TS 55 or TS 75
- Thread starter Kluk
- Start date
Whilst not an easy decision in general terms, for plywood for cabinets - the TS55 easily wins. Easier / lighter to use and plenty powerful enough.
Re accessories, one or more types of rail clamp will come in handy - the quick action clamps would be my first choice.
I am sure other accessories such a parallel guides etc could be useful, however, best to get to know the 'system' before going too wild.
Cheers
John
Re accessories, one or more types of rail clamp will come in handy - the quick action clamps would be my first choice.
I am sure other accessories such a parallel guides etc could be useful, however, best to get to know the 'system' before going too wild.
Cheers
John
mouppe
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Welcome to the FOG.
Be aware that when you buy a TS55 or TS75, you can "upgrade" the rail to whatever length you like by paying the incremental difference. So if, for example, you were to get a TS55, you can replace the included 55" rail with the 106" rail.
Richard.
Be aware that when you buy a TS55 or TS75, you can "upgrade" the rail to whatever length you like by paying the incremental difference. So if, for example, you were to get a TS55, you can replace the included 55" rail with the 106" rail.
Richard.
I would strongly recommend the 118" guide rail as the 106" is just barely long enough to rip sheet goods with the ts55. I have never touched a ts75 but I have 2 55's and a 106" and a 118" rail and the 118" is much easier to use on 8' sheet goods. The ts55 has always worked very well with plywood MDF and PB/Melamine panels that I use it on.
The ts55 gets my vote. Unless your cutting 1-1/2" material all the time, the 55 will be fine. And when I need to cut thick dense material I just set the depth to about half and them full depth and cut it in 2 passes. The 55 is in my opinion the perfect size and weight for breaking down 3/4 stock.
Theshipstore
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my vote is for the TS55, I build cabinets and have setup two saws one for cross cuts the other for rips,
I have the 118" plus some 55' guide rails and the combo works great for my sheet goods and face frame work. Good luck
Sal
I have the 118" plus some 55' guide rails and the combo works great for my sheet goods and face frame work. Good luck
Sal
bonesbr549
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Welcome aboard! Ah the 55/75 question. I too asked that some time ago. Ultimatelyl if ply 1" or less than 2x stuff the 55 will be fine. It's weight is nice as the 75 is more and depending on how much you lug it, that could be a factor. I use mine a lot and I have the MFT3 you will love that as well. Untill a few weeks back when I had to cut some 2x stock and it would not work for that but heck I still had the old PC with forrest blade around so used that instead. Felt like I was back in the ice ages. The true choice would be one of each, but for the few times I would ever need 2x stock that I would not cut on the kapex or my TS (and yes I did keep that) the 55 is the one to go to. Of course that and a buck seventy-five will get you a cup of coffee. Have a good one.
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Great responses here so far. Stick with a TS 55 and save yourself some cash. If you do see yourself cutting thicker or denser material, the slip clutch as well as depth of cut and a little more "oompf" that the TS 75 has will certainly come in handy. But if that's not an everyday task, go with a TS 55.
Remember, as another poster mentioned, you can always upgrade to a larger rail when you purchase your saw and just pay the difference. I always recommend customers get another 55" rail and two guide rail connectors. This gives you about 110" of total length that is easily broken down to very easily transportable 55" pieces. You sort of pigeon hole yourself if you just upgrade to a large 106" rail.
Remember, as another poster mentioned, you can always upgrade to a larger rail when you purchase your saw and just pay the difference. I always recommend customers get another 55" rail and two guide rail connectors. This gives you about 110" of total length that is easily broken down to very easily transportable 55" pieces. You sort of pigeon hole yourself if you just upgrade to a large 106" rail.
Funny you should ask. I use a TS55 for cutting 3/4" plywood on a frequent basis (much easier to use than my Powermatic 66), and rarely use my TS75. But, just yesterday I had a need to cut about 1-1/2" off the legs of a router cabinet, and the 55 did not have the depth of cut necessary. I simply attached the guide rail across two legs and presto, a nice square cut that was easy to make. I recall the same procedure several years ago (pre Festool) when I used a traditional circular saw and a guide board. The difference in both time required and the quality of the result is amazing.
For now, get the 55, but don't be surprised if you find yourself with a 75 too.
Jim Ray
For now, get the 55, but don't be surprised if you find yourself with a 75 too.
Jim Ray
kfitzsimons
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I have the TS55 and just trimmed a few 1 3/8 poplar doors. With limited success, but it was a learning experience. Buy a rip blade if you're going to rip. I tried to use the finish blade and it was not ideal. According to the brochure, the TS55 will cut to a depth of 2 1/8", so it's plenty for most work. If I'm cutting 4x4 posts, I set the guide track (with additional support on both ends) and make the first cut, turn the post 90 degrees and make the second, turn another 90 and make the final cut. Works fine.
