Ts55 vs ts75

[PA floor guy]

I'm in the market for my first plunge saw, I'm obviously getting a festool.  What are the advantages of either one of these saws. Normally I would just buy the 55 since it's smaller. But I have an opportunity to get a 75 for less than the 55. A good bit less.  Look forward to some good opinions.   Thanks.   Sam

 

[Distinctive Interiors]

My first Festool purchase was a TS75. I needed it for a specific project due to its depth of cut at 45 degrees. I was very happy with the results, but I do find it a bit heavy for a lot of the other projects I've used it on since......!!!!

So, I'm thinking about getting a TS55R for "Day to Day" use and then use the 75 when i need the extra depth. I know it's an additional expense, but once on that Green slippery slope.............!!!!!!!!

Both are very good saw's and you wont be dissapointed with either. [laughing]

 

[hhh]

55 is 99% of the time.  I've got the 75 as a 'backup 55' and for the few times i need more depth.

 

[erock]

I would say it's  a matter of what you plan to cut.

A lot of plywood?  Then I would get the  Ts55.  A lot of 4/4 or thicker timber?  Then I would get the Ts75.

I have been thinking about getting a Ts55 to have around for cutting thicker stuff.  But I still have my old 3 hp table saw sitting in the corner

of my shop. 

  I have the Ts55 and it's a sweet saw.  It was my first Festool purchase as a package with a Ct Midi.  I would recommend that you do a package

with a Ct vac.  Then get yourself a MFT/3 to better utilize the Ts55.

Eric

 

[ccarrolladams]

I'm in the market for my first plunge saw, I'm obviously getting a festool.  What are the advantages of either one of these saws. Normally I would just buy the 55 since it's smaller. But I have an opportunity to get a 75 for less than the 55. A good bit less.  Look forward to some good opinions.   Thanks.   Sam

Hi Sam and  [welcome] to The FOG.

As it happens I own both TS75s and TS55s. Each of us has unique approaches to doing the tasks we do.

Solid lumber is a major portion of every custom cabinet I make, but I do not build those on site and I have a large shop with all the fixed tools I need to machine solid lumber. Most of my use of plunge saws involved machining sheet material. Occasionally I do use 33mm or thicker sheet material. That is within the theoretical limits of a TS55, and before the TS75 reached North America, that was how I broke down such sheets.

People I trust tell me they often use a TS75 to rip as well as cross-cut solid lumber. They have all their fingers, so doing so must work for them.

Maybe it is just me because I had been using TS55 to precisely break down sheets of cabinet-quality plywood for several years before I bought that TS75. For me when working with plywood from 3mm to 19mm, on a guide rail the TS55 seems a natural. I consistently achieve a better than 'glue-ready' cut.

Try as I might, I have not been as happy with any of my TS75s making cuts of less than 25mm. I do not know if it is the blade deflecting of what. For me cutting thinner plywood or chip material is not best done with the larger blade.

On the other hand, if I could only have one plunge saw and occasionally needed to break down sheet material thicker than 25mm, I would recommend starting with a TS75,

As for getting such a bargain because you have found a TS75 selling for less than a TS55, good luck. My experience is that the savings will be soaked up by the more expensive TS75 blades with a higher re-sharpening cost. Chip one TS75 tooth, then tell us about the savings when replacing that blade. Even if you have the sweetheart quantity grinding discount I enjoy, you do not want to think about repairing TS75 blades.

Still, if you need a TS75, then by all means purchase one. If you can buy TS75 blades at a deep discount, you might want to double check they are not stolen.

 

[VictorL]

Sam,

Welcome to the FOG. I prefer TS-55. It works fine for material up to 50mm thick. I do have TS-75 too. I love it, but don't use it unless there is no other options. If you can acquire TS-75 with rail for less than $400, don't think, just buy. You'll easily sell it later if you don't like it.

VictorL

 

[TurnagainD]

I have had an older ATF55 for the last couple of years and it works just fine, not as many features as the TS55 but it works.  I bought a TS75 last month to mill some 2 1/2" Spruce slabs and it has worked great.  Lots of power and it left a clean cut with the panther blade.  I have tried milling rough stock with my 55 and it maxed out and tripped the reset.  If I was only going to have one saw I would have to say the 55 would get the majority of use.  That said, the 75 is more versatile, it can cut sheet metal for instance. 

If you plan on using the saw for breaking down sheet goods, go for the 55.  If you are going to work with dimensional lumber as well go for the 75.

 

[waho6o9]

It's better to have the capacity and not use it,  than

want it and not have it.  Plus, it's less expensive than a ts55,

I'd purchase it in a heart beat.  Have fun with your new to saw

and welcome to Festool!

A panther blade for ripping makes an easy go of it.  [wink]

 

[pghmyn]

I have the TS55, and I love it. Most of the time I am cutting material between 1/8" to 6/4" and this saw does the work perfectly. If I ever had to cut something larger than the saw can handle, I will find an alternate method. But, I rarely think that will happen.