Which 55 size Track Saw?

[Axis39]

So, it's time to step up and get a track saw.

I build cabinets most of the time, but also a decent amount of furniture.  I use mostly sheet goods in typical sizes, 1/4"-3/4".  I don't see a need for the 75 any time soon.  I do most of my work in the shop, but do install the items I build.  So, the track saw will got o jobsites.  But, I am almost never on a job site without any power.  So corded is not an issue (Plus, I have a very nice cordless circular saw already).

Honestly, I could put it to use this morning...  I have a bunch fo sheet goods I need to cut down today (like most days, really).

I can go Thursday (Tomorrow) and buy a TS 55 corded saw.  I am not sure which model it is because Rockler's website has been misbehaving.  However, i know it's not the new one with the thinner blade.  I dropped by there today, only had a few minutes, but needed a new straight edge guide for my circular saw and router...  Decided to pick up a piece of Festool track and some clamps...  knowing I'd be buying a Festool track saw sometime very soon.

Or

I can order one online...  All kinds of different delivery days I see at the different online retailers.  Could be a few weeks, could be next month.

So, is it worth waiting on the thin blade version?  Can I use the thinner blades on the older saws?

Is the cordless version really more powerful than the corded versions?  Will I need additional power for mostly just cutting sheet goods?

I did a quick search, but couldn't find these answers in any recent thread...  So, thanks in advance!

John F.
Five Birds Custom Woodworking

 

[mino]

For the TS 55 there is very little difference - both the older and newer model have a riving knife.

There I would go for the newer one. TS55 was never a power monster so the additional oomph from the thinner kerf is welcome.

Some advices in general
- where possible try to get the LR32 tracks from the get go
- if you look for a long rail, 3000 is the way to go (2700 too short)
- do get the TSO Parallel guides system with at least one GRS 16 PE to go along, it will completely change the value/precision calculus of the track saw for you
- get at least one set of the Makita rail connectors /black, two-piece/ they are the strongest connectors available for the Festool style rails as they do not dent the rails, they are great in combination with the TSO (or Festool) self-aligning ones in 1+1

Add:
Yes, the TSC is slightly more powerful.
No, for sheet good all are fine. The power difference really shows cutting thick materials, double or tripple-thickness cuts of 3/4 material etc.
If you plan a shop use, TS55 is IMO better as you can setup a permanent Hose+Plug-It cable station for both sanding and cutting and you can use any Vac. Plus no addl. cost/hassle from the batteries.

With a TSC (which I have) I would definitely want a Festool Midi with Bluetooth control to go along. But even then, having a plug-it + hose station means the plug-it is just hanging around with my TSC. So for a shop use, buying anew, I would have stuck with the TS55 as the main tool.

 

[tiralie]

So, is it worth waiting on the thin blade version?  Can I use the thinner blades on the older saws?

If you need a saw this week buy what's available. If you can wait, order the new one.
I would buy the new version because of the updated features etc, but I have the (circa 2010) older version and it feels like it bogs down a bit in 3/4" sheet goods. It cuts fine and yea it could be more powerful but it works well. I have used thinner blades (HK 55 blade) on my older saw (by accident) and it was fine. The offset from the rail was messed up but it worked.
I have cut a lot of sheet goods with my saw and it still cuts well and I can accurately process a lot of sheets into parts in a day.

Is the cordless version really more powerful than the corded versions?  Will I need additional power for mostly just cutting sheet goods?

I haven't used the cordless version, but everyone I have seen who has one says there is more power. You don't need more power to cut sheet goods. Yea, you can make cuts slightly faster.

 

[JINRO]

I was in the same shoes. Upon advise from FOG, I went with TSC 55 K.  I couldn't find one for few weeks, but managed to grab one from Beaver.  Looks like it's in stock on/off in few weeks cycle.  Check dealer sites regularly to grab one if you want it asap. I've purchased all of my Festools from Hartville, Beaver, Woodcraft and they all are excellent dealers

 

[woodbutcherbower]

Don’t get hung up on blade thickness/kerf. The only reason why the newer version of the TS55 has a 1.8mm blade is that is exactly what the Mafell MT55 has - and which is coincidentally the selfsame saw which they’ve been losing shedloads of sales to. Claims of hugely faster sawing are pure marketing BS aimed at the uninformed and gullible - a Festool speciality.

I have both saws. They’re both great in their own respective areas, and FWIW I find myself reaching for the original 2.2mm TS55 most of the time, unless something more robust is needed = such as a saw which can rip 2” oak in one pass without the motor screaming for mercy and going into limp mode, in which case the Mafell comes out of its box. The relative advantages and disadvantages of both saws/systems have been discussed at great length here so I won’t go over old ground.

The real question you should be asking is - corded or cordless? Since I also install my work, if I had my time again I’d go cordless immediately. But until both my saws wear out, I’m staying hooked up to a power cord. Don’t over-think this. Any top-dollar 55mm machine is going to make you happy. I’d also add that out of 9 different tool brands that I own, only 3 have been 100% free of breakdowns or faults. Festool is one of them.

