"older" vs newer TS 75 info requested please

[Pretzel Logic]

Hello, I just bought a TS 75 from a local dealer.  It came with the blade 493198 and the informational insert on the underside of the systainer lists replacement blades all beginning with 493 xxx part numbers.  I have a few questions.

Is there any difference between the Universal Blade #493 198 and the newer part # 495 380 ?  I have gleaned some info from these threads http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/ts-55-blades-the-current-information/  and http://festoolownersgroup.com/ask-festool/ts-55-blades-info-in-2011-catalogue-not-correct/ .  Per those threads, it seems that there were no changes other than the part number and packaging.

The new catalog states that the new Panther blade #495 379 has a 2.6mm kerf.  Is this true or might it be 2.4mm?  Does Festool intend to standardize to 2.4mm kerfs for the TS 75?

Were there any other changes to the TS 75 recently that I should know about?

How long ago were these changes made? I'd like an idea of how long this saw has been on the shelf.

Thank you for any replies.  This is a great site with a wealth of info for a new Festool user.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Here's the short answer... The TS 75 hasn't changed since its introduction. I can tell you're concerned about how long its been sitting on the shelf but I would be surprised if it was there more than a few months.

The long term plan is for all of the blades kerfs to match. I don't have any specific information on when that will happen with the TS 75. The only change to the blades when the product numbers change was to the packaging to add safety warnings in French as I recall.

 

[Pretzel Logic]

Thank you very much for this info.

 

[Dixon Peer]

Actually, I have the original larger saw, TS 75, and the difference between it and the newer model is partly the adjustment for track width.  Much easier on the new saw as you don't need a screw driver.