TS55 vs. TS75?

[Handyman Mike]

So, I'm finally in a position to purchase a long-coveted plunge saw and the issue remains, the TS55 or the TS75. I'll be using the tool for building custom bookcases, so it's unlikely I'll be using stock over 5/4. That makes the TS55 the obvious choice, but I wonder if the greater power of the TS75 wouldn't be an advantage when dealing with harder woods. What has been people's experience? Has the slower speed of the TS75 blade been an issue for anyone? Is the additional weight enough to be annoying? (Cost isn't an issue.) Thanks!

 

[glass1]

I originaly bought the 55. Sold it bought the 75. Why?  If you are only breaking down sheet goods get the 55. The 75 breaks down sheet goods fine but its overkill for full production. For most other wood working the 75 is better. Unless you have low arm strength weight is not an issue. Just my 2 cents.

 

[andy5405]

I haven't used the TS75 only the TS55 but prior to the TS55R recall I think it's fair to say that most people thought the TS75 was too big and cumbersome. However lots of guys got the TS75 on the exchange deal that was available at the time of the recall as they couldn't wait for the TS55 repair option. I seem to remember that a lot of people were glad that they did and though they were forced into the decision the TS75 became their preferred choice because of it's extra versatility over the TS55. Someone should be able to point you in the direction of a relevant thread.  

 

[mouppe]

I work with hardwoods most of the time and I use a TS55 with a panther blade, followed up with a hand plane to clean up the saw marks.

I haven't found a faster method than this- and that includes ripping 5/4 cherry or walnut with a stock blade- or one which leaves a better finish.

 

[Birdhunter]

I'm sure you will get many wise inputs.

I have the 55 and use it mostly for 3/4" and 1/2" baltic birch plywood. I also cut a lot of white oak and composites with the saw.

It seems to handle everything I throw at it.

To be perfectly honest, I use a Industrial Sawstop for ripping most of my hardwoods and precision crosscutting.

I've handled the 75 at my local woodworking store and it's a beast. I'd have to have a big jobs to justify the bigger saw.

 

[SoonerFan]

I went with the 55 based on (a) being a home user/ hobbyist and (b) thinking the lighter weight would be good for my needs.  So far I am very happy.  Only once or twice did I think the extra power would have been great.  Even then the 55 made it through with a clean accurate cut. 

 

[RC]

Happy TS55 hobbyist owner here too. Sometimes I wish I'd have a TS75 in my CMS for added cutting depth but that's mainly due to laziness of not bothering to dig out my mitre saw for chopping 2x4 boards but would rather just push them through the CMS on the sliding table.

 

[rljatl]

FWIW, I am very satisfied with my TS75 for hobbyist use and have no desire for a TS55.

 

[Tony_Fletcher]

I love my TS75. I cut 2" thick walnut just the other day and it didn't even flinch.

 

[Stephen B]

[smile] TS 55

 

[wow]

I love my TS75, but I am ALSO looking forward to a cordless TS55. Having BOTH will be the best of both worlds for me!

 

[unityroad]

I would go with the 75, Its like hunting. a 20 gauge does the job, a 12 gauge pretty much covers everything. [eek] So the 55 does sheet goods, the 75 does it all period. Have fun with either one it changes the way you work.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

It's about all the variables.  What kind of work are you planning on doing? If it's 8/4 or less, then the 55 is fine. (I have cutting 8/4 red oak with one pass, lately. )
If your're young, or a big guy, then wielding the 75 on and off the track is not a big deal. But, if you weigh less than 185lbs. and/or are older than about 55, then the 75 might be a bit much for an extended session.  Also, I found that the TS55, because of its lighter weight,  just glides better on the rail.  My gut tells me that the rails may have originally been designed for 55 - and, the 75 was an after-thought...I could be wrong.  Again. For me, it's the difference between a pleasurable experience and just work.  But that's me.

