TSC55K

[SurfnSun]

New to the forum. Lots of information. Getting into woodworking as a hobby in my garage on my days off.

So after some research, I bought into the festool system. Projects that I have in mind include a workbench, doghouse, closet, bunk beds, shelves, patio furniture, dining table, cabinets, and eventually a "she shed" for my wife. Maybe a new deck too.

I just bought these tools so I'm within the 30 day return window. My concern is the tracksaw. Is this saw really as underpowered as I read/hear about? It seems like plenty of people never have problems. But it's hard to not notice all the negative feedback online about the saw being underpowered.

I'm not doing anything with any sort of volume. Talking to friends in the trades, it's all over the place.  But most of the carpenters my buddies know love their festool products. Of course there's diehard loyalists to all the major brands...Dewalt, Makita, Milwaukee, and Mafell. Everything I bought is corded except that saw.

Thoughts? Experience? Advice?

 

[tsmi243]

You said it yourself- 30 day return window.  Go cut stuff.

You're aware that the K series was a pretty substantial increase over the previous TS55, right?  It's a big difference. 

Even the previous one was perfectly usable- it mainly was a problem of perception, to people in the construction trades who were used to high-end circ saws.  If you're used to a Skil worm drive saw, the TS55R was a big slap in the face.  But if your other saw is a Black n' Decker sidewinder bought at Walmart back in the 80's, then you wouldn't notice anything out of the ordinary. 

Seriously.  Go cut stuff.  Hook up the vac, and then tell me that's not a good saw.

 

[alltracman78]

I don't own the TS or the TSC 55. I do have the Makita corded version (it's actually the tool that started me towards Festool).

I my opinion part of the "magic" of the TS is the dust collection, which requires you to drag a hose around, so losing the cord isn't as much of an advantage.
If the TSC is more powerful in reality than the TS that would be an advantage though.

On paper the corded Makita is more powerful than the Festool and cutting hardwood I've definitely been disappointed with the lack of power with the Makita (finesse and dust collection are fantastic). I can't speak for the cordless versions though.

If I specifically wanted a cordless saw I'd personally lean towards the HK vs the TS. But my HK 55 (corded) doesn't have anything close to the dust collection of the Makita or I would assume the TS.

I would rather wait for the new TS 60 vs buy a TS 55 at this point. Deeper cut, more power, and more versatility. Unless you're stuck on cordless. But there is the possibility of a cordless TS 60 at a later date?

Not saying the TS is a bad saw. Like TSMI said, use it and see what you think. If all you're concerned with is sheet goods the TS should be fine. Just power and versatility trumps for me.

That's all I can think of.

 

[MRPayne]

Perfectly adequate for the job it was designed to do if used in the manner intended.
It's a self regulating electronic saw, intended for panels and lumber of a reasonable thickness, designed and used in the European construction trades.
It's not a draft animal like a corded worm drive that I can pick up and run through stacks of lumber laying in the dirt.
If you are worried about power send it back and buy a corded TS60, more power, newer design, more depth of cut, higher price, and on a cord.

 

[woodferret]

Mostly the underpowered remarks are for the older corded TS55 with the 2.2mm kerf blade with its motor control rattle.  The reduction in blade thickness on the TSC (F) and better brushless motor give it more cutting power.  You'll be fine.

Just be aware to use the appropriate blade tooth count (more $) for the tasks at hand.

 

[dicktill]

If you're using all these tools at home, and all the others are corded, why a cordless saw? You'll most likely be hooked up to your CT 36 E anyway, so a cord is no big deal. I think the corded saws are cheaper, and you don't have to worry about having a charged battery. YMMV.

Good luck, Dick

Oh, and thank you for your firefighting service.

 

[jonnyrocket]

I own the corded TS55 and the cordless TSC 55 (both models with the riving knife).  I believe the already posted comments cover the bases but I can say that the cordless is more powerful than the older corded model that I own and that’s where most of the negative feedback is coming from.

However, I believe the upcoming TS60 would be a better single saw for everything you are planning to tackle. Mainly for the added depth of cut and its ability to use the FSK rails.  The only challenge is that we don’t have an official release date yet here in the states. But all this said, the TSC is the best of the currently available track saws festool has available in the States today.

The added benefits of having a battery powered track saw for breaking down large sheet goods can’t be ignored. And having the splinter guard on both sides of the cut is worth keeping this saw compared to any others.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I'm a very deep into the system Festool user, in a professional cabinet shop situation. I have had and extensively used the previous version of TS55 for the last several years. I use it mostly on sheet goods or solid surface material (Corian) and it has always done the job just fine. In a static situation, the corded one has always been connected to the CT26, so the battery never been a priority.
The company I work for just recently bought the same TSC55 K that you have. There are some rather surprising differences. First off the battery version does seem more powerful, part of that has to be from the thinner blade, but the perception is there for sure.
The cordless saw is definitely more bulky/clunky feeling. Those batteries are huge, the corded model is far more sleek. The corded model has an odd groaning sound, that sounds like it is struggling, when it really isn't. The battery version has a rushing air sound that is far different.
Unless you are trying to use it to the maximum that it is capable of in nearly every cut, it will be fine.
Use it, you will be glad you did.
As the others have said, use the correct blade and it will be fine, but don't go expecting the blade that came with it to rip 1 1/2" thick maple all day.

 

[SurfnSun]

Thank you for all the advice. It's definitely time to cut more, think less. I'll reassess my needs in a week after making some more cuts.

And I'll definitely be considering the advice of moving to a corded saw. I'll take a look at the TS60 coming out as well.

 

[snd]

Great info here - thanks to all.  My comment also to the original poster is also to - go cut stuff!  My corded TS55 with the 2.2 blade is well used and I and consider it one of the best purchases ever for breaking down sheet goods.  It doesnt scream through two sheets of 3/4 ply but it's never failed me.  I'll be purchasing another saw, either the newer TS55 with the 1.8 blade or a TS60 when the latter model is available in the US.