TS60 110volt in the US. Plug-it installed

[mavbo]

It really does depend upon how you plan on using the saw. I had 2 different TS 55's, both had riving knives. I now have a TSC 55 K and a Mafell MT 55, neither have a riving knife. I certainly don't miss the riving knife but the saws are used for plywood 75% of the time. If I was ripping 2" hardwood 75% of the time, maybe that riving knife would be a must have thing?

Thanks! I'll primarily be doing hard wood furniture with the occasional ply back. I'm coming from a 100% hand tool workshop focused on smaller pieces so any ability to quickly and accurately cut larger boards is a win. My plan is to keep the track saw+MFT for crosscutting/ply and to eventually get a smaller table saw for rips. I'm used to needing to wedge boards when ripping by hand, so I think that's okay for now. My understanding is that the TS55 can't quite cut 2xX (1.5") material at 45*, which is probably the biggest limitation I see for my (potential) work. It also looks like the TS55 can't cut beyond 1 15/16" at 90*, which would limit my ability to cut two 1" pieces simultaneously (i.e. for quickly matching case sides with angled features)?

For the cord/plug-it part of it, I just used my TS55 and my Lamello Zeta P2 a couple of weekends ago on a project.  My Zeta doesn't have a plug-it conversion like CRG's does, because I'm not in a production/manufacturing setting.  I just plugged the Zeta in to the triple-tap that I have hanging off of my CT26 and swapped over the hose.

I hadn't considered adding additional plugs to the CT but that makes sense for leaving the plug it cord around for the other tools. I'm also not in a production/manufacturing setting, and maybe I'll just need to learn to take the extra seconds to put away a TS60 with the cord. I can't imagine needing to regularly/easily switch between the TS and other tools during one project.

 

[ChuckM]

I was about to buy my first set of Festool including a TS55 and MFT/3, but seeing this has made me hesitate. For someone with no experience using Festool (nor a track saw), I can’t tell how annoying the hardwired cord would be. I’d have a mostly stationary CT and also be using a domino/OF1400/sander in the same place so the plug it sounds ideal, but do you think the pros of the TS60 outweigh that con? I know some are firm on the need for a riving knife as well, and since I primarily work with hardwoods this is also a confusing point in my decision making. Would love to hear if the rest of the changes are worth it or not.

TS60 cord - You know the cord is a non issue if you have other corded tools.

TS 60 lack of riving knife - If you mainly deal with thick hardwood rather than ply or plan to build furniture with hardwood, get a table saw, not a track saw. So the riving knife or the lack of it is also a non issue.

Get a table saw or a TS60. TS 55? You may soon find some good deals from people who want to sell their TS55s for the TS60s.

 

[mino]

I was about to buy my first set of Festool including a TS55 and MFT/3, but seeing this has made me hesitate. For someone with no experience using Festool (nor a track saw), I can’t tell how annoying the hardwired cord would be. I’d have a mostly stationary CT and also be using a domino/OF1400/sander in the same place so the plug it sounds ideal, but do you think the pros of the TS60 outweigh that con? I know some are firm on the need for a riving knife as well, and since I primarily work with hardwoods this is also a confusing point in my decision making. Would love to hear if the rest of the changes are worth it or not.

TS60 cord - You know the cord is a non issue if you have other corded tools.

TS 60 lack of riving knife - If you mainly deal with thick hardwood rather than ply or plan to build furniture with hardwood, get a table saw, not a track saw. So the riving knife or the lack of it is also a non issue.

Get a table saw or a TS60. TS 55? You may soon find some good deals from people who want to sell their TS55s for the TS60s.

I disagree here. For a hobby user the benefits of TS 60 over the TS 55 K are negligible. Both the riving knife and the plug-it make the TS 55 the go-to tool over a TS 60 (in the US, but I would still go TS 55K if buying today. Even in Europe).

As for getting a used TS 55 .. well, the TS 55 K will not be for resale in any signifficant numbers. The TS 55 R will be, but then it is worth it getting a new TS 55K over that one.

IMO.

TSC 55 (TS 55 R equiv) and Protool CSP 145 E non-professional owner.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

So how long before someone gets the gumption to try and convert the hardwired plug into a Plug-It cord for the TS60?  It's got to be a relatively simple conversion.  Warranties aside... someone's got to go for it!