Thank you all for your comments and advice. I am surprise that 100% for TS 55. As for the guide rail, I am thinking to go with an extra 55" or 75" guide rail, with two connectors. Is 75" rail better to use for crosscut 4x8 plywood? Once again thank you all.
Kim
Kim
If I were in your position I would get the TS 55 with a 55 rail with the holes for the LR 32 system and then also get the 75 inch rail. Two connectors and 2 clamps. Having that 75 inch rail may decrease the number of times that you have to connect rails.
Peter
Peter
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If you are mainly cutting sheet material and won't be cutting thick material then go with the TS 55
Definitely consider the 2000 mm guide rail as it gives you more rail when working with 8 foot sheets and you won't have to worry about the saw running out of real estate.
Also consider the guide rail accessory kit just to keep everythng organized
Dan Clermont
Definitely consider the 2000 mm guide rail as it gives you more rail when working with 8 foot sheets and you won't have to worry about the saw running out of real estate.
Also consider the guide rail accessory kit just to keep everythng organized
Dan Clermont
Corwin
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Kluk said:
YES!
I think the best setup for 4x8 sheet goods is the 118" and 75" guide rails. They will do the job with either TS55 or TS75 saw -- the TS75 does require a bit longer rail -- and will make the process much easier than going with the shorter lengths. Going with the 55" and 75" and joining them will work for you, but keep in mind that you will be connecting and disconnecting often -- you may prefer to have a 75" and either a 118" or two joined rails for the 8' cuts.
Dan Clermont said:
I'm sure that Dan meant to say 3000mm guide rail, not 2000mm...
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Thanks Corwin. Me Bad and apologize
Dan
Dan
Sam Murdoch
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Peter Halle said:
This is a very good way to go. I can't even imagine needing the TS75 except on a construction site or building cabinetry with lots of solid 5/4, 6/4 or bigger stock with no table saw in sight. Good advice to get rail lengths that allow a clear landing pad for the saw before you engage your material - especially important at the front of the cut - not so critical on the end.
Hi Kluk,
WELCOME to the FOG ! [smile]
The TS55 saw.
If you get a second short rail go with the 75" as opposed to two 55", more options that way.
I hate joining and taking apart rails. Yes its not that hard, but it is just a big nuissance. Personally I like the 118" and the 75" for sheets goods. I have a bunch of rails but if I was choosing only two rails to get it would be 118" and 75".
Seth
WELCOME to the FOG ! [smile]
The TS55 saw.
If you get a second short rail go with the 75" as opposed to two 55", more options that way.
I hate joining and taking apart rails. Yes its not that hard, but it is just a big nuissance. Personally I like the 118" and the 75" for sheets goods. I have a bunch of rails but if I was choosing only two rails to get it would be 118" and 75".
Seth
get the ts55
as for the rails . if you do shop work only get the long rail and a short rail so thet you can rip and crosscut efficiently.
if you do site work sometimes . i would get 3 55"rails. they easily fit in the bag and are easier to transport. i have 3 55"rails only so i cant comment on the 75"rail but i would hate to have to transort it around in a smallish van as 20"would stick out of the rail bag.
a 800mm rail will be handy for crosscutting cabinet stock. (my next rail)
also get the lr32 rail if you can aford the difference. i didnt upgrate(not sure if we can in this country) and had to buy the 3rd rail when i would rather of had the long rail. i would have ended up with 3 rails eventually anyway so problem
if you want the parralel guides etc. there is a set with the rails , clamps, both parts of the parallel guides, rail conector big bag and a few other bits. its a bit of a streth at the start but cheaper in the long run
as for the rails . if you do shop work only get the long rail and a short rail so thet you can rip and crosscut efficiently.
if you do site work sometimes . i would get 3 55"rails. they easily fit in the bag and are easier to transport. i have 3 55"rails only so i cant comment on the 75"rail but i would hate to have to transort it around in a smallish van as 20"would stick out of the rail bag.
a 800mm rail will be handy for crosscutting cabinet stock. (my next rail)
also get the lr32 rail if you can aford the difference. i didnt upgrate(not sure if we can in this country) and had to buy the 3rd rail when i would rather of had the long rail. i would have ended up with 3 rails eventually anyway so problem
if you want the parralel guides etc. there is a set with the rails , clamps, both parts of the parallel guides, rail conector big bag and a few other bits. its a bit of a streth at the start but cheaper in the long run
As far as rail length for crosscutting, If you crosscut 49" width material often, the 75" rail is MUCH better than the 55" ones.
If most everything is ripped first to a narrower width, the 55" is much easier to use. The 55" will work with 49" crosscut but it requires exact positioning so that the saw is still "guided" at the far end.
If most everything is ripped first to a narrower width, the 55" is much easier to use. The 55" will work with 49" crosscut but it requires exact positioning so that the saw is still "guided" at the far end.
