Cord or cordless track saw?

[jwjones2000]

This saw is going to be used in my home shop and not as a business.  I wish they offered an adapter that would allow you to run a battery powered saw from an AC outlet like a see offered on their sander.  Since they don't and this is my first Festool purchase I am leaning toward the corded version unless responses from this post convince me otherwise.

 

[PaulH99]

If you intend to use the saw while connected to a CT dust extractor, then get the corded version. You can use the "auto" setting on the CT to start and stop dust extraction with the saw.

On the other hand if you need the ultimate in mobility and will never use the CT, get the cordless version.

 

[bnaboatbuilder]

I've owned a TS75 for 5 years plus, great saw. I added the new Makita cordless track saw a month ago, and it's excellent. If you are cutting sheet goods then go that route. To be frank, buying into Festool batteries is questionable because they are not designing new tools to work with their previous battery platform. So now they have multiple non-compatible 18v batteries which is dumb. Makita uses the same 18v platform for all it's tools that go back 10 years and everything moving forward.

 

[RussellS]

I vote CORD.  I used my corded 55 last week or so to trim the bottoms off interior doors.  New carpet and padding so they needed to be shorter.  I cut the doors in the driveway on saw horses.  It was magical almost.  So effortless and precise.  That is the type of situation I imagine using a circular saw.  Controlled environment.  The plywood or studs to be cut are in an open, structured environment.  You bring the wood to the saw when using a circular saw.  Its not like a drill where you take the drill to wherever you need a hole long after the building is done.  About the only place I can see circular saws being used in inappropriate situations is on roofs.  Roof framers will cut plywood sheathing on the spot on top of the roof.  Or trim joists or rafters on top of the roof.  But for all other house framing, you measure how long you need the stud or what size of plywood you need.  Then you go to your tool work station and cut the wood on saw horses.  Carpenters do not cut their studs to length with a circular saw as they are nailing the studs in place.  So for circular saws, go corded.

 

[bnaboatbuilder]

I bought the dust bag and adapter for my TS75 a year ago and it does a very good job at collecting dust, not as well as an actual vacuum but still quite good and night and day difference if nothing is used at all.

I'm now trying to figure out how to adapt that dust bag to my Makita cordless track saw. At that point, anything and anywhere with a cordless track saw and decently clean environment.

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

Corded. Generally the only folks I'd recommend buy cordless are people who:

1. Use the tool daily, AND
2. Need the mobility of cordless, AND
3. Don't mind using the dust bag and/or not triggering the vac, AND
4. Aren't planning on using the tool when it's extremely hot/cold, AND
5. Don't mind the fuss of charging the batteries, AND
6. Understand that they will likely need to replace the batteries several times during the lifetime of the tool.

 

[jwjones2000]

Thanks for all the input.  I think for my use that corded would be best.

 

[jacko9]

I think you made the correct decision on buying corded.  When the Domino hit the USA market I was advised to take advantage of the dust extractor and that was one of my better decisions in buying shop tools.  I use dust extraction whenever possible and if I have the dust hose attached the plugin cord is just along for the free ride.

 

[ScotF]

I don't know - I really like my cordless saw and not having to deal with hoses and cords is a real plus, especially when I need to make a couple of quick cuts. I have corded saws too that work great, but I like being more mobile with the TSC, even predominately in a shop setting. YMMV. I do not worry about the batteries or potential replacement. All of my FT batteries have lasted years and so I personally view it as a cost of ownership. I also think the cordless has more power than the corded 55 - probably just me, but I could swear that it powers through material faster and no strain on the motor. Might just be a subjective view since that is what I have, but so far very pleased with my cordless TSC and I recommend it.

 

[Cheese]

I don't know - I really like my cordless saw and not having to deal with hoses and cords is a real plus, especially when I need to make a couple of quick cuts. I have corded saws too that work great, but I like being more mobile with the TSC, even predominately in a shop setting.

I also think the cordless has more power than the corded 55 - probably just me, but I could swear that it powers through material faster and no strain on the motor.

I have a cordless phone and a corded one...I use the cordless one more often.

I have a cordless grass trimmer and a corded one...I use the cordless one more often.

