Festool tablesaw : which plunge saw?

[matt17]

Hi

Am about to buy a Festool tablesaw to replace my ailing Makita. Given that the track saw will spend a good deal of its life in the table, I'm assuming that the more powerful and greater cut depth provided by the TS75, would see it the choice for this setup. I'm a hobbyist, but many off the timbers we have here in New Zealand are hard - so think the extra power off the TS75 might be handy.

From reading the forums, it sounds like the TS75 might be overkill for most sheet ripping - but I think I'm happy to accept that trade-off as it won't get so much use in that setup.

Your expert opinions would be most welcome!

Matthew

 

[JakobProgsch]

I don't think I count as an expert but here is my opinion anyway. I use the TS55R in the CMS module and the TS75 outside (mostly on the MFT). The reason for doing it this way around was mostly by accident though. I first only had the TS55R and then got the CMS module somewhere along the way. Later I used the somewhat laborious mounting process of the saw in the module as additional excuse to get a TS75.

Now after the fact I'm actually quite happy with this "decision" since it follows the logic of bringing small work pieces to the tool and tools to large work pieces. The CMS table is fairly small after all and the larger TS75 blade would further shorten the already short in- and outfeed length available. The TS55 will easily cut any sheet goods you can sensibly use on the smallish CMS and I prefer to do miter cuts on the MFT. Which leaves resawing as maybe the only thing I would prefer the TS75 in the CMS for.

All of this obviously hinges on the fact that I use a separate plunge saw on the MFT. If I had only one for use in and outside the CMS I would probably go with the TS75 just to maximize flexibility. I didn't find the weight much of an issue when used on tracks and cut quality is indistinguishable to my amateur eyes. I also prefer the way the 0° stop is an adjustable by screw on the TS75 as opposed to the funkier way the TS55R does it to allow for the undercut capability (that I don't use).

Having to mount and demount the saw from the CMS module reguarily would (well, did actually) annoy me fairly quickly. Especially because mounting the CMS riving knife on the TS55R is pretty fiddly. I don't know if that is easier with the TS75.

 

[AlexThePalex]

If you mostly put it in the table, then definitely get the bigger and more powerful saw. The TS55 bogs down easily on bigger pieces and especially if it's hard wood. The extra depth of cut of the TS75 is also very useful.

The table of the CMS module is a bit small, so to get the real tablesaw experience, buy the extensions.

 

[Holmz]

I don't think I count as an expert but here is my opinion anyway.
...

I do not count myself as an expert either.

Some questions I have been asking myself, or whoever else will listen, are:
1) Do we need ultra portability?
2) Do we have a SCMS?
3) How important is the fence?
4) How important are dados?
5) What determines value?... Usefulness/cost?

An Incra fence even on the out of balance old table saw should make it is easier to use and more repeatable..

If one already has a TS75 and a Kapex, the Presario is not a lot more.
If one is starting from scratch, then an Erika85 is pretty optimal and the majority of Kapex function is built in.
But that does not leave a dedicated machine for SCMS if there are two people (i.e. One using a table saw and one using a SCMS).

Some other contractor's saw with a good fence is certainly cheaper. Whether an Incra could go onto one would take research.

... I'm assuming that the more powerful and greater cut depth provided by the TS75, would see it the choice for this setup. I'm a hobbyist, but many off the timbers we have here in New Zealand are hard - so think the extra power off the TS75 might be handy.
...

IMO one would be 1/2 mad to get a 75 if they are solely doing sheet goods on a rail.

And in a Presario set up, I would be looking solely at a 75 myself... unless I already had the 55 and just needed to ease into a Presario.

So you thinking seems pretty sound on leaning towards the 75, if you are leaning towards a presario.

 

[Kev]

I've got a TS75 in a CMS module and the various others for sheet and crosscut. Probably over the top as I've HK85, HKC55, TS55, TSC55 and KAPEX in the Festool circular sawing family and various others outside of Festool.

Alex is spot on in suggesting the TS75 if you're going to plant it in a CMS module. It's more fiddly than I'd like when it comes to inserting and removing ... basically mine never comes out.

The CMS rip fence with the extension side table isn't the nicest setup. If you envisage doing a lot of table work with varying wide rips and a lot of complex mitres I would suggest more thought into your specific needs. For me the CMS is happiest when you've got it set at 90 and all you really do is adjust the height.

 

[matt17]

Thanks to all, for the time you took to reply - your opinions have helped me greatly. Sounds like I'm best to go with the TS75 - it will spend most of its life in the table. Whilst the insertion/removal of the saw sounds a bit painful, I don't anticipate doing it much. I'll primarily use the tablesaw setup at 90° although am hoping that the blade height adjustment isn't too bad - I assume it gets adjust from under the table, on the saw itself?

I use my current tablesaw extensively with a crosscut sled, however that can only cut the timber at 90° - the tracks and miter guide in the tablesaw top are too wobbly to be of much use, so hope the Festool is better in this regard. I basically can't cut any timber at angles other than 90° as the tablesaw simply isn't accurate enough - again hoping the Festool will be much, much better.

Are there any "must have' options I should look at when buying?

Matthew

 

[Kev]

Thanks to all, for the time you took to reply - your opinions have helped me greatly. Sounds like I'm best to go with the TS75 - it will spend most of its life in the table. Whilst the insertion/removal of the saw sounds a bit painful, I don't anticipate doing it much. I'll primarily use the tablesaw setup at 90° although am hoping that the blade height adjustment isn't too bad - I assume it gets adjust from under the table, on the saw itself?

I use my current tablesaw extensively with a crosscut sled, however that can only cut the timber at 90° - the tracks and miter guide in the tablesaw top are too wobbly to be of much use, so hope the Festool is better in this regard. I basically can't cut any timber at angles other than 90° as the tablesaw simply isn't accurate enough - again hoping the Festool will be much, much better.

Are there any "must have' options I should look at when buying?

Matthew

[member=62845]matt17[/member] the blade height adjustment is really simple and quite easy to access. That's one aspect I'm quite happy with.

 

[Shushu]

Hello Everyone,

I have most of the Festool tools that I need.  However, I have a favorite the CMS with TS75.  The accuracy of this tool is amazing.  Now, I totally dedicate the saw to the CMS because I brought the cordless TS55.  I must admit I was skeptical of the power of the tool.  Upon using it, it definitely redeemed itself.  It is like cutting butter when I cut the backerboard with the CMT blade for the 55 Saw.  It was like I was cutting butter, totally fast and accurate no residual dust or jagged edges.  Totally beautiful.

The TS75 is the right choice for the CMS.  I have it for 7 years.  I am not a professional I am just a fixer upper and hobbyist.  What a hobby I chose

Festool is like the Mercedes.  Dont like or want the best on the market sell the older model and make enough to buy the new.  Totally a working investment.  Actually that is the way to justify spending the money. 

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