TS55REQ review

[bmikl]

I know that there has been much discussion about the TS55REQ saw especially from experianced woodworkers. I would like to give input from a less experienced workworker's perspective.
1. The saw performs very well. I cut a lot of 1/2" polycarbonate from (4'X8' sheets) for machine guarding for my job. In the past I you used a circular saw and guide to cut the panels to size. I would have to spend a considerable amout of time cleaning up the sides from blade marks. I have used my TS55REQ for two days straight cutting polycarbonate and the results are unbelievable. With the proper blade, the cuts are beautiful. No more horrible looking cuts.
2. I don't think there has been enough emphasis about the ability to regulate the speed of the saw. When cutting the plastic, I found that speed #1 gave desired cut quality. The atypical sound (speed regulating system) coming from the saw means my saw is cutting correctly. This produces an nice and consistant looking cut even at 96" long.
3. Cutting wood- blade changes are quick and safe. The locking blade is a great feature. Cut quality of the oak sheets that I have cut have been excellant, clean and square to the top face of the sheet.
4. Saftey- it is has lots of sharp teeth moving at a very high speed and one can never let their mind wander while working with it. I feel it is perhaps the safest saw of its kind. My wife is an amateur woodworker also. In fact she has built more projects out of wood than I have (tables, ottomans, etc.) She is petite and she has no problem handling this saw. Becuase of the features of this saw, I am less nervous when she uses it as opposed to other woodworking tools.
5. Cost- yes it cost more than other saws but after doing my cost/benefit analysis, it is the best value on the market. Different features of the saw appeal to different people. In this sense, Festool has done their homework with this tool.
6. My wife wants to know if this saw will be available in pink because she wants her own. I explained that green is their color and she will have to live with it.
7. I am very critical of my pruchases especially tools, being a tool and die maker. This saw has not only met my expectations but has exceeded them. The time I saved with the polycarbonate cutting has paid for the saw.

 

[Runhard]

Thanks for the review!  As a tool and die maker, I'm sure that you love the accuracy, precision and quality of Festool. I have the TS75 and I'm thinking about getting the TS55R as well. I do not have a table saw and therefore purchased the TS75. When I have room for a table saw I would probably sell the TS75 and keep the TS55R. I work in my basement as a hobby and DIY type work on my house, so the dust collection is a must for me.

You could get some pink paint and/or stickers to customize your wife's tools and systainers  [wink]

Daniel

 

[peter halle]

It isn't that often that we read about cutting polycarbonate or plastics here.  I know several people who cut it on a regular basis using a table saw.  Of course they also don't give a hoot about dust collection so the result is that much of the cutting debris is shot directly at them.  I demoed the TS-55 system for them and they thought it was so unbelievable.  They continue to use a table saw just like they did.  [doh] [doh] [doh]  I guess we can't convince everyone.

Peter

 

[ScotF]

It isn't that often that we read about cutting polycarbonate or plastics here.  I know several people who cut it on a regular basis using a table saw.  Of course they also don't give a hoot about dust collection so the result is that much of the cutting debris is shot directly at them.  I demoed the TS-55 system for them and they thought it was so unbelievable.  They continue to use a table saw just like they did.   [doh] [doh] [doh]  I guess we can't convince everyone.

Peter

Yeah...being able to slow the blade down is perfect -- cannot do that on a traditional table saw...

Scot

 

[Paul G]

Bmikl, curious what blade you prefer on the polycarbonate?

 

[bmikl]

Paul,
Blade #496307.

 

[SittingElf]

I know that there has been much discussion about the TS55REQ saw especially from experianced woodworkers. I would like to give input from a less experienced workworker's perspective.

6. My wife wants to know if this saw will be available in pink because she wants her own. I explained that green is their color and she will have to live with it.

Hmmm.... Apparently you missed this offering..... [big grin]

 

[Acrobat]

Hi
I too would like to add.....I'm a DIYer and do a few reno's around peoples places on the side. I'm not the most competent nor experienced chippy. I used my TS55r with two rails joined together so I could trim down the width and length of a new long bathroom benchtop. (30mm and thinly laminated). I used the festool clamps slid in the groove and locked it all down before I cut. I had a new Freud blade I got off Amazon, a 48tooth 2.2mm kerf (as my original festool blade was a bit worn and i wanted a cut without chip-out). It all worked so well and the cuts were sharp and straight and had as good an edge as the factory edge if not better! What a relief I can tell you. My friends family were very impressed. Made the job so much easier than I was being apprehensive about. I'm sure the festool blade would have done as good a job, just mine was rather worn so I put a new blade in for this job and I had the Freud one at hand).
I love the fact the clamps slide in the rail for clamping down, tidy and effective and easily done. I was originally picturing taking the benchtop to my old table saw and masking the cut edge first then awkwardly passing it though the saw and hoping it wasnt going to scratch it or have chipout.  No such effort required with the ts55r saw and rails. I have no problem recommending this saw and rail combo for work like this. Sweet as!

 

[dsh1705]

To chime in here - as a brand new owner of this saw, I watched the setup video, went outside, adjusted the saw on the rail, trimmed the splinter guard, adjusted the depth, added the "offside" splinter guard, then proceeded to cut pricy pre-finished plywood with laser-like accuracy.

I am so totally a fan.....  [big grin]

P.S. Bob Marino gave me the BEST pre-sales support - answering my many questions about rails, accessories, etc. - thanks, Bob!

 

[Tlo]

Had to build a bunch of shelves out of 3/4 ply, and was getting mighty tired of breaking down the sheet goods with a circular saw and recutting it on the table saw. Nothing fit right, and the one time I tried to feed a half sheet across my little job site saw, me, the saw, and the plywood had a pretty wild experience! (Yes, I'm crazy!)

Got a TS55req at the beginning of last summer, plus a big long track, and my whole experience changed! Made a big table out of 2 Burros and a full sheet, and started cutting. Straight, clean perfect cuts, one after the other.

Neat! Measure it out right, cut one time, cut the dados, stain, assemble, clear coat, all done!

Then I started thinking how nice it would be to be able to use the track system with a router to cut the dados, instead of using a straightedge for a guide... And all that dust! OF 1010 and CT Midi!

Now my wife says I don't curse anymore while cutting dados. Lots less sawdust on the patio, too. (Almost none, really)

Now I'm looking real hard at a Carvex, my present jigsaw has no provision for dust collection.

I think I taste green Koolaid...

 

[jplemons]

I'm convinced. I'm saving up now.

 

[semenza]

Hi Tlo,

Welcome to the forum!  [smile]

Thanks for the input!

Seth

 

[adcolor]

For your anniversary (especially with the recon sale currently going on) you could buy her one and have the blade guard, etc, powder coated pink. Leave the green for a great contrast.

 

[Phoenix]

Hi:

I'm new to the forum and to Festool.  One of my first purchases was this saw.  I can do, and have done, things you just can't do (or do nearly as well) on a table saw or with a circular saw.  I encased a four by six wood post in my basement with 1/4 inch plywood, mitered at 45 degrees.  Try cutting 8 foot lengths 4 and 6 inches wide on a table saw without chipout or going a little whippy.  The mitered fit was not just good but perfect.  Like others I really like the precision.

Also like others, I find Festool manuals woefully deficient.  But between FOG and the many online setup and use videos available, I'm usually up and running quickly.