It's not about gumption, I'm just waiting on UPS. It will happen next week.

I was about to buy my first set of Festool including a TS55 and MFT/3, but seeing this has made me hesitate. For someone with no experience using Festool (nor a track saw), I can’t tell how annoying the hardwired cord would be. I’d have a mostly stationary CT and also be using a domino/OF1400/sander in the same place so the plug it sounds ideal, but do you think the pros of the TS60 outweigh that con? I know some are firm on the need for a riving knife as well, and since I primarily work with hardwoods this is also a confusing point in my decision making. Would love to hear if the rest of the changes are worth it or not.

The hardwired cord is only really an issue for guys like me, who use multiple Festool tools successively. I switch back and forth between saws, sanders, Domino, routers, etc. For most people, they plug the cord into the tool and maybe never take it back out, or only when storing it back in the Systainer.
The pros, to most people, are the extra depth and possibly blade changes. Some guys don't like the way the TS55 sits during blade changes, the TS60 sits much better/more stable. That extra depth will cut 45 degree bevels in 1 1/2" material.
If you rip a lot of hardwood, depending on thickness, the TS55 with the riving knife might be better suited.
If you need more depth, go to the more powerful TS75.
The cons are relative. The riving knife or lack of, matter to some, not to others. The Plug-it, same.

I disagree here. For a hobby user the benefits of TS 60 over the TS 55 K are negligible. Both the riving knife and the plug-it make the TS 55 the go-to tool over a TS 60 (in the US, but I would still go TS 55K if buying today. Even in Europe).

As for getting a used TS 55 .. well, the TS 55 K will not be for resale in any signifficant numbers. The TS 55 R will be, but then it is worth it getting a new TS 55K over that one.

IMO.

TSC 55 (TS 55 R equiv) and Protool CSP 145 E non-professional owner.

Agreed, even at the same cost(which it isn't), there is no particular reason to go with the 60 over the 55unless that depth of cut matters.

Is the noise level significantly less than the TS55?

Less? I don't know about less, but it is very different. The groan of the TS55 is not there, but the pitch is higher. It sounds more like the cordless version, but not nearly as loud. The cordless is significantly louder, but again different kind of sound.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

The Plug-it connector came in today, as a bit of a surprise. I never did get a shipping notification?
I wish I could say it was a 1 minute operation, like it should have been, but it did take a bit more to get it installed. For some crazy reason, the spade connectors of the Plug-it fitting were smaller than the ones on the cord/machine. It only took a few minutes to put some new ones on and reassemble it.
It works just fine, but is not a 100% bolt-on.
I also found out today that when you bevel the saw to 45 degrees it still falls over, so that's a plus  [big grin]

 

[rmwarren]

Interesting. So the housing is the same, no modifications other than removing the cord and installing the Plugit? That makes total sense, kudos for sussing it out.

Betcha you've instigated a black market in TS60's, & we'll be reading about containers stopped at the border...  [poke]

RMW

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Interesting. So the housing is the same, no modifications other than removing the cord and installing the Plugit? That makes total sense, kudos for sussing it out.

Betcha you've instigated a black market in TS60's, & we'll be reading about containers stopped at the border...  [poke]

RMW

Yes, the housing is shaped correctly for the Plug-it. The 220-240v version that is available in Europe comes with Plug-it, so changing the housing would be costly for no reason. The 110v version has some little plastic spacers as part of the strain-relief, which adapt to the Plug-it's shape.
It's as easy as removing 5 or 6 screws, which hold the cover on, two screws on the cable clamp, and disconnecting two spade connectors. You then need to cut off and replace the spade connectors from the Plug-it part, and put it all back together. If you are prepared (having the new connectors at hand) it's a five minute job.

There is no point to shipping them here anymore. You will be able to buy one with legit US labeling by the middle of next week. It will have a warranty and it will certainly cost less, since they are already here. Because of the shipping and Plug-it parts, I'm going to end up with at least $100 more than it will cost here.
I only did it because we couldn't get an answer as to when. It was already in motion, when the word came.
I did gain that sexy green cord though. I'm going to try to put a Plug-it end on that, just because.

