Track Saws

[Owego]

My TS 55 died.  I need a replacement.  What do you recommend ?  I have used the TS55 mostly for breaking down sheet stock.  It's depth of cut and power were adequate to do a good job.  But cutting thicker stock is a real chore for it.  I would consider switching models, including battery operated but I have significant track assets (4, 5, and 9 footers) that I do not want to replace.  I see  there are HK model machines but I know if they are compatible with my tracks.  Also TS 75's are currently unavailable.  Are they being phased out ?

 

[blues]

Mafell MT55. TS75 draws max 13 A, MT55 draws max 13.5A. It's more powerful than ts75. Cutting depth is 2".
MT55 will ride on the festool track.. no problem.  Note the cut line can be away from your existing old track. You may need new splinter guards. Saw cannot be adjusted. Since it rides on the festool track @45° cut line will be 1mm away. Brilliant saw.  Excellent features. Awesome dust collection.

 

[Mike Goetzke]

I've been using a Makita cordless plunge saw for a few years now that works on the Festool rail and have had no issues even cutting 2x material. For really thick stock I added a Makita 9-1/4" cordless circular saw that works on the rails too.

 

[mino]

My TS 55 died.  I need a replacement.  What do you recommend ?  I have used the TS55 mostly for breaking down sheet stock.  It's depth of cut and power were adequate to do a good job.  But cutting thicker stock is a real chore for it.  I would consider switching models, including battery operated but I have significant track assets (4, 5, and 9 footers) that I do not want to replace.  I see  there are HK model machines but I know if they are compatible with my tracks.  Also TS 75's are currently unavailable.  Are they being phased out ?

Hate to ask.
But. Did you change the brushes ?

 

[Owego]

No.  I shud'a looked.  Too late, sent it in to Festool Service this morning.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Also TS 75's are currently unavailable.  Are they being phased out ?

I think it's just the lack of supply because of the combination of the new Systainer roll-out and Corona virus shut-downs. I would hope that they come back in the next few months.

 

[mino]

My TS 55 died.  I need a replacement.  What do you recommend ?  I have used the TS55 mostly for breaking down sheet stock.  It's depth of cut and power were adequate to do a good job.  But cutting thicker stock is a real chore for it.  I would consider switching models, including battery operated but I have significant track assets (4, 5, and 9 footers) that I do not want to replace.  I see  there are HK model machines but I know if they are compatible with my tracks.  Also TS 75's are currently unavailable.  Are they being phased out ?

To the original comment, I would consider the HK85 ahead of the TS75 as a complement for TS 55.
It will gives additional capability with the dado option once you get your TS 55 back. The TS75 which is really just a "bigger TS 55".

IMO the TS75 is a very specialist tool and getting it just for power is not worth it.
Pls ignore, missed the HK85 is NAINA ...

 

[DeformedTree]

To the original comment, I would consider the HK85 ahead of the TS75 as a complement for TS 55.

OP list as being in the US.  HK85's don't exist in North America

 

[TXFIVEO]

TS75. It’s depth of cut is better than Mafell’s.  No brainer for me.  I’ve had ZERO issues using my TS75 for making 10’ long rip cuts on 10/4 White Oak and Ash. Not cutting this with the Mafell.  Not even close. 

 

[Coen]

To the original comment, I would consider the HK85 ahead of the TS75 as a complement for TS 55.

OP list as being in the US.  HK85's don't exist in North America

Import one. 

My type of Thinkpad didn't exist in Europe either. Guess what... I got one from the US and it saved me 500 bucks.  [cool]

 

[mrboult]

NB: the ts75 won’t cross cut a 4’ sheet with a 1400 rail apparently. The bigger base means it needs more “lead in” of track before the cut.

I assume the op tried the appropriate blades when deciding power was low for certain cuts in the TS55?

 

[TXFIVEO]

While you “could” import one (European HK) modifications will have to be made to accommodate different voltage/wiring...and good luck with warranty service here in the states. 

Get the TS75. You will be pleased. 

 

[jeh]

TS75. It’s depth of cut is better than Mafell’s.  No brainer for me.  I’ve had ZERO issues using my TS75 for making 10’ long rip cuts on 10/4 White Oak and Ash. Not cutting this with the Mafell.  Not even close.

This issue for me on the TS75 is the weight which is tiresome for me when using it for long periods of time. I would consider that the only reason not to get it.

 

[mino]

TS75. It’s depth of cut is better than Mafell’s.  No brainer for me.  I’ve had ZERO issues using my TS75 for making 10’ long rip cuts on 10/4 White Oak and Ash. Not cutting this with the Mafell.  Not even close.

This issue for me on the TS75 is the weight which is tiresome for me when using it for long periods of time. I would consider that the only reason not to get it.

I believe OP was looking for a complement to TS55 and in this role a TS75 is great.
But it is no replacement for a daily driver indeed.

 

[AnthonyE]

I'd be curious what happened to your original TS55.  Brushes are a wear item and have a finite amount of life in them. There are many other issues that could arise that may be easily fixed with a little troubleshooting.  If you don't want to bother I'll give it a shot! [wink]

THere is no eta when TS75's might be available again therefore I don't think I'd be looking at one of those.  You may even struggle to get a TS55 for a while. If I had the extra $ I'd seriously consider the Mafell MT55.

 

[TXFIVEO]

Depth of cut (or lack thereof) on the Mafell is a no go for me. 

 

[Lincoln]

Depth of cut (or lack thereof) on the Mafell is a no go for me.

How can it be a 'lack of depth', when it's a 55mm depth of cut? Is it advertised as deeper than that? There are other Mafell saws that have a deeper cut.

 

[AnthonyE]

Depth of cut (or lack thereof) on the Mafell is a no go for me.

You will need to expand on what you mean by this.  I don't understand how this saw is different than the Festool TS55 in terms of depth of cut???!!

 

[DeformedTree]

You loose like 1mm of depth on the mafell rail right  [tongue]

 

[Cheese]

You loose like 1mm of depth on the mafell rail right  [tongue]

Rail height for Festool rails is 5 mm, while rail height for Mafell rails is 6 mm. However, Mafell offers a 162 mm blade for the MT 55 that makes the issue go away.  [smile]