I am new to this site. Many years ago did a lot of woodworking and through changes in my life had to sell everything. Now I am retired and want to start again, but have to be real about the fact of limited funds and place to do it in. I have two car garage and probably will have to do it in driveway. Now my question is I really do not want a table saw at this point and like the idea of the tracksaw and the process that goes with using one. If I was getting one saw to do this would I be better off with the TS55 or MAfell55 I ruled out the TS75 because it is more weight which may not be a factor on the track. I know festool warantees are better and service seems good, bit I can see there is some real nice features on the M55. Now to clarify things I will be working with sheet material and 4/4 hardwoods. So will the TS55 really work for me? I thought for what the M55 cost I could go a little bit more and get the TS55 and MFT3. I also can just go to walmart and buy cosco folding table to cut on. When I talked to sales person he said I would be better off with the TS75. I am not sure because I never have used any of them. Hope I did not confuse everybody here
TS55 or MT55
- Thread starter dusteater
- Start date
Birdhunter
Member
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2012
- Messages
- 4,145
I cannot comment on the Mafell saw, but I use a TS55 MFT combination a lot. The TS55 is excellent on the 3/4" Baltic Birch plywood I use and I cut 4/4 hardwood with no problems. I do have a very powerful tablesaw to do ripping. If I was using the TS55 for ripping hardwood, I'd switch blades to a rip blade.
The MFT with the flip down track is a wonderful tool. There are a few accessories that greatly enhance its use.
A cheap gadget called a Slopstop pretty much eliminates any side to side movement of the flip down track. Bench dogs, QWAS, fit into the MFT holes to provide alignment. And, you will need an accurate large square to get the track lined up perfectly. I use a large framing square from Woodpecker. There is a much less expensive phenolic square that people seem to like that would work.
I looked at the TS75 and nothing I do requires its power. It's also a beast to handle.
If you want to really change your woodworking, buy a Domino. It is an amazing tool!
The MFT with the flip down track is a wonderful tool. There are a few accessories that greatly enhance its use.
A cheap gadget called a Slopstop pretty much eliminates any side to side movement of the flip down track. Bench dogs, QWAS, fit into the MFT holes to provide alignment. And, you will need an accurate large square to get the track lined up perfectly. I use a large framing square from Woodpecker. There is a much less expensive phenolic square that people seem to like that would work.
I looked at the TS75 and nothing I do requires its power. It's also a beast to handle.
If you want to really change your woodworking, buy a Domino. It is an amazing tool!
Thank you for your input. I believe you are right about the dust collection. I will probably have to buy a piece at a time. I know my mind says buy a jobsite saw but my heart says no. I believe I could be happy withe MFT3 and 55 which I would buy both at once. I see things a little different at this part of my life. I used to do a lot of photography. I was told buy A wise man once the camera did not make the picture, But it could sure inspire one to. Point being I like German tools just I like German cameras. and if I am happy I will enjoy what I do. Won't ask for more than that.
Birdhunter
Member
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2012
- Messages
- 4,145
Do some research on the Domino. It's a wonderful joinery tool and it does need a good vac as does the TS55.
MT55 is more powerful - noticeably so if you are going to use it to cut hardwood, not just sheet goods. The Mafell tracks are vastly superior if joining together.
However, if you have room for long tracks and don't need to cut hardwoods, then the Festool has some advantages such as the plug-it cord and more accessories for the tracks such as parallel guides, squares, etc.
However, if you have room for long tracks and don't need to cut hardwoods, then the Festool has some advantages such as the plug-it cord and more accessories for the tracks such as parallel guides, squares, etc.
