What are the capabilities of the TS / MFT/3 / CT setup?

[MrToolJunkie]

I have both versions of the saw. I think that the 55 does slightly better in plywood, but it is negligible at best. I really like the cordless 55 for freedom of using it anywhere without a cord or DC hose. So nice. I would not be without my 75 either as I often cut thicker hardwood like 8/4 maple, walnut and cherry. The 55 could do it with the right blade, but the 75 takes it in one pass and it is a joy to use. The slip clutch on the 75 is also a really nice feature. I do not think you can go wrong with either. Again, if mostly thinner material, I would suggest the 55. If thicker stuff, then the 75 is a better tool. I would recommend going to a dealer and trying them out - feel the heft and how it works with the tracks and MFT to get a better feel.

Of course, you can always take advantage of the 30 day policy too -  buy one and try it and see how it works out (but do not buy added accessories like blades as that is not under the 30 day policy). That way you can at least try it risk free and go from there.

 

[Cheese]

Let’s try a different tack on this issue. Name the first 5 projects you want to complete after purchasing the Festool tools. This may better emphasize what tools you actually need to purchase.  [smile]

 

[John Stevens]

I’m going with the MFT table and likely a CT26.
  ***
How can I build projects without a planer? Am I limited to sheet goods based projects?
***
How difficult is it to setup the MFT/3 table accurately? Are there any accessories that are highly recommended?
***
If you could choose one additional tool for the set up, what would it be (domino, sander, drill, router)?

Hi Jim,
I also don’t have a table saw at this time.  I get by with hand saws, an ATF55 (the predecessor to the TS55), multiple guide rails, and a Festool jig saw.  And I still miss my cheap table saw.  There are some cuts that are easier, safer and more accurate on a table saw.

I find the MFT time-consuming to set up and use, in spite of the huge Woodpecker’s triangle I use to square it. I love my TSO Products GRS-16 guiderail square.  For some operations, like precision cross-cutting to length, the MFT is the better option than the GRS-16 alone, but the GRS-16 can be used on the MFT, and then you need to square nothing.

As far as an additional tool goes, I hate routers because of the dust, noise and setup time.  They can be very useful, but I use my Domino much, much more often.  The festool sanders are great.  I have a 150/3, but the half-sheet sander (which I don’t own) may be a better choice for making furniture.  I own a R0-90 and an RAS 115, but use them more for removing paint and oddball shaping tasks.  I had the old Rotex 150 but sold it.  The new one has better balance and might be a good choice.

Another additional tool I’d strongly recommend is one (or two) ambient air filters.  I own a particle counter, and I am amazed at how well they take dust out of the air, at particle sizes much smaller than they’re rated for.

Your question about limiting yourself to plywood is an interesting one.  I’ve often thought about it.  A few of my favorite projects were made either entirely or mostly from furniture-grade ply.  If you go through the stack, you can find some sheets with very nice figure.  If you are willing to waste material in order to cut the parts so you get symmetrical grain patterns, people won’t necessarily know it’s ply.

Hope this helps.

—John

 

[Peter_C]

For the future you might strongly consider getting a CMS with an insert for the TS75 to use as a table saw, and an insert for the OF1400 router. Watch a few Youtube videos and see if it is something you would be interested in for the future. The TS75 is more functional as a table saw.

Also if you are shop based a CT36 has more holding capacity which means you will go through fewer bags. They are identical other than the size of the tank. They get heavier if you are mobile and having to pick the dust collector up.

 

[Jimxavier]

[member=62526]Peter C[/member] Thanks for the note about the bags, I believe I saw a reusable bag that holds about 500 cycles, how are those?

As for the CMS, I have seen iffy reviews of it especially for the cost.  Obviously, having been trained on Festool since a teen and continuing to use them to the day, I see the value in the system and I believe they are engineered to the highest standards.  Yes they cost more, but I am not so bothered by that given that the quality is apparent, the dust collection is incredible, and they make great use of a small foot print. 

However, the router table - based on reading reviews - is probably the only thing where I would steer away from Festool.  There are some great great router tables in the $500 range, (Incra, Woodcraft, maybe even Bosch, I cant recall what I used).

I have seen the TS75 under the table, the set up looks great, It really does, but if I had the space for that I would just get a SawStop  [wink]  I'm drawn to the MFT / TS set up because of my space constraints.  I live in a dense urban area and have a 1 car garage.  I'm young and plan to remain here for a while.  While the TS MFT set up is great by many standards, in my situation it's really something I'll have to accept and get great at it for the  time  being.

