TS75 Worth It's Weight?

[sandinista]

Hello all, I'm planning to get a TS55 or a TS75 in the next couple of days. I think I've read all the posts regarding the 55 vs. the 75.  The heaviest work I'd probably do will be hard wood (hard maple, white oak) ripping/cross cutting at 1.75" which is just under the max depth for the 55 - however, I've called Festool and when asked if the 55 is up to task for HARD woods there is abit of a pause.  I understand that the right blade and proper set up is required - how many 55 users regularly cut hardwoods of that dimension with success.  Thanks in advance for the feedback!!

 

[tallgrass]

i have the 75.....it is not too heavy for me. ;D ;D

 

[romlee]

I have the 75.  I'm 5'4", 125 lbs. and use it nearly everyday on 8/4 and smaller hardwood, sheet goods and smaller stock, too.  I had started with the 55 because I was concerned about the size and weight of the 75.  But I needed the extra capacity of the 75.  Sold the 55 through FOG within a couple of days and bought the 75.  Have never regretted the change.  Festool tools are, in general, well balanced and very stable.  The 75 is no exception and this is why, I believe, weight and size haven't been a problem for me.

 

[tbellemare]

I use both the TS 55 and the TS 75. I think they are both great saws and easier to use than the others I've used. I first used a circular saw about 40 years ago and nothing I've used compares to either of them, though I haven't handled the new generation of wannabes.

The TS 75 is heavier but not terribly, about 3.7 lbs. I have never thought of it as unwieldy (I'm about 5' - 11", 180#) and when it's in place sitting on the guide rail and ready to use, it's a breeze. I have said to many people that they could probably cut their car in half with the TS 75 and I think that might be true.

The way I see it, the TS 75 cost 25% more and that should be the starting basis of anyone's analysis of whether it is worth having, assuming they have a use for it. Obviously, the blades cost more also.

If you plan to use it in any way other than riding along a guide rail that is UNDERNEATH the saw, then the weight can really become an issue. I have both and have used the TS 55 UPSIDE DOWN and underneath eaves to cut slots for venting. I would not have wanted to use a heavier saw for that application.

I have also used both saws to cut thick hardwood and found both to work quite well. The TS 75 in thick work pieces is obviously going to go through easier.

I think if you cut sheet goods and make cabinets, use the TS 55 and if you make doors, beefy tables, or do other work requiring deep cuts, get the TS 75.

There is one more thing to consider and that is the length of guide rail. The TS 75 comes with a longer guide rail because it has a bigger base and if you use it, think about the guide rails differently.

Tom

 

[honeydoman]

i have both also, and use the 55 more, as I cut sheet goods 90 % of the time... have done some thick front doors trim off the bottom with the 55 and if you take it slow it is fine.  however, if your goal is heavier harder woods then go with the 75, you can't go wrong. and even for sheet goods it is fine riding on the rail.

 

[mwhafner]

I also have both.  I could easily get away with just the TS75, but am glad that I have both.  I originally bought the TS55, but ran into a few situations where I could have used the additional capacity of the TS75. 

 

[sandinista]

Thanks to everyone for the quick replies!
Even though this is the Festool fan site, I can't believe how many of you guys have both - it seems as though that's where it's heading, get either one because  you'll end up with both anyways?!  It seems like the 75 might be the best overall choice, I think the fact that you don't have to worry about if the saw is up the job or not is worth more than worrying about the 4 lb. difference in weight.  I'm still on the fence but leaning heavily now, looking forward to ordering a TS tomorrow!

 

[Dongar]

I have the 55 and the discontinued 65. If I am cutting on the mft where I am constantly taking the saw on and off the rail with my right hand, while my left hand raises and lower the rail and slides material into place,I definitely prefer the 55. The extra weight makes a big difference after just a few cuts.For all of the other uses I commonly use them for there isn't a huge difference.
Don

 

[pingvinlakrits]

I also have both, something I don't regret.

I actually have the TS75 on the CMS making for a very compact but efficient rip/tablesaw with small footprint. (Although ripping big stuff would be a bit wobbly).

I am happy with the TS55 which does 90% of the job but for hardwood / thick rips the TS75 just sails through where I have had the TS55 struggle a bit, though I am no fan of switching blades all the time so the universalblade was used on those occasions.

 

[mwhafner]

Thanks to everyone for the quick replies!
Even though this is the Festool fan site, I can't believe how many of you guys have both - it seems as though that's where it's heading, get either one because  you'll end up with both anyways?!  It seems like the 75 might be the best overall choice, I think the fact that you don't have to worry about if the saw is up the job or not is worth more than worrying about the 4 lb. difference in weight.  I'm still on the fence but leaning heavily now, looking forward to ordering a TS tomorrow!

