-person shop, it was easier to handle sheetgoods with the TS55 rather than the table saw (by the way, I'm 5'4", 125 lbs).  Before I purchased the TS55, I used the Forum to help me decide between it and the TS75.  As stated by others, most posts recommended the TS55.

After a few months, I sold the TS55 (in one day to another FOG member) and purchased the TS75.  Why?  I found quickly that I was using the TS55 on nearly every project whether it was cutting ply, resawing planks or trimming a table top to final size.  The cutting depth of the TS75 has made it an indispensable tool in the shop along with my Festool sanders.  I'm not a big guy and have absolutely no problem handling the TS55.  It is beautifully balanced and stable.  Dust collection is good, especially with the 32mm hose and the CT22.  I'm glad I upgraded.

 

[robski]

in the uk unless you're making furniture, an on site chippy like me will spend 95% of our time working with 18mm sheet materials or doors upto 44mm thick which is why i bought the ts55 and at that time the only option was the 55, but if i was buying now i would get the 75. you know full well if you buy the 55, the first job you get will involve timbers 60mm + and you will kick yourself! also, as much as i love my ts55 i think anything more than 45mm needs a machine with a bit more punch like the ts75, even with a slow push and a clean sharp blade my ts55 seems to burn the wood on anything more than a 44 block. ps if anyone has any tips on how to stop the burn marks on thick timbers your advice is most welcome. thanks ;D

 

[TENRYU AMERICA]

in the uk unless you're making furniture, an on site chippy like me will spend 95% of our time working with 18mm sheet materials or doors upto 44mm thick which is why i bought the ts55 and at that time the only option was the 55, but if i was buying now i would get the 75. you know full well if you buy the 55, the first job you get will involve timbers 60mm + and you will kick yourself! also, as much as i love my ts55 i think anything more than 45mm needs a machine with a bit more punch like the ts75, even with a slow push and a clean sharp blade my ts55 seems to burn the wood on anything more than a 44 block. ps if anyone has any tips on how to stop the burn marks on thick timbers your advice is most welcome. thanks ;D

Hello, On your burning question; what blade are you using?
Thanks. Iain

 

[Jimhart]

Here is what to consider related to packaged deals:

There are currently some promotional packages...

There is an MFT Clamp Set that saves $14.50 over buying them separately. It can also be combined with the MFT/3 until the end of the month for a total savings of $44.50.

There are also blade packages:
The Blade Assortment & Accessory Pack for TS 55 saves you $18.50 over buying them separately. If you buy it with the saw, you can save an extra $25.00 so both together and you save $38.50. The saw with blade package deal expires at the end of the month.
The Blade Assortment & Accessory Pack for TS 75 saves you $26.00 over buying them separately. If you buy it with the saw, you can save an extra $35.00 so both together and you save $53.50. This saw with blade package deal expires at the end of the month also.

If you buy the TS55 EQ Circular Saw + MFT/3 Multifunction Table Pkg. you save $57.50.
Or if you buy the TS75 EQ Circular Saw + MFT/3 Multifunction Table Pkg. you also save $57.50.

You can see that if you get things together, there are some savings to be gained.

On Super Bowl Sunday, the price changes take effect.

Tom

Tom,

A new world record. 6 links to your site in one response.

Jim

 

[robski]

its the festool z48 w fine finish blade, its only been sharpened once and i keep it well cleaned and have no problem with anything i cut until i get to the 45mm thick stuff.

 

[Dane]

I bought both saws and used them for about a week before selling the TS55.  Within that one week I had to trim 1 3/4 door, tried it with the TS55 and it bogged down.  When you hold them side by side, the size difference seems significant, but after just having the just TS75 for awhile I don't even notice it.  I never find myself saying, "boy I wish I had a smaller saw."  I do find myself continually pleased with the power and capacity of the 75.  I do use it on site and on the MFT.  It's just not that big of a saw, and if you aren't holding it up to the smaller one, not something that you notice.

 

[Dot]

Hi all .....
New to the list & this is my first post.

