I'm looking to buy a TS55REQ/TS75 for upcoming projects

[Architect97]

Hello all,

Long time lurker; first time poster.  I am located in St. Louis, MO and am essentially just beginning woodworking.  Well, in terms of anything larger than some audio enclosures/components, shelving units, etc.  I have designed a few things for my family and would love to complete the projects.  I have a standard sized two-car garage, and really only work there.  So, bringing the tool to the work is highly desirable here.

I have read and searched the topics on the TS55REQ and the TS75.  I have been coveting one of these for a few years now and am ready to take the "green" plunge.  I feel like I have seen the answer to the following before, but can't seem to find it again...or remember.  I'm simply curious if the TS55REQ would be able to cut full depth into hardwood?  I assume I could cut half depth into the stock, then flip the stock over and finish the cut, correct?

I'm looking to build a really stout outdoor patio/dining table - ideally it would be entirely of 4x6's, although maybe a smaller cross section for the top.  Would the TS55REQ handle that?  Obviously, I don't want a warranty claim by trying something that is not recommended.  I do have a ten inch circular saw that would probably do it.  I am open to the possibility of buying the TS75, if necessary, but not sure the extra would benefit me any.  I may also consider upgrading to the hole drilling guide rail.

In addition, I would like to question which species of 4x6's the experts would recommend?  I have been trying to source some locally without much luck, although cedar is readily available.  There is an Amish community about an hour's drive where I could buy some un-kiln dried pre-cut pieces, of course all species would be native to Missouri.  Just need to find someone local to St. Louis that has a kiln; any thoughts?

Please excuse any newbie naivety; I'm trying to make the best of my "apprenticeship."

Thanks to any and all responses!!!

Jeff

 

[Kev]

[welcome]

The harder the wood the slower the cut. If you take your time you will be able to cut full depth with the TS55, but if I was regularly cutting 55mm I'd be getting something larger.

Because I have a choice, I would use my TS75 if I was cutting ~45mm and greater.

The TS55 offers a more refined cut and better DC ... and IMO better cut quality than the TS75 (which in itself is pretty good anyway).

Downside of the TS75 is also weight and the need for a little more rail runway because of the larger base.

What's your application mix going to be?

 

[Holmz]

...
I'm looking to build a really stout outdoor patio/dining table - ideally it would be entirely of 4x6's, although maybe a smaller cross section for the top.
...

The cabinets and garage stuff is easy with the saws you mentioned.

It is possible you may be better off with a small table saw?
However I would probably consider a japanese pull saw and some chisels to bang out the table frame...  That and a drill to do some tenon joints.

The other option would be a jig saw as some can cut 4x4s and 4x6s.

It depends on the design and the joints. Old school was a some bolts and "picnic table" it together.

 

[chrisrosenb]

[welcome]

The harder the wood the slower the cut. If you take your time you will be able to cut full depth with the TS55, but if I was regularly cutting 55mm I'd be getting something larger.

Because I have a choice, I would use my TS75 if I was cutting ~45mm and greater.

The TS55 offers a more refined cut and better DC ... and IMO better cut quality than the TS75 (which in itself is pretty good anyway).

Downside of the TS75 is also weight and the need for a little more rail runway because of the larger base.

What's your application mix going to be?

I agree with Kev. 
I prefer the size of the 55 & I use it the most. The 75 gets used on thick or hard lumber. The 55 has shut down when ripping 2 x lumber with a panther blade on it. I do suggest that you hold both saws. There is a large size difference & weight difference.  Also remember the 75 requires longer rails, to give more overhang on the material, than the 55.

 

[rvieceli]

[member=59698]Architect97[/member]

For wood, you might want to take a look at these guys: Lumber Logs. they are an urban logging operation in St Louis.

Here is a link to their  Woodfinder listing:
http://www.woodfinder.com/listings/012869.php

they are south of I-70 and just west of Kingshighway. I just checked with Tom and they will be open this coming Saturday (2/6) from 9-11 am

Ron

 

[Birdhunter]

If my assumption that you would be cutting the 4X6 boards to length (cross cutting) and not ripping them into thinner boards, using a jig saw with a long blade would be my first choice. I have a battery powered Festool jigsaw that can handle a blade capable of cutting a 4" board. The specification cites 4 3/4" depth of cut. With a guide clamped to the board, you could get a  very square cut. My Festool jig saw also has adequate dust collection as well.

I also own the TS55 and I don't think I'd want to try cutting 4" thick hardwood boards with it. The specification cites 2 1/8" depth of cut. The TS75 cites 2 15/16". Your idea of cutting and flipping would work technically, but I'd be worried about binding and kick back.

 

[jimbo51]

I wonder why you want to make a table base out of 4x6 lumber. Unless the table is very large, I think it will tend to  to look clunky/chunky. You might consider buying a few pieces of 1x4 and 1x6 and making some short 4x6 box beams and seeing how they look. This is  perhaps easier to do than trying to saw a piece of 4x6 pressure treated with a hand saw.

For lumber, have you checked for any local post and beam builders? They might have some cut offs that you could buy. 

 

[TheSergeant]

As a hobbyist and after having invested a lot of time and cash in building up my garage shop my suggestion would to get the TS55 and then a 14" band saw and a smoothing plane (like a Stanley #4).  The TS55 is great but it's really best for sheet goods.  If you get a band saw you can use that to dimension all your larger solid wood lumber.  Then a few strokes with a hand plane and you're ready to go -- no need to even sand.    Watch some videos on youtube by "Paul Sellers".  It'll give you a good idea of what you can do with hand tools.  The band saw is great because it will save you a lot of time dimensioning wood, plus you can use it for curve cutting, resawing, ripping, etc.  I have a Rikon 10-325 that I really like as well as a 1946 Delta 14" with a riser block that I restored.  I use the Rikon 90% of time because the dust collection is so good but either would work.  Then for sheet goods you'll have a super accurate, clean cutting, nibble TS55.  Depending on your lumber thickness you could use the TS55 to 'joint' and an edge and then rip it to width on the BS.  It's a great combo for a hobbyist in my opinion.