Too many saws

[suds]

I have a dilemma.  I think I have too many saws.  I have the Kapex, TS55, Jigsaw, Sawstop PCS, Bandsaw,  and a Hegner scrollsaw.  After years of experimenting I've come down to the point where I want to and enjoy making boxes.  I enjoy using all the saws and of all the saws I'd have to say the TS55 is the least enjoyable.  The setup from taking it out of the box, setting up the guiderail, squaring and supporting the piece to be cut,hooking up the hose and cord is somewhat of a ordeal compared to the other saws.  For me it is so much faster to use one of the other saws.  Since I'm primarily making small to medium size boxes I'm wondering if I even need the TS55.  Anyone out there who builds smaller items find the TS55 better than the saws I already have.  I never used the TS55 all last year and if I need plywood I always get it cut at either 4ft or 5ft.  I have a number of sanders from Festool and a good number of rails. 
I have a complete TS LS setup as well as the Incra 5000 sled on my Sawstop.  Also have the Incra LS/Clean Sweep router between my MFT tables. 

 

[Slider613]

Doesn't seem like you really need the TS 55, it's basically redundant for what you have and what you do.

Obviously there are many applications that I can mention that a TS 55 would be a better tool for the job, but that doesn't seem to be what you do.

Unless you make boxes professionally, and that all you will ever do, I would keep it, never know when you might want to make some bookcases that are 7ft high or a big outdoor table, plus you might get bored of boxes. It's great if you want to do some live edge work, much better than a table saw with a sled.

 

[DrD]

If you really just want to thin the herd, then you may have 2 opportunities: the TS55 and the Hegner, BUT you've already got them in the herd and it will cost you more if you decide to get them again.

Since you like boxes, have you tried band saw boxes?  They are a hoot, and the designs are endless.  Didn't see the mention of a lathe, but if you have one, lidded boxes are also pretty neat.

DrD

 

[suds]

Had a Lathe on my Shopsmith but I just sold that and never used the Lathe.  I enjoy using all the saws but I do have to say I don't enjoy the setup on the TS55.  I don't do any furniture and at age 73 I'm to the point of wanting to get rid of furniture rather than acquire any more.  I have my shop in a oversized 3 car garage and the Shopsmith had to go because I got tired of the setup on that also.  Ended up buying stand alone drill press and bandsaw since that was all I really used on the Shopsmith. 
At my age I'm looking for the ease and enjoyment rather than trying to build something for the family or myself. 

 

[DrD]

Right there with you, I'm 72.  In fact, I'm looking to get rid of my Steel City granite table cabinet saw - it's pushed way over in the corner, and hasn't been used in over 5 years.  After making a Morris chair, I've gone back to what I like doing - bandsaw boxes, lidded boxes and fountain pens.

Best wishes,

DrD

 

[suds]

I haven't tried bandsaw boxes but plan on doing so. I just don't see myself building any furniture other than something for outside and that would be seldom.
I've heard bandsaw boxes are a lot of fun. I'm in the market for a new bandsaw.

 

[DrD]

Heard that.  Both of my bandsaws are Delta.  The 14" w/ riser block was among the last Delta bandsaws built in the USA.  My 10" is from the early 1990's - made off-shore - and is on a Delta bandsaw stand.  I must admit, I use the 10" much, much, much more than the bigger unit.  An old, experienced woodworking mentor told me 2 things about band saws: 1) they're indispensable in the wood shop, and 2) unless you're resawing, a 10" is much more handy.  I found him to be correct on both accounts.

Best wishes,

DrD

 

[ben_r_]

Nothing you listed sounds like a better option for breaking down full sheets to me. If you arent doing that, or prefer hefting full 4x8 sheets onto your table saw then yea you probably dont need a track saw. Ive got a nice shiny 3HP SawStop PCS too, but I wouldnt give up my TS 55 REQ to break down sheet on that thing for nothing!

 

[suds]

That's my dilemma. Whenever I get plywood sheets I have them cut them down to fit in my rig. With all these saws, the only function for the  ts55 is breaking down sheets. Everything else is better done with the other saws.  I have a Walko table that lets me set up sheets like a panel saw and I've only used it a few times even though it worked beautifully.
Interesting about the Delta10" for small stuff. The Shopsmith was good for that once it was set ip

 

[ben_r_]

With all these saws, the only function for the  ts55 is breaking down sheets. Everything else is better done with the other saws.

That was the only purpose/use I bought a track saw for. The rails on the other hand are used with several other tools.

 

[DrD]

I've used 1/8" all the way up to 1/2" blades on my 10" saw (Delta 28-195); The 1/8" blade allowed me to replace my jig saw - though it wasn't as nice as a Hegner; the 1/2" blade allows the 10" saw to do anything my bigger saw will do with a 3/4", except resaw and that is a height issue.  By proper choice of gullets, etc, I seem to have less bandsaw "chatter" to sand out than I do with the bigger saw.  Now mind you, I'm not pushing wood thru the 10" at production speeds - I'm a hobbyist, and while the larger motor (>1hp) in the larger Delta is nice, it isn't necessary for my work.  In short, I cut pen blanks, bowl blanks and make fairly large bandsaw boxes with the 10" saw.

Be glad to answer any questions you may have.

DrD

 

[monstrol]

Just my opinion. I use my TS55 to straighten up the edges of rough sawn lumber then rip with table saw. Just saying.

