Used Festool TS 55 REQ?

[Defonik]

Hey all, I’m wondering if a used Festool TS55 REQ is worth it in 2025. Saw one pop up near me for a really good price. I’m wondering how it compares to the newer TS55 FEQ, whether it’s worth buying one of these used (assuming it’s in good condition), and how it compares to the Makita corded track saw I’ve been looking at for for about $520 new. Specifically interested in accuracy, ease of adjustment, and how clean the cuts are.

 

[MMCO]

Hey all, I’m wondering if a used Festool TS55 REQ is worth it in 2025. Saw one pop up near me for a really good price. I’m wondering how it compares to the newer TS55 FEQ, whether it’s worth buying one of these used (assuming it’s in good condition), and how it compares to the Makita corded track saw I’ve been looking at for for about $520 new. Specifically interested in accuracy, ease of adjustment, and how clean the cuts are.

Depends on the price and your needs. The FEQ has many upgrades over the REQ. I would suggest watching the Festool Recon site where you can pick up a like new TS55 with a warranty for less than $500.

 

[onocoffee]

The current model TS 55 FEQ is $666. How good of a deal is it? If we're talking $200 and under - hell yes. $200-400? Pretty good. $400+ maybe not so great.

The FEQ's biggest plus is the 1.8mm kerf blade. It really cuts like butter - and recently I've been comparing it to the very old ATF 55 E and the not as old and first generation TS 55 EQ. The FEQ blazes through the wood compared to those. It is a better saw.

That said, the REQ is still being used by a lot of people and probably very happily as well. If you get a great deal on it, go for it.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I guess it really depends on the price. The main upgrade that I remember is the move to 1.8mm blades, from 2.2mm.
My own TS55 is an REQ, and it's a great saw. I wouldn't ever have "upgraded" it for another 55.
There is no doubt that a 20 % thinner blade cuts easier/faster, but that is not really a big deal to a hobby user.
In fact, I use an even thicker 2.4mm blade, for cutting Corian.
I wouldn't hesitate at an REQ, for the right price. Nothing against the Makita. The company I worked for, had one, for a few weeks. The saw itself was fine. The problem we had was with the rail, it had a slight curve. It could not make a tight joint in a Corian countertop. Cutting 2 pieces across the ends would result in a gap in the middle. ( )
I would make the same cut with my 55 & rail and it would be watertight. They returned it and bought a TSC55.

 

[SoonerFan]

Specifically interested in accuracy, ease of adjustment, and how clean the cuts are.

I have had an REQ for many years. It’s a great saw. I won’t upgrade unless it finally gives out and then I would likely go cordless. As for your three specific interests:

1. Accuracy. When combined with Festool rails it’s very accurate. If you measure and place the rail correctly there will be no error.

2. Adjustment. All adjustments (depth, bevel, & blade change) are all well engineered and easy.

3. Clean cuts. When combined with a proper/sharp blade and splinter guard cuts will be very clean.

If the price is right and it’s in good shape, I think you would be very happy with accuracy, adjust ease and cut quality.

 

[ReneS]

I have a Makita track saw. The saw is fine. The rails are not.

I have three rails. Each has a slight difference in the thickness of the part the saw is guided by. Switching between rails and joining rails for longer cuts is a problem.

I bought a Festool TS and several rails. They work together flawlessly.

 

[peter halle]

I'm still happily using my TS 55 EQ (manufacture date 07/2005). It works just as well as it did when new. If the saw is within your desired price range I would say go for it.


Peter

 

[demographic]

I was cutting a load of MDF for pipe boxing this week and as my HKC55 isn't as good on the extraction front I pulled my TS55 REQ out the van for the first time in yonks.
It's still a great saw, accurate, proper quality feel and excellent dust extraction capability.
I don't regret buying it at all.

Usually, if your stressing about its power you maybe just need a rip blade with less teeth.

 

[4nthony]

Usually, if your stressing about its power you maybe just need a rip blade with less teeth.

I have an REQ-F and I'm still using it with the stock blade. I was recently ripping a bunch of 18mm baltic birch and there were a few cuts when it would bog down. Cut quality was still great though. I'm going to take your advice and try a lower tooth blade.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I have an REQ-F and I'm still using it with the stock blade. I was recently ripping a bunch of 18mm baltic birch and there were a few cuts when it would bog down. Cut quality was still great though. I'm going to take your advice and try a lower tooth blade.

Technically, mine is a REQ-F too, but AFAIK that just means "Fractional." Literally the only difference is the scale on the depth stop. The detents are still metric.

Since myTS60 is not a true NA model, it has a metric scale.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I have a Makita track saw. The saw is fine. The rails are not.

I have three rails. Each has a slight difference in the thickness of the part the saw is guided by. Switching between rails and joining rails for longer cuts is a problem.

I bought a Festool TS and several rails. They work together flawlessly.

Yeah, the Makita uses the same pattern.....they "fit", but they are in no way "the same"

 

[4nthony]

Technically, mine is a REQ-F too, but AFAIK that just means "Fractional." Literally the only difference is the scale on the depth stop. The detents are still metric.

Since myTS60 is not a true NA model, it has a metric scale.

Ah, makes sense. The REQ-F was one of my first Festool purchases back in 2021 and at that time, I hadn't yet converted my woodworking to metric. I can't remember the details but I think I specifically ordered the imperial version of the saw.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Ah, makes sense. The REQ-F was one of my first Festool purchases back in 2021 and at that time, I hadn't yet converted my woodworking to metric. I can't remember the details but I think I specifically ordered the imperial version of the saw.

At one time, there were Imperial sticky tapes in the box with some of the saws, but I don't remember which?
Maybe early TS55, as the conversion started? Maybe TS75 too? IIRC, there was some complaining, when they all started shipping with the F scales, since the choice was removed.