Festool Precisio saws

[shed9]

Been away from the forum for a bit but would appreciate some advice.

I know the TKS versions are out now but are there any Precisio saw users out there who can offer some feedback?

I have started to finally finish the work needed in my house. It's going to be a fair amount of fit out and general carpentry. It's a woollen mill so an old building and large space. I've done most of the work in the house but need to fit a new kitchen, bathroom and finish those aspects which have just been left. I'm looking for a decent portable table saw but something which has use beyond this work phase (probably >12 months). I already have a table saw (Hammer K3 winner) but that's in the workshop and at the other end of the garden. I don't want to be carrying work back and forth.
I contemplated a Dewalt or Makita small site saw but before I push the button I'm giving the Precision CS70 a look over. Not sure if this is overkill for kitchen and bathroom builds but then it would certainly find a home in my workshop after the build itself in cutting finer materials.

Anyone used one for fit out? Is this an expensive and bad idea or are there aspects to this that sway the argument towards one?

Any advice appreciated.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I have the CS70 and I use it for everything that needs to be cut, no matter where. I mean, when it fits, sheet goods are done with the TS55. I am renovating my house right now and boy, does the CS70 come in handy. I would not want to be without it.

 

[FestitaMakool]

It depends on how much capacity you need in a portable saw.
Since you have a very nice and capable cabinet saw not far away, if youd be bothered to carry the thickest pieces to this saw, a CS 50 is VERY portable and capable to to the rest.A CS 70 as Alex is pleased with is a very good choice too. I think you will appreciate the pull function for your kind of application. A CS 70 is considerably heavier, and more comparable to table saws from ie Bosch and Makita in weight. But, the CS 70 is more manageable to carry than those, and it has pull saw functionality, which is very nice. It’s so much more than a rip saw.

I have a CS 50 with all the bells and whistles. I’m very pleased with it. (I have a larger 70mm capacity table saw too, but it’s stationary)
Me included; most owners of the Precisios will not part with theirs. That includes carpenters and fitters I have met, who has the one or other of the CS 50/70.

The TKS has been on the market a while, but I don’t think sales has gone through the roof. Weight and size is an issue, and it’s missing the pull saw function. (Which is a safety feature in itself)

I would study the capacity of the two Precisios, including weight if that matters to see if one of those will fit you. You might end up having it around as a second saw ever after redoing your house.

 

[shed9]

Thank you both, very much appreciated. I must be honest that I didn't actually know the CS saws had the pull feature and that makes a lot of sense to me.

The capacity I need from a saw would be met by either saws really, the 50 and the 70, I'd just be more tempted to get the slightly larger capacity in the 70. I won't be moving the saw around too much so a little extra weight but still being portable is still acceptable for me.

 

[Coen]

Part of the attractiveness of the CS50 is that it shares accessories with CMS. But the latter not longer available...

The parallel fence is garbage. $700 DeWalt saw includes superior parallel fence.

 

[Stone Message]

I have had a lot of questions from my various woodworking contacts about the Precisio and it is my ambition to get one at some point. I would have got one by now but my house move, and in particular the creation of a new workshop, has drained my resources somewhat.

If it helps the OP I have read a fair bit about the CS70 and watched a number of videos as well. I am convinced of its capabilities and have no doubt whatsoever that it will be well made. The accessories that come with the "Set" version (574784) provides the user with absolutely every bit of functionality that could be expected of a saw like this.

I have seen the saw in action a long time ago and it was either at Bunny's Bolts, the D&M Show or at at Festool Road Show.

Peter

 

[shed9]

I never knew of the CMS compatibility but then they are like hence teeth right now, they only really come up on auction sites and often  in poor condition. I did think of a CMS-GE and TS plate but again no one sells them anymore. It is worth knowing though if the right deal comes along so the info is appreciated.

Peter, not sure I would stretch to the full CS70 kit myself but would probably add a rip fence to the saw in the initial purchase. If I end up getting one, happy to field any queries you have yourself prior to purchase.

Coen when you mention parallel fence do you mean the additional rip fence?

 

[FestitaMakool]

Bear in mind, you could make a simple (or might already have something?) cabinet on wheels to roll the saw around. Mine is a full set, but placed on top of a cabinet on wheels, to the same 900mm “Festool” height. It fits a dust collector, shelves, a small compartment all connected to accessories I use with the saw.

Some think the additional “rip fence” LA CS 70/LA CS 50/CMS is poor, I do not. The included “mitre fence” is ok enough, but I only use it on the sliding table (Which is the same as the item that the TKS uses)
Yes, the CS 50 compatible with the CMS accessories. And the accessories for the CMS are available, just not the modules or the VL or GE table. Everything else is available.

 

[Coen]

Coen when you mention parallel fence do you mean the additional rip fence?

574796https://www.festool.nl/accessoires/574796---la-cs-50cms

There is no way it moves parallel to the blade... while Dewalt has a two-sided rack and pinion fence that actually does stay parallel to the saw when moving it... included with the base saw, that is already half as expensive. But I tend to overstate the negatives I know... so YMMV. The miter gauge of the Dewalt is garbage, but the slop can be fixed somewhat or easily replaced by one of Incra.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Bear in mind, you could make a simple (or might already have something?) cabinet on wheels to roll the saw around. Mine is a full set, but placed on top of a cabinet on wheels,

That only works when you have a flat floor like in a shop. Doesn't work in and around the house.

