TS-55 and 1 7/8" Countertop

[peter halle]

Jay,

Festool USA gets data from overseas when they do the catalog.  That data shows the 2.5 Panther.  Unfortunately after searching some dealers sites to try and get you an item number for the 2.2 Panther I found the same info on dealers sites.  I will bet that either Shane or Tom will pop in and get the number for the TS-55 Panther with the 2.2 kerf.

Sorry.  I tried.

Peter

 

[hockey_magnet]

Interesting re the Panther - I was just on Lee Valley's site and it showed the Panther 2.5 but indicated "The Panther Blade is no longer available but there is no mention of the 2.2 Panther. Is the 2.2 Panther available?

 

[peter halle]

We are investigating .......

 

[tbellemare]

I will bet that either Shane or Tom will pop in and get the number for the TS-55 Panther with the 2.2 kerf.

You win that bet, Peter!

The 2.5 mm Panther blades for the TS 55 were 495372 and previously, 439685.

The current, 2.2 mm kerf Panther blade is 496305. It is also a different blade other than the kerf - the geometry of the blade is very different. The previous "Standard" blade was also discontinued - there is no longer a "Standard" blade.

Tom

 

[mikeneron]

The current, 2.2 mm kerf Panther blade is 496305. It is also a different blade other than the kerf - the geometry of the blade is very different. The previous "Standard" blade was also discontinued - there is no longer a "Standard" blade.

Here's a pic for reference.  I got this one not too long ago and when I tried it out I could barely hear or feel the saw making the cut  Felt like something was wrong at first, like there actually wasn't even a blade in the saw compared to the fine tooth blade that came with the TS55.  It really does cut like butter as someone else posted above.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

I was using the stock blade and it was sharp. What kind of edge will the panther leave?  I've been to my local dealers looking for the panther 2.2 but they both only have the 2.5. I'll be ording it online today.  I still want the 75.  I like making cuts in one pass and I would like to rip sheat goods two sheets at a time.  My ts55 will not always stay cool when rapidly cutting sheet goods.  I like the edge the stock blade leaves and if the panther requires a lot more sanding to achieve the same edge,  I think waiting a minute for it to cool will still be a good option.  Putting the vac hose over the 55's motor vents really speeds up the cooling time as well.

A cut with the panther blade won't leave a acceptable finish if its for an island or a visible edge.  Along a wall with a back splash, definitely.  I guess it depends on the situation.  I used it to rip 2x8's today  [eek]  the same cut would stall 3 times with the stock blade.  The rough cut in that instance didn't matter.

I can understand wanting to cut multiple sheets, or making a single pass with a TS75, but I think many are quick to dismiss the TS55 as under powered due to blade choice.  I really wish the TS55 could cut a full 2" though, as that extra 1/8" would have really really helped me out on a couple of occasions.  

On a similar note, to people who own one or both, does the TS75 leave a finished quality cut?  I have read otherwise, but have no first hand experience.  

 

I haven't had the same experiences that Vinny has had with the 28 tooth Festool blade for the TS 55.  However, I should point out that the three 28 tooth blades I have were the older version with the 2.5mm kerf.  I had Jimmy Forrest personally modify them to give me a 2.2mm kerf.  I don't know if that has anything to do with it or the way he reground them, but mine give beautiful fast cuts in hardwoods whether ripping or crosscutting 4/4 to 8/4.  I've even forgotten I had that blade on the saw and cut plywood with very little tearout.

 

[Vindingo]

I haven't had the same experiences that Vinny has had with the 28 tooth Festool blade for the TS 55.  However, I should point out that the three 28 tooth blades I have were the older version with the 2.5mm kerf.  I had Jimmy Forrest personally modify them to give me a 2.2mm kerf.  I don't know if that has anything to do with it or the way he reground them, but mine give beautiful fast cuts in hardwoods whether ripping or crosscutting 4/4 to 8/4.  I've even forgotten I had that blade on the saw and cut plywood with very little tearout.

Ken, did your TS55 come with a 28 tooth blade?  I have two 48's and a panther, never used the 28.   

You just always use your reground 28? 

 

[Ken Nagrod]

My TS 55 came with the 48 tooth blade.  I got the saw during the sale and bought a bunch of the different blades.  As luck had it (planned), the following month Festool brought out the 2.2mm kerfed blades that were previously larger kerf blades.

One of my 28 tooth blades I had bought off of a FOG member.  The other two were off the shelf brand new.  I brought Jimmy all the blades at the same time.  He wasn't happy, but he did them for me at a cost of $11 per blade if I remember correctly.

I use the 48 tooth most of the time and the 28's for hardwoods.

 

[hockey_magnet]

I've checked online at all 3 Festool Dealers in my area (Toronto/Hamilton - Atlas Machinery, Tegs Tools and Lee Valley) and at least on line they are only showing the 2.5mm Panther i.e. the old model. Is this just old stock?

Chris

 

[Brice Burrell]

I've checked online at all 3 Festool Dealers in my area (Toronto/Hamilton - Atlas Machinery, Tegs Tools and Lee Valley) and at least on line they are only showing the 2.5mm Panther i.e. the old model. Is this just old stock?

Chris

I would think the new(er) Panther blade is available in Canada.  Your best bet is call dealers and ask specifically for the part number 496305.

 

[mikeneron]

I've checked online at all 3 Festool Dealers in my area (Toronto/Hamilton - Atlas Machinery, Tegs Tools and Lee Valley) and at least on line they are only showing the 2.5mm Panther i.e. the old model. Is this just old stock?

Chris

As far as Lee Valley's website goes, you would want the Standard Saw Blade...even though they call it Standard it actually says Panther on the blade (see my photo earlier in the thread).  I bought mine from Lee Valley and that's the one I bought.