TS55 - How important is variable speed?

[windy*miller]

Hi Fellas,

First post coming up...just before purchase of first Festool tool. Stepping onto the slippery slope I'm told! [big grin]

I need a new saw for cutting sheets material to make shelves, cupboards etc which will almost always be 1/2 or 3/4 inch birch ply or MDF. I've convinced myself that I need a TS 55 with guide rail, but here in the UK it comes in several different models, from the basic single speed (the "Q") to the electronic variable speed with brake (the "EBQ"). The price range is UK?370 to ?456 or around $550 to $635. The dealers all say "if you're going to spend that amount you might as well get the best" but then when did a dealer ever recommend getting the cheaper model of anything!

I'm never going to be cutting concrete blocks or metal or anything, so I'm wondering if anyone can give me an opinion about whether to spend the extra money or save it.

 

[mouppe]

Personally I have never reduced the speed on my TS55, so I would opt for the single speed. It depends on whether you foresee the need for a variable speed saw in the future. 70 pounds does buy you another guide rail...

Richard.

 

[windy*miller]

That's exactly what I thought. Or it would buy dinner for Mrs Windy to soften the blow (not that I'll ever be telling her WHY I took her out...)

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I have used mine.  It is nice to know it is there.

 

[jonny round boy]

Windy,

[welcome]

I'd say the opposite of Richard - go for the EBQ.

Why? Well firstly, the B in EBQ, which stands for brake. The electronic brake stops the blade very quickly. Sure, the TS55 blade retracts, so you could argue that it doesn't need a brake. Personally, I don't like putting any tool down unless it's completely stopped, even if the moving part is covered. It is, in my opinion, one of the few good habits I've developed. The brake saves standing there holding it whilst you're waiting for it to run down. It's probably only 3-4 seconds, but when you're waiting it seems like 10x that.

Second, you probably will use the speed control at some point in the saw's life. If you ever need to cut anything other than MDF or cheap ply, you will need it. In contrast to Richard, I use it a lot. It's very rare that I use the saw at full speed (speed 6). It's usually set to 5 - I don't really know why, it just feels to me to cut better at that speed.

If I'm cutting solid surface (which I do occasionally) I generally set it to 3-4. And recently I had to cut some 20mm perspex, and turned it right down to 1. Anything faster, and the perspex melted. At full speed it would have made one heck of a mess, both of the material and the blade.

If you really want to save 80 quid that much, then by all means buy the stripped-down version. But if you do, you'll probably regret it at some point.

JRB

 

[Frank Pellow]

In the 6 years that I have used Festool circular saws, I have seldom used anything but the top speed.  Even when I did use a lower speed, I am not at all sure that it was nesessary.

 

[jonny round boy]

Looks like I'm in the minority so far!  [embarassed]

 

[mouppe]

Jonny, you're not in the minority. I make it 2-2 so far.  ;D

To be honest, in North America you can only buy the variable speed option so it is not an issue for us. This discussion is a bit like the TS55 vs TS75 debate in that both have their fans. I agree with you about the brake. I always wait until the saw has stopped before lifting it, the same goes for the OF1400 too.

Richard.

 

[rwdawson]

Windy,

I agree with Johnny, who with my vote, is now the majority leader -- 3 to 2!  No more hung woodworking Parliament; sometimes it's a beautiful thing to not be hung.

You will be paying a premium of about 15% for the variable speed capability.  I don't consider this to be excessive.  Sure, routers and drills are different, but I wouldn't consider buying one of those critters that didn't have a speed adjustment unless the premium was much higher than 15%.

Johnny hit all the salient points, his logic makes perfect sense.  Go for it, and welcome to the forum.

Richard

 

[windy*miller]

Ha - I should have known it would be like this!

The thing is, of the tools I use regularly two are single speed (SCMS and router) and two are variable (jigsaw and sander). I have never had a problem with the single speed ones and have very rarely used the other two on anything less than maximum. But then I'm not all that much of an expert at this, if I'm being honest!

