Help! TS-55 or 75?

[Apprentice Pat]

I've been lurking for quite some time and I really appreciate the great information this forum has to offer.  I know this question has been asked before, but I really can't decide on which saw.  I'm a hobbyist and would be using the saw mainly for small furniture construction.  99% of the cuts wold be through no greater than 1.5" material.  The real question is "will I be kicking myself down the road if I get the 55?"  I guess this is really aimed at other 55 owners.  Have you ever had regrets about not buying the 75?  All opinions are welcome.
Thanks!

p.s. I have the CT-33 (wicked awesome...) and the 125 sander (sweeeet...)

 

[Les]

My usage is similar to yours, furniture and cabinets. I've had the 55 since introduction.

I've maybe regretted it a few times but after reading the pros and con's of the two, the things that make me glad I have the 55 are the weight and smaller foot print. The smaller foot print will allow you to use a little shorter guide rail than what the 75 requires. I have no plans for a 75.

As many have said, how can you go wrong?  ;D

 

[Qwas]

I have to agree with Les above. I will add if you do 45 degree bevel cuts, the 55 is easier to hold onto. The 75 wants to fall off the rail and from what I've read, is very hard to push forward and keep on the rail.

 

[erikfsn]

I've had the 55 for about 6 months now, and have no regrets about not having got
the 75. I also have no plans to get a 75 in the future.

I like the smaller size, it has plenty of power and for my needs sufficient cutting depth.

I just used it today and it was such a pleasure to use and the results were
so good. 

 

[semenza]

Hi, welcome to the forum

      From your description the 55 will do the jobs you want no problem. I have been using the TS55 and before that the ATF55 for about six years. I do all sorts of stuff. I would say I have had two or three times that the TS75 would have been better. But for those few times I simply found work arounds and would not want the TS75 in place of the TS55 for what I do (custom built-ins, closets, general furniture , etc.).   I may at some point add the TS75 also. But like I said if I was picking one I would go with the 55 unless you know you will need the capacity and added power of the 75.

     It is this very question that introduced me to this forum about a year ago.  That question was also my first post. I was trying to decide between the 55 and 75 when I was upgrading from the older ATF55. In the end I went with the same 55 size and do not regret it.

Seth

 

[ken257]

My needs sound very similar to yours. I went with the 55 and have no regrets. The saw handles great. For the very rare occasion that I need a greater capacity I break out my Porter Cable circular saw as it is usually a "rougher" task that I would not want to use my Festool for anyway. For those that may not know, yes it is ok to own and use a few non-Festool tools

 

[Cannuck]

My recommendation is the TS75.

As a hobbyist, you can really only afford to buy a tool once.  I went with the TS75 for the reason that I don't want to ever be regretting that I didn't have that extra depth.  If you plan on doing bevels, or working with 8/4 lumber (which on furniture I suspect you will?), the extra depth will be more of a factor if your .  You should note that the actual cut depth with the guide rail is just shy of 2".

I work on old victorian homes, and the extra depth has already come in handy when trimming 2 1/8" doors.

The incremental cost of the initial tool purchase and the more expensive blades is something you need to consider for yourself.  For me it was worth it, even if I only use it 3 times a year (It means I don't need the contractor table saw as much).

The extra weight of the tool is a non-issue for me - in fact I think its a benefit.  I never use the tool without the guide rail, so the added weight gives me a greater sense of security that the rail and piece aren't going to move.  I've never used a TS55, but I suspect both saws glide equally well along the rails.

 

[ericbuggeln]

I have the TS 75 and went with that b/c I figured I would rather have a bigger saw and not need it then, then need it end not have it.  check out local woodcraft.  Last time I was there I was amazed at how much lighter and smaller the 55 is.  If you are used to regular circular saw, the 75 isn't that heavy, but I think the above posts give some great advice.  Eric

 

[poto]

I think I do the same sorts of woodworking that you do - I have the ATF55, and wouldn't switch. The few occasions when I want something larger, I can usually figure out a work-around. The lighter weight of the 55 makes a big difference over the day.

I also got the RO125 rather than the 150 for the same reason. Also the CT Mini - it's been completely sufficient for my needs.

 

[Apprentice Pat]

I appreciate everyone's input!
It's strange, the 55 seems small, but the 75 seems to big.  Is there a 65 in the future  ;D
I had been leaning toward the 55 and it sounds like the way to go.  I have a Bosch 4000 for the thicker cuts.
Thanks everyone!  Hopefully I'll be festooling my way through the 3/4 cherry ply for my wife's yarn cabinet by this time tomorrow!

 

[semenza]

Hi,

  There used to be an ATF65.  The TS75 seems to have replaced it.   

Seth

 

[Eli]

I have the 55, and I've been very happy with it. I love how light it is. I think in the back of my mind I've always thought I'd get either an add'l 55 or a 75, so as to allow use of a saw with rail and use of a saw in CMS at the same time. It is a bit of a pain to change the saw in and out of the CMS table. I have a job cutting a timber slab thicker than 50mm, so it looks like I'll be taking the plunge to get a 75 soon.

 

[honeydoman]

i have both.  the 55 is lighter wieght and is great for sheet goods, i mainly bought it for my mft tables in my shop.  the 75 however has more power and will cut thicker material which being in the construction and carpentry business I run across thick doors, which the more power is nice.  if you can afford it buy the 75 as it also comes with a longer rail and I think the difference is only about 100 bucks or so.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Hi,

  There used to be an ATF65.   The TS75 seems to have replaced it.   

Seth

The 75 weighs the same as the old 65 yet adds 10mm to the cutting depth.

 

[Per Swenson]

Let me see if I can help with out sounding like a

a green koolaid drinkin pompous ass.

Koolaid drinker yes. I have Both AT's (55,65)

and both TS's (55,75). Yup 4 saws and only two hands.

If I had to sell three, and I wouldn't, ever.

We would be left with the TS 55.

Its just a universal saw.

And is perfect for most of our mundane daily work.

Like most everybody else's, it is in the

1/4 to 1" 1/4 dimensional range.

Are you close to a dealer who will let you give these saws a try?

Then again, I wouldn't worry too much. See, after you buy and use the 55,

and the occasion arises that you need the 75, having tasted the koolaid,

you will end up with both saws and ta 'ell with the kids education.

Per

 

[Apprentice Pat]

Once again I'd like to thank everyone for their input.
It's done deal.  I picked up the 55 and the guide rail accessory kit yesterday and immediately put it to work!

WOW!

The cuts are super smooth, completely straight, and when coupled with the CT-33 there's so little dust!  All of this is obvious to those are have already had the pleasure of using this setup, but I had only seen it used during a demo.  I bought it without ever having tried it myself.  It was a leap of faith (backed by FOG user input  ;D ) and I'm sure glad I did.

Next stop...  the MFT/3!  ...Domino ...OF 1400...