I would buy the TS75.  My main reason for hanging on to the TS55 is that I have made my guide-rail and accessory purchases for that saw.  I have a couple of 55" rails, and the 106" rail.  If I used the TS75 exclusively, I would want to upgrade to the 75" and 118" rails.  The existing rails are just a little short for sheetgood work with the TS75. 

The weight difference isn't an issue.  Both are pretty easy to handle.

 

[Warrior]

I started with the TS75. It is a fabulous saw if you are working mainly with hardwoods. When working with sheet goods I prefer the TS55 because the green splinter guard on the the TS75 does not engage until the blade reaches a depth of about 30 -35mm. I dont want to cut that deep when I am only cutting 18mm ply.

I have both saws for that reason and prefer using the TS55 most of the time. When you are making a hundred cuts in a day the weight sure adds up.

 

[justinmcf]

i was ripping 35mm huon pine today with the TS 55.
the motor cut out 3 times on a 3 metre length.
i give it 5 minutes to cool down and then i keep on cutting.
it only stopped on the length of timber that had moisture in it, all other timber was dry.
the TS 75 would be the right tool for this job but i can not afford it just yet.

if you are cutting sheets mostly, i would recommend the TS 55.
if you ripping hardwood or softwood mostly, i would recommend the TS 75.
i still love the TS 55, cant imagine working without it!

 

[richard.selwyn]

I have both, but haven't used the 75 in nearly six months I would guess, but then I spend my life with MDF and Ply and I do have a fairly big table saw.  It's true the 55 struggles sometimes.  I'm surprised to hear of it cutting out - mine's never done that.  Did you have a blade with too many teeth perhaps?  

You need to try to think what you'll be doing in the future.  I agree - 55 sheet goods, 75 for other stuff.  If you're out on site the 55 is much handier.  Of course you'll end up getting both tho  ;D ;D

 

[RogerF]

Hello all, I'm planning to get a TS55 or a TS75 in the next couple of days. I think I've read all the posts regarding the 55 vs. the 75.  The heaviest work I'd probably do will be hard wood (hard maple, white oak) ripping/cross cutting at 1.75" which is just under the max depth for the 55 - however, I've called Festool and when asked if the 55 is up to task for HARD woods there is abit of a pause.  I understand that the right blade and proper set up is required - how many 55 users regularly cut hardwoods of that dimension with success.  Thanks in advance for the feedback!!

I have been ripping and crosscutting African Mahogany that is just shy of the TS 55's max depth on the rail. I'd get the 75 if I were you. The Maple is harder. I have a fresh universal blade and a Panther. The Panther leaves a  pretty rough edge on rips and the 48t does fine on the 11" crosscuts. The saw hasn't cut out, though the breaker at the service panel does unless I turn down the power on the CT33. I believe the 75 will rip with the universal blade and give you a cleaner edge as a result.

 

[nickao]

The TS 75 is worth the extra weight for me.

I feel no weight when using a track saw other than putting the saw on the track. There is no fighting the weight of a track saw  the whole way through a cut so I do not see weight as a big issue. The TS 75 is not that heavy to begin with, IMHO.

 

[monte]

I also have both the TS55 & TS75, and I'm always using both.

When I have thin stock I always use the TS55.

When you need to make angled cut the TS75 sure comes in handy,

When chugging along in hardwoods especially 8/4 stock I go straight for the TS75.

By the way...........

If they came out with a TS95 I would buy it in a heartbeat. ;D

Sometimes having the capacity of a deeper cut then the TS75 (straight & angled) when trimming a formed work,

.................... having a TS95 would make my life easier!

 

[sandinista]

Wow, thanks again to all.  I'm going for the 75.  I just realized, up til now I've been cutting 5x5 3/4" birch ply and 4x8 sheets by myself on the table saw.  If I can handle that (not great, but just well enough), the extra weight of the 75 should be no probs.  Can't wait!!

 

[pingvinlakrits]

My TS55 stalled on me while cutting 40mm oak, it did so two times and then I remembered that I had the TS75 attached to the CMS, so I took it off the CMS and it was smooth sailing for the rest of the bench top cutting with the TS75.

I don't mind the extra weight - but the bulk, the TS 75 is BIG, but not heavy. It stays on the CMS unless I run into a similar TS 55 stalling task.

If I would buy just one I would still get the TS55, and then a good table saw.