TS55 v TSC55…?

[semenza]

Hi all,

The TSC 55 has now been out for a while, I'd be interested to have feedback on side by side comparison between the cordless and the corded version (TS 55 REBQ)

- is the cordless version as powerfull as the corded (when two 18V batteries are in)
- does it sound different, better, quieter ? (maybe because of the brushless motor)
- is the electronic brake as efficient as on the corded version
- how does the bag dust collection compares to a dust extractor connected to the corded version

I have a TS55REBQ and might have an opportunity to upgrade to the cordless version and I would be using it with the dust bag. I would like to know exactly what I might regret...

Thanks

Hi,

    I haven't cut anything more than 3/4" plywood or hardwood with the TSC but the power seemed the same  on those cuts.

  I have not compared the sound but the TSC hasn't given me any reason to notice either. So I guess that's  good.

  I find the dust bag is a nice option. It collects very well but not as well as the vac.

    I am not sure I would call it an upgrade, more of a move across to the same saw with different capabilities do to being cordless.

Seth

 

[demographic]

Personally I view the TS saw as more of a workshop or site with power type tool (especially now more sites require on tool extraction if you are working inside and cordless tools don't autostart the extractor) but if I was going for sites without power or outside its got to be a HKC 55,

I have the TS 55 and a HKC 55 and have to say that the HKC is one hell of a tool. Far more versatile than I thought it would be.
Battery life could be better but its nice and light, plus its an absolute game changer when it comes to cutting repeatable angles.

False stringers for concrete staircases, roof trusses, pipe boxing, even skirting boards that are too deep to fit in my compound mitre saw.

 

[Cheese]

Possibly a good source is [member=37411]Edward A Reno III[/member], I believe he owned both and used both on his video set project.  [big grin]

 

[Cheese]

I have the TS 55 and a HKC 55 and have to say that the HKC is one heck of a tool. Far more versatile than I thought it would be.

I agree, where I would normally reach for the TS 55 and a vac, I'm now grabbing the HKC and the dust bag. I have everything I need to make the cuts in 1-hand. [cool]

 

[RickyL]

The TSC is a pain with dust extraction so I always use the bag. The bag IMO is 90% as good as the dust extraction. Although I when using certain blades its struggles for some reason.

I think it has every bit as much power as the corded version and it sounds much better.

The TSC does eat batteries though.

 

[Bob D.]

One of these days one of the big tool makers is going to break down and offer a battery emulator for their cordless tool line.  Plug in the emulator and the coal pile down at the power plant becomes your battery.  That's a lot of amp hours. 

That would pretty much make your question disappear.  You buy the cordless of course.  Heck, Festool could offer the emulator and simply stop making the corded saw.

I'm surprised some enterprising outfit hasn't done this already.  They could offer a unit for each of the major cordless tool manufacturers.  It's not trivial but certainly doable.  I can see someone like Fluke in that game.  Their parent, Tektronix has all sorts of heavy weight capability in it's various companies and huge stable of patents to boot.

DeWalt does offer a battery eliminator for their 120V portable SCMS which runs off a pair of their new 60V FlexVolt batteries. The tool uses two 60V batteries but comes with an adapter that will power it from the mains. Strangely they brought out a 60Volt table saw at the same time but do not offer a battery eliminator for the table saw. I also thought it strange they went with a dual battery configuration on the SCMS but only a single battery on the TS. The 60V FlexVolt batteries can also be used in their 20Max tools, the battery configures itself to the correct voltage depending on what tool it is connected to.

At any rate I have been saying for years the same as you in that I am surprised that no one has brought to market battery eliminators for various cordless tools after all this time.

 

[Bob D.]

I have been looking at the TSC 55 also. Looking to replace
my DeWalt Track Saw and also go cordless at the same time.

If I do then I could replace my cordless CS and the DeWalt track saw.

My question though is the TSC 55 available now or not until April which
I know is only a few days away but still curious as I would like to pick up
the saw and some other goodies this week if possible.

