TS55 REQ Vs Makita

[JNComplete]

I was fortunate enough to snag a TS55 off the reconditioned sale. Showed up last week, just in time for the start of a new builtin project. I’ve owned the Makita for over 8 years and I love it. But even with some of the extra features the Mak has, the Festool is a nicer saw. The fit, finish, tightness of the tool make it superior. It’s so precise, no blade wobble, the bevel is smoother operating, the depth adjustment is easier to work, Im really impressed. It’s not to say that a newer Makita won’t be an improved version, in fact the LXT version is tempting. I’ll also say that the hose port on the Festool doesn’t rotate as easily which is a good thing bc my Makitas always rotates and the hose catches anything, like a track or edge of plywood. I also appreciate the extras that are available, like the splinter guard and it comes with a riving knife, too. I will say that I usually buy the cheaper of the tools too, Case in point why I already own the Makita-was cheaper. But seeing the difference now, I realize which one is the better tool. Cheers!

 

[ProCarpenterRVA]

Congrats on the move up! I have both the corded and battery power TS 55. You'll find that the blade that comes with the saw is excellent for fine cuts in plywood and hardwood. You may want to grab the 28 tooth blade if you are going to be doing a lot of ripping. It will give you good splinter free cuts and is a little easier to get through the material without bogging down the saw motor.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[bnaboatbuilder]

You'll enjoy the new TS55.

I've owned a TS75 for 5 years or more. Bought the new cordless Makita track saw last October. Haven't touched the Festool since.

Hate to say it but whatever issues you had with your previous corded Makita just don't exist on the new cordless, it is one sweet saw.

 

[JNComplete]

You'll enjoy the new TS55.

I've owned a TS75 for 5 years or more. Bought the new cordless Makita track saw last October. Haven't touched the Festool since.

Hate to say it but whatever issues you had with your previous corded Makita just don't exist on the new cordless, it is one sweet saw.

Good to know. I was sorta thinking about the lxt version, before the recon TS became available. I have a lot of their (makita)cordless tools so, we’ll see how some jobs shake out, maybe find a bare tool down the road.
Thx

 

[mrboult]

I've had the TS55 and Makita side by side in my workshop for the last 5+ years and so many people here disagree with me that the Festool is easily the nicer saw.  People always bring up power!?  With the appropriate blade, I have never had a single issue with the power from the festool. It can rip hardwood at full depth, what more would you want? (obvs buy the TS75 or HK85 if ripping thick hardwoods is what you do all the time)

The biggest killer for me with the corded Makita is that the "rail slop adjustment knobs" on the base plate loosen even single day, so the saw wobbles slightly ruining the splinter guard accuracy . . . makes it USELESS for proper accurate work.

(comments come from owning two of the corded makita saws. Not tried the new cordless makita)

 

[promark747]

The biggest killer for me with the corded Makita is that the "rail slop adjustment knobs" on the base plate loosen even single day, so the saw wobbles slightly ruining the splinter guard accuracy . . . makes it USELESS for proper accurate work.

That would drive me nuts.

 

[bnaboatbuilder]

[member=22067]mrB[/member]
Looking at the gibs and screw knob, the simplest thing is to put a dab of removable blue Loctite 242 on the screw threads. That would give it enough resistance to stay set and not loosen.

 

[mrboult]

[member=22067]mrB[/member]
Looking at the gibs and screw knob, the simplest thing is to put a dab of removable blue Loctite 242 on the screw threads. That would give it enough resistance to stay set and not loosen.

Thanks man. Good tip.

I am not too fussed as the Makita for me is my "rough work" saw, with it's own tracks. . It allows me to 'baby' my TS55 a bit more, as I like to keep that setup in razor condition.