Which hand do you use TS 55 and TS 75

[Forrest Anderson]

As a southpaw (a left hander), of my Festool machines, the one whose switch position I find most annoying is my OF 1400.  However, we left handed people are used to dealing with products that are designed for right handed people, so it is really only a minor inconvenience, and an occasional surprise when I unintentionally power on or power off a tool due to my gripping it with my left hand.

Dave

I'm left-handed for most things, and have often been tempted with getting the OF1400, partly due to the switch position which looked as though it could be used just as easily with either hand.

Photo of switch on OF1400:

[attachimg=1]

I admit that the speed selector switch is on the wrong side for a left-hander, but I don't change speeds often and could probably use my index finger to change it if I wanted. The lock-on button is also on the wrong side for left-handers, so I guess it might be easy to lock the tool in the "on" position accidentally - is that what you find annoying?

Forrest

 

[jeffinsgf]

..., so I guess it might be easy to lock the tool in the "on" position accidentally - is that what you find annoying?

Forrest

Can't speak to the OF1400, but on my OF1000 I lock the router "on" accidentally almost every time I use it.  The lock button falls right under the pad where my index finger joins my palm.

I use my ATF-65 ambidextrously both off and on the MFT, with a lean toward using it in my left hand most often off the MFT.

 

[Tinker]

since I have grown up left-handed in a right-handed world, I have always used power tools right handed.  With Festool, I have found cutting sheet goods left handed with the TS 55 to be perfectly safe.  I have never had a kickback with that saw, but if it should occur, I feel the blade would retract immediately and there would be no danger to life and limb.  With my right blade Milwaukee circular saws, i never felt that confidence to use left handed.

The only tools (Festool) that I have problems with are my sanders.  I tend to use them left handed as they are not rail guided.  i find i need to use two hands to work the on off switches and the switch locks.  I have always run into that problem on nearly any tool that i can use left handed.

I have tried going to "left handed" sites for some tools, but found out very quickly, they do not supply top quality, top of the line, tools.  I don't even check them out any more.  i would be concerned that Festool might need to raise prices to justify making rail guided tools for both lefty and righty designs.  i am purfikly happy with what they have been doing.
Tinker

 

[jeffinsgf]

... I don't even check them out any more.  ...
Tinker

I'm with Tinker on this.  We're all so used to adapting that a true left designed tool feels kinda weird.  I do a lot of gardening and bought a pair of Felco left handed pruners.  I've been using right hand pruners backwards for so long that half the time I find the lefties in my hand upside down.  [scared]

But I wouldn't mind if you found a neutral location for those darn switch locks.  [big grin]

 

[Wood_Junkie]

I am right handed and have been using the TS55 with my left hand, as the use on the rail basically forces you to that side, *IF* you want to see the cut.

I get what Shane is saying about the cross-body using (e.g. leaning over the rail, not using the saw from the right side, with the right hand... THIS feels and sounds dangerous!).

But what I have come to realize recently, and this is a BIG departure for me with circular saw cutting, is that I need to shelve my need/desire to see the cut, and trust that the rail is guiding it true and the cut will come out as desired.  I am just starting to work with cutting from the left side (right handed) and find it uncomfortable mentally.  It is parallel to the MFT usage, but doesn't feel as official and grounded...

 

[JeromeM]

I get what Shane is saying about the cross-body using (e.g. leaning over the rail, not using the saw from the right side, with the right hand... THIS feels and sounds dangerous!).

But what I have come to realize recently, and this is a BIG departure for me with circular saw cutting, is that I need to shelve my need/desire to see the cut, and trust that the rail is guiding it true and the cut will come out as desired.  I am just starting to work with cutting from the left side (right handed) and find it uncomfortable mentally.  It is parallel to the MFT usage, but doesn't feel as official and grounded...

Having given a lot of thought to the way sheet my goods are cut, I don't usually feel any need or desire to see the cut I trust the rail and saw.

Firstly when trimming of the [probably damaged] factory edge. Unless you can stand on the sheet [eek] cutting from the left side, where you would naturally use your right hand, is not possible {if you don't have 2 meter arms}

After that cutting with the rail on the smaller piece being cut off the main sheet {although you do not have to allow for a saw kerf} means you are constantly lifting the rail and saw off the cut piece to reposition it on the main sheet.

Conversely if the rail is on the  main sheet,
I cut,
move the saw backwards on the rail so it is on the main sheet,
deal with the cut off,
then move the saw and slide the rail for the next cut.

For me this minimises the danger of damage to the saw or rails. Reduces the number of times I have to move the rails and saw which corresponds to less effort per cut so a better use of my time.

Once the sheets are are reduced to manageable lengths or widths I will then revert to the more natural right handed hold.

It is also the case that when cutting long narrow strips off a large sheet that apart from using a separate jig or fixture to support the rail cutting from the left of the rail is impossible.

 

[Dave Ronyak]

As a southpaw (a left hander), of my Festool machines, the one whose switch position I find most annoying is my OF 1400.  However, we left handed people are used to dealing with products that are designed for right handed people, so it is really only a minor inconvenience, and an occasional surprise when I unintentionally power on or power off a tool due to my gripping it with my left hand.

Dave

I'm left-handed for most things, and have often been tempted with getting the OF1400, partly due to the switch position which looked as though it could be used just as easily with either hand.

Photo of switch on OF1400:

[attachimg=1]

I admit that the speed selector switch is on the wrong side for a left-hander, but I don't change speeds often and could probably use my index finger to change it if I wanted. The lock-on button is also on the wrong side for left-handers, so I guess it might be easy to lock the tool in the "on" position accidentally - is that what you find annoying?

Forrest

Yes, Forrest, it is usually the lock-on button that gives me a surprise or bit of frustration.

RE my TS 55 saw.  When using it with my MFT 1080's Guide Rail for cross cuts, I use it with my right hand.

But when I am needing to rip 12 inches or less off a sheet of plywood or a narrow strip off a piece of solid lumber, I set the stock on top of some extruded PS foam insulation sheets, then my 3000 mm Guide Rail on the stock to be cut, then operate the TS 55 with my left hand.  I have never experienced any hint of kickback with this technique.  In contrast, I would think reaching with my right arm across my body to make this sort of long cut would be more dangerous due to the awkward body position and potential of inadvertently applying a twisting force to the saw due to that awkward body to arm position.

Dave R.