Need advice - which track saw?

[mino]

OK...I have a TS55 and now a TSC55 KEB.  As far as user experience, the TSC is a generation above the TS55.  It cuts so smoothly and effortlessly compared to the corded version that I haven't used the corded since I got the cordless.  Yes, you still have to hook up the hose, but not having to deal with the cord is gift.  I've had no issues with lack of power.  In addition, the blue tooth batteries are just too convenient.  I'm a hobby woodworker of 30+ years and have a garage shop.

For non-professional use, the cordless saws make more sense. They being heavier is a non-issue if you do not make 100 cuts a day and them being mobile means one does not need another saw.

For pro or, in general, static shop use, the corded versions are better. Each gram saved matters, not caring for batteries means time (money) saved and in such a setting one has the PlugIt embedded with the hose, so the Bluetooth pairing actually turns into a hindrance and another time waster.

All that said, IMO for a hobby user the TS 55 K is the better option. When one is likely to have only one saw, it has the riving knife, is cheaper, lighter, compatible with the HKC 18 for blade sharing.

Writing as an TSC 55 owner - which I absolutely love. Doing it again, I would go with a HKC 18 and TS 55 combo. Even if TS 60 was available then. For those big jobs where TS(C)55 is too little, I got a proper "Big Bertha" in the from of a Protool CSP 145 E with a 350 mm Leitz blade ..

my 2c

 

[peacefulandpatriotically]

They only propagandize that the kickback problem has been solved with the sensor, but the riving knife prevents a bunch of kickback scenario's from even taking place PLUS blocks the cut (in real wood) from closing on the rear of the blade. The sensor might prevent a bloody outcome, it won't do anything to preserve a resemblance of cut quality when the cut closes.

exactly! so now I need to resort to inserting shim stock to prevent this scenario! two steps forward, one step back [mad]

 

[Coen]

OK...I have a TS55 and now a TSC55 KEB.  As far as user experience, the TSC is a generation above the TS55.  It cuts so smoothly and effortlessly compared to the corded version that I haven't used the corded since I got the cordless.  Yes, you still have to hook up the hose, but not having to deal with the cord is gift.  I've had no issues with lack of power.  In addition, the blue tooth batteries are just too convenient.  I'm a hobby woodworker of 30+ years and have a garage shop.

Apples to oranges. Current wired TS 55 F uses the 1.8mm blades too, is a lot faster than previous 2.2mm bladed TS 55 (R) saws, even with same motor.

When is the cord ever an issue when you already have a hose? Or wait; USA only has the thicker cords of course.

 

[ChuckM]

I'm glad I have a table saw! [tongue]

(I did own a TS75 for a short period of time, and sold it because of little usage. I still have a Craftsman circular saw that hasn't seen any use for the past several years.)

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Apples to oranges. Current wired TS 55 F uses the 1.8mm blades too, is a lot faster than previous 2.2mm bladed TS 55 (R) saws, even with same motor.

When is the cord ever an issue when you already have a hose? Or wait; USA only has the thicker cords of course.

The cord thing is more than ridiculous. There are indeed two different gauges of wire, but you can't tell the difference between them by "feel" alone. The Plug-it ends are different, so keep you from using the lighter gauge wire on the higher amp drawing tools. This mistake happens frequently to new users, who grab the wrong one, only to find that it won't fit.
I would love to see them just drop this and send the heavier cord with everything.

 

[woodbutcherbower]

The OP visited the forum today. No response to this entire thread of people trying to help the guy out.

 

[ChuckM]

Like in many similar threads about advice on tools, the OP probably needs time to digest the many conflicting suggestions.

 

[woodferret]

At least no one suggested Shaper Origin this time around  [big grin]

 

[bneg]

Thanks to all of you for your comments. It took some serious time for me to look through all these comments and make sense of all the comments and part numbers that were being thrown out.  Here are some conclusions I reached:

1) I doubt that for what I do that the separate scoring blade is necessary.
2) I did not realize that there is a TS 60 model coming out without the scoring blade. There is a dealer here in the US that I trust that is offering pre-orders with a ship date of June 21. On a related note, this is just a few days past my birthday.  ;D
3) The TS 60 offers slightly deeper cut (not important to me) but also a brushless motor that I assume will offer more torque than the TS55. I am now wondering if they will stop producing the TS 55.
4) I saw many comments on the TS 55 being the only model with a riving knife. I see the value, but most of what I am going to be using the saw for is cutting down sheet goods so I don't see this a huge advantage.

So....I am leaning towards the TS 60 without the scoring blade. Who knows when that will be available here anyway and I got stuff that needs cutting before it gets to be 150 degrees in my garage. If you think I am making a terrible decision let me know!

Cheers.

 

[jeh]

The OP visited the forum today. No response to this entire thread of people trying to help the guy out.

I'll take the bait and recommend the Mafell MT55cc. I bailed on the Festool saws and moved to this after buying the Mafell jigsaw. Mostly Festool, but a fair amount of Mafell in the shop.

And if cords matter the material they use is vastly superior to Festool plug it cords. Soft and flexible with no memory. Festool needs to find out who makes their cords and switch vendors.

 

[luvmytoolz]

I think the TS60K would be a very good choice, I've almost made my mind up to replace my old 55 with that unless something better comes along at that time, which is unlikely.

 

[Cheese]

I'll take the bait and recommend the Mafell MT55cc. I bailed on the Festool saws and moved to this after buying the Mafell jigsaw. Mostly Festool, but a fair amount of Mafell in the shop.

And if cords matter the material they use is vastly superior to Festool plug it cords. Soft and flexible with no memory. Festool needs to find out who makes their cords and switch vendors.

I'll 2nd this one...I also switched to the MT 55 after purchasing the Mafell P1 cc...couldn't be happier. The saw, the rails, the rail connector, the changing of the blade...how much time do you have?
The only exception is that I still have the TSC 55 K which is really a great cordless saw. When Festool releases the TSC 60 K the TSC 55 K will probably be put down the road.

The Mafell MT 55 also offers a 162 mm blade option if you need that extra bit of cutting depth.

The Mafell MT 55 also does not have a riving knife...it relies on electronic intelligence to prevent a mishap. I've owned it for 4 years and have not had an issue.

I just really don't understand all of the rip cutting angst, put a wedge in there and get on with life. If the rip cut is longer than about 6 feet, the kerf can likely close up despite the presence of a riving knife. The riving knife is a safety aid but it's certainly not a cure-all. I've had several "interesting" moments when I used my older TS 55 EQ which had a riving knife.