 

[ScotF]

I have been using the TSC for the last few months and it has become my go-to track saw - it is very powerful for a battery operated tool and it has not slowed down or struggled with any cuts - I have made lots of cuts in 8/4 walnut for a dining set I am making and it has performed flawlessly. The TS55, although I do not have one (but used it in Festool class) seemed under-powered to me. Not so with the TSC. I do own and have used my TS75 extensively and now that I have the TSC, that has become my saw of choice. It is so nice to be able to cut without hoses or power cords getting caught on the track and it is very light-weight. Batteries have lasted for a long time, but I did buy an extra set to allow for all day cutting. I am very happy with the saw and everything about it - no regrets whatsoever. And, I was close to pulling the trigger on a Mafell tracksaw when I acquired this one and I am glad that I went the cordless route.

 

[ART at WORK]

Hi,
I have both and use both in different situations,
Large sheet cut down = cordless less chance of catching the cord or hose.
MFT with vac undernieth and boom arm = corded.
The TSC has a higher pitch whinning noise but I would say quiter.
I would seriously think about what you need the Jigsaw for.
The carvex is not good at keeping a straight cut in thicker material.
The Carvex corded is light. the battery makes it heavy. I use the cordless a lot for cutting out complex forms where the cable and cord are often in the way. I sometimes rig up the dust extraction on the cordless. The capex is ok but the few times I used a Mafell it was clearly better with straight cuts.

Pip

 

[nclemmons]

[member=60461]Bob D.[/member] - the new airstream batteries and chargers ship after April 3rd.  They apparently charge a bit faster than the currently shipping product.  I believe there is a new 6.2AH battery that will be available then.

The current TSC-55 with batteries ships with the 5.2 and I understand the new airstream version will also be 5.2 batteries.  You can always add 6.2 batteries for an extra set.  But for best performance in charging, you need a new charger and batteries.

So if that's important to you, it might make sense to place an order for delivery after April 3rd.

Also, even the battery-less cordless versions of tools have new product numbers that are effective after April 3rd due to new systainer inserts for the new chargers which are a slightly different size.

Hope this helps -

neil

 

[Bob D.]

Thanks Neil, that answers my question. I have not looked into the details of the new batteries and chargers but I do dread something about them and have a basic understanding of the differences.

Anyone know if the new air stream batteries can be charged with older (non air stream) chargers?

 

[nclemmons]

Yes, from posts on the FOG from dealers,

- new Airstream chargers can charge older batteries, but not at the faster rate.

- Airstream batteries can be charged on the old chargers but not at the faster rate.

You need both to see the charging advantage but lose no compatibility as I read it, except for a size difference of the charger. 

 

[ach_78]

Hi,

I have a TS 55 R and just got myself a TSC 55 with a pair 5.2 airstream batteries with SCA 8 airstream charger.

My observations are as follow :
- I timed the charge from empty : 25 min to 80%, and then 25min more to 100%
- The TSC sounds a little quieter, which is in fact not true (sound meter showed the TSC actually marginally lourder). I think that's the result of the smoother sound it makes. Every TS 55 owner knows the "rattling" noise it makes, well the TSC does not do that.

I tested both saws with the same (brand new) 48 teeth blade.

On a 40mm solid oak crosscut I found :
- both produce a polished cut
- the offcut is very slightly scuffed with the TS 55

On a 30mm rip cut :
- the TSC still produce a polished cut, shows the slightest amount of scufs on the offcut, as if it had a minor toe-out adjustment
- the TS 55 has small scufs on both the cut and the offcut, as if it has some toe-in

Those difference may very well be exclusively the effect of toe adjustment. Or it could also be the result of the TSC running smoother. I think the test is not conclusive on the matter of TS vs. TSC.

The TSC felt every bit as powerfull as the TS 55. It actually felt marginally less bogged down by the load. The e-brake is strong and quick, the machine runs smooth, it is such a refined tool.

