If there was a Festool product that could be known as the Gateway Festool this would be it for me. It also looks to be the same for a lot of other members of FOG according to Kreg's informal survey of first Festools. Once you get the TS55 it seems that you become greener than the Hulk.
The reason that I initially started looking at track saws was that a number of doors needed work in our house. (Or in one case of comedic error two newly installed doors needed replacing. I would tell you but it would involve crying on my part.) It became obvious to me that my existing circular saw would not be up to snuff cutting through a wet paper bag let alone a straight, clean cut. (No I did not attempt the install on the two doors.)
Besides cutting clean, straight cuts for doors I needed a power saw as I had noneexcept a crappy old circ saw that was grossly underpowered. A table saw is out of the question given my shop size so I wanted something that would be better than a more powerful circ saw.
The more I looked at the Festool, the more I used my uncanny ability to rationalize the irrational. The Festool moved up my list rather quickly. That and the fact that there was a system of tools that I could potentially grow into if I needed to. With that I purchased the TS55 and have not stopped the green ride.
Pros
-The safety features make me a lot more comfortable than some of the saws that do not offer any.
-Depth adjustments are quick and easy. Not only that, there is no more guess work as to how deep I am cutting. Pictured below are the two cabinet sides on my MFT/3. Knowing the thickness of the stock and how to adjust for the guide rail I was able to quickly set the depth to properly make the cut.
[attachthumb=#]
-Straight lines with the guide rails are simple.
-The weight is perfect for me. It is light and easy to carry/push. Here is a picture of the TS55 prepared to make quick work of some MDF.
[attachthumb=#]
-The blade and splinterguard on the guide rail mean that I have had splinter free cuts.
Cons
-Dust collection for me can be spotty sometimes. I have the habit of stopping the saw as soon as I am through the wood rather than letting the saw run for a second so the CT22 can get the dust.
Conclusion
I love my TS55. I find it therapeutic to cut wood in my shop with it. The ability to cut in a straight line without a table saw is a godsend for me. I know there are other competitors out there but none offer the guarantee, the high level of service, or depth of innovation/system to make their cheap price provide the value I get from my TS55.
The reason that I initially started looking at track saws was that a number of doors needed work in our house. (Or in one case of comedic error two newly installed doors needed replacing. I would tell you but it would involve crying on my part.) It became obvious to me that my existing circular saw would not be up to snuff cutting through a wet paper bag let alone a straight, clean cut. (No I did not attempt the install on the two doors.)
Besides cutting clean, straight cuts for doors I needed a power saw as I had none
The more I looked at the Festool, the more I used my uncanny ability to rationalize the irrational. The Festool moved up my list rather quickly. That and the fact that there was a system of tools that I could potentially grow into if I needed to. With that I purchased the TS55 and have not stopped the green ride.
Pros
-The safety features make me a lot more comfortable than some of the saws that do not offer any.
-Depth adjustments are quick and easy. Not only that, there is no more guess work as to how deep I am cutting. Pictured below are the two cabinet sides on my MFT/3. Knowing the thickness of the stock and how to adjust for the guide rail I was able to quickly set the depth to properly make the cut.
[attachthumb=#]
-Straight lines with the guide rails are simple.
-The weight is perfect for me. It is light and easy to carry/push. Here is a picture of the TS55 prepared to make quick work of some MDF.
[attachthumb=#]
-The blade and splinterguard on the guide rail mean that I have had splinter free cuts.
Cons
-Dust collection for me can be spotty sometimes. I have the habit of stopping the saw as soon as I am through the wood rather than letting the saw run for a second so the CT22 can get the dust.
Conclusion
I love my TS55. I find it therapeutic to cut wood in my shop with it. The ability to cut in a straight line without a table saw is a godsend for me. I know there are other competitors out there but none offer the guarantee, the high level of service, or depth of innovation/system to make their cheap price provide the value I get from my TS55.