I have a cordless drill and a corded one...I use the cordless one more often.

I have a cordless Sawzall and a corded one...I use the cordless one more often.

I have a cordless TSC 55 and a corded TS 55...I use the cordless one more often.

In all seriousness, you catch my drift, I also think the TSC 55 has more power than the TS 55 and I prefer to use it because it is more convenient and more powerful. I do most of my cutting outside which means I use the dust bag which probably recovers 85% of the dust generated.

When I cut indoors I fire up the TS 55 and the CT 22 because the dust generation is close to zero. When used outdoors it's the TSC 55 and the Festool dust bag. It's just so easy...actually too easy...a cordless saw without a cord and without a vacuum...what's easier than that?  [big grin] [big grin]

 

[willips]

I had a Makita corded track saw and it drove me mad with the cord and the vacuum hose catching on the track and sometimes ruining the cut.
Sold that and bought the tsc 55 and use the bag all the time- there is a little dust but nothing major.
Made these laundry cabinets with the saw and the TSO square.

 

[ear3]

Cordless all the way for me.  I sold my corded TS55 after using the TSC for a few weeks.  As Cheese mentioned, it has more power under load than the corded version, which you will notice when cutting thicker materials.  And I work with the dust bag even when I'm standing right next to my CT, as I much prefer not worrying about the hose getting in the way.

But as someone else said, it does not inspire confidence that they can't seem to stick to a single line of 18V batteries, and so I would understand if someone were hesitant to commit to the battery platform.  Really inexplicably dumb move by Festool, especially since other companies somehow managed to figure out how to use their standard batteries on their cordless sanders.

 

[pettyconstruction]

Cordless all the way for me.  I sold my corded TS55 after using the TSC for a few weeks.  As Cheese mentioned, it has more power under load than the corded version, which you will notice when cutting thicker materials.  And I work with the dust bag even when I'm standing right next to my CT, as I much prefer not worrying about the hose getting in the way.

But as someone else said, it does not inspire confidence that they can't seem to stick to a single line of 18V batteries, and so I would understand if someone were hesitant to commit to the battery platform.  Really inexplicably dumb move by Festool, especially since other companies somehow managed to figure out how to use their standard batteries on their cordless sanders.

In the last 3 months I have bought the makita 18v sawzall
Makita 36v (double 18v)
And the tsc from festool
I also plan to get the festool HCK saw
Yep the cordless craze has caught up to me , but only after the batteries got better.
All of my purchases have been a real good move.
Btw I put one of the dust bags o my TS75 about a year ago and am surprised at how well it works.
Charlie

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[aloysius]

There's 4 key developments that have made cordless saws a viable proposition.  I've had a few offerings before, & have been singularly unimpressed, even from 36v versions.  The combination of low battery capacity in a high drain device is not a happy or harmonious marriage.  However, now the game done changed!

Firstly, there's truly high-output & more importantly high torque EC motors available.  The best now have equivalent power to a 1200w + mains device @ 18v, & 2400w + @ 36v.  That's serious power!  Ample to drive saws, grinders, SCMS, SDS Max hammers & many other high current drain devices that were previously impossible to drive adequately.  In fact, a genuine alternative to mains power

Secondly, the latest generation of Sanyo Panasonic "20700" battery cells allow huge storage capacity:  7.0 ampere hours currently, & 8.0 & even 9.0 ampere hours over the next 2 years!  Not just storage either;  these new cells allow high current loading in BOTH drainage & charging modes.  This from a conventional twin row battery pack that unlike the massive, ungainly Milwaukee triple row packs has no size or weight penalty in comparison to previous generation packs.  Intrinsic to this new strategy are complete, total, seamless backwards & forwards compatibility between cells, tools & charging technologies.  This allows meaningful & truly useful runtimes & workloads to be achieved.  High current capacity allow usefully "professional" levels of power, runtime & charge rapidity.

Thirdly, arguably the most progressive current manufacturers are working collaboratively to provide their individual & collective expertise to the production of truly professional families of viable mains replacement power tools.  All using the same battery interface, range of battery cells & EC motor & charging technologies to produce surprising outcomes.

