New TS75, TS55 Circular Saws?

[samtucan11]

Hello, I am a newbie to this forum, and I just have a couple quick questions. I do not own a festool circular saw, but I am absolutely amazed by the things I have seen thus far. I am extremely interested in buying a festool circular saw, and the first question that I want to ask is, are there going to be any new models of circular saws coming out in the near future? I know that the TS75/TS55 circular saws were release in June 2005 (if I am not mistaken), and before I put all my money into a new circular saw, I would love to know if there are any new models coming out???

Second question is, if there are no new models coming out, what are the main differences between the TS75 and TS55? I know the obvious, such as different blade sizes, engine sizes, depth cutting, etc. What would you recommend for me? I will primarily be using it to make precise cuts in order to build subwoofer enclosures for car audio applications.

Thanks for your time!!

 

[Ned]

Welcome to the forum.

The ATF55 and AT65, predecessors of the current saws, were available in the US in 1996.  The first-generation Rotex 150 had a product life span of about 10 years in the US.  I don't know when these products were first introduced in Germany, but I think I'm safe in saying that Festool doesn't change a tool until they can make a better one.

Ned

 

[Qwas]

To the best of my knowledge, there is nothing new coming in the way of plunge saws. The TS-75 was just released last year. My 2006 catalog shows the TS-55 as being a new tool.

I own the TS-55 but I have read the posts about the TS-75. The TS-75 takes up more room on the guide rail and from what I've read, is most used if you need to cut something deeper than 2 inches.

The TS-55 suits your needs fine. It has plenty of power for MDF, plywood, particle board, and 2x lumber. It has all the power and precision you need, while still being light in weight.

Good luck with the speaker enclosures, I've been contemplating doing that also. Let us know how it works out.

 

[Daviddubya]

...What would you recommend for me? I will primarily be using it to make precise cuts in order to build subwoofer enclosures for car audio applications...

The TS55 and TS75 are relatively new in the Festool produnct line.  There has been no talk of another revision of these two saws, since they replaced the prior models a couple of years ago.

The TS55 would be my choice for the work you mentioned.  The TS55 is lighter and easier to handle than its bigger brother.  You don't need more power than a TS55 delivers to cut materials to make speaker enclosures.

 

[honeydoman]

it would be tough to improve on these 2 items.  buy one and it will last you a long time, in fact they usually last longer than most marriages!!!

ts55 fits the bill most of the time.. the ts75 for larger thicker wood and has more power and more depth of cut.  check out the review I did that is posted on the festool website under the ts75 saw then click reviews.  thats me.

I have both saws in fact I have the ts75 and the ts55 and the older model of the 55.  they all work great and most of the time I use the 55. but being a professional I have a need for the 75 at times. at least I like to think so!

 

[Eli]

buy one and it will last you a long time, in fact they usually last longer than most marriages!!!

ts55 fits the bill most of the time.. the ts75 for larger thicker wood and has more power and more depth of cut.  check out the review I did that is posted on the festool website under the ts75 saw then click reviews.  thats me.

I have both saws in fact I have the ts75 and the ts55 and the older model of the 55.  they all work great and most of the time I use the 55. but being a professional I have a need for the 75 at times. at least I like to think so!

So if I'm reading between the lines you're on your third marriage, but you're looking to buy a fourth saw?  ;D ;D ;D

 

[samtucan11]

I appreciate all the repsonses!! I really wanted to ask about the new saws because I have had that happen to me in the past, where I but an item, and a brand new one comes out 2 weeks later. I am glad to hear that this model will be sticking around for a bit. 

Now, would you guys recommened a dust extractor (especially for those mdf cuts)?? I have read around and some people say that is is a must with the saw, what do you guys think? Its just that it is so much money for the whole package!!!

 

[bruegf]

You don't need to use a CT vac......  as long as you don't mind cleaning up a lot of saw dust.

Fred

 

[PeterK]

I have used my TS55 and former ATF55 to do lots of mdf cutting for speakers. I do it outside if at all possible for the rough cuts and bring in for any finish work. Outside, a vac serves little purpose although I wear a dust mask for cutting. Inside, a vac is mandatory for mdf. Any vac will work - some better than others. I have the CT33 and used a Fein Turbo II for a long time also. I have used my $100 Home Depot vac with good results - just doesn't filter quite as well and lots louder. Any cuts inside with mdf REALLY require some type of dust collection or it will be EVERYWHERE!!!!!  ;D
Pete

 

[Dan Lyke]

When I first got my TS55, I was doing woodworking on the carpet in the living room. At some point I went to do some carpentry outside, and thought "dragging the dust collector out is just a big hassle", so I didn't.

I was shocked at how much I'd become used to minimal dust. Now I drag the dust collector along even when I'm cutting outside.

(And, yes, I kept my old SkilSaw for cutting all of those odd materials that have come up recently in discussion here, and I do all of that cutting outside and still curse the dust...)

 

[Daviddubya]

...Now, would you guys recommened a dust extractor (especially for those mdf cuts)?? I have read around and some people say that is is a must with the saw, what do you guys think? Its just that it is so much money for the whole package!!!

