Need suggestions on TS55 vs TS75 please help!

I agree that DC is better with 75 than 55.  Not sure why that is on a "redesigned" saw, but there you have it.

Jaybolishes said:
Owning both saws, I only use the ts75 now.  It has more power, cuts faster and I think it has better dust collection but it could be an illusion.  I use it on a rail, so extra weight is a non factor.  I no longer switch between saws because the two saws have different kerfs and the 75 cuts more off the splinter guard.  So I decided to pick one saw and stick with it, and that saw is the 75.
 
I was faced with the same decision until yesterday when I purchased the 75 as a package deal with the CT36. For me the ability to own one saw for virtually all tasks just made sense. For what I do I am sure that the power and the depth of cut on the 75 should be fine. Before my purchase I did tons of research and in some reviews I read a few people complained about a lack of power in the 55 in certain situations. Some reviewers were critical of the 75's stock blade and stated that it was not the best choice for cross cutting so I purchased the Festool fine tooth blade with the saw. Another thing many people liked was the ability to stack sheet goods and make one cut with the 75. The longer guide rail that comes with the 75 is also a benefit. The biggest negative I can see for both saws is the cost. German engineering is not cheap. This is my first Festool purchase and I can't wait until it arrives so I can put it to use. I would be willing to bet that it won't be my last. Next up is a Domino and another decision to be made between the two available models.  [huh]
 
I have both. But for about 4 years I had the TS55 only. I never needed the size of the TS75 to cut anything. I just got the TS 75 about a year ago.That was for the CMS saw module. My 75 has not been out of the module and used to cut on a rail since I bought it. I did use it on a rail to adj it to  be put in the module. But other then that. The TS555 shouldd do all you need. You may have to get creative, but it should do it for you
 
jobsworth said:
I have both. But for about 4 years I had the TS55 only. I never needed the size of the TS75 to cut anything. I just got the TS 75 about a year ago.That was for the CMS saw module. My 75 has not been out of the module and used to cut on a rail since I bought it. I did use it on a rail to adj it to  be put in the module. But other then that. The TS555 shouldd do all you need. You may have to get creative, but it should do it for you

Is there an adjustment that needs to be made to use the TS75 in the CMS module?

I have the TS75 and I bought a TS55R in the recon sale. If I could only have one TS it would be the TS75 because of the extra power and depth of cut. Having the right blade for the job is also important. The TS75 and MFT/3 combo was my first Festool purchase 3 years ago.
 
For me, the decision was pretty simple -- TS55REQ.  But I have been woodworking for 40+ years and have a full shop with table saw, radial arm saw, compound miter saw, bandsaw, jointer, planer -- the point being is that I have tools I am comfortable using to handle really thick, tough lumber.  But I wanted something to make working with sheet goods easier.  After getting the TS55, I put off the decision to get a bigger table saw based on the fact that the track saw just flat out excels at cutting plywood -- both in ease of use, and quality and accuracy of cuts. I did not buy an MFT, I built a large workbench and CNC-milled my own top with 20mm holes.  This workbench is also my table saw out feed table, and will be my planer out feed table when I complete the stand for the planer.

I need to buy a lot more Festool products like a Domino, sanders, routers, Kapex ... before I consider whether a TS75 would be a nice addition after all.  :)
 
I guess people really do work differently, but for me the TS 55 was woefully underpowered. I also have a shop full of tools. For me personally the 75 was much, much better in every way than the 55.

Really, I felt the 55 was like a toy. I feel the same way about the 1010 router as well. Could be because I have so many tools to compare against. Cost is not even a factor, if I want a tool I will get it. If cost were a factor I would definitely recommend  the 75 as its a much better value. If you dont have a lot of tools the 75 just has to be the choice. If you ever need to rip a 1.5" piece of oak for example the 75 will go through like butter, the 55 not so much.

Some guys swear by the 55 and I just dont get it.
 
55 saw for me with a couple of the shorter rails and the 3 meter rail.  I use the 55 saw mainly for sheet goods, 3/4".  Perfect.  For ripping straight edges on hardwood, the 55 on a rail will do 4/4, 5/4, and barely 8/4.  4/4 and 5/4 is my main use.  8/4 rarely.  Red oak, hard maple, walnut, no exotics.  75 is bigger and heavier for 99% of my work.
 
For sheets goods and 1x hardwood lumber I'd suggest the 55 for bigger stuff 75. My personal choice was the 75 I like the power and handling even for use on sheet goods. Try before you buy everyone is different.
 
I have read all of these "debates" and there is never a clear-cut answer. You probably can never know until you've used them in your shop or, if you work out of the shop, onsite. I was fortunate to be able to use the TS 75 briefly and found that it was cumbersome for my use in the shop and mainly on the MFT or another work surface in my shop. The 55 is easy to maneuver at the MFT work height. I have not yet found a cut that I felt I would have needed the TS75 for, but I'm sure some day one will come along. I will either use a friends table saw (as I am getting rid of mine completely) or will find another way. I have a planer and an 8" jointer so, if I need to cut some hardwood too thick for the 55 I'd probably try making 2 cuts and then jointing and/or planing the piece smooth. I don't find the saw under-powered for anything. Using the correct blade and speed is probably more important but that is true with most saws. Go to a store near your house, if you can, to try them. If you cannot actually cut with them, then lift them and mov the saws around on an MFT (if that is what you'll use) or another work surface. I think the biggest difference between the saws and the one the puts the 55 on top for me is the weight/maneuverability. Power of the 55, for me, has not been a problem.
 
This will never be solved - plenty of folks in both camps and that is why Festool makes both versions, I am sure. I have the 75 and have no regrets. I could see adding a smaller saw, but I am not in any huge hurry to do so at the moment.
 
If there were a TS75REQ the IDEAL saw would be available, until then....I need both.
 
I have both. If I could only get one it would be the ts 75. The lightweight is nice but not worth justifying buying both.
 
Welcome to FOG. I have and love the TS 55R. Get one of the two, you have 30 days to return it for the other if it doesn't meet your needs. As others have said get the holey rail with it. Since you plan on connecting rails also purchase a Betterly Straight Line Connector and two Makita rail connectors. The Betterly will align your rails and the Makitas will connect them without dimpling your rails. If you haven't already go to YouTube to see everything in action. Good luck and enjoy your new Tools.
 
Different brands of 55-mm have more power...

This saves in not having 2 saws, with the large only serving the function of having enough power for 8/4 hardwood...
[blink]
 
Hopefully the OP made a decision whereas this thread started in 2014.  [big grin]

Always great to see old threads revived!

BUT,  posters should be aware that questions directed to the OP after a lengthy time might not be answered for a while.

Peter
 
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