Ts55 question

j123j

Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2010
Messages
70
Simpple: can I rip 2"(5cm) thick birch with the ts55 using the quiderail?

The 55 would meet all my requirements if it could do this.

I wouldent want to buy the heavier and bulkier 75 just for this...

Thanks for any replies&comments!
 
Rutabagared said:
j123j,

An easy way to remember:  TS 55 = 55mm depth of cut, TS75 = 75mm depth of cut.  Good luck with your purchase.

Joe

Well the saw will cut 55mm but when placed on the rail you lose 4/5 mm  so only cuts 51/50 mm and same goes with the 75.

(easier to say it in mm then 1 15/16 rubbish lol sorry  [poke])

JMB
 
j123j:

I went through a similar scenario when deciding to purchase my TS as I was looking for the capability to rip hardwoods.  It was recommended by some to purchase the TS5 because when the extra depth was needed I could just cut to max depth, flip the piece over, and cut the rest of the way through.

In the end, I decided to purchase the TS75 primarily for its extra power for use with hardwoods.  I've used it to rip both 1" yellow birch and 1" hard maple and it goes through each like butter.  I recently had the opportunity to use the TS55 at the onsite cabinetry end-user training class in Lebanon, Indiana, last week.  The 55 was a nice saw, lightweight, and was good for cutting sheetgoods.  However, I noticed a few things that made me appreciate my TS75.

We used the TS55 to cut some plywood and I had to slow down a little bit compared to my TS75.  Not that its a race, but with the TS75 I just cut and don't really have to consider the speed at which I move the saw across the guiderail.  I also began to actually appreciate the extra weight of my TS75... it seems as though the extra weight lends itself to the saw feeling more stable on the guiderail. 

Now, I will say that I started out using a TS75 and had never used a TS55 until last week.  So, my experience may be that I just became used to using the TS75 and developed the muscle memory that made it very comfortable and made the TS55 seem just a little bit out of place in my hand.

Good Luck,

Corey
U.P. of Michigan

 
If 50mm ripping is your goal, and you have to do it repeatedly, I wouldn't recommend the TS55.
With the right blade it will rip 50mm on the rail, but for a decent cut you'll have to make te teeth stick out from the cut, at least by half the length.
So In earnest I'd say the practical ripping limit in hardwood on the rail would be more close to 45-46 mm, and that only with the right blade.
When on the edge, go for the bigger saw, unless it's a one-off job.
Just my 2 eurocents, as usual.

Regards,

Job
 
              I have tried to rip 3m of 48mm oak with the Ts 55 once.It cut out twice before I decided I was being lazy.I had the Ts75 in the cms so I got it out.It sailed through.
     
      I imagine Birch is easier to cut but even so I reckon for longer lengths of hardwoods of this thickness than say the odd door trim, the 75 is the saw for the job.In other words the 55 will do the job  but it's at the limit.I agree with Corey and Job, for regular cutting of  around 50mm go for the 75.Another 2 eurocents.
 
Tho reluctant, i'm going to buy the TS75 instead of TS55.

Thanks to everyone who replied and gave me their oppinion!

Thank you for welcoming me to your forums, hopefully i'll become a regular here.
 
No need to be reluctant.  You made (in my opinion) the right choice for your intended application.

Welcome to the forum.

Corey
U.P. of Michigan
 
Im sure you will! The TS55 is what started me of with the green stuff! Now I own LOTS of festool gear and im on this forum quite a lot really bit sad lol.

JMB
 
Rutabagared said:
I haven't used my saw in a while but 4-5 mm seems a bit high.  If memory serves, I think 2-3mm is the actual offset.  That's why I didn't mention it because the plunge depth is sufficient on the rail - unless my memory is totally off  [unsure]. 

Joe

Joe, it's 5 mm.
 
Rutabagared said:
Brice Burrell said:
Rutabagared said:
I haven't used my saw in a while but 4-5 mm seems a bit high.  If memory serves, I think 2-3mm is the actual offset.  That's why I didn't mention it because the plunge depth is sufficient on the rail - unless my memory is totally off  [unsure].  

Joe

Joe, it's 5 mm.

Thanks, Brice.

I either need to start popping memory aids or get my butt back into the shop.

Uhm........... Joe, this shouldn't be an either/or situation.  You'll need to pop them pills to remember to get your butt back into your shop.  Sheesh!   [wink]

 
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