One of the things the impress me about festool is the quality of tools they have. Like the jointer a woodworers dream. Like most of us doing hobbies can't do it the way we want otherwise I would have a complete set of festool or Mafell tools. So i have to look at what I can do to get started and make do with other things to get by. I know a saw is the most important tool to have so my money will be spent there first. right now I still have portacable 7/8 router handdrill dewalt. old square. Not much to go on.
that was my thought originally. My intentions in the begining was to buy the TS55 and 1010 router with guide adapter. Still might go that way. Then when I figured it up the TS55 plus MFT3 table was not much more. There goes the router. See what I do to myself. I am convinced though I would like a tracksaw system.
thanks for the kind words here. I will look closely to my needs. I feel festool is a quality product worth investing into. I have read many post on TS 55 and for the most part it would work for me. So we will see. Limited space has led me in this direction. wanting a simple set up leaves me few options. But I like this forum. A good place to start.
MrToolJunkie
Member
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2009
- Messages
- 3,011
I have the TS75 and it excels at cutting hardwood and thicker material. I also have the cordless TSC55 and that excels at sheet goods. Honestly, it cuts hardwood pretty darn nicely too and I find that it does not lack power whatsoever in hardwood cuts. I have noticed the corded TS55 seems to not be as powerful. Might just be my impression, but I always disregarded the corded TS55 for that reason. Now, getting proper blades and feed rate changes how the saw performs.
I have really come to like the cordless TSC55 -- plenty of power, the batteries last a good while and a second set allows you to keep cutting all day long. The dust bags works well, although you have to empty it regularly, but for cutting without a good extractor, it is great. So, another saw to consider, especially if you are not going to opt for DC initially. The lack of hose and cord is really nice. Since getting the TSC, I rarely pull out my TS75. But, I like having both options for when the need arises.
I have really come to like the cordless TSC55 -- plenty of power, the batteries last a good while and a second set allows you to keep cutting all day long. The dust bags works well, although you have to empty it regularly, but for cutting without a good extractor, it is great. So, another saw to consider, especially if you are not going to opt for DC initially. The lack of hose and cord is really nice. Since getting the TSC, I rarely pull out my TS75. But, I like having both options for when the need arises.
Coliban
Member
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2015
- Messages
- 106
I´ve got the MT55cc one year ago and i find it the best saw i´ve ever had in my live. It is powerful, sturdy and strong. But i can´t say how it compares to the TS55, i´ve only seen this at the dealers exhibition. Last christmas i´ve got the MFT/3, the adaptation is easy (two things have to be done, the T-nut bolts have to be changed and the height of the support for the rail has to be changed). But the distance between saw and workpiece is changing by some millimetres when the saw is tilt, that has to be considered.
I do not know the accessories that enhances the use of the TS55 on the MFT/3, the accessories i have so far, which are not much, work with the MT55cc. If you have a mixed setup then you should consider that you also have to double the rail and clamp assortment, if you ever buy other Festool tools which needs rails. The Festool router doesn't fit on the Mafell rails. But you can also buy Bosch rails and clamps since they are the same as the Mafell, but cheaper (and cheaper as the from Festool).
(Excuse my bad english)
I do not know the accessories that enhances the use of the TS55 on the MFT/3, the accessories i have so far, which are not much, work with the MT55cc. If you have a mixed setup then you should consider that you also have to double the rail and clamp assortment, if you ever buy other Festool tools which needs rails. The Festool router doesn't fit on the Mafell rails. But you can also buy Bosch rails and clamps since they are the same as the Mafell, but cheaper (and cheaper as the from Festool).
(Excuse my bad english)
Birdhunter
Member
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2012
- Messages
- 4,145
Does the domino 500 for 895 come with anything.
It has been a long time since I bought my Domino 500 so I'm not sure what's included at the different price levels. I do highly recommend getting the accessory package that has all the different size cutters and an assortment of tenons for each size.
You absolutely need a good vac as the Domino generates lots of debris.
The only third party item I use on a regular basis is the Domiplate. It attaches to the Domino base to provide perfect centering for either 1/2" or 3/4" plywood. It's sold by Senaca.
Halfinchshy has a bunch of excellent instructional Domino videos on YouTube. There is a British gentleman who also has some excellent videos. If you buy a Domino, watch the videos before you use the tool and then practice on scrap.