 

[Toolpig]

My assumption would be that the 120-volt version of the TS60 doesn't have a plug-it cord due to it having a higher amp draw than its 240-volt cousin. The existing plug-it cords probably can't handle it, for whatever reason (connectors or wire gauge not big enough??).

I had my TS55 for 15 years and never once was I glad it had a plug-it cord. But I wasn't using it on job sites.

I do like plug-it cords on my sanders, however, because I'm often switching between them while sanding.

Jason

 

[rmhinden]

My assumption would be that the 120-volt version of the TS60 doesn't have a plug-it cord due to it having a higher amp draw than its 240-volt cousin. The existing plug-it cords probably can't handle it, for whatever reason (connectors or wire gauge not big enough??).

That probably not the case since the TS75 has a plug-it cord.

I just looked at the manual on festoolusa, it says it draws 13 A.    The manual for the TS75 says it also draws 13 A.

Bob

 

[Crazyraceguy]

My assumption would be that the 120-volt version of the TS60 doesn't have a plug-it cord due to it having a higher amp draw than its 240-volt cousin. The existing plug-it cords probably can't handle it, for whatever reason (connectors or wire gauge not big enough??).

That probably not the case since the TS75 has a plug-it cord.

I just looked at the manual on festoolusa, it says it draws 13 A.    The manual for the TS75 says it also draws 13 A.

Bob

That was the exact thinking that drove this decision.

 

[squall_line]

My assumption would be that the 120-volt version of the TS60 doesn't have a plug-it cord due to it having a higher amp draw than its 240-volt cousin. The existing plug-it cords probably can't handle it, for whatever reason (connectors or wire gauge not big enough??).

I had my TS55 for 15 years and never once was I glad it had a plug-it cord. But I wasn't using it on job sites.

I do like plug-it cords on my sanders, however, because I'm often switching between them while sanding.

Jason

I think the consensus opinion earlier was a variation of "UL/CE Listing and testing would take too long to get it to market compared to a hard-wired version" or some such thing like that.

 

[deepspeak]

The Plug-it connector came in today, as a bit of a surprise. I never did get a shipping notification?
I wish I could say it was a 1 minute operation, like it should have been, but it did take a bit more to get it installed. For some crazy reason, the spade connectors of the Plug-it fitting were smaller than the ones on the cord/machine. It only took a few minutes to put some new ones on and reassemble it.
It works just fine, but is not a 100% bolt-on.
I also found out today that when you bevel the saw to 45 degrees it still falls over, so that's a plus  [big grin]

Amazing work - I had decided to cancel my TS 60 preorder - you made me keep it.
Can you please tell me which spade connectors you used?
I am guessing you used the 16-gauge heavy Plug it cable.

Thanks a lot!!!

 

[woodbutcherbower]

Just a quick heads-up for any newcomers to Festool = any modifications carried out by the user to the machine will invalidate the warranty. In CRG’s case, he already had nothing to lose, since his machine was imported from the UK. Warranty is not transferable between countries.

 

[bidn]

I saw a comprehensive test of recent cordless track saws yesterday, I am thinking that the Mikwaukee M18 M18FPS55 maybe an alternative.


The M18FPS55 works with Festool and Makita guiderails, seems to cut almost as deep as the TS60, is cordless and globally clearly beat the TSC 55 KEB according to the testers' scoring system. They were i.a. very impressed at how much more powerful it is than the other saws tested, although it uses a single battery and from only 18V.

Metabo and Mafell scored as high as Milwaukee.

 

[mino]

Warranty is not transferable between countries.

Well, it kinda is ...

The Festool All-Inclusive service/warranty is actually global, but with a big *).

For US this indeed means - in practice - most tools are not covered per below. But generally that is not the case as the limitation is different tool-by-tool. This is one of the many boons of the cordless tools as that makes them (most of the time) transferrable even US-Europe as far as warranty ans service goes.

That said, the 110V UK version which CRG got, is, indeed service-able only in the UK as it is a UK-specific version. Had he got the 230V version from the same UK dealer, he could claim warranty on it anywhere where Festool sells the 230V version. E.g. in Australia. But still not in the US ..