 

[amt]

I had the TS55REQ, the sent it back for the recall and got a TS75.  I regret that decision.  I do not like the extra weight of the TS75.  With the TS55REQ, I generally did not have to support the track & saw before the cut (it is preferred that you start with the saw plunged and not in contact with the material).  With the TS75's extra weight, I feel it's more imperative that I do support the track.  And for many cuts, that is not a big deal, if you are cutting standard width material and you have extra pieces lying around.  However, when you have material that is not standard panel thickness, and you don't have extra pieces of the same thickness handy, then you are limited to making new supports or letting the track bend under the weight of the saw as the saw starts the cut (which is a disaster for angled cuts), or you support the track with one hand while cutting with the other, which is probably not the safest thing to do. 

I suppose the answer to this problem is making a variable height support for the track before and after the material.  I guess an MFT might do the trick, but may not work in some situations (the material to cut is either too long to fit on the MFT or the material so short that the supports at each end are not enough to keep the span of suspended track flat).

Anyway, that's my long winded way of saying I wish I had my TS55REQ back  [wink]

 

[Handyman Mike]

It's about all the variables.  What kind of work are you planning on doing? If it's 8/4 or less, then the 55 is fine. (I have cutting 8/4 red oak with one pass, lately. )
If your're young, or a big guy, then wielding the 75 on and off the track is not a big deal. But, if you weigh less than 185lbs. and/or are older than about 55, then the 75 might be a bit much for an extended session.  Also, I found that the TS55, because of its lighter weight,  just glides better on the rail.  My gut tells me that the rails may have originally been designed for 55 - and, the 75 was an after-thought...I could be wrong.  Again. For me, it's the difference between a pleasurable experience and just work.  But that's me.

Definitely approaching old geezerhood here, though I'm okay on the weight and the muscles. The hyperextended elbow and arthritis might become an issue.    I do love the idea of a 12-gauge track saw, though!

 

[grbmds]

I know how you feel. I've used both the 55 and 75. The 55 is just easier to use. It even seems to slide better on the rail (but that might my imagination and just the fact that it's lighter). In the end, the only reason I'd prefer the 75 over the 55 is either because I regularly cut thicker material or because I need the power because I cut a lot of wood at the maximum limit of the 55. Other than that, the 55 does work better for me and is just easier to handle with no real apparent loss of power for most jobs.

 

[Carl Prentiss]

I have the TS 75 which I use regularly to straight line rip various thicknesses of hardwood. I couldn't ask for a better setup. I've thought more than once of getting a 55 for lighter cuts and sheet goods but honestly, I just don't want to deal with the kerf issues on the splinter strip.

 

[sancho57]

I got both. 75 in the CMS 55 for hand held. If you go with the 75 you'l be having to buy longer tracks. the 1900 ILO the 1400. If you will be transporting the tool from site to site this might be a issue for you.
As far as weight. i dont notice that much of a difference really.

Oh and I THINK the blades for the 75 cost more.

 

[TurnagainD]

I have an old ATF 55 and a TS 75 and one of my carpenters just bought a TS 55 REQ.  I love the versatility of the 75.  We dimension rough stock with it and knock down sheet goods.  I have also bought the metal cutting blade and use it for metal siding and roofing, very nice.  The added power is great but the added depth is what does it for me.  We have done a number of 2"+ counters and mantles and the TS 75 is the tool for the job.  All that said, if you don't need the added depth and power the new 55 REQ is a bit easier to use.  It is a great saw and I'm glad someone else bought it but will still let me use it!  Either way you can't go wrong.  Maybe your local dealer will let you demo each so you can see for yourself.

 

[Handyman Mike]

I got both. 75 in the CMS 55 for hand held. If you go with the 75 you'l be having to buy longer tracks. the 1900 ILO the 1400. If you will be transporting the tool from site to site this might be a issue for you.
As far as weight. i dont notice that much of a difference really.

Oh and I THINK the blades for the 75 cost more.

I'll be routinely doing 10' cuts, so long tracks are a given. But why would they need to be any longer for the 75 than the 55?