TS55 in place of a sliding table saw?!

[Toller]

I have bad space shortage in my shop, and no real way to get more room.  I have small entry level tools and need bigger, but have no room for them.
I was thinking of buying a combination machine (sliding table saw, jointer, planer, shaper) and getting rid of my TS, planner, jointer, and RAS.  One of the sales reps suggested that I think about just buying a jointer/planer (getting rid of the jointer and planer)and keeping the TS.  He figured the Festool TS55 would handle all my crosscut needs at a much lower price and space requirement as a sliding TS, it just wouldn't be as convenient.  I only make a few big crosscuts a month, so if the TS55 would actually do it, then I don't mind the inconvenience.
(I would have to get a SCMS to replace the RAS, but the RAS sucks at angle cuts anyhow, so that would be a blessing.)

Since he sells combination machines and not Festool, I figure he is sincere.

So what you guys think; will a TS55 be up to making 25" long 45 degree cuts in 4/4 oak a few times a month?  That is basically what I wanted the sliding TS for.

And is the TS55 adequate for that, or should I go for the TS75?  I have read in other posts that the TS55 is great, but 10a just doesn't seem like much power.

 

[bill-e]

Nothing fancy with the video linked below but yes, the TS 55 can do that all day.  The cherry panel in this clip is 23" wide but the MFT in this configuration can easily do about 28" and up to 45" with the rail mounted long ways. .  I'm not sure if you were talking about a 45° bevel or miter cut but the answer is still yes on both accounts.  I'd recommend also getting an MFT, which can be folded up and moved out of the way when you're not using it but my bet is that once you have one you'll be spending a lot of time with it instead of your bench.
http://NHWoodworker.com/domino/tabletoptrim.wmv

 

[stvrowe]

Been there, done that, even got the T Shirt.   I replaced 2 tablesaws, shaper, 8" jointer and 13" planer with a slider combo in hopes of recovering shop space.  After all, it was cheaper than adding on to my shop.  A slider (particularly a long one with a big outrigger) takes up a LOT of space.  If you get a shorter slider, this will not be a problem.  My slider is 110" long and I don't think I really recovered any shop space because of the stroke front to rear and a large outrigger when attached does require open space.  (Hmmm? - Did I mention a LOT of space?)  I do love the slider and the 16" jointer that matches the size of the planer is great.  From what you describe, the Festool setup looks like the correct choice.
Steve

 

[Jon3]

Although I'm only one project into it, I already feel more comfortable reaching for my TS55 than my tablesaw. 

 

[Jesse Cloud]

TS 55 should handle that easily.  I spent most of the day yesterday ripping 6 foot pieces of rough 5/4 walnut with a TS55 and two guide rails connected.  Worked great.

 

[clintholeman]

I don't think you'll have any problems at all.  Unless you really want to spend the money, the Festools will do very nicely.  They do for me.  I don't own any of those spiffy anchors - though a nice combo machine might be nice in the future when I get rich and famous .

I have the ATF 65 and it is significant overkill for the stuff I cut and some of it is really tough on saws [e.g. purple heart, iron wood].  The saw works fine - and I do charge my clients a slight tool charge for increased wear on my blades.  But the saw works just fine.

 

[Toller]

TS 55 should handle that easily.  I spent most of the day yesterday ripping 6 foot pieces of rough 5/4 walnut with a TS55 and two guide rails connected.  Worked great.

Ripping isn't a problem; I just do it on my table saw.  It is large crosscuts or panel cuts that I wanted the TS55 for.

Are you saying you use it instead of a table saw?!

That would certainly free up room; getting a large table for the TS55, and losing the table saw.  Though dados would be a problem.

 

[Dave Rudy]

That would certainly free up room; getting a large table for the TS55, and losing the table saw.  Though dados would be a problem.

Dadoes?  No problem -- just use the router.  Several methods of getting custom-fit, perfect dadoes from using OF 1400 and guide rail (detailed on John Lucas' website) to Pat Warner's quick and accurate method (video on finewoodworking.com).

For me, the router is the tool of choice for dadoes.

I have so far defaulted to the Tablesaw for long rips, but I am in process of building a long MFT and intend to try several projects without the tablesaw at all.  Other than rips and cove cuts, I question the need for the tablesaw.

Dave

 

[Jim Becker]

I own both a sliding table saw (MM S315 WS) and the Festool gear. IMHO, they are complimentary. Honestly, the kind of work you do will dictate what's best for your situation. I wouldn't give up either, but if I were forced to pick one or the other, the slider would stay. But unlike the Festool guided system, it's not portable...