*) from
https://www.festool.com/service/warranty-terms-and-conditions

2.5 Scope and assertation of warranty claims

The scope of warranty claims is limited to machines of the country-specific product portfolio in the country where the claim is made. The relevant country-specific product portfolio can be found on the respective homepage of our import partner, which is listed onhttp://www.festool.com/country-selection 

Warranty claims must be asserted in writing to Festool immediately after the defect is identified and within the warranty period. The Machine concerned must be returned to the seller or sent to one of the customer service centers listed at www.festool.com/service together with all accessories and the original invoice showing the purchase date and the product name.

I personally think this policy of Festool is absolutely the best way to go. It means they provide you cover anywhere where a given tool was sold, thus where their technicians can service it. That is as good as it can get practically.
===============

Either way, running a UK 110V tool in the US is an "on your own hazard" situation. Will all the legal/non-legal issues.

The same as opening *any* tool and reconfiguring the electrical wiring is .. not advised. Period.

 

[peacefulandpatriotically]

anyone on the fence about buying one saw over another, remember that there is a 30-day money back guarantee with all festool products, so you don't really have to rely on on speculating if one product is "just right" for your use cases:https://www.festoolusa.com/service/warranty-all-inclusive/money-back

 

[squall_line]

anyone on the fence about buying one saw over another, remember that there is a 30-day money back guarantee with all festool products, so you don't really have to rely on on speculating if one product is "just right" for your use cases:https://www.festoolusa.com/service/warranty-all-inclusive/money-back

That also means that you should really have a project in mind on which to use it so that you actually take it out of the systainer in the first 30 days.  I'm guilty of that myself, even though I've only regretted one purchase so far.

Which brings me to my caveat and what my regret is:

If you buy from the Recon site, there is no 30-day guarantee.  You better know you want it.  I once bought a corded and cordless version of the same tool from Recon thinking I could send back the one I didn't want.  No dice.

 

[Cheese]

If you buy from the Recon site, there is no 30-day guarantee.  You better know you want it.  I once bought a corded and cordless version of the same tool from Recon thinking I could send back the one I didn't want.  No dice.

Hey [member=58857]Crazyraceguy[/member] I like the Plug-it modification.  [thumbs up]

As far as returns go, Festool Recon only allows returns on damaged items, but those returns are given priority. The return service is absolutely amazing. Over the years I've purchased 2 CT's and they arrived damaged, however within 4-5 days I received a NEW CT as a replacement.

 

[Toolpig]

Hmm... so weird. Sedge in his video says "Festool didn't want to starve the motor" by using a plug-it cord. If the saw only draws 13 amps, like the TS75 does, then his statement makes no sense to me.

Jason

My assumption would be that the 120-volt version of the TS60 doesn't have a plug-it cord due to it having a higher amp draw than its 240-volt cousin. The existing plug-it cords probably can't handle it, for whatever reason (connectors or wire gauge not big enough??).

That probably not the case since the TS75 has a plug-it cord.

I just looked at the manual on festoolusa, it says it draws 13 A.    The manual for the TS75 says it also draws 13 A.

Bob

 

[mino]

Hmm... so weird. Sedge in his video says "Festool didn't want to starve the motor" by using a plug-it cord. If the saw only draws 13 amps, like the TS75 does, then his statement makes no sense to me.

Jason

My assumption would be that the 120-volt version of the TS60 doesn't have a plug-it cord due to it having a higher amp draw than its 240-volt cousin. The existing plug-it cords probably can't handle it, for whatever reason (connectors or wire gauge not big enough??).

That probably not the case since the TS75 has a plug-it cord.

I just looked at the manual on festoolusa, it says it draws 13 A.    The manual for the TS75 says it also draws 13 A.

Bob

Those 13 amps is average rating. Brushless motors main advantage is they generally allow for higher peaks torque which is provided by a higher peak current ... and the PlugIt connector has a peak rating. The cable still has an averaged one and does not care about peaks, but that does not help here..

The TS75 is brushed so it likely does not reach that limit.

Practical imlications mean that Crazy's saw connector is likely to burn out sooner than it would on a TS 55 with same use. A problem for Festool. Not so much for CRG. He can just replace the parts every few yrs ...