Choosing between TS 55 & TS 75

[ForumMFG]

I'm sure this topic has been brought up before but I cannot find a detailed thread about this issue

So please forgive me if this seems repetitive.

Today I am going to make another Festool Purchase.  I am going to buy one of the TS plunge saws.  I have a huge problem deciding which one I would like to buy.  I will use this saw mostly for cutting 3/4" stock.  But, you never know when you will need that extra blade cutting depth. 

I would just like to hear from you guys how you made the choice between the 2.  One has a deeper cut and more power and the other does not.

Are there anymore features on the TS 75 that I don't know about that the TS 55 does not have?  I heard about the splinter guard working different on the TS 75 but don't know to much about.

Your comments would be appreciated.  Again, sorry if this sounds like a broken record.

 

[jrs]

The ts75 comes with a longer rail.

They also come with different blades-  the 75 comes with a 36-tooth blade, while the 55 comes with a 48-tooth blade.

I opted for the 55, but I also have a table saw and a bandsaw, if I ever need to rip something thicker than the 55 can handle.

 

[mwhafner]

The two biggest differences - capacity and weight.

I bought the TS55 first, and it is still the most frequently used.  It is lighter, and has plenty of power for almost any task within its capacity.  It really shines when cutting sheetgoods.  

The TS75 excels when cutting thicker hardwoods, and anytime you need the extra capacity.  It is considerably heavier than the TS55, but I don't consider it a problem.  It also requires a few more inches of rail to make the same cut. 

I haven't had the splinter guard issues that some others have reported.  I can use my TS55 and TS75 on the same rail and the cut line is the same.  I do have a rail just for use with the Panther blade on the TS75, but use the others with both saws.

If you are doing most of your work with sheetgoods or 3/4" stock, as you indicated, I would go with the TS55.  The main reason being the cost of ownership.  The initial cost of the saw, accessories, and blades are less expensive for the smaller saw.

 

[ForumMFG]

Thank you for your input..

I will be mostly cutting 3/4" sheet goods.  Does the TS 55 do well with 3/4+ solid woods?

Whats your experience.

Thanks again.

 

[mwhafner]

It does an excellent job on hardwoods. 

For rip cuts, I would get a Panther blade.  it has a thicker kerf than the fine tooth blade, so it cuts  a little more of the splinter guard.  I have a rail that I use just with the Panther. 

 

[romlee]

I build custom furniture and cabinetry so I cut everything from 8/4 hardwood (and thicker) to 3/4 plywood. 

I started with the 55 and was very happy with it.  I later purchased the 75 for its greater depth of cut and power for the thicker wood.  Soon I found that I used the 55 less and less not because it wasn't capable for its design, rather it was because the 75 handled the full range of materials I cut.  I sold the 55 for exactly what I had paid for it.

I own a Powermatic 2000 and a 14" Jet bandsaw but find the 75 perfect for cutting the heavy thick stuff that I don't want to lift onto the tables of the other two saws.  I use the 75 to to cut the big stuff down to more manageable size (full sheets of plywood, for example).

I don't envy your decision.  You may have to flip a coin, buy one of the two and then let experience be your final guide.

 

[butzla]

Dude,  need I say more?!  Just get both!!

 

[Holzhacker]

This is america, buy big. Seriously though, I have a TS75 that I keep in the shop. Thinking of picking up a used 55 as possible to take around. I tend to cut big so the 75 is for me. For what you are doing, 55 is probably better.

 

[justinmcf]

as a carpenter, you would think i would recommend the bigger model.

but i highly recommend the ts-55.

i have been using the festool track saws for 9 years now, for onsite work and furniture making.
i have never needed the extra cutting capacity that the ts-75 offers.

99 percent of the time you use these saws, you will not need to cut more than 55mm.
the other 1 percent...just get your timber ripped at a saw mill. works for me.

regards, justin.

 

[glass1]

if your primary use is breaking down 3/4 sheet goods get the 55 if you intend to use the saw to break down dimensional lumber and things like doors get the 75

 

[ForumMFG]

Hello everyone,

Thanks for all who had some input on this subject.  I am now a proud owner of a TS 55.  Can't wait to try it out.

 

[ForumMFG]

Thats exactly why it was such a hard choice.  I was wanting the power and depth if I ever needed it.  I'm sure one day I'll be cutting some 8/4 and wish I had the TS 75.

Thanks for all your comments.

-Dave

 

[alanz]

How about a TS55 and a good handsaw to finish the odd deep cut?

 

[ForumMFG]

Thats always a possiblity.  For as much as you don't cut really thick wood it wouldn't be to bad to finish the cut with a hand saw and sand it down. 

-Dave

 

[Brice Burrell]

Thats exactly why it was such a hard choice.  I was wanting the power and depth if I ever needed it.  I'm sure one day I'll be cutting some 8/4 and wish I had the TS 75.

Thanks for all your comments.

-Dave

Dave, you may wish you had the TS75 someday, until then you will thoroughly enjoy using your TS55. For me the day to day benefits of the 55 far out weigh the very few times I "wish" I had the 75.

 

[tm3]

you all seem to be saying that the only disadvantage of the larger saw is the higher initial purchase price.

do i have that correct?

 

[Martin Johnson]

I use the TS55 95% of the time...I only use the TS75 if I need to cut 2" material or three 3/4" sheet goods at once...so the differences in a nutshell:

TS55 Advantages
Lighter weight translates to easier to use.
Greatest speed range
Less expensive (saw and blades) for the difference in price, you could pick up two or three additional blades

TS75 Advantages
Larger capacity
Most Power (although, I have yet to have any issue with any material I've cut with the TS55)
Slip clutch

You can't go wrong with either...just depends on how you want to use the saw.

best regards,
Martin

 

[JeromeM]

you all seem to be saying that the only disadvantage of the larger saw is the higher initial purchase price.

do i have that correct?

Not at all (for me) the major disadvantages are the extra weight and size, price had little effect on my purchase.

 

[tm3]

martin's and jerome's posts are good clarifications.  95% to 5% ratio is impressive.

i'm curious how the extra weight is a disadvantage.  carrying it around, or does it have an effect on the actual cutting?

thanks

 

[clev1066]

I had to make the same choice late last year, and it wasn't easy. Both are excellent saws.

I decided on the TS75. However, it was only a week or two before I returned it for the TS55.

My decision came down to how I worked the saw in the time I had it and my intentions for the saw down the road. My initial justification was that this was basically my radial arm saw replacement. I had a nice old Rockwell, but it was a beast and no matter how I tried the dust was not controllable. Since I was replacing a big saw, the TS75 seemed the obvious choice. Once in the shop with an mft, it became evident that I was going to use this for panels, wide cross-cuts and sheet goods. I was actually losing a little capacity with the larger 75, and it was larger, heavier, and a bit more cumbersome. After swapping for the 55, it has been exactly what I needed and amongst the most usefull tools I own. I only wish my vendor would have know they could upcharge me and let me keep the 75 rail.