 

[Jimxavier]

[member=6605]ScotF[/member] Thanks Scot,  I am hesitant to go with a battery powered TS55.  Traditionally, corded is always better, but I have seen outstanding reviews of the TS55 and it seems like you are impressed. 

Is it something you think I should consider as my only saw? 

 

[scary]

I had the 75 first. Now its just for solid wood ripping and thicker stuff.
Then i had the 55, which is easier to use generally in every sense and i think has a better cut,especially melamine  but, its pretty weak.
I just got the the battery powered 55 and man is that thing a blast. The dust bag is almost as good as a vacume ,its way more powerful than the 55,very convenient because of no hose or cord , but weighs as much as the 75.

 

[Jimxavier]

[eek] [member=59044]scary[/member] Wow! Are you serious?  I mentioned above that I always shied away from cordless tools besides a drill of course due to the lack of perceived power and longevity.  Another user commented above also speaking highly of the TSC, so, I take it you've been happy with yours?

It's better than the TS55? You'd choose it over the TS75?  I guess for the longevity of power, the solution is simple, add more batteries in your rotation, but what about the power that it delivers, is there any noticeable difference between the corded model?

That is fantastic you mentioned the dust extraction is there, too. 

 

[Svar]

I just got the the battery powered 55 and man is that thing a blast. The dust bag is almost as good as a vacume ,its way more powerful than the 55...

That is partially because of a thin 1.8 mm blade. 20% less cutting resistance (on rip cuts) than with 2.2 mm blade on the corded model.
BTW, Mafell, prised for its power, also comes with thin blade. Not a fair comparison.

 

[Gregor]

As quite some write here about 'buy this or that square': When being money constrained you can make one yourself, easily, even without having one as a reference - as long as you have a tracksaw and a sharp pencil. Using a sheet of material that will stay in shape (like multiplex or melamine pressed plywood - dosn't matter as long as you can cut it cleanly) and repeated flip test to tell you how far out you currently are - iterate till being perfectly square... dosn't take that long.

Regarding TS in CMS: I have a TS 75 in a CMS (with the LA-CS fence and the table extensions) and it works OK, in case I wouldn't be that space constrained (and wouldn't have the need to take it with me at times) I would get a real table saw - though as soon as sawstop gets available in Europe I'll be one of the first to get one (as I like my fingers and see this as a kind of insurance cost to make sure I keep them). It's a compromise that works reasonably well, not that real fun to set it (depth, bevels) compared to a dedicated table saw but squareness is ok. Being able to take the TS out of the CMS should I need the higher dept (as my TS 55) with a rail is a plus though, but the conversion takes some time and isn't fun (mainly because of the way the blade guard/extraction is attached). Similar reasoning applies to the CMS OF (router) insert, it's OK for the same reasons (space constraint, occasional need to take it on-site, being able to remove the router in case I need it in mobile) and works well enough for my circumstances.

But for both: in case you have the space dedicated machines (table saw and router table) will likely be not that more expensive and likely give easier adjustment control.

Regarding dust collection I would suggest, given that you have the space, to go for a cyclone add-on instead of the long-life bag - more value it it from a handling standpoint, especially in case you want to use it with a router as these fill bags quickly.

Tools I would highly recommend:
A Domino is a gamechanger, try to fit one into your budget.
A rotex (125 or 150) will likely make you happy as an I-have-only-one sander.

The smaller kerf blade of the TSC should also fit onto the TS 55, upping the perceived power of it.

 

[Cheese]

That is partially because of a thin 1.8 mm blade. 20% less cutting resistance (on rip cuts) than with 2.2 mm blade on the corded model.

I think you're thinking about the HKC, the TS & TSC both take the same thickness blade, 2.2 mm.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

I just got the the battery powered 55 and man is that thing a blast. The dust bag is almost as good as a vacume ,its way more powerful than the 55...

That is partially because of a thin 1.8 mm blade. 20% less cutting resistance (on rip cuts) than with 2.2 mm blade on the corded model.
BTW, Mafell, prised for its power, also comes with thin blade. Not a fair comparison.

The cordless TSC 55 has the same blade as the standard TS55. The HKC is what comes with the thin-kerf blade.

The TSC has oodles of power and is an awesome saw, IMHO.

 

[Cheese]

I have both the TS 55 & the TSC 55 and I sincerely feel that the TSC has more muscle. Add the dust bag to it and it’s actually fun to use. No more vacuum hose to wrestle with and it still picks up over 90-95% of the dust generated.

In the 2 years I’ve owned the TSC, I’ve only used the TS once and that’s because it was already in the garage.

Here’s a shot of a 2” white oak slab that I cut to size for a countertop with the TSC.