New Saw - TS 55 REBQ

[promhandicam]

Had a play with this new saw this morning.

Main differences are improved dust extraction, a different height adjuster with a scale for with or without guide rail, fine height adjustment to compensate for blades that have been sharpened, ability to go to -1 degree or 47 degree by pressing a button on the rear, and different design to the adjusters that locate the saw on the track. Just remembered that the other difference is that the side is flat - 13mm apparently from the side to the top of the blade.

This shows the button on the rear to allow the extra angle movement.

Didn't ask about price as I won't be buying one until my TS55 packs up. No great innovation unless you suffer from Dyscalculia although the dx was better.

Steve

 

[Kev]

So the motor and blade options are identical I take it?

Kev.

 

[promhandicam]

As far as I know, yes. The only replaceable part that is different is the splinter guard - not shown but much thinner than the present one.

 

[JimB1]

Looks good to me, maybe by the time it makes it to NA I'll have saved up enough money for one... Checking the UK site it looks like they are going to be the same price as the current TS55.

Much as folks here keep making comparisons to Mafell on this one, I don't think that's the target for the changes. I think they are looking at DeWalt which has a much stronger foothold in the contractor market in most places. DeWalt has a very good competing saw that I've tried a few times and most reviews have said is the equal of the TS55 in most ways and exceeds it in a couple of areas (kickback lock on the rail, works on both sides of the rail, larger choice of blades, etc) I have a lot of yellow and black tool cases so I know DeWalt makes good stuff and has a huge distribution network. I think Festool made the right choice to go after DeWalt not Mafell if they want to get contractors. Especially in NA where Mafell has 0 presence and no name to speak of.

Just an observation.
-Jim

 

[Alan m]

Looks good to me, maybe by the time it makes it to NA I'll have saved up enough money for one... Checking the UK site it looks like they are going to be the same price as the current TS55.

Much as folks here keep making comparisons to Mafell on this one, I don't think that's the target for the changes. I think they are looking at DeWalt which has a much stronger foothold in the contractor market in most places. DeWalt has a very good competing saw that I've tried a few times and most reviews have said is the equal of the TS55 in most ways and exceeds it in a couple of areas (kickback lock on the rail, works on both sides of the rail, larger choice of blades, etc) I have a lot of yellow and black tool cases so I know DeWalt makes good stuff and has a huge distribution network. I think Festool made the right choice to go after DeWalt not Mafell if they want to get contractors. Especially in NA where Mafell has 0 presence and no name to speak of.

Just an observation.
-Jim

i agree they are probably beating dewalt but why not beat mafel as well. over here in europe mafel is better known . why go to all the trouble of launching a new model and still only equel the competition. i would rather be a step ahead

 

[joiner1970]

That leg looks familiar  [laughing] i never saw anyone taking photo's of my legs very sneaky  [laughing]

 

[m8]

I take it will be sometime before we see this in the States?

 

[promhandicam]

The festool Rep said they probably wouldn't bother introducing it in the US as most people there seemed to be happy with with the  'quality' of the Default saws whereas the European market was generally more discerning.  [wink]

 

[joiner1970]

Hi Steve shame I didn't know another FOG member was there could have had a chat. Were you there until the end ? I was the guy who got the ps300 jigsaw out to play with.

 

[woodguy7]

Dam your foot is small  ;D

 

[joiner1970]

I've never been told I have small feet before  [laughing]

They are size 10's , I've got my crappy old jeans on I would have worn something smarter if I'd known I was going on the net  [laughing]

 

[Kev]

I've never been told I have small feet before  [laughing]

They are size 10's , I've got my crappy old jeans on I would have worn something smarter if I'd known I was going on the net  [laughing]

Maybe you could improve your look with footoshop ??

 

[JimB1]

The festool Rep said they probably wouldn't bother introducing it in the US as most people there seemed to be happy with with the  'quality' of the Default saws whereas the European market was generally more discerning.  [wink]

Yeah, I guess we are generally happy if it can cut wood in a reasonably straight line, everything else is just bells and whistles
-Jim

 

[peter halle]

I am not doubting the OP about what he was told about future availability of the new model here in NA, but I personally - please don't read anything into this other than this is my opinion - can't see Festool not bringing it here.  It would not make sense to me to not update the line, deal with competition, and improve patent situations.

I guess that we shall see.

Peter

 

[promhandicam]

I am not doubting the OP about what he was told about future availability of the new model here in NA, but I personally - please don't read anything into this other than this is my opinion - can't see Festool not bringing it here.  It would not make sense to me to not update the line, deal with competition, and improve patent situations.

I guess that we shall see.

Peter

And I thought it was only the Germans that didn't understand the British sense of humour (spelled correctly)! Perhaps you have been spending too much time with your German tools - you didn't used to be called Peter Hall by any chance?  [laughing]

 

[peter halle]

Not Peter Hall at some point, but being half German I do find myself at ease with my German tools  [big grin].

Peter

 

[hockey_magnet]

I am not doubting the OP about what he was told about future availability of the new model here in NA, but I personally - please don't read anything into this other than this is my opinion - can't see Festool not bringing it here.  It would not make sense to me to not update the line, deal with competition, and improve patent situations.

I guess that we shall see.

Peter

I think we discussed this before. I agree completely - to have 2 tools nearly identical in every respect but for the relativley minor improvements on the R model doesn't make sense and I can't see where Festool has offered 2 different tools like this in 2 markets before. Could be a year or more, but I'm sure it will happen. But just IMHO and I'm very happy with my new TS 55 and would not purchase the new model regardless just to replace it.

Chris

 

[promhandicam]

Further to my original post - I lied - I bought a new TS55 R on Friday. I decided that I wouldn't wait for my old saw to pack up - I cleaned it up and stuck it on ebay. It sold, together with 2 used 1400 rails and a couple of other bits for £370. Considering that I only paid £300 for it on ebay over 3 years ago and it has had a lot of use I'm understandably very happy. As I already have a selection of rails I just bought the saw paying the list price of £426.  ;D

 

[Alan m]

great deal

 

[score0matic]

Festool needs to update their basic Rail from 1400 to 1500 for the new saw.   not being able to get the parallel guides fully engaged over 49" melamine kinda makes a lie of the Festool "SYSTEM" approach to Better,Faster,Smarter.