Difference between ATF 55 and TS 55

[GaryLaroff]

I have the opportunity to buy an ATF 55 and can't find the differences between it and the newer TS 55 EQ.  I seem to remember reading something about the riving knife, the splinter guards and the dust collection port.  Is there anyone on line who can advise me.

Thank you in advance,
Gary

 

[Daviddubya]

I had the ATF55 and upgraded to the TS55 over a year ago.  As I recall, the differences that stood out in my mind are:

Blade changing is much easier on the TS55.

The dust post is improved on the TS55, but the ATF55 dust collection worked fine.

There is no splinter guard on the outside of the blade on the ATF55.  The TS55 has one and it works well, as long as you keep it adjusted and/or replaced as needed.

Both saws have a riving knife.  I think the riving knife on the TS55 is easier to remove and install.

The TS55 has a removeable power cord, the ATF55 does not.

The guide rail adjustment on the TS55 is improved.

The two saws use the same blades.

If I had the opportunity to buy a used ATF55, I would not hesitate.  The reason I upgraded - I was able to buy a slightly used TS55 and sell my ATF55 for close to the same price.

 

[extiger]

My ATF55 was sold to me by a dealer at the exact time the new TS55 replaced my model. When asked about the differences between the old and the new, he termed them as "largely cosmetic"

Now that I've used the ATF55 for about 30 months, I think the changes are a bit more than simply cosmetic: the power cord, the dust port, the composite baseplate instead of a stamped steel one, the easy blade and riving knife removal.  Of these I think the only meaningful one would be the the splinter gaurd. But even that depends on the kind of wood you'll be cutting. For me it doesn't matter, and a new dealer from whom I've now bought 4 additional "green machines" advised me not to switch.

Here's a weird twist, though. People don't mention this minor change, but the indicating scale for bevel angles is really, really easier to read on the TS55. Us old guys with bad eyes don't need woodworking bells and whistles as much as we need help seeing.

Gary Curtis

 

[Frank Pellow]

My ATF55 was sold to me by a dealer at the exact time the new TS55 replaced my model. When asked about the differences between the old and the new, he termed them as "largely cosmetic"

Now that I've used the ATF55 for about 30 months, I think the changes are a bit more than simply cosmetic: the power cord, the dust port, the composite baseplate instead of a stamped steel one, the easy blade and riving knife removal.  Of these I think the only meaningful one would be the the splinter gaurd. But even that depends on the kind of wood you'll be cutting. For me it doesn't matter, and a new dealer from whom I've now bought 4 additional "green machines" advised me not to switch.

Gary, here's a weird twist, though. People don't mention this minor change, but the indicating scale for bevel angles is really, really easier to read on the TS55. Us old guys with bad eyes don't need woodworking bells and whistles as much as we need help seeing.

Gary Curtis

I agree about the bevel angle scale being much easier to read.  So is the depth scale.  The improvement in these scales is one of the most important reasons that I upgraded from an ATF 55 to TS 75.

 

[Kevin Johnson]

I also sold my ATF 55 to switch to a TS55.  I am not one that likes to upgrade to the latest thing as soon as something new comes out, however the old saw had some things about it that really annoyed me that the new model addressed.  For me it was (in order of preference):

The riving knife.  If I wanted to do a plunge cut, I had to remove the riving knife on the older one.  Because I was often plunging into and ripping the same sheet, this was very annoying.  I eventually took the knife out and subsequently lost it.  So I lost the benefit of the riving knife.

The anti-splitter guard on the right side of the blade. - The old saw always caused splinters on the cut off piece which meant that if I wanted to use the cut off, it needed to be recut.  The new one gives me a clean cut on both sides of the blade.

The other 2 new features were just bonus points for me.  The swivel dust collection is very nice and having the removal cord that is interchangeable with other tools is nice.

 

[Gary Nichols]

I bought the ATF 55 when they were on closeout. About the only disappointment I've had with any Festool is that I hadn't waited for the TS 55 once I saw one with all the worthwhile improvements mentioned in this thread. I'd like to sell mine and move up, but can anyone tell me how much to ask for my ATF 55? Also, seems like I just read somewhere that if you pay the difference, you can buy a TS with the rail length/style of your choice. Since I finally have the OF 1400, I'd rather get one with the holes in it, if that's possible, but our local Festool dealer knows nothing of this option. Or did I just imagine it?

Gary Nichols

 

[Frank Pellow]

I bought the ATF 55 when they were on closeout. About the only disappointment I've had with any Festool is that I hadn't waited for the TS 55 once I saw one with all the worthwhile improvements mentioned in this thread. I'd like to sell mine and move up, but can anyone tell me how much to ask for my ATF 55? Also, seems like I just read somewhere that if you pay the difference, you can buy a TS with the rail length/style of your choice. Since I finally have the OF 1400, I'd rather get one with the holes in it, if that's possible, but our local Festool dealer knows nothing of this option. Or did I just imagine it?

Gary Nichols

A little over a year ago, I asked for (and got) $200 for mine.  That was for the saw alone -I did not sell any rails.

Nov 18 Correction: I just checked my records and found that I sold the saw for $225.

 

[Jimhart]

I bought the ATF 55 when they were on closeout. About the only disappointment I've had with any Festool is that I hadn't waited for the TS 55 once I saw one with all the worthwhile improvements mentioned in this thread. I'd like to sell mine and move up, but can anyone tell me how much to ask for my ATF 55? Also, seems like I just read somewhere that if you pay the difference, you can buy a TS with the rail length/style of your choice. Since I finally have the OF 1400, I'd rather get one with the holes in it, if that's possible, but our local Festool dealer knows nothing of this option. Or did I just imagine it?

Gary Nichols

Gary,

I saw the chart for the TS saw packaged with various length rails somewhere. Possibly www.festooljunkie.com, if not festoolusa.com.

Jim

 

[Kevin Johnson]

I got about $250 -265 on E-bay when I sold mine.

 

[Gary Nichols]

Hi Jim,

I was just going through my old emails.... Found it in the November Festool SysNotes........ Unfortunately, I didn't realize the the rail for the LR-32 is only 42".... not hardly long enough to crosscut a 4' x 8' sheet..... And at 95", the next size up is a little unwieldy for everyday sawing. I already have the 2700 for ripping the long way, but only use it when the 55" won't do.  Guess I'll stick with the standard package and just buy the 42" for drilling holes. Too bad they just don't have the 32mm hole system in ALL their rails....

Gary Nichols

 

[extiger]

About the resale price of an ATF55. I have to admit it  --- I'M A TOOL LURKER ON EBAY.  In mid or late summer, a guy sold a near-new ATF 55 for $450! It did come with a few extra blades. Perhaps the buyer didn't know that model had  been superseded. Whereas I bought mine, unused (but second hand) from the dealer at the end of 2005 for $200. The previous owner exchanged for the recently issued TS55.

Ebay is weird. I routinely see used tools and equipment selling at the new price. Are these buyers in Maximum Security Prisons, or a desert island? I can't attribute their motives to anything but possible isolation where they live! Lie Nielsen hand tools hit such prices all the time.

Gary Curtis