Considering a TS saw swap - thinking aloud

[live4ever]

I currently have a TS55 EQ and a TSC55.  I'm a hobbyist/DIYer and do a lot of shop-based woodworking as well as renovation work at multiple properties (so some mobility is important).  I got the TSC because I wanted the ability to be cord-free for "lighter" and outdoor tasks.  I really like the TSC and it is just as good as the corded saw except for the ability to dial in motor speed for the application - and sometimes I do cut materials other than wood with the tracksaw.

This has relegated my corded TS55 to secondary saw status, and I'm thinking I ought to replace it with a TS75.  The 75 gives that extra capacity and oomph for thicker materials - straightlining 2x and 8/4 material, trimming doors, etc.  It also comes with a 75" rail, which I was thinking I would just sell to lower the cost of the "trade" but now thinking it's a really useful rail length (I currently have a 1400, 1400-LR32, and 1080).  I could probably sell my TS55EQ with the rail for...what...$400?  $450?  The other consideration is whether there is a TS75R around the corner. 

This seems to make sense, but as I've found before, sometimes very absurd ideas seem to make perfect sense to me.  I'm not being crazy am I?  [embarassed]

 

[Samo]

The TS75 and the larger rails are must haves IMHO.  I don't think that an update to the 75 is a high priority with Festool.
After you recover from the expense and get the time-saving benefit from the tools, you forget about it and move on.

 

[rst]

I use my 75 more than my other saws simply because it has more power.  I have a 55 and my first track saw was a Makita that I bought to try out the whole track saw hulabalo around ten years ago.  The rails I use most, and I have them all, is the 1900 and the 3000.  I bought the 3000 last year after years of joining rails together with the Makita joiner.

 

[Goneshootin88]

I currently have a TS75, TS55r, and a HKC55. Since I got the HKC, it had been my go-to saw. I would bet it gets used 90% of the time. The ability to use both types of tracks is great. This past week I cut down 5 interior doors for heigh and width, 2 exterior doors for height, and used the fsk track when scribing custom shelves in a closet. If you're only breaking down sheet goods,where the quality of the off cut side is a big factor, then the extra splinter guard on the TS's is great. If you're doing a lot of tasks where the off cuts are trash, I would really consider the HKC, especially when you pair it with both the FSK rail and a FS rail.

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[Kev]

I started off with the TS55. Then I added the TS75 and CMS saw module, thinking the TS75 will only come out for the bigger cuts if needed. Then I got the TSC55 (love it). The arrival of the HKC55 and the FSK rails seemed really attractive .. so I grabbed those, but I find the HKC55 a bit gutless. Enter the HK85 and the associated grooving head ... now that's a saw!!

Realistically I could do away with the original TS55 but because I'll have some decent space soon I'm going to leave it dedicated to an MFT/3.

If I could only have two and the HK85 wasn't in the local market it would deffo be a TSC55 and a TS75 hands down!!!

 

[live4ever]

The TS75 and the larger rails are must haves IMHO.  I don't think that an update to the 75 is a high priority with Festool.
After you recover from the expense and get the time-saving benefit from the tools, you forget about it and move on.

This is true.  However, I may be on a bit of tool probation.  Can't imagine why.  [blink]

 

[live4ever]

I use my 75 more than my other saws simply because it has more power.  I have a 55 and my first track saw was a Makita that I bought to try out the whole track saw hulabalo around ten years ago.  The rails I use most, and I have them all, is the 1900 and the 3000.  I bought the 3000 last year after years of joining rails together with the Makita joiner.

Yeah I think that 1900 will be nice to have.  I can see it being immediately useful on plywood crosscuts even with the smaller saw since one doesn't have to pay too much attention to the placement of the ends.  Wish they made a holey version though. 

I currently have a TS75, TS55r, and a HKC55. Since I got the HKC, it had been my go-to saw. I would bet it gets used 90% of the time. The ability to use both types of tracks is great. This past week I cut down 5 interior doors for heigh and width, 2 exterior doors for height, and used the fsk track when scribing custom shelves in a closet. If you're only breaking down sheet goods,where the quality of the off cut side is a big factor, then the extra splinter guard on the TS's is great. If you're doing a lot of tasks where the off cuts are trash, I would really consider the HKC, especially when you pair it with both the FSK rail and a FS rail.

So I do have a HKC.  I love it - in principle but practically may end up selling it.  The reason is ergonomics - my leftie arse just can't get comfortable with it on cross cuts.  I can use it as a right-hander but that just feels awkward. 

 

[Kev]

I'm a leftie too but I seem to use whichever hand is convenient with a track saw. About the only thing I'm hand specific for is drill/driver and writing ... I think I owe this to being beaten at school for being an evil leftie [sad]

 

[live4ever]

I'm a leftie too but I seem to use whichever hand is convenient with a track saw. About the only thing I'm hand specific for is drill/driver and writing ... I think I owe this to being beaten at school for being an evil leftie [sad]

Haha...well, there are lefties and then there are evil lefties...

I have no issues when using a tracksaw or the HKC as a tracksaw.  I can use either hand comfortably.  But when using the FSK rails for crosscuts on 2x or similar material, with the keeper to the left, using the saw left-handed is tricky.  Usually I'm fairly ambidextrous but with the HKC/FSK setup it still doesn't feel natural.

 

[Samo]

The TS75 and the larger rails are must haves IMHO.  I don't think that an update to the 75 is a high priority with Festool.
After you recover from the expense and get the time-saving benefit from the tools, you forget about it and move on.

This is true.  However, I may be on a bit of tool probation.  Can't imagine why.  [blink]

Don't even think it!  [eek]  Mine might somehow have receptors. 

 

[tjbnwi]

I'm a leftie too but I seem to use whichever hand is convenient with a track saw. About the only thing I'm hand specific for is drill/driver and writing ... I think I owe this to being beaten at school for being an evil leftie [sad]

then there are evil lefties...

That would be me.

Tom