To reclaim some space in my shop, I'm considering how realistic it might be to consider that in combination with my router, TS 75 track saw and MFT3 table etc, can I live without my table saw? I'm thinking that some table saw cuts which might require a simple fence adjustment can't be accomplished with the track saw with the same degree of convenience. Maybe I simply need forcing myself and make my track saw and MFT the go-to tool more often and see if I'm just kidding myself? Appreciate anyone who cares to comment. Thanks.
Does TS 75 and MFT3 replace my Table Saw?
- Thread starter Gerry0611
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roblg3
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You will find that it does not completely replace a table saw. I was hoping it would. There's many occasions where a table saw is waaay faster. A track saw makes breaking down sheet goods much better/safer/faster. Ripping up lumber for face frames is accomplished better w/ table saw IMO. It can be done with with the addition of jigs/spacers and the like, but I still cannot ditchh my table saw [sad]
JBag09
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I had a pretty nice sized table saw, then I got the track saw and didn't touch the table saw for about 5 projects. So I gave it to a friend. However I came to realize as far as ripping material for face frames it is much much faster with a table saw. So I bought a dewalt contractor table saw which hangs on my wall in the corner and takes up almost no space. But I have it when I need it.
Just something to think about.
Just something to think about.
If you have a good table saw, keep it. If you must replace your table saw because you want to upgrade or you really don't have a lot of space, you might want to keep it for awhile and experiment with the TS75 and MFT to see if it's possible to do without for you and your work. My saw was never very good and, to start, I found that I could do everything I did with a TS55 and MFT. I got rid of the old table saw, but then started to find tasks that were very difficult to do well without the table saw, so I ended up buying a small saw for those jobs. I can fold it up and roll it out of the way when I'm not using it and then roll it out when I need it. Most of my other tools are on wheels also, so the space I use when sawing can be used for doing other work when I'm done. I don't have enough experience with this saw to tell whether there are still gaps or not because of the size of its table. I will continue to try to do as much as I can on my other tools; like dadoing with a router (which I feel does a better job than a dado blade anyway), ripping with my bandsaw and then jointing the cut piece. It's a worthwhile experiment for you if you are in transition and were going to replace a table saw anyway, but you may find that you still need the table saw.
Birdhunter
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I think your answer depends on what type of work you do. I have a big table saw, Sawstop Industrial, and would not give it up. I use my MFT and TS55 a lot, but can't see only having that instead of a table saw.
#Tee
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i agree with everyone in here, this mostly pends on your type of work. both saws have their place. one will shine on the road and other will make a simple task easy with less setup work. a good solution would be a roll away table saw or make it part of your work space so you can keep a ts55 when needed. so i really cant say one is more important than the other...its up to your work load.
bkharman
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Why not have all of the above? I have a 55 that I use on sheet goods and it does a great job. I also have a 75 that I use on hardwoods and other more hearty things. I know it is NAINA, but there are quite a few people that have the TS 75 insert and use it very often in place of a traditional table saw. I have a buddy that has one and he thinks it is awesome and I have to agree. The thing cuts like silk when ripping or cross cutting and never bogs down or burns... So I have heard. 
If you have an MFT and are at all interested in the CMS, maybe check it out as an option. Again, traditional table saw it is not but it is VERY useful and some may argue... The next best thing! (Again, so I have heard).
Cheers. Bryan.
If you have an MFT and are at all interested in the CMS, maybe check it out as an option. Again, traditional table saw it is not but it is VERY useful and some may argue... The next best thing! (Again, so I have heard).
Cheers. Bryan.
erock
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When I bought the MFT/3 and TS55 I made it an effort to use it for as many cuts as I could.
That table saw turned into a TV stand in my shop. After maybe 2 years of using the MFT/3 and TS55 I gave a family member the table saw.
I'm a hobbyist. So my time is not money. I enjoy being out in the shop using my tools. I'm not under deadlines. I go at my pace. So using the TS55 as a replacement for a table saw does not bother me. It's safer and the dust collection is fantastic.
