I have the TS75 and am very happy with it. Part of my decision was based on long ago discussions with Frank Pellow (above poster). I already have 3 traditional non-Festool saws, so depth of cut was a plus for me, although I had no specific task in mind/foreseable, other than stack cutting 3/4 ply. I use my saw strictly in my workshop with the exception of the occasional NEED for it in my yard for outdoor projects.
A feature that actually weighed/swayed me further was the Slip Clutch, which helps minimize the risk of kickback and minimizes wear on the blade, gear case, and motor. This is not inherent in the TS55.
In regards to motor cover, I found that after having acquired a 36mm hose, that issue was negligeable at worst. I actually wasn't bothered using the 27mm hose at all, and found it quite acceptible. Recently I did a set of repeated exact same cuts. Swaped the different hoses between cuts just to see the difference. There was a noticeable difference imo, so I am now more inclined to use the 36mm, although I won't hesitate to keep the 27mm on if I can't be bothered or am in a hurry. They both work, no additional fittings required, just swap hoses from tool/CT direct.
I was going to buy a refurbished TS55 a few months ago, until I got my head wrapped around the issue of the splinter guard to saw blade issue. Instead, I passed on the used TS55, I opted instead to get the host of same kerf blades for my TS75 that I did not have that were on sale at 10% off, and before the HST upped the tax by a further 8% from Dan Clermont in BC at Ultimate Tools back in June. Even though I'm not sure I will ever/need some of those speciality blades.
One of the reasons I had contemplated getting the TS55, was the lighter weight. Although I have no real weight issue with the saw, I've yet to really use it for a series of repeated quick cuts, in an amount that I would tire setting/removing the saw in use. If you contemplate that this may be a factor for you regularly, I would probably recommend you stick with the TS55. Apparently, one of the primary reason people return their TS75's in the 30 day money back period and opt for the TS55 is the size/weight issue. A relatively new Festool retailer in Toronto I visited a few months back mentioned also that he sells one TS75 for every 15-20 TS55's. I wonder if other retailers experience the same/similar results, or is that just a reflection of how he and his staff are trained that pre-disposes the sales to skew to those results? Curiously enough, at the time of my visit, he only had the TS55 on display in his cramped 55 year old downtown shop that caters largely to Bay St types (Bay St. being Canada's Wall St.)
I'm surprised no one has suggested for you to get the TS75, and try it out for a month. If you don't like it, return it. Unlike most retailers/manufacturers, I honestly believe Festool really doesn't mind. They quite fervently push this avenue as a marketing advantage/tool, as opposed to other similar statements from other retailers/manufacturers where when you go to return it, they sometimes make you feel like they were "just kidding" in a sense about it in the first place, and you are causing an excruciating exercise in spinal bending towards the rear, causing unbelieveable effort on their part, bringing them to the brink of bankruptcy. My own TS75 was a refurb, although you never would have known it. It was in mint/pristine condition when I got it, and I saved 10 or 15% (can't remember exactly how much).
In regards to rail selection, mine is listed in my signature, and I am quite happy. As was previously mentioned, the 75in, and the 3000mm rail are the ones to have versus the 2700mm rail.
Good luck. I think it's a tough decision for many, and for each person, I believe that the choice is unique to you. This is one of those situations I believe, that even if you had 50 folks saying "stick with the TS55" versus one that would vote for the TS75, you may be, for your reasons alone, the second in that bunch that the TS75 is just right FOR YOU.