I just picked up the TS 55 along with a few other items.
Tried the saw out yesterday on 4 quarter pine. The saw started to bog down right away on a rip.
after talking with the dealer, it's going back & a TS75 is on it's way.

Dot.

 

[Greg_R]

Tried the saw out yesterday on 4 quarter pine. The saw started to bog down right away on a rip.

Hmmmm.  IMO something was wrong there (either with the saw or your setup).  I cut 4/4 Walnut all day long with the TS55 while making cabinet face frames and had zero problems.  Also, I was just using the standard blade, not the panther rip blade (which should have made it even easier).

 

[pingvinlakrits]

I have only had the TS55 bog down on me on two occasions but mostly it works wonders, that is with the standard blade.

I also think that if you regularly cut stuff around 40mm+ the TS75 is the way to go, for the same reason as most other folks say: the TS75 is not close to it's limit at 45mm and just cruises through. Most of my work on site is sheet material like mdf and plywood so the TS55 does that without complaining and the TS75 just gets out when the going gets tough.

 

[Tinker]

There have only been a very few times i have wished for a TS 75.  For me, the ATF 55 is adequate and I have ripped 1-1/2" 2x fir with very little problem.  I have had some problem with ripping 5/4 White oak.  Also ripping 4/4 Hard maple.  If a lot of cuts, or long cut with the very hard woods, I do either of two methods.
1  I rip in two cuts.  1/2 thru and then a second rip all the way thru.
or
2  part way thru with ATF and then finish with bandsaw.  A little touching up with block plane and it's off to next operation.

For the last year or so, I have been having problems lifting with my right arm.  Old injury from my stone(d) mason days.  My equipment guru is going to mount a couple of garage door springs on my trailer lift ramps to help me lift for loading and unloading equipment to my trailer.  do you suppose I could install something like that to help me with multiple lifts of my TS 75, if I get one?  8) :
Tinker

 

[daves1996]

For the last year or so, I have been having problems lifting with my right arm.  Old injury from my stone(d) mason days.  My equipment guru is going to mount a couple of garage door springs on my trailer lift ramps to help me lift for loading and unloading equipment to my trailer.  do you suppose I could install something like that to help me with multiple lifts of my TS 75, if I get one?  8) :
Tinker

Hey Tinker, maybe this could help you out.  ;D ;D ;D
http://www.jnkproducts.com/versa-lift.htm

Dave

 

[Chris Hughes]

I bought a ts75 a couple of years ago and I love it.  I bought a ts55 this summer and I love it.  IMHO the ts55 is the better saw for the field where most of the work is breaking down sheets, trimming and general tablesaw applications.  I use the heavier saw in the shop mostly for straight lining rough stock and cutting down heavier items like table tops and such.  The ts75 is heavy to move about and its systainer takes a little more room in the truck, though it was my only plunge saw for a year and a half.  You can't go wrong with either but for the shop I'ld go with the 75 and in the field I like the 55.

 

[nickao]

We must be spoiled. Weight of the TS 75? It is not heavy at all.

It has an 8 1/4" blade and still weighs  1 LB less than my old reliable and still probably the best framing site saw made, the Skill 77, which is only a 7 1/4" blade!

Of course the TS 75 is heavier than the TS 55 it is twice the saw in more ways than one. The reason many have both I suspect.

 

[Tinker]

Is that Skill 77 the old "side winder" worm drive.  I have use chainsaws that seemed lighter than that old monster.  I have told stories about the old Milwaukee 8-1/4" drive that i used for years.  It cut everything i could throw at it or drag to it. I even cut 6x8 beams.  That seemed lighter to me than the TS 75.  For me, both would be too heavy for my old battle worn shoulder to move more than once or twice.  I have cut 4x4 lumber with my ATF 55 upon a couple of occasions.  If I were still out competing for a buck with my WW'ing tools, i might think about a TS 75, but for me, I will figure ways to get along with my ATF.  When it comes time for a replacement or backup saw, i will stick with the TS 55. 
Tinker