Does the TS55 REQ cut plywood cleaner than the TS75?

[ctc1111]

I did a search on this topic, but could not find an applicable result within the first few pages.

I'm considering the purchase of a track saw. 95% of the time or better I am cutting plywood or MDF for interior finish work. Built ins, kitchens, etc. Its those few times where I can see that no other tool but the TS75 will be adequate, that makes me question what one to get (ripping a 5 degree bevel in a 36" door for instance, since my table saw has a 30" capacity). Again, I've never had a need to do something like that yet, but I can see *maybe* someday needing too.

Anyways, in reviewing the specifications for both tools I see that the TS55 has a significantly higher blade speed. Is this just all relative due to the large blade diameter on the TS75, or does the TS55's higher blade speed provide a noticeably cleaner cut on fine sheet goods?

I plan on using this mostly for cross cuts on fine sheet goods as thats an area my table saw has no ability. Currently I take my circular saw and do the cross cut 1" oversized, and then do the finish cut on the table saw by removing that messy 1".

I've held both units in woodcraft and was shocked at the physical size and weight difference. It doesn't sound like much on a spec sheet, but in real life it was a whole different deal.

 

[semenza]

Hi,

  Welcome to the forum!  [smile]

  The blade that comes with the TS55 is the Fine blade designed for sheet goods and cross cutting solid wood. The blade that comes with the TS75 is the Universal blade (combination) that is designed for decent cuts both rip and cross cut. You can get the Fine blade for the TS75 and that will result in the same cut quality as the Fine blade in the TS55.

  When you get the saw (with Fine blade) you will find that you no longer need to finish the cuts on the table saw.

Seth

 

[ctc1111]

Excellent, looks like my question is answered.

So the additional blade speed of the 55 will not result in a difference of cut quality when comparing fine tooth to fine tooth blade.

Now it all comes down to ergonomics and cost, which is something I suppose only I can answer.

Thanks!!

 

[johnleve]

The green splinter guard is not as effective on the 75.  I own a 75 and it has to be at near full depth for it to work.  You can modify it to extend it using a technique that Paul Marcell shows on his 75 video.  I have not done that yet and don't know how effective it is but he seems to like it.  The blade that comes with the 75 does a good job though on the keeper side of the cut so I suspect you might get a good cut with it and a modified off-cut splinter guard.  I really do love my 75 though and would not trade it for a 55.

 

[johnleve]

Here is the link, he explains it far better than I: http://www.halfinchshy.com/2011/02/festool-ts-75-review.html

 

[ccarrolladams]

I have owned TS55 since early January 2006. Primarily I use those to effectively cut sheet material to final size. I have always found the TS55 cut to be glue-ready when using the Festool fine tooth blade. Over the years as my business expanded I have purchased a lot more TS55. When the TS55 was available in NA I purchased 2 of them, which Festool updated during the recall.

Long ago when the TS75 arrived in the USA I bought one. I tried it on 19mm plywood using the fine tooth blade. Although the TS75 is a fine machine, it is not at its best trying to make glue-ready cuts in plywood. I do not recommend the TS75 for that purpose.

I have used the TS75 with several kinds of rip blades to straight-line rough lumber using a long guide rail. That method worked very well for me before I opened my large shop with a Felder sliding table saw, which will straight-line much thicker rough lumber even better.

 

[tjbnwi]

Get the 55 for your needs. If you need to cut that occasional 5 bevel on a 1-3/4" door. clamp the rail and make the cut in 2 or 3 passes. Works great and does not overload the saw.

Tom

 

[curt boyer]

I was using my friends 75 yesterday to cut 1xs and sheet stock as well as a lot of bevel cuts. The cut quality wasn't as good as my 55 and it was awkward cutting. The 75 is great for doors but for 3/4" stock I'd go for the 55.
Cheers
Curt

 

[monstrol]

I have both and with the fine blade the cuts are similar.  One thing about the 75 that hasn't been mentioned is I need to wait until the blade is at full speed before cutting/plunging or there can be a mean kickback with the 75. And even then you need to start slowly.

 

[semenza]

I was using my friends 75 yesterday to cut 1xs and sheet stock as well as a lot of bevel cuts. The cut quality wasn't as good as my 55 and it was awkward cutting. The 75 is great for doors but for 3/4" stock I'd go for the 55.
Cheers
Curt

Curt , do you know which blade was in your friends 75?

Seth

 

[jbasen]

I have the TS75 and I use Paul Marcell's splinter guard mod.  I have been cutting a bunch of plywood using just the standard blade that comes with the TS75 and with the modified splinter guard I have been getting excellent results.  I don't have a TS55 to compare it to but I can see how without the modified splinter guard the cut quality using the saw for sheet goods wouldn't be nearly as good. 

Hope this helps

Jay

 

[ctc1111]

Well I picked up the TS55 and I used it somewhat in making a 6 cabinet built in for my walk-in closet this weekend. It was GREAT. I'm thrilled with the tool. So far I have about 2 hours of actually running time on it, and I'm very impressed in several ways.

My only complaint, which is something I will get used to, and that I feel the depth adjustment lacks in ease of functionality. By this I mean that its not immediately obvious how the thing should be moved in order to free it from its engaging teeth, and the instruction manual (from what I saw) was no help in this. But I quickly figured it out, and its just something to get used to and not a big deal. I just bring it up in the sense that if I HAD to have one critical thing to say about it, that is the only thing I can find.

Great saw. And I also ordered the MFT/3 which after this weekend I can tell will be an excellent addition to this saw. Should be in this week.