It has been a long time since I bought my Domino 500 so I'm not sure what's included at the different price levels. I do highly recommend getting the accessory package that has all the different size cutters and an assortment of tenons for each size.
You absolutely need a good vac as the Domino generates lots of debris.
The only third party item I use on a regular basis is the Domiplate. It attaches to the Domino base to provide perfect centering for either 1/2" or 3/4" plywood. It's sold by Senaca.
Halfinchshy has a bunch of excellent instructional Domino videos on YouTube. There is a British gentleman who also has some excellent videos. If you buy a Domino, watch the videos before you use the tool and then practice on scrap.
Holmz
Member
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2014
- Messages
- 4,001
I have not tried a TS55, but I have no complaints with the MT55.
I got 3 1600-mm rails and put a cut down one on a MFT.
The other two connect together without any " Betterly style" accessories, and I checked a few times for straightness, but it is "ever true".
It was from the perspectives of the rails alone that I selected the MT55.
The fact that it was no more expensive in Australia than the TS55 was good.
Whether want a transformer and an Eu model is worth looking into. The 230v model are less $, and any other 230v tools then open up.
The only possible drawback is that the rails are Bosch, so you then need a P1cc jig saw, and a Mafell or Bosch router or OF 1010 router for their (LR) 32-mm Bosch system . (I think that the old OF2000 router was Mafell.)... but there are other options for 32-m holes.
The quick change blade is nice but it has enough power I do not often change the blade.
The scoring function is pretty good though.
And the CT26 works fine with the MT55.
I use some "church lady style" of old folding tables, so it seems to work.
(I also use the drive and patio) [wink]
You cannot go wrong with extra power and a generally better saw, and it will mount on an MFT, hooks-up to a CT26, and comes in a systainer... so it is not like you will miss it being part of a "system".
If someone near you has one, I would suggest trying it out.
Where are you at?
I got 3 1600-mm rails and put a cut down one on a MFT.
The other two connect together without any " Betterly style" accessories, and I checked a few times for straightness, but it is "ever true".
It was from the perspectives of the rails alone that I selected the MT55.
The fact that it was no more expensive in Australia than the TS55 was good.
Whether want a transformer and an Eu model is worth looking into. The 230v model are less $, and any other 230v tools then open up.
The only possible drawback is that the rails are Bosch, so you then need a P1cc jig saw, and a Mafell or Bosch router or OF 1010 router for their (LR) 32-mm Bosch system . (I think that the old OF2000 router was Mafell.)... but there are other options for 32-m holes.
The quick change blade is nice but it has enough power I do not often change the blade.
The scoring function is pretty good though.
And the CT26 works fine with the MT55.
I use some "church lady style" of old folding tables, so it seems to work.
(I also use the drive and patio) [wink]
You cannot go wrong with extra power and a generally better saw, and it will mount on an MFT, hooks-up to a CT26, and comes in a systainer... so it is not like you will miss it being part of a "system".
If someone near you has one, I would suggest trying it out.
Where are you at?
Coliban
Member
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2015
- Messages
- 106
I remember one disadvantage of the Mafell MT55cc (which is nearly the same as the Bosch GKT 55 GCE): with the TS55 the saw blade can have a minimal distance to the right about 12mm (this is important for example when sawing near a wall for expansion joints etc.), the MT55cc has at least 30mm (because of the dust collection) so that you are not close enough to the wall.
Thanks for the input on the MT55. I have read a few reviews on it and am impressed with the power and features of the saw. The scoring features seems really nice and I like the fact it will cover a large range of uses. Expensive I know. It seems I always compromise when I buy things. Sometimes it works but I really only want to get what works for me. I have a saw mill about 9 miles from me I know he has slabs there which I would be able to cut with MT55 where TS55 would not work as well. Known I probably will work with hardwoods a lot this I must consider. It is nice to hear from ones who use this saw. I have been accused of being a tool snob in the past because of my taste in tools, but I think it is better to buy quality instead of just making do.