But I agree the CS50 sure is a lot more portable than the CS70. I can move my CS70 with ease on an even floor, but I don't like to carry it up the stairs one bit.

Downside is, it is just so small.

I have had a lot of questions from my various woodworking contacts about the Precisio and it is my ambition to get one at some point. I would have got one by now but my house move, and in particular the creation of a new workshop, has drained my resources somewhat.

Peter, whenever you come bicycling again in Holland you're welcome to play around with mine as long as you want.

Coen when you mention parallel fence do you mean the additional rip fence?

Probably this one, the CS70 LA as opposed to the second one with the degrees.

[attachimg=1] [attachimg=2]

I'm not fond of it, I wouldn't say it is garbage, but it isn't very user friendly because front and back don't automatically align very well and you have to make sure manually. And the fine adjustment makes it difficult to move, so I took it out. 

But I like the other, standard one very much. I use it always, unless I absolutely have to use the other one because the piece is too big, like the plinth in the picture. That didn't work with the smaller fence.

 

[Coen]

Probably this one, the CS70 LA as opposed to the second one with the degrees.

[attachimg=1] [attachimg=2]

I'm not fond of it, I wouldn't say it is garbage, but it isn't very user friendly because front and back don't automatically align very well and you have to make sure manually. And the fine adjustment makes it difficult to move, so I took it out. 

But I like the other, standard one very much. I use it always, unless I absolutely have to use the other one because the piece is too big, like the plinth in the picture. That didn't work with the smaller fence.

Exactly. I never even bought it after seeing it fail in the store...

Sometimes I use the standard one from the MFT on the CS50 with a separately sold 60cm alu piece (that is included with the CS 50 LA).

 

[Stone Message]

I have had a lot of questions from my various woodworking contacts about the Precisio and it is my ambition to get one at some point. I would have got one by now but my house move, and in particular the creation of a new workshop, has drained my resources somewhat.

Peter, whenever you come bicycling again in Holland you're welcome to play around with mine as long as you want.

Hi Alex,

A very kind offer. We usually visit your lovely country twice a year but did not manage it at all in 2020. We are hoping to be able (or allowed) to come over later this year. We had to sell the Hymer prior to moving so we will be in B&B rather than on camp sites - that will seem very strange after 12 years of roaming as we pleased.

Cheers.

Peter

 

[shed9]

Thanks again for the above replies.

Can I ask really dumb question for the UK member? Why is the 110V version so much cheaper than the 240V option? Is there a slight difference in power like the TS55 saws with differing voltages?

 

[Milvus]

Hi,

I have a CS70 and I use it for everything. I don't have room enough to fit a cabinet saw in my diyer shop. I'm quite happy with it, it is powerful enough and it honours its name "precisio".

It can substitute a miter saw to some extent. Just not that confortable to use.

Regarding the rip fence, it is not garbage, but for a saw this price it could slide smoother. Mine sits parallel to the blade as long as I tighten front knob first and rear lever after that. Fine adjustment works ok, but I'll check what Alex said about removing it, just in case it makes the fence move smoothly. Thanks Alex.

The lack of miter slot makes it difficult to use sledges. The sliding table mitigates this, but it is hard to tune to be squared to the blade, but it can be made.

And last, don't expect the degree of dust collection other Festool tools show. Don't get me wrong, it is not bad, but it is not excellent.

Kind Regards.

Antonio.

 

 

[Stone Message]

Thanks again for the above replies.

Can I ask really dumb question for the UK member? Why is the 110V version so much cheaper than the 240V option? Is there a slight difference in power like the TS55 saws with differing voltages?

For the CS50 the 110v and 240v options are the same at both the entry level and the "set" level.

For the CS70 there is a diffrence beyween the 110v and 240v at both entry and "set" level of about £250.

As far as I can see from the specifications the kit included is the same when comparing 110v to 240v machines and therefore I can only guess that it is the motor and possible the NVR arrangement for the more powerful CS70 version which leads to the price variation.

Peter

 

[AlexThePalex]

I don't see why the motor/electronics would make such a difference in price between 110 and 240.

My guess is it is a marketing decision because the 110v models they made don't sell enough and they want to get rid of their stock.

 

[shed9]

I don't see why the motor/electronics would make such a difference in price between 110 and 240.

My guess is it is a marketing decision because the 110v models they made don't sell enough and they want to get rid of their stock.

Same here, I don't see the difference, the different voltages don't mean different power, the 110 will (in theory) be the same wattage.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Same here, I don't see the difference, the different voltages don't mean different power, the 110 will (in theory) be the same wattage.

Well, some things need to be different, with only half the voltage, 110 volt needs double the amps to achieve the same wattage, and amps is what makes electrical wires become hot and melt. But it shouldn't lead to such a huge price difference.

 

[Packard]

I was not familiar with this saw.  I went online to see videos.  There is almost nothing showing it in use; but plenty showing Festool's assembly instructions.

One thing I did notice is that it is supplied with a plastic push stick.  I am quite opposed to plastic push sticks.  I had one catch on the moving blade, bend, store energy and explode, with shards of plastic cutting my hand and requiring a hospital visit. 

The same push stick made from wood is perfectly safe.  I would much prefer that they provide a push stick handle that accepts MDF push ends.  It would be much safer.

 

[usernumber1]

gotta love festool. they have a page for carpentry canada but every one of the product pages is broken
https://www.festoolcanada.com/company/segments/carpentry

so just sawstop for us?