newbie to a tablesaw, planning on getting the CSC SYS 50

[georgeaye]

Hello FOG,

After a few days of experience with the TS 55 and the MFT 3 Kit, I'm considering switching to a CSC SYS 50 table saw. Thank God for the 30-day return window. I found the range of motion from the cross-cutting rail clamp/guides very frustrating.

How did you all get good at being accurate and precise with the table saw?

If you're new to a table saw, like me, does anyone have any recommended videos/tutorials on cuts with the table saw that can help me get the practice I need to get proficient at making more and more complex joints? I will stick to MDF and plywood sheet materials for the foreseeable future before thinking about more expensive hardwood/lumber.

 

[woodferret]

Youtube videos with TS are kinda sketchy, especially english ones.  The tilt of the CSC50 is also opposite, more in line with European slider standard, which ironically has fewer 'how-to' influencer videos.  While many tout the TS as an all-in-one, can cut anything including cove molding, I'd say stay away as a newbie.  Just do the basic cuts outlined in the manual.  Download that from Festool.

Also, consider getting a sawstop if this is going to be your main and only means of machining.  You're going to do really stupid sketchy things on it just because it's the only way... and the CSC50 will bite you if you don't respect it.  The sawstop will just throw your workpiece into your chest or window at the worst.

 

[mino]

A short statement. As this was discussed to death on many, many threads over here.

1) A table saw - especially a small one like the CSC 50 - is NOT an "alternative" to a tracksaw.

2) A tracksaw is not an alternative to a table saw. Especialy not to a small one like the CSC 50.

The CSC 50 is an excellent *complement* to a tracksaw like the TS 55, allowing to handle the small stock tasks which are fundamentally easier with a table saw setup - aka "stock to tool".

Lastly, if you are having major issues with accuracy and workload with a tracksaw, this will not get better using a table saw. Not unless you go up to a big slider or a proper in-feed/out-feed setup. Like 5x bigger setup than the CSC 50.

If you are having issues like described, my best advice is to check videos by Ron Paulk and by Peter  Millard on Youtube. You may want to start with some of their old stuff, not the latest updates. Also Peter Parfitt has some great stuff to, though he is more pro-oriented.

Hope helps.

 

[Birdhunter]

The CSC is a little jewel of a saw, but it is little. That small size is both an asset and a liability. Consider what size projects you will be building and decide if this small size will be adequate.  I found wrestling a full sheet of 3/4" plywood onto even a full size table saw to be both awkward and dangerous. I cannot see doing that on a very small saw.

I've built many projects using plywood. Generally, I use a tracksaw (TS55) to break down the sheets and make finish cuts on my SawStop table saw. The two tools are complementary. Each fill their niche well. Yes, you probably could do with just one, but that imposes compromise.

When I bought my SawStop, I looked at all the other brands. The SawStop seemed to be the best all around saw plus it had a neat safety feature. I've never been disappointed.

There is a drawback to big table saws.... you get pushed into larger dust collection systems. Some require 220v power and some 3-phase power.

 

[ChuckM]

As others have said, a compact saw is ill-equipped to handle sheet goods on a day-to-day basis. If space is a reason why you can't have a proper table saw, consider having the ply pre-cut to rough or exact sizes at the lumberyard -- usually at no additional costs for the first few cuts.

If you have the space but for some reason want a compact saw, your option is to build a workbench around it for an increased top surface with some kind of infeed/outfeed supports, as some people did:

 

[jeh]

Hello FOG,

After a few days of experience with the TS 55 and the MFT 3 Kit, I'm considering switching to a CSC SYS 50 table saw. Thank God for the 30-day return window. I found the range of motion from the cross-cutting rail clamp/guides very frustrating.

How did you all get good at being accurate and precise with the table saw?

If you're new to a table saw, like me, does anyone have any recommended videos/tutorials on cuts with the table saw that can help me get the practice I need to get proficient at making more and more complex joints? I will stick to MDF and plywood sheet materials for the foreseeable future before thinking about more expensive hardwood/lumber.

This table saw is a no go if you think you it will replace your TS 55. The saw is way too small for anything but narrow stock and the occasional small plywood rip. I have the CSC SYS 50, along the Mafell equivalent of the TS 55 and a SawStop ICS. All have their uses, but the CSC is the least useful of the three.

I'll add that a table saw as your only tool for cutting will lead to uses where safety is going to be compromised. I have to assume you have a limited amount of time spent using a table saw so if you are to going to buy on at least get one of the SawStop models. Two of them are cheaper than the CSC SYS 50 and besides having the finger saving technology built in all of their saws have significantly bigger tables which increases safety over the Festool offering.

Keep working with the TS 55 while still under the 30-day warranty and if that is not enough return it and go to another reseller and buy again or switch to the cordless version to give yourself another 30 days. It is a dirtbag move to do this, but you have got to give it a fair shake. I think it is safe to assume that many FOG users started with the Festool Tracksaw as their first Festool purchase and anyone who has used one would be unlikely to give it up.

 

[BLACKnGREEN]

Table saw is not a beginners tool. Also in this case I don’t think it is the solution.

It sounds like your issue is with the MFT-3 rail assembly operation. From what you have said. If so try using the table with an assortment of bench dogs and track. Remove the hinge assembly for now and try that again later.

TS55 is an amazingly versatile tool and so so much safer.  Like others have said, stick with the track saw, watch some YouTube and get creative.

Good luck

 

[georgeaye]

Thanks, everyone, for looking out for me and my early first steps. I think the table saw can wait. I'll stick with the track saw and get better accessories to get me the squareness I'm seeking.

 

[BLACKnGREEN]

If and when you do go table saw then consider the Prescisio Festool saw. It’s a bigger capacity than the SYS 50 but with the pull function opens up other possibilities. I have had the CS70 for years and wouldn’t be without it. They don’t seem to sell it anymore but you can still get the CS50 version.

For me its like having a table saw and mitre saw in one unit.

 

[Packard]

When I shopped for my table saw many years back, the one feature I was insistent on was a 48” - 50” fence.  The less math I have to do, the happier I am.

I had visions of having to make a 32” cut with a 24” fence. (So, that’s 16”.  Do I add 1/8” or subtract 1/8”?)

My fence is 50”.

I can’t envision my ever buying one of those micro table saws.

 

[squall_line]

If and when you do go table saw then consider the Prescisio Festool saw. It’s a bigger capacity than the SYS 50 but with the pull function opens up other possibilities. I have had the CS70 for years and wouldn’t be without it. They don’t seem to sell it anymore but you can still get the CS50 version.

For me its like having a table saw and mitre saw in one unit.

This is only relevant outside of North America (and possibly outside of Australia, too?).

It is extremely helpful when users put their location (at least a country) in their profile to help keep recommendations relevant for the region that the user is in.