TS 55 or TS 75 for butcher block?

[noughtme]

I know, yet another TS 55 vs TS 75 question, so I'll at least make this specific. I'm looking to pick up one of these to finish up a renovation project project I've been working on. I need to rip a bunch of 1 1/2" maple and beech butcher block for kitchen counters and also for a bathroom vanity I'm building (the vanity is built out of butcher block, not just the top). A few other small hardwood casegoods might be in the works as well.

I can live with not being able to do mitres, but does the TS 55 have enough grunt to rip butcher block?

I will say that I don't currently own a table saw or a mitre saw, and as an apartment dweller, don't have any immediate plans to buy either one in the near future. Also, after these projects are out of the way future woodworking will probably only involve 3/4" plywood cabinets or bookcases.

 

[tbellemare]

I have used both the TS 55 and the TS 75 to cut Boos maple butcher block successfully.

The first time I did it, I used the TS 75 because I thought it would be a better saw for the job. It worked really well.

The second time, all I had with me was the TX 55. It worked really well also.

Both times, I was using the stock blade. The cuts made were cutting to length and sink holes. For the sink holes, I made rounded corners with the PSB 300 Jigsaw.

Tom

 

[noughtme]

Was the TS 55 any slower going or was it pretty much indistinguishable?

 

[mwhafner]

I have both the TS75 and TS55.  If I had to pick one, I would choose the TS75, but only because of the additional capacity.

I originally purchased the TS55 a couple of years ago, at could not be happier.  It is an excellent "all-round" saw.

I found myself in a few situations, one very similar to yours, where the capacity of the TS55 wasn't quite adequate.  My counter-tops are 1 7/8  maple.  I made the first couple of cuts with the TS55, and the results were acceptable.  It just required cutting from both sides.  There had to be a better way.  I also had several thick doors to cut-off, so it made sense to add additional capacity.

I purchased the TS75, and haven't looked back.  If you can keep your cutting requirements under 1 3/8", then the TS55 will do everything that you need.  Otherwise, I would opt for the TS75.  I now routinely cut two thicknesses of 3/4 BB for cabinets, the results are spectacular.

 

[noughtme]

Thanks,

I suppose since this will be in place of any future table saw purchase i can justify the inconvenience of the extra weight in favour of the extra capacity.

 

[tbellemare]

The TS 75 handled the cuts easier but they were both fine.

Tom