A case in point is the collaborative relationship between the German Power Tool Manufacturers' Association members recent production of fully compatible tools, batteries & "super" chargers.  Now not only does Collomix, Mafell, Rothenberger & Metabo share their individual technical expertise, manufacturing & marketing strengths, but even the North American Walter company of industrial tools have apparently signed up too.  The result is, in addition to the various company's standard tool ranges now become instantly compatible with each other, but crucially each manufacturer is now (using their own individual expertise) producing best-in-class cordless table, pendulum, track & plunge saws, grinders, drills, mixers & specialist swaging tools.

Finally, the adoption of vibration sensing technology to high pressure low volume cordless industrial extractors allows similar dust extraction performance, capability & capacity as their corded equivalents.  Dustbags on cordless tools are really only a severely compromised, inefficient & ultimately ineffective alternative.  Yet to be released, this new sensing technology will allow professional standards of work in cordless workplaces when released in 2018.

In many ways it makes the cordless offerings of many other manufacturers seem rather crude & primitive in comparison.  Most current manufacturers have yet to adopt this integrated approach to cordless tooling.  Some have yet to implement even one single element!

 

[Bob D.]

There's 4 key developments that have made cordless saws a viable proposition.  I've had a few offerings before, & have been singularly unimpressed, even from 36v versions.  The combination of low battery capacity in a high drain device is not a happy or harmonious marriage.  However, now the game done changed!

Firstly, there's truly high-output & more importantly high torque EC motors available.  The best now have equivalent power to a 1200w + mains device @ 18v, & 2400w + @ 36v.  That's serious power!  Ample to drive saws, grinders, SCMS, SDS Max hammers & many other high current drain devices that were previously impossible to drive adequately.  In fact, a genuine alternative to mains power

Secondly, the latest generation of Sanyo Panasonic "20700" battery cells allow huge storage capacity:  7.0 ampere hours currently, & 8.0 & even 9.0 ampere hours over the next 2 years!  Not just storage either;  these new cells allow high current loading in BOTH drainage & charging modes.  This from a conventional twin row battery pack that unlike the massive, ungainly Milwaukee triple row packs has no size or weight penalty in comparison to previous generation packs.  Intrinsic to this new strategy are complete, total, seamless backwards & forwards compatibility between cells, tools & charging technologies.  This allows meaningful & truly useful runtimes & workloads to be achieved.  High current capacity allow usefully "professional" levels of power, runtime & charge rapidity.

Thirdly, arguably the most progressive current manufacturers are working collaboratively to provide their individual & collective expertise to the production of truly professional families of viable mains replacement power tools.  All using the same battery interface, range of battery cells & EC motor & charging technologies to produce surprising outcomes.

A case in point is the collaborative relationship between the German Power Tool Manufacturers' Association members recent production of fully compatible tools, batteries & "super" chargers.  Now not only does Collomix, Mafell, Rothenberger & Metabo share their individual technical expertise, manufacturing & marketing strengths, but even the North American Walter company of industrial tools have apparently signed up too.  The result is, in addition to the various company's standard tool ranges now become instantly compatible with each other, but crucially each manufacturer is now (using their own individual expertise) producing best-in-class cordless table, pendulum, track & plunge saws, grinders, drills, mixers & specialist swaging tools.

Finally, the adoption of vibration sensing technology to high pressure low volume cordless industrial extractors allows similar dust extraction performance, capability & capacity as their corded equivalents.  Dustbags on cordless tools are really only a severely compromised, inefficient & ultimately ineffective alternative.  Yet to be released, this new sensing technology will allow professional standards of work in cordless workplaces when released in 2018.

In many ways it makes the cordless offerings of many other manufacturers seem rather crude & primitive in comparison.  Most current manufacturers have yet to adopt this integrated approach to cordless tooling.  Some have yet to implement even one single element!

Who is the manufacturer you speak of here, is it Festool because their name does not appear anywhere, you only vaguely refer to a manufacturer and I can't determine who it is.

On your comment about having cordless tools actuate an attached dust collector, that is what I was saying a few months ago would be nice for RTS-Engineering to bring out to work with their MAXSys wireless remote module for the CT dust collectors.
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festo...eless-remote-for-ct-vacs/msg503995/#msg503995

 

[aloysius]

Your post doesn't really clarify which manufacturer (i.e. of what tool) you're referring to.