I don't miss my table saw. I've made cutting jigs for ripping 2x4's and 2X6's. I've built two full kitchens without a table saw.
It comes down to what you want and feel comfortable with. If I was a pro making money with my tools then I would probably have a table saw. But at this time, I have no need for a table saw. The MFT/3 or cutting jigs I made work for me.
To each his own. I had the space for a table saw but chose to do with out one. And I've been very happy without it. If you get creative and be safe!!! You can make all the cuts you need with the TS75.
Eric
That table saw turned into a TV stand in my shop. After maybe 2 years of using the MFT/3 and TS55 I gave a family member the table saw.
I'm a hobbyist. So my time is not money. I enjoy being out in the shop using my tools. I'm not under deadlines. I go at my pace. So using the TS55 as a replacement for a table saw does not bother me. It's safer and the dust collection is fantastic.
I don't miss my table saw. I've made cutting jigs for ripping 2x4's and 2X6's. I've built two full kitchens without a table saw.
It comes down to what you want and feel comfortable with. If I was a pro making money with my tools then I would probably have a table saw. But at this time, I have no need for a table saw. The MFT/3 or cutting jigs I made work for me.
To each his own. I had the space for a table saw but chose to do with out one. And I've been very happy without it. If you get creative and be safe!!! You can make all the cuts you need with the TS75.
Eric
leer
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I bought a TS 55 about 1-1.2 years ago. I was ready to get a SawStop since I felt my contractor-style table saw was just too underpowered. The I watched the YouTube videos for the Paulk Workbench, and decided a track saw was my solution for breaking down sheet goods. (I built my own large, non-portable MFT-style workbench.) I still like a table saw for ripping lumber, so I bought a Forrest ripping blade for my table saw, and it breathed new life into it -- making it much better at ripping thick stop and tough hardwoods.
I still plan to get a SawStop some day, but there are plenty of Festool things higher on the priority list.
I still plan to get a SawStop some day, but there are plenty of Festool things higher on the priority list.
fdeloncker
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I will admit after I got my ts75 I use my table saw much less frequently for certain cuts (all plywood, angles, etc.. ), but would not give up my table saw. With longer rough cut lumber that has a very wavy edge I will rip the edge off with the ts75 before I even mill at the jointer. IF I had to, I could get by without it, but I dont have to so it stays, besides where else would i put all the small tools and scraps while i work?
curiousdork
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erock said:
A couple of years later and I hope re-opening this thread ain't so bad but I'm in the same boat where I jsut don't have the space for a table saw and I'm dependent on my TS-75. Do you have plans for the ripping jigs you mentioned? I'm a little over half way on my track saw bench build (I used 1x4, 1x6, and 1x8's) so I can safely place rough sawn lumber for the rough dimensioning. I'd love to see how you built the ripping jigs.
p.s. I bookmarked your YT page a while back, I didn't realize that you were that guy. lol
bkharman
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I use my MFT-VL and TS 75 all the time. Used it this weekend to make some skirt strips for toe kicks, rip some poplar and some maple for some cabinet trim out.
I have an Incra fence but I love the combo... main difference is I have move my TS 75 under the table to make it a table saw.
Cheers. Bryan.
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I have an Incra fence but I love the combo... main difference is I have move my TS 75 under the table to make it a table saw.
Cheers. Bryan.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
bkharman
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ben_r_ said:
And Precision Dogs plate.
There are quite a few threads about my project with this. I absolutely love my setup. Not the cheapest, but very accurate and adjustable.
Like Ben R said, I didn't really "make anything". I did make a prototype plate that was crap about three years ago, but then met Jerry at Precision Dogs and worked with him on the plate that is attached to my Incra LS Positioner. I have had the MFT and CMS VL from the beginning and bought the TS insert from the U.K.
Cheap? No
Flexible? He77 yeah
Accurate? You bet!
And it can all fold up and fit in the trunk of an average sedan if need be. I am a hobbiest that does a lot of things for myself and my friends, so I don't need to do "site work" so this setup is ideal for me.
Cheers. Bryan.
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