 

[fraz]

I'd echo the same as the others here.  Especially the TSO rail connectors.  One other bit I would add is the 32" track was a game changer for me.  Light and easy to maneuver in shop for quick cuts.  Leave the clamp on square [Insta] on it all the time and it's like cutting with a stable t-square.

 

[sancho57]

[member=77700]Axis39[/member]

Id get the new cordless. I just sold my corded saw, it was a very good saw, ran great, but I like the corded a lot more.

 

[Axis39]

Well, time and situation made my choice for me...  Had a job and really needed the track saw.  Ran back over to Rockler, only to find out the only saw they had was the cordless...  Ok!  Except, they had no batteries or charger for it. Dagnabbit!

So, we turned around a bit dejected...  But, took a second look at a different brand, that had been my other option from the get-go.  It was cheaper and they had one. 

So, I grabbed it.  If I coulda waited a few weeks, I would have probably hit Beaver tools.

It is a corded version.  I also install my work, but rarely really need a cordless saw...  I bring a small table saw (I find they really are better for scribing), and a miter saw...  So, corded probably was just gonna be the answer.  I already have three manufacturers' batteries, and several different voltages of each.  I don't need another charger, or battery system.  I'm trying to convert down to one (or maybe just four?) as it is.

I have a feeling, I'll probably end up with another track saw down the line, and will surely be back for advice again, then.  Heck, I may order a 55 in the next few months just to compare!

In the meantime, I will be bugging you guys for info about the Domino DF 500, and maybe a router...

Oh, I also discovered a little bit of shadetree mechanic'ing saved me a few bucks today.  I bought those Festool track clamps the other day, but thought to myself, 'those look a lot like my MicroJig dovetail clamps'.  Sure as can be, they were almost the same.  I needed to file about 1/32" off each side,where the clamp rides on the narrow part of the t-track.  Since I already had the MJ ones, I returned the Festool clamps today.

I honestly appreciate everyone's opinions and appreciate the time you guys took to answer my clearly newbie question...  That's probably been asked a million times!  So, thanks!  I do have more questions, but not on this topic today.

 

[rubber_ducky]

Spill the beans… was it a Kreg unit that you ended up with?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Axis39]

Spill the beans… was it a Kreg unit that you ended up with?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Weird, i had typed out a big long reply...  I must not have actually hit Post.  But, this gives me opportunity to include a little more of my impressions of the saw.

I'm a bit disappointed with the recent stuff from Kreg.  I still love the pocket hole system, but any of the jigs and stuff have let me down, a lot.  So much so, I didn't even consider buying the Kreg.  Didn't even read the first review.  I doubt I will give them money for anything outside of pocket hole related things.

I went with the Dewalt.  It was almost a hundred bucks cheaper, and they had it in stock.  The other option available was Triton...  Eh.

There are two things I think the Festool has over the Dewalt (Is it worth the diff in price?  Probably).  The first one, is the depth gauge.  I like that the Festool has the two different levels to show where the depth is when on the track, as well as when it is flat.  The other is the little zero clearance insert for the waste side.... 

I've been using this horrible Vietnamese birch ply.  The outer veneers are so thin, they tear out when you look at it sideways...  So, it's a great test.  Under the fence, it is a beautifully clean cut.  On the off-cut side, it is looks splintery.

Other than that, I love this thing and am kicking myself for not buying one years ago...  What the heck was I (not) thinking?

With no experience with a Festool track saw, I cannot give any kind of accurate comparison...  I have a feeling I will end up with a Festool track saw down the line.  But, right now, the Dewalt is getting the job done!

I did buy the Festool track earlier this week, I understand it is better than the Dewalt track....  The grip foam works great!  I am still amazed at that little bit of technology!  I had also purchased the Festool track clamps, but returned them.  I figured out that they are very similar to my MicroJig dovetail clamps.  I needed to file about 1/32 off the sides of the MicroJig clamps to get them to slide easily through the t-track slots on the 1400/2 track.

So, the Dewalt was my #2.  Especially when I was thinking battery....  I already have a bunch of Dewalt stuff, and the idea of adding another battery system really was not attractive.  I'll be honest, though, the Festool is probably worth the extra money at initial buy-in.  I have no regret buying the Dewalt.  If i had had the time to wait, I probably would have.  But, honestly, the jobs I am in the middle of had a serious need for a track saw right away.

EDIT> for inappropriate remark.

 

[Axis39]

I would like to formally apologize for my remark... I chose my metaphor very poorly and deeply regret it.  To anyone who I may have offended, please feel free to message me privately and I will gladly personally apologize.

Back on topic....  I ask myself at the end of each day, why I have not purchased a track saw before now.....

I am also very pleased that I chose to purchase the Festool track.  It really does stick to any surface so well!  Amazing product!