Portable table saws

[peter halle]

I have had the Dewalt DW744 for 10 years now.  It usually sits around unused unless I need to do narrow rips like what you describe.  I don't even have anything but a rip blade for it.  I use a standard kerf blade - not a narrow kerf.  I have enjoyed the rack and pinion fence and have bought the side extender and the outfeed attachment.  I have removed the outfeed attachment and now use dedicated outfeed stands if necessary.

I also bought the throat plate for a dado set and an aftermarket zero clearance insert which has been set for the rip blade but rarely is used.

I never liked the blade guard / splitter, but the newer models have a much improved design.

For many years it got tossed around the truck and trailer but it hasn't let me down yet.  Since my Festool collection has grown it has entered into semi-retirement.

Peter

 

[Eli]

You might like to take a look at my review of the TS55R in the CMS unit. I think that I am right that you only have the CMS-OF available in the US but it would not be beyond simple human ingenuity to get the [size=12pt]saw insert[/size] sent over from Europe. the CMS - TS55R is a joy to use. It cuts accurately, almost dust free and the cuts are often smooth enough for just a light sand before finishing.

I have owned a number of table saws in the past and this is the best yet.

Peter

What is the use of a table saw with no power??

John...

It would have power already, if it was sold as the CMS-OF, for the router. There are a few things you'd have to have though, to make it compete.

Height adjustment, trigger lock, y-hose and blade guard, including the guard support that replaces the riving knife. and the LA fence, the one it comes with is another useless oddity.

I have a couple of wings as well, RH and outfeed. The TS55 rips 2x4's (4x2's) under duress, and you may find yourself often waiting for the saw to cool so the thermostat allows it to run again. Forget hardwood. It was designed as a panel saw, so if you can afford to, keep the 55 out of the table and go for a 75 in the table. This is assuming that money and international borders are not in the equation.

I had a Dewalt 744 before and liked it. A Diablo anti-vibe blade made it a bit quieter for me. I like what I've heard of the Bosch stand. I really only set up the CMS as a saw when I'm doing a flooring job, I'd rather use the TS on a rail usually. It makes small rips easier.

 

[Stone Message]

I mainly cut hardwood with mine, oak or walnut mostly. I sometimes cut up to 50mm thick with no problem but usually 20-25 mm thick. I have never had the saw heat up. I do use the right blade for ripping and I do keep my blade sharp. I use the side fence that came with the machine and find it perfectly suited to my work.

Peter

 

[Nigel]

That's a fair point. The panther blade makes a huge difference to ripping . Like knife through butter.

 

[Alan m]

i was ripping 40mm thick rough sawn teak(or what ever new species they have now). they were 7 foot long and my dw745 with standard blade(sort of a combination blade) . i was very happpy with the speed at which it cut.

 

[Eli]

I mainly cut hardwood with mine, oak or walnut mostly. I sometimes cut up to 50mm thick with no problem but usually 20-25 mm thick. I have never had the saw heat up. I do use the right blade for ripping and I do keep my blade sharp. I use the side fence that came with the machine and find it perfectly suited to my work.

Peter

yeah, sorry, I should have been more specific. Forget Australian hardwood. Yellow Box is F48. Most european specie are not a big deal, and def not if they are only 20-25 thick. And I don't bother changing to the ripping blade usually.

 

[Wood_Screamer]

I sold my old grizzly G0444 Table saw to buy the TS75 and an MFT.  One of the dudes at my local woodcraft did the same thing and really helped me with the positives and negatives.  My G0444 was modified extensively...  outfeed table, Incra miter gauge, 50" capacity...  You know, the works.  I got a good deal for my saw on Craig's and haven't looked back since.

After using the festool and the MFT for a few months, I decided I wanted a table saw again, but portable.  Really, it was more for the small and narrow rips and repeat cuts.  The DW744 was my answer.  I've only had it a few months, but it is honestly more accurate than my G0444 was...  It's a little loud, but it is light.

Reading this thread, I do wish I would have considered the CMS though.  That's a nice little system.