First time posting on here, and apologies as I’m sure this has been spoken about at length already but I’d like some definitive answers from knowledgeable people if possible. I’m looking at investing in a table saw for my growing workshop and I’m considering the tks80, cs70 or Erika 70. What are people’s opinions on these machines?. I’m not that worried about the push pull function of the saw I just want something of high quality, accuracy and power that can handle anything I’ll throw at. The saw would be stationary most of the time but occasionally need to be taken to site. . Any help on this is very much appreciated
Festool tks80 vs cs70
- Thread starter Olly.k
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AlexThePalex
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Hello Olly, welcome to the forum.
It is very difficult to compare these 3 machines because very few people have them, and even less people have experience with 2 or more of them. In fact, I don't think there's anybody who actually has the new TKS80 yet, though some members here have it on order.
I have the CS70 and am pretty much happy with it. I think the pull action is a great benefit. Pretty strong also, though if you cut a lot of hardwood that's thicker than 5 cm you might want to consider a different table saw because then the CS70 starts to struggle bit, but it works, just go slower.
The difference between the TKS80 and CS70 has just been discussed at length, if you haven't read this thread yet it might be of interest to you.
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/...for-festool-with-sawstop/msg609031/#msg609031
It is very difficult to compare these 3 machines because very few people have them, and even less people have experience with 2 or more of them. In fact, I don't think there's anybody who actually has the new TKS80 yet, though some members here have it on order.
I have the CS70 and am pretty much happy with it. I think the pull action is a great benefit. Pretty strong also, though if you cut a lot of hardwood that's thicker than 5 cm you might want to consider a different table saw because then the CS70 starts to struggle bit, but it works, just go slower.
The difference between the TKS80 and CS70 has just been discussed at length, if you haven't read this thread yet it might be of interest to you.
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/...for-festool-with-sawstop/msg609031/#msg609031
DeformedTree
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What country/world region are you in? I'm guessing Europe, that's the only way you will have access to all 3. If you can go see them in person, all the better. If your in the US, 2 of those don't exist (official sales wise) and the only way to see a Erika if you don't know someone with one is to go to Chicago.
If the pull function is not important to you, then the TKS-80 starts making a lot of sense. But if you haven't had a chance to play with a pull saw, give them a good look, it's something that doesn't make sense and or looks silly until it clicks as to the benefits, then you don't want a saw without it.
If the pull function is not important to you, then the TKS-80 starts making a lot of sense. But if you haven't had a chance to play with a pull saw, give them a good look, it's something that doesn't make sense and or looks silly until it clicks as to the benefits, then you don't want a saw without it.
Yes I’m in the uk so as you say I can get hold of any of these machines. I appreciate what your saying about the push pull function though and am giving a lot of thought towards the cs70 now as that would give me the most bang for my buck with regards to depth of cut and power. Thanks for your response 
DeformedTree
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The CS-70 has a benefit of sharing add ons with the TKS-80. If someone has a CS-70, then adding a TKS-80 down the road would be a smooth transition, or even have both. I could see owning both, while it would be a bit of a PITA, to have the function of the CS-70 for lots of general stuff (miter saw alternative), and then have the TKS-80 for small rips that you need a table saw for, but may not need the sliding table for. But if you need an add on, then just move it over as needed.
Someone like Alex could probably give a better insight on the idea of owning both. Obviously $$$ , space, and the wish for a saw that combines both. Maybe used CS-70s will show up for good prices in the next year as TKS-80 hits the market.
Someone like Alex could probably give a better insight on the idea of owning both. Obviously $$$ , space, and the wish for a saw that combines both. Maybe used CS-70s will show up for good prices in the next year as TKS-80 hits the market.
AlexThePalex
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DeformedTree said:
Wut?? No, I can't. I don't plan on owning a TKS 80 anytime soon. I might try to find me an Erika if my CS70 eventually goes on to a better life.
What are good prices for a used CS70? Depends where you look and how you shop. I bought my full set 9 years ago for €1000 from a retiring contractor. I can sell it off for €2000 at least. Different people ask different prices,so keep an eye open and you can get lucky. At least where I live, with a thriving market for used Festools.
