Cut quality of TS75 vs TS55

JHuskey

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Joined
Nov 27, 2013
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I am looking for some info on how big of a difference in the cut quality between the two saws. I am leaning toward the 75 for the cut capacity. I plan on making some slab furniture in the future. At the same time I cut a lot of ply for built in cabinets. Any info from those who have used both would be great.
 
    The cut quality will be the same using the same blade. But the TS55 ships with the Fine blade and the TS75 ships with the Universal blade.  The Fine blade makes really good cuts but is designed for cross cutting and sheet goods. The Universal blade is basically what is generally called a combination blade, and is a compromise for both cross cuts and rip cuts in solid wood. The cut quality is good but not like that of the Fine blade.

    So if you want great cut quality with the TS75  for cross cuts and sheet goods order the Fine blade for it when you get the saw.

  Welcome to the forum!  [smile]

Seth
 
From my understanding the TS55 will give you a cleaner cut. The splinter guard on the ts75 doesn't engage until about 3/4 of an inch plunge. You can modify the off cut splinter guard to help this. You will have more options with the TS75 and have a longer track. I am getting my TS75 tomorrow, but own the ts55 which would be my go to saw, except when the 75 is required for cut depth.
 
I went through a similar decision making process when choosing which saw to buy and ultimately went with the TS 75, though I actually just today received a recon-ed TS 55 REQ, so I'm excited to do a head to head test myself.  I will say though that I just got through doing a 20x20 room of oak veneer plywood panels using the TS 75 and the standard Universal blade as well as the off-cut splinter guard.  I cut off 1/8 on each side of the 4x8 sheet to clean the factory edge, and ripped a number of them down the middle to fit the wall length.  I got ZERO tear-out on either side of the blade.

So I'm very happy with my choice of the TS 75, which gives me the added cut capacity when I need it.  The only thing I'm hesitant about are long bevel cuts, as the 75 is fairly heavy and can tilt at a more extreme angle if you're not careful.  You can get added control with the parallel guide mounted on the left side of the saw, but it's still pretty nerve racking if you have to shift your body position while making the cut.  This is why I snatched up the TS 55 when it became available on the recon sale list.
 
I will echo Ed's sentiments. I have the TS-75 with a fine toothed blade and although it makes very fine finish cuts in sheet goods, accurate bevel cuts are a problem because of the tendency to tip due to the extra weight of the head.  You need to ask yourself, what will you ultimately do more often,  cut sheet goods or cut thick slabs?  If it's the former, go with the 55...hands down, if it's the latter, buy the 75.  Or do like Ed and get both!  I think whichever one you choose, you'll buy the other further on down the road.
 
And is there not also the possible consideration that there is one or more speciality Festool blades available for the TS75 as well that you cannot get for the TS55's.  Can't recall which one(s), but if you get your nose in all sorts of cutting situations, the TS75 may be more versatile.

I recall also there was something in the catalog about the TS75 having better electronics when I bought mine 5+ years ago over the TS55.  Not sure how that applies against the TS55 REQ today though.

Some people regret their TS75 due to its weight.  I've never had that issue, but then again, I've never used a TS55 either.
 
Yes, the blade for cutting steel sheeting is not available in 160mm; for the TS 75 it's Festool 493351
 
First, [welcome] to the FOG!

I went through the same agonizing decision process when I bought my Track Saw. I ultimately purchased the TS75, PLUS one of every blade Festool makes. So far I have used the universal blade (that it comes with); the fine blade; the solid surface (Corian) blade; and the non-ferrous metal (Aluminum) blade. I *LOVE* the power of the TS75, and couldn't be happier with my choice!

Ultimately, I *MIGHT* purchase a TSC55 to go along with my TS75, when/if the TSC55 ever becomes available in North America. I would use it strictly for sheet goods (and quick cuts) where the lighter weight and lack of a cord would be a real plus. I think that the combination of power/options with the TS75 and the convenience/portability of the TSC55 would be a winning combination!

I just hope the TSC55 arrives in North America while I am still young enough to use it?!

[poke] [poke] [poke]
 
wow said:
I just hope the TSC55 arrives in North America while I am still young enough to use it?!

[poke] [poke] [poke]

ETA is Q2 2015, so unless you suffer from progeria, I think you'll make it  [wink]
 
abgoto said:
wow said:
I just hope the TSC55 arrives in North America while I am still young enough to use it?!

[poke] [poke] [poke]

ETA is Q2 2015, so unless you suffer from progeria, I think you'll make it  [wink]

I am aware of the ETA - just not sure I can believe it or wait that long.

[tongue]

I may just buy one of the new Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7-1/4" saws and make a base for it that fits on the guide rails. There would certainly be a plethora of blade choices. Not sure about run-out or cut quality though...
 
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