TS 75 vs TS 55

[robertj7]

I am going to build a new shop and plan to use a Festool plunge saw rather than a table saw, at least at the begiinning.  May I have some on the choice of saw?  It is there ana davantge/disadvantage of getting a TS 55 vs a TS 75?

 

[Theshipstore]

Fist let me say  [welcome] to FOG, you are going to like it here and will get plenty of good tips and advise from all.

On the TS 55 versus the 75 it really depends on what you are doing. I have used the TS 55 now for my cabinet making for about 5 years now and for me it is just what I need. I break down sheet goods easily and my dimensional lumber break downs are just as easy.
I have not found a need for the bigger saw at this point.
My materials I use for cabinets Baltic Birch Plywood, Cherry, White or Red Oak have not caused me any problems so far. The TS 55 for me is the go to plunge saw...
I will bet others will chime in soon with there opinions as that is what is so great about FOG
Sal

 

[dltflt]

First WELCOME TO FOG.  I am a hobbiest and own the TS75.  I bought it because there are times I thought
I would need that extra depth of cut.  I think if I were buying a saw now, I would get the TS55 because it would do everything I need and it is much lighter than the 75.

 

[barnowl]

Go to a store, and hold both of them in your hands.

The TS-75 is larger, and heavier.

Unless you plan on ripping thicker wood than just under 2", you'll get the TS-55.

 

[robertj7]

I  apperciate the rapid input and you have addressed exactly the points that were of concern.  The 55 seems to be the saw for me.  Thanks very much and I look forward to more advice in the future.

 

[Sean7a]

Go to a store, and hold both of them in your hands.

The TS-75 is larger, and heavier.

Unless you plan on ripping thicker wood than just under 2", you'll get the TS-55.

The TS 75 is significantly larger and heavier.  It DOES have a slip clutch.  It DOES have a heftier depth of cut.  Is this worth your while?  I'd follow barnowl's advice and go put one in your hands.  If your hesitant, buy the 75 and decide if you think it's too bulky and overkill.  I'd like to venture a guess and say you will, but that's up to you. 

Definitely, definitely, definitely stay away from any YS55's you see

 

[woodie]

I’m a hobbyist as well and own the TS75. The weight difference hasn’t been a bother for me, and I do use it quite frequently.  In a production environment this might be different.  I preferred the 75 for its added power and extra depth of cut for bevels. I like the added safety of the blade clutch too. The only negatives for me have been the cost difference of the blades and keeping the saw from tipping on the above mentioned bevel cuts. 

 

[Steve F]

As others have said, it depends on how often you will need the extra depth.  I am a novice and have had the TS55 for a few years.  I've been thinking of adding a TS75 because I have started to do some stuff with 8/4+ hardwood slabs.  But I would only consider the TS75 as a second saw - not as my only saw.  The TS55 can do almost everything the TS75 does - just slower (more passes, 1/2 from each side, etc).

Steve

 

[semenza]

Hi Robert,

Welcome to the FOG!  [smile]

This is one of the most common decisions for those entering the Festool world. Along with "do I need a table saw?" .   Choose a plunge saw and add the table saw later if you want one. Don't get the two questions  overly entwined it will just make the decision more difficult.

Remember that Festool has the 30 try it out deal.

Seth

 

[Kev]

You really need to consult your crystal ball ...

I went with the 55 because it'll be the most common go to saw size for me (and would be for the majority of people).

I still have a monster of a Hitachi circular saw and it's slightly smaller brother (235mm and 190mm). The ratio of use was probably 5% to 95%.

 

[waho6o9]

Welcome to the FOG robertj7!  Get both, problem solved, that way you can handle anything the comes along.
Have fun building your shop.

 

[Samo]

Yep.............TS55................then TS75 for 8/4 Stock and large doors....... [eek]

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Yep.............TS55................then TS75 for 5/4 Stock and large doors....... [eek]

I use my TS 55 with 28 tooth blade for that also.

Are you sure you don't want to just wait until a new model TS saw with stoboscopic lights and dancetronic mp3 module comes out?  [scratch chin]

 

[Kev]

Yep.............TS55................then TS75 for 5/4 Stock and large doors....... [eek]

I use my TS 55 with 28 tooth blade for that also.

Are you sure you don't want to just wait until a new model TS saw with stoboscopic lights and dancetronic mp3 module comes out?   [scratch chin]

TS75 in the CMS module would be ideal as the second saw you buy. But I think Ken's disco saw will hit the US market before CMS gets there!

 

[Brad Gobble]

I own both AND a table saw (Sawstop ICS) ... each has their uses. If I could own only one the sawstop wins. If I could own only one and didn't have $5k then the TS55. My 75 doesn't get used as much, but when needed NOTHING else can do the job.

Get the TS55.

 

[Steve R]

If i could only have one TS Saw it would be the TS75 as it will do everything...and I might not have to go to the gym as much..  I have both the 55 and 75, bought the 55 first but then need the depth of cut of the 75 and on hard wood found that the 55 could not cut it without burning it.

If I'm cutting down a lot of sheet goods.... I will use the 75 and cut two to three sheets at a time and save some time.

But at one sheet a time.. the 55 works fine.

Cheer,
Steve

 

[Wonderwino]

I've got both.  I bought the TS75 first because I had some rough 9/4 ash that I needed to sraight-line rip to prepare the stock.  I used that saw for everything, but after a couple of years and a trip to end-user class in Lebanon, I bought the TS55.  It does cut sheet goods smoother than the TS75, due to more teeth passing through the material at a faster speed.  I mainly got it because it is easier to handle for most tasks, but I would never give up the additional capability of the TS75.  If I had not had to process that heavy ash in the beginning, I would have bought the TS55 first.

 

[jmbfestool]

I have both 55 and 75.

I had the TS55 before I got the 75.   95% of the time I go for the TS55  it's a much much much nicer saw to use over the TS75. Trust me on that one!   To be honest the TS75 is horrible to use compared to the TS55    The TS55 runs a lot smoother and because it's light in weight it's easier to use.

Ask Dean social he has a TS75 and when he used my TS55 the other week he admitted its a nicer saw to use and is now considering buying one.

Don't get me wrong I do like my TS75 it has been brilliant for when the TS55 couldn't do what I needed cus I needed the depth of cut and power.  Mainly for when I been cutting green oak the TS75 came in.

Jmb

 

[davee]

Having both is fantastic.  If I had to only have one it would be the 55.  There are things it can't do as easily, but it is easy to use, light weight, etc.  The 75 is perfect when you need it, but in my opinion too heavy (and requires more rail length) for most requirements.  The 55 is my 95% saw.  The 5% remaining sure makes the 75 nice. 

 

[Oldwood]

I would say if you intend to cut a lot of hardwood even 4/4 I would get the TS 75. If sheet stock is what you are cutting the TS 55 is the way to go.
I have a TS 75 & it will struggle with 4/4 white oak. I am not a hobbyist so I tend to push the saw pretty hard. I think the TS 75 will do everything the TS 55 will but not as comfortably on sheet stock but the reverse cannot be said & that is why I got the TS 75..............first. You do need both  [big grin]

Gerry