CS70 for the U.S. or other ?

[Intex]

I had sold my Sawstop professional table saw when I had to downsize my garage shop. I have changed to almost all Festool equipment, but still feel like I need a table saw for ripping, etc. I am wondering if those that have a CS70, think that it was a good purchase, as opposed to getting a regular tabletop table saw, such as Makita ???
I am looking for something that will give me precision cuts (price is not an issue, as much as quality). I tried a Bosch tabletop table saw, but using the fence did not give me precision cuts time after time.

I understand that you may say that the CS70 is not even available in the U.S., but that hasn't stopped me before , as I use a KS-60 Miter saw I purchased from Europe, and just plug it into my shops 220V outlet.

I tried using the Track saw for ripping smaller widths of wood on a consistent basis, and also for cutting box tops off, but it doesn't work as easy as using a table saw.

Any comments welcome, as I can not just go down to my dealer to try on out, and when I did go to a dealer in Holland, they happened to be closed for vacation!

 

[Intex]

By the way, are the rumors that Festool will bring a Sawstop style bench top table saw to the US shortly, just a rumor ???

 

[sancho57]

If you have a CMS already then get the TS 75 insert for it and you'll have the best of both worlds a track saw that converts to a tables.

Thats what I did. But If I had to doit all over I would got for te Mafele Erica 85. Yes its 220V but as long as you got 220v power ran into your shop your gold.

 

[greg mann]

220 is probably not an issue for the OP as that is the only option he would have with an imported cs70. I have a cs70 and it is certainly an upgrade from any tabletop saw that I am aware of.

I like my cs70 but it’s real cache is as a better level job site saw. I believe a cabinet saw with a really good fence is probably a better stationary choice based on my limited experience. That said I find it totally adequate for thin rips which seems to be your area of concern. It is pretty versatile and I do like the pullsaw capabiity

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

I own a Erika 70 (110v) and absolutely adore it, one of my favorite tools. Available in North America with full warranty support. If you are primarily using in the shop then you could look at the 220v Erika 85, again available in North America with full warranty support.

As Greg points out, the Erika and Precisio saws really shine as portable saws, but the Erika serves just fine in the shop, with the benefit that it folds up and stores out of the way when not in use.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I am wondering if those that have a CS70, think that it was a good purchase, as opposed to getting a regular tabletop table saw, such as Makita ???

The CS70 is definitely a huge step up from any of those small tabletop saws. 

I like my cs70 but it’s real cache is as a better level job site saw. I believe a cabinet saw with a really good fence is probably a better stationary choice based on my limited experience.

I agree with Greg, the CS70's strong suit is its moblity. So if you happen to have the place for a stationary cabinet saw, that one's just better. For instance, you can put a much better fence on it than the CS70 has.

But if you need to store the saw again after use, to free up space, the CS70 is a very good choice.

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

I have used Makita table saws for our site work for many years, and for what we have needed them for, they have been superb. However, the precision although better on the later saws, is not that of a CS70 or Erika 85.
I have been considering both the CS70 and Erika for a while now, and am more in favour of the Erika, mainly for the extra depth of cut, and having used one a couple of times, found them to be very precise and smooth to operate.

I think I’d be glad of either but, the depth of cut does have a bearing on me. The Erika is more expensive though when bought brand new.

 

[Intex]

Thank you for all the comments. I need a smaller one, as I need to store it on the wall or against the wall when done using it, that is why I sold my Sawstop Contractor saw.  I wish I could see both the Erika and CS70 in order to make a decision. I also read that Festool's parent company purchased Sawstop, so I wonder how their newer Jobsite saw compares to the two German ones? I do like the feature of protecting my fingers!

 

[AlexThePalex]

so I wonder how their newer Jobsite saw compares to the two German ones? I do like the feature of protecting my fingers!

Not sure it is for sale yet, so very few people will have experience with the new saw right now. It is not a pull saw, but a standard steady saw but with SawStop protection. Knowing Festool it will propbably be a very fine saw. But it might take some time before it is available in the United States, Festool always concentrates first on the European market when they introduce something new.

 

[Intex]

Alex, do you currently own the CS70? If so, what are the options for putting on a better fence? I know that the infra fence will not fit onto the saw itself.

Why do you like it over the Erika series?

 

[AlexThePalex]

Alex, do you currently own the CS70? If so, what are the options for putting on a better fence? I know that the infra fence will not fit onto the saw itself.

Why do you like it over the Erika series?

1 - Yes, I own the CS70
2 - No clue what the options for a better fence are, I have not explored them.
3 - Incra fence can be made to fit if you want, just like most other good fences.
4 - Never said I liked it over the Erika. It is just that I have this one and not the Erika. The Erika is rare, the CS70 is more easily available.