Now the down side :
- eats batteries fast
- weights more but I don't mind, it's running on a track anyway
- the systainer is huge and the saw will not fit if the zero clearance insert is left on. They should have made a low profile knob to fix this, it is kinda silly as it is
- I usually hold the rail on the left where the top channel is, to prevent any shift during cut. With the TSC it is much harder to do this as the battery rides low and doesn't leave much clearance for your left hand to hold the track
- still no fine adjustment of the square stop at the back of the saw. There is a fine adjustment at the front which is a wellcome addition, but why not at the back ? BTW both my saws were out of square brand new.

Overall I really appreciate the smoother running motor and to avoid the annoyance of the cord and hose.

 

[SoonerFan]

Thanks for sharing your prespective.  Always appreciate input from those that have both TS models. 

Hi,

I have a TS 55 R and just got myself a TSC 55 with a pair 5.2 airstream batteries with SCA 8 airstream charger.

My observations are as follow :
- I timed the charge from empty : 25 min to 80%, and then 25min more to 100%
- The TSC sounds a little quieter, which is in fact not true (sound meter showed the TSC actually marginally lourder). I think that's the result of the smoother sound it makes. Every TS 55 owner knows the "rattling" noise it makes, well the TSC does not do that.

I tested both saws with the same (brand new) 48 teeth blade.

On a 40mm solid oak crosscut I found :
- both produce a polished cut
- the offcut is very slightly scuffed with the TS 55

On a 30mm rip cut :
- the TSC still produce a polished cut, shows the slightest amount of scufs on the offcut, as if it had a minor toe-out adjustment
- the TS 55 has small scufs on both the cut and the offcut, as if it has some toe-in

Those difference may very well be exclusively the effect of toe adjustment. Or it could also be the result of the TSC running smoother. I think the test is not conclusive on the matter of TS vs. TSC.

The TSC felt every bit as powerfull as the TS 55. It actually felt marginally less bogged down by the load. The e-brake is strong and quick, the machine runs smooth, it is such a refined tool.

Now the down side :
- eats batteries fast
- weights more but I don't mind, it's running on a track anyway
- the systainer is huge and the saw will not fit if the zero clearance insert is left on. They should have made a low profile knob to fix this, it is kinda silly as it is
- I usually hold the rail on the left where the top channel is, to prevent any shift during cut. With the TSC it is much harder to do this as the battery rides low and doesn't leave much clearance for your left hand to hold the track
- still no fine adjustment of the square stop at the back of the saw. There is a fine adjustment at the front which is a wellcome addition, but why not at the back ? BTW both my saws were out of square brand new.

Overall I really appreciate the smoother running motor and to avoid the annoyance of the cord and hose.

 

[pettyconstruction]

I love my TSC , I bought it as a basic tool ( no batteries or charger) and got those later.
I run the 6AH bats,and it works great.
Put tape on the arbor hole in guard, and the bag gets most of the dust.
I open the bag and suck out the dust with my CT,to keep the debris from getting airborne.
Overall, I find it to be a great saw.
My only comparison is a TS-75, so I can’t comment on Power,but it seems to do well.
Nice and lite and cord/hose free.
Charlie
P.S I have cut sheetgoods and composite decking with it,no hardwoods.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

 

[willips]

Ripped 50 mm (2") Oak with a panther blade no problem.

 

[OWKFEST]

My 1st was the TS55 in 2000 it is a wonderful tool to have in my arsenal.  The big advantage is the reduction in dust! I also use the OF 2000 and sometimes its overkill for certain routing jobs, but I like it because its relatively quiet.  I really need to purchase the 1010.

 

[ScotF]

The TSC is a great saw - it has plenty of power for most cuts I have done with it and I also use a TS75. The bag fills up quickly, but works for several cuts in sheet goods. Hardwood it fills up much, much faster. It is one of my favorite tools and I recommend it. I have not had the issue of batteries going down overly fast - I do have a second set so if one goes out, I swap and the others charge before the other ones drain - at least so far. I am running standard batteries too.