 

[Stone Message]

I have a dilemma.  I think I have too many saws.  I have the Kapex, TS55, Jigsaw, Sawstop PCS, Bandsaw,  and a Hegner scrollsaw.  After years of experimenting I've come down to the point where I want to and enjoy making boxes.  I enjoy using all the saws and of all the saws I'd have to say the TS55 is the least enjoyable.  The setup from taking it out of the box, setting up the guiderail, squaring and supporting the piece to be cut,hooking up the hose and cord is somewhat of a ordeal compared to the other saws.  For me it is so much faster to use one of the other saws.  Since I'm primarily making small to medium size boxes I'm wondering if I even need the TS55.  Anyone out there who builds smaller items find the TS55 better than the saws I already have.  I never used the TS55 all last year and if I need plywood I always get it cut at either 4ft or 5ft.  I have a number of sanders from Festool and a good number of rails. 
I have a complete TS LS setup as well as the Incra 5000 sled on my Sawstop.  Also have the Incra LS/Clean Sweep router between my MFT tables.

Hi Suds

I used to make a lot of boxes and now just make the odd few now and again as I no longer seek such work but do it d=for friends and old customers.

I have a track saw cutting station (with TS55 and rails) that produces near perfect 90 deg cuts and do all of my break down for the plywood box bottoms with it. I do use the Kapex for the box sides and top.

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Peter

 

[rst]

Too many saws!...you have no idea.  I have a Powermatic 10" cabinet saw that I put on a Jet (discontinued) sliding table and expanded that with 8020 extrusions.  I have a 55, 75, and my first tracksaw...Makita.  Just bought the HKC, have an 8 1/4" Skil worm for concrete and brick, a 10" Milwaukee, a 6 1/4" PC Sawboss, a 12" Makita slider, an 8 1/4" Hitachi slider, and 10 and 14" Makita chopsaws. Jeez, I think I may have a problem... Oh, and I have 13 routers...definitely problematic.  But if it needs cut or shaped...I can do it.  Just remembered, also have an ancient 8" Craftsman tablesaw that I used to rip aluminum and brass.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

No such thing, I currently own 15 different saws. I love them all equally.

 

[suds]

For fun I went out in my shop (garage) to go through the sequence of cross cutting a board.
TS55.  First I have to pull out the systainer and invairably it is on the bottom of the stack (roll around stacked 3 deep), unstack the top two, unsnap the side latches, then I struggle with the old green latch to get it open, get the saw out and place it on the MFT. I get out my Qwas Dogs and set them in the table, get my rail and set it on the table, roll my vacuum over and connect it to the saw then plug it in, then plug in electricity, then fiddle with the wood under the rail and make sure everything is square and finally make the cut. 
Sawstop (INCRA TS-LS).  Put the wood against the miter gauge, make the measurement and make the cut.
Kapex.  Place the wood in the Kapex.  Make the measurement and make the cut.
Bandsaw.  Place the wood on the table.  Make the measurement and make the cut.
LOL...I'm 73 years old and not sure how much time I have left and wasting time fiddling with the TS55 isn't making much sense.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I only use my 55 for crating machines and the occasional funny cut I have to do.

All cross cutting is done with one of my 4 RAS.

I agree on the digging stuff out part.

I love radial arm saws. Very versatile machines (I don't rip with one)

 

[Stone Message]

For fun I went out in my shop (garage) to go through the sequence of cross cutting a board.
TS55.  First I have to pull out the systainer and invairably it is on the bottom of the stack (roll around stacked 3 deep), unstack the top two, unsnap the side latches, then I struggle with the old green latch to get it open, get the saw out and place it on the MFT. I get out my Qwas Dogs and set them in the table, get my rail and set it on the table, roll my vacuum over and connect it to the saw then plug it in, then plug in electricity, then fiddle with the wood under the rail and make sure everything is square and finally make the cut. 
Sawstop (INCRA TS-LS).  Put the wood against the miter gauge, make the measurement and make the cut.
Kapex.  Place the wood in the Kapex.  Make the measurement and make the cut.
Bandsaw.  Place the wood on the table.  Make the measurement and make the cut.
LOL...I'm 73 years old and not sure how much time I have left and wasting time fiddling with the TS55 isn't making much sense.

The Sawstop, Kapex and Bandsaw are out of their boxes, set up and ready to go...

My TS55 sits on my dedicated tracksaw cutting station along with the guide rail. The Parf Dogs are there already too.

I want to use the TS55 regularly and so do not put it away in the box each time.

Peter

 

[suds]

I'd love to see a picture of your station Peter.  Since I got rid of my Shopsmith I now have room to use my Walko table which could be used as a station.  I'd have to leave it setup on the table but that wouldn't be a problem.

 

[amt]

If your plywood is already broken down, then it's easy to forget/leave out the track saw in your woodworking process.  I have the SawStop PCS as well, and I almost always use 5ftx5ft baltic birch for plywood these days, and I am considering making a "mega" sled that can crosscut those 5ft x 5ft sheets on the table saw.  Biggest factor in making that sled is finding a place to store it, as it will be 5ft x 5ft...

The track saw has come in handy when I am working with something that is too long for my table saw, because of the constraints of its placement in my garage.  I can currently rip up to 12long lumber with the saw, but just recently I had to rip 17ft long lumber for some new window trim.  I was able to do this outside with the TS55, and moving my table saw outside would have been a huge task.