 

[mouppe]

A single speed router seems to be the first problem I would address. You won't be able to safely use bits larger than 3/4 inch I would guess. Anyway, looks like the jury is split on the TS55.

Richard.

 

[joiner1970]

HI Windy,

I just posted on the UKworkshop forum telling you to come here, didnt know you were already here  [laughing]

Anyone know if all models have the electronic control system or is it just the ones with variable speed ?

I have the TS55 in 110v UK and this is an EQ you cannot get it in EBQ, not having the brake doesnt bother me but I told Windy on our other forum that if you dont have the E version you dont get electronic speed control. Just incase you dont know what im on about I mean the thing that boosts the saw when it struggles and makes the saw sound rough when it starts.

Good luck with your purchase Windy

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Interesting thread.  I have never turned the speed down on the saw, but I noticed this morning that Rick's TS55 manual suggests slower speeds for hardwood, plastic, masonry, cementatious hardboard, and aluminum.  Next time I am cutting some thick hardwood, I'll definitely try it.

 

[jvsteenb]

I'd say: go for the E version. When doing longer cuts in oak or - especially! - cherry tuning down the speed may give you a cut without burning or burnishing the wood, without slowing the cut down too much.
Saves a lot of hassle, and may alleviate the need to change blades for a specific cut. I must say that I think the E-brake is at least as useful as the speed control, so if that's not available, things may add up differently.
But all in all I think it's bad economics to spend a lot of money on a tool and "save" by buying the lower specified model, thereby skimping on versatility.
That may be very wise for companies that purchase 10 saws at a time for a very specific task, and that know exactly what the tools will be up against, but for a DIY-er or a general craftsman I wouldn't consider that sound advice.

Anyhow : Welcome to the FOG! And by all means: buy whatever you feel comfortable with. ( even if it's a singe speed router...... [blink] )

Regards,

Job

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I turn mine down in thick hardwoods.  Helps keep a nice edge with ash.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Interesting thread.  I have never turned the speed down on the saw, but I noticed this morning that Rick's TS55 manual suggests slower speeds for hardwood, plastic, masonry, cementatious hardboard, and aluminum.  Next time I am cutting some thick hardwood, I'll definitely try it.

And I use the variable speed quite often. It is one of the best features of the saw, and that also applies to Kapex too.

 

[windy*miller]

This is looking dangerously like a concensus! Thanks again for all the input.

 

[Jonhilgen]

Interesting thread.  I have never turned the speed down on the saw, but I noticed this morning that Rick's TS55 manual suggests slower speeds for hardwood, plastic, masonry, cementatious hardboard, and aluminum.  Next time I am cutting some thick hardwood, I'll definitely try it.

And I use the variable speed quite often. It is one of the best features of the saw, and that also applies to Kapex too.

Been cutting Starboard lately on highest setting with no problem, clean cut.  Will try it on a lower setting to see what happens.  It never occurred to me.

 

[tigger]

Gotta admit that the variable speed is definitely a good option to have. I cut most type of wood and over the past 6 years that I've had my ts 55, I've gotten a feel for what speed works best. I generally get a "feel" of the wood within the first inch or so of cutting a piece of scrap and simply adjust the speed before making any final cuts. It's amazing what difference it makes.
In my country, we have a saying -"goedkoop is duurkoop" buying cheap is expensive.

Have fun making your decision.

To win Mrs windy over, just make her something using the new Festool and when she hugs you and says thanks, you admit that that is why you needed this particular Festool - to make something special for her.  [eek]

P.S. I have a little book full of ideas of things to make for my wife. I plan my Festool purchases accordingly  [big grin] It works every time!

 

[windmill man]

The lower speeds are useful when cutting difficult and brittle melamine faced sheets. Its worth the extra. Welcome to the slippery slope!