DeformedTree
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Sorry, what I meant by that is you own a CS70, so you are in a better position to consider having both, or switching over. I didn't mean to imply you are looking at getting a TKS-80, sorry for any confusion.
I hope your CS-0 lives a long life and doesn't "go to a nice workshop upstate" anytime soon.
I would assume some folks will replace their CS70 with the TKS-80. But like I implied, those folks might just keep both around, but financially, that might not be an option for folks if they can get good money for their CS70. Of course what will be interesting to track is if you see a lot of used TKS-80's come up on the market. If we see folks buying one, and then deciding they would rather have the CS70. I suspect a lot of folks will decide that while saw stop is nice, they want their pull function.
I hope your CS-0 lives a long life and doesn't "go to a nice workshop upstate" anytime soon.
I would assume some folks will replace their CS70 with the TKS-80. But like I implied, those folks might just keep both around, but financially, that might not be an option for folks if they can get good money for their CS70. Of course what will be interesting to track is if you see a lot of used TKS-80's come up on the market. If we see folks buying one, and then deciding they would rather have the CS70. I suspect a lot of folks will decide that while saw stop is nice, they want their pull function.
threesixright
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Hi. Welcome to the forum.
Just buy the 80 (if you can). Despite the functions, only the TKS has saws-top.
Now some might disagree, but accidents do happen. And its from all walks of life. Experienced or not.
I was on the same boat, but at the end, ST was the reason.
A CS70 with ST will not happen. So no reason to don’t hold back, hoping it will.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Just buy the 80 (if you can). Despite the functions, only the TKS has saws-top.
Now some might disagree, but accidents do happen. And its from all walks of life. Experienced or not.
I was on the same boat, but at the end, ST was the reason.
A CS70 with ST will not happen. So no reason to don’t hold back, hoping it will.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Jiggy Joiner
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I’m biased in this type of tool, and I would say get an Erika, and get the big boy 85 EC.
It doesn’t have the SawStop safety but, neither do any of my other machines, and I think it’s safe to say, that is the selling point for the TKS 80.
The Erika 85 is the best portable table saw out there, albeit very expensive.
I’ve wanted one for personal use for some time, after using one that belongs to an employee on a regular basis.
I am currently having back and hip problems after an accident, or rather the actions of a careless idiot, so not doing much physical work, and may even have to retire. Otherwise the Erika 85 is my next purchase.
Festool make superb, and some of the best tools available but, not in the table saw dept, they’re great table saws but, there’s better available. Obviously this is just my opinion.
Whatever you choose will serve you well but, for the price tags, you need to get it right.
It doesn’t have the SawStop safety but, neither do any of my other machines, and I think it’s safe to say, that is the selling point for the TKS 80.
The Erika 85 is the best portable table saw out there, albeit very expensive.
I’ve wanted one for personal use for some time, after using one that belongs to an employee on a regular basis.
I am currently having back and hip problems after an accident, or rather the actions of a careless idiot, so not doing much physical work, and may even have to retire. Otherwise the Erika 85 is my next purchase.
Festool make superb, and some of the best tools available but, not in the table saw dept, they’re great table saws but, there’s better available. Obviously this is just my opinion.
Whatever you choose will serve you well but, for the price tags, you need to get it right.
Michael Kellough
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- 7,096
“ may even have to retire.” Sorry to here that. Hope you recover fast.
Jiggy Joiner
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- Dec 25, 2018
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Thanks Michael, I’m no spring chicken but, was hoping to get a few more years in yet.
If I have to quit, I want to expand my home workshop, I couldn’t imagine not working with wood permanently.
I went in yesterday, and I was on my own, and after helping the driver unload, I wished I’d stayed at home. Could barely get in the truck to drive home. Very frustrating but, fingers crossed.
If I have to quit, I want to expand my home workshop, I couldn’t imagine not working with wood permanently.
I went in yesterday, and I was on my own, and after helping the driver unload, I wished I’d stayed at home. Could barely get in the truck to drive home. Very frustrating but, fingers crossed.