Hard to say anything is a "must".  Operating a Festool plunge saw without a dust extractor makes one realize just how much dust a circular saw creates, especially cutting MDF with the super-fine dust it throws around.  Yes, I would definately recommend a dust extractor.  It only hurts for a little while, and then you have the essentials for your Festool "system".

 

[Frank Pellow]

I appreciate all the repsonses!! I really wanted to ask about the new saws because I have had that happen to me in the past, where I but an item, and a brand new one comes out 2 weeks later. I am glad to hear that this model will be sticking around for a bit. 

Now, would you guys recommened a dust extractor (especially for those mdf cuts)?? I have read around and some people say that is is a must with the saw, what do you guys think? Its just that it is so much money for the whole package!!!

Mt first Fesdtool purchase was an an ATF55 and dust extractor combo.  Like you, I asked questions trying to justify both.  The overwhelming advice was to purchase both and I am glad that I did.  I do sometimes use the saw without the vac and the difference is amazing.  The lack of a connected vacuum doesn't make any difference to the performance of the saw, but it sure makes a difference to the comfort of me and the state of hte environment in which it is used.

 

[Warrior]

I own the ts75 and have used the ts55. The ts55 has plenty of power for 3/4" and 1 1/4" hardwood anything thicker in hardwood may be a little challenge. The ts55 is smaller and lighter and therefore much easier to handle and control on bevel cuts. It is a joy to use especially after using the TS75 as a primary saw.
I love my TS75 but would pick up a TS55 in a heartbeat if I had an extra 440.00 lying around.

Eiji

 

[John Langevin]

This may be a bitter pill to swallow as you stand teetering on the edge of the precipice (all that slippery slope stuff is a gross understatement). The primary advantage (imho) of Festool(s) aside from their superior engineering and performance) is the fact that they constitute a very versatile and efficient system. I started out with an ATF-55, MFT1080, CT22E and TDK12. There was a learning curve, not having to jury-rig clamps and supports, not having to remember blade offset when using a guide etc.; what made it (and the $) worthwhile was the ease of use, accuracy, safety and utter lack of dust. All of this in an easily transportable package that could be setup anywhere. With some significant price increases looming on April 1st, you may want to look at the bigger picture to see if the system makes sense for what you do. Best of luck and don't forget your parachute, cause skis won't do you any good!

 

[Qwas]

If money is a real concern, look at the Fein Turbo vacuums. It will save you a few bucks, works fine with the TS55 (or the TS-75), is quieter and has the automatic mode. It is just as powerful as the CT-22. The Fein hose hooks right up to the TS-55.

I use the Fein Turbo 1 with my TS-55 all the time and I'm very pleased.

If money is not the issue, got with the CT-22 or CT-33.

Once you have used the vacuum / dust collector, you will want to use it all the time. Especially with the MDF.

 

[semenza]

Hi,

        Dust extractor, definitely. If you can't or don't want to shell out for the Festool or Fein then use some other shop vac.  The Feins and Festools are both good. I am partial to the Festools. I don't remember if the Feins have variable suction(?). The Festools do and this is a very good feature if you use it with a sander.  Also going with the Festool or Fein will get you excellent air filtration for the exhaust air. The CT22 and CT33 have HEPA filters.  You may also want to consider the Cover Plate # 491 750. It makes a significant difference on the already outstanding DC. See this thread for a reviewhttp://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=1415.0  Personally I would use the dust extractor even if I was cutting outside. It is REALLY nice not to have it (especially MDF dust) blowing all around and in your face. You won't have to brush it all off the work pieces either.
      Yes, the Festool combo is a lot of money.  The first time you use it to cut your MDF speaker parts you will wonder how you did without it. And won't think twice about it being money well spent. Keep in mind that this saw set up will greatly speed your cutting work as well as making it easier. We extol the virtues of these tools on this forum , and it sounds almost unbelievable, but try them once and you will see

Seth

 

[nate858]

        A Festool ts55saw ct package is  like a  divorce,  expensive, and  worth it.

        NATE

 

[joiner1970]

SAM,

I bought the TS55 EQ last year in the UK and I noticed that they had just upgraded the base plate I bought the old one but they exchanged it with no problems for the new one.

I don't know if you have the newer version yet in the US, it has black plastic wear pieces in the base that can be replaced.

I love the saw its a lot of money here in the UK but now I have used it a lot its worth the money. I had to cut up some 6mm mdf Friday for templates for glass panels on a staircase, I didn't have my TS55 so used my trusty Makita and had to connect a Henry hoover to it and use a bit of wood as a straight edge measuring the offset each time and clamping each time.

What a pain , with the TS55 you just mark the sheet place the guide on the marks no clamps needed and just cut, dust free 

 

[graphex]

I was torn between the 55 and 75, but I was really glad I got the 75 today when I needed to rip 2.5" hard maple. Now if I just had the CT22 I wouldn't be covered in sawdust from head to toe....

 

[samtucan11]

Thanks for all those who replied. I still did not get a festool saw! Currently I am still trying to save up the money. I know that I should probably go for a TS55 but for a little extra money, should I go for a TS75, you know, if I ever need it (little thought in the back of my head)?

Also, do you guys think that a festool can replace a table saw in general, and for the type of work I will be doing? thanks in advance!!