If you're referring to the new cordless vac. prototypes that I mentioned, then I may perhaps elaborate.  Earlier in the year at the Bau/Ligna conference & exhibition in Germany there were at least 2 new prototypes demonstrated.  One was a cordless iteration of the now well-known & highly regarded 35 litre M & H Class Starmix vacs with "on the fly" dual differential filter cleaning allowing full suction & filtration at all times during operation.  In addition to the cordless motor and the option of mounting either twin 18v or 36v batteries (of the same type as used by the German Power Tool Manufacturer's Association Co-op) using Sanyo Panasonic 20700 cells or even earlier generation batteries/cells which would of course offer reduced output.

With Starmix being the current German industry leader in dust extraction technological development, it seems likely that as the majority of German firms that now offer their own "badge engineered" versions of this fairly ubiquitous vac, these newer generation developments will likewise flow laterally across the plethora of brands that currently market these older vacs too.

The two models were displayed in Metabo livery at Bau.  One in the familiar format, the other (for me anyway) in much more interesting architecture.  A tall, rectangular systainer style machine that also appears to have more integrated battery enclosure & what appears to be the option of either AC (mains) or DC (onboard battery) operation.  Together with what I hope to be a much more useable onboard dust capacity, this particular machine could very well be their comprehensive answer to the rather disappointing performance & capacity of the severely limited CTL SYS & Ventaro type "lunchbox" extractors.

Cordless actuation is via an integrated onboard solenoid, an external plug-in low voltage DC cable attached to the corrugated hose, with an additional manually switchable backlit button on the tool-end of the hose that incorporates the vibration sensor.  I personally particularly like the sheer versatility of the systems integration on these vacs, not to mention the promise of meaningful, truly useful dust capacity too.  Both manual & fully auto operation at the tool with little or no operator intervention required, powered by the world's best, most powerful & largest capacity battery cell system currently available.  Should these 2 machines eventually come to market these new Starmix/Metabo prototypes should concievably increase their respective companies' dominance of the German power tool market by virtue of the clever solutions & technical expertise on display.

 

[sancho57]

I got my TS 55 before they offered a cordless version, But I think I would stay with it. I dont have to leave my CT running in between cuts, and I get lazy , to lazy to remember to turn the CT on and off if that makes sense..

 

[aloysius]

Quote (sic)
"Who is the manufacturer you speak of here, is it Festool because their name does not appear anywhere, you only vaguely refer to a manufacturer and I can't determine who it is." 

Or perhaps you're referring to the battery or cell manufacturer/s?

This is of course, as previously stated, Sanyo Panasonic.  The same cells as fitted to the latest Tesla motor cars & "power wall" home & national grid wind & solar storage arrays.  In the power tool context they're currently marketed by Robert Bosch in their own unique interface configuration as "Core" batteries, and by the co-op as Walter, Mafell, Collomix, Rothenberger & Metabo in their own collective, cooperative, interchangeable battery interface as "Li-HD" batteries.

 

[glass1]

I used to love my corded track saws (ts75 and Makita). Than I bought the cordless Makita. I was liberated. Use it with a bag never look back. Dust collection is good enough. Never get hung up again. The ts 75 is a great saw, but hate the tethers.  Now I only use it when I need the capacity. In the shop or outside. The track saw is a great tool, without a cord it’s just awesome! I am sure the tsc is good I just could not justify the price especially considering festool lack of battery tools, no impact, crap jig saw, sub par gutless low speed drills.

 

[Jmacpherson]

I have a 240v TS55 but been eyeing the 18v X2 Makita. Will be available here in Jan 2018.

[member=23087]bnaboatbuilder[/member]  - if look at this instagram post, they state the Mafell dust bag fits perfectly to the Makita saw and works on bevel cuts without any modificationshttps://www.instagram.com/p/BbTLEK7hxbR/?taken-by=toolsbydesign

The same user also posted a series of photos and short videos of how to modify the Festool bag to fit the Makita saw.https://www.instagram.com/p/BZhgjX9BZYi/?taken-by=toolsbydesign