Cordless TS55 reviews ????

[andy5405]

I was talking to another kitchen fitter the other day who was raving about his cordless TS55. He has hardly used his 240v corded version since he has had it. There was a lot of talk on here about people wanting a cordless TS before they were available but I haven't seen much in the way or reviews or feedback since they have been out.

I think a cordless TS could really help my workflow as I could leave my CT26 in the van for a lot of the time I'm on a job. I'm not worried about power as experience back in the dark ages of a Dewalt 18v circular saw with 2.0Ah batteries tells me that two 4.2Ah batteries will cut the mustard. I know dust extraction will be compromised and watching the Festool video where they cut 30m of worktop I can see that I would be emptying the bag quite often. However that would be a very small price to pay for the convenience of not having to find space for a CT and the constant wrestling with the hose both whilst cutting and whilst trying to store it.

I'm wondering what others think and has the cordless TS55 been overlooked as there doesn't seem to be a lot of noise generated about it on the web from actual users.

 

[wrightwoodwork]

I haven't used the cordless ts myself. I've seen at w14 and the dust collection looked pretty good with the only dust escaping at the end of the cut. If you do mainly kitchens on sites with no power. Then it's a no brainer for the TS as it had being designed to work with the dust bag. I couldn't tell you how much performance is lost over a dust collection unit. On sites where there is no power the cordless ts55 seems the perfect tool

 

[joiner1970]

I used one at the roadshow earlier in the year and was very impressed. It felt just as powerful as my mains one. Cut through 40mm tops with ease.

 

[promhandicam]

I've got one and since having it have sold my 240v TS55. With 2 batteries there is no  difference in terms of power - used mine the other day to trim an external solid oak door with no problems.

 

[mac sparrow]

I've got one.  I don't have anything to compare it with; this is my first ever circular saw.  I'm only using it for personal projects only, not site works.

I'd like to know how long the batteries are lasting on others TSC55's.  I was cutting a sheet of 18mm MDF the other day in sub 10 degree celcius weather outdoor using 2 x fully charged batteries (the batteries it came with).  I estimate I got about 20-24 cuts and the light was flashing on the one bar indicator indicating a recharge is required soon.  I must admit many of these cuts were double board thickness i.e. 36mm depth.

Works a treat but if I was using it for my job on site all day I'd want 4 batteries at least.  I suppose this can be justified if you are using other Festool powertools that use the same batteries.

Looking forward to hearing other peoples battery experience.

 

[jonny round boy]

Andy,

Just buy one already!!!  [tongue]

 

[andy5405]

Andy,

Just buy one already!!!  [tongue]

I definitely want one but it won't be in this year's budget. Timmy Taxman will be chasing me at the end of January so I'm trying to be good. I'd buy it based on the recommendation I already have from you and PJ but I'm still interested to see what others have to say.

I've had a look at the Festool UK videos and there does seem to be a bit more dust kicking around than I get with my corded TS. However that probably wouldn't matter as I have other tools I use and jobs I carry out on an install that create loads of dust so a cordless TS would hardly be a weak link in the chain.

If I were to say my corded TS achieves 98% dust extraction what figure would people put on the cordless version?

 

[jimbouk]

I have one to sell. Only used it a handfull of times. I can get my rep to switch the warranty too. Bought it for a continual kitchen fitting contract that didnt continue as other work came in.

It was great for panels and worktops the week i did use it but i have 2 240v ts55 so having that as well is overkill.