Which track saw to buy?

[Gixxerjoe04]

So I've got some giftcards that need spending at woodcraft, proud of my self for not blowing them already.  Been thinking about buying a track saw, my 30 year old circular saw isn't the best and just don't like cutting up plywood on my ts.  Have handled both of them at woodcraft, but haven't used them.  I like the size of the 55 and know it would serve most of my needs.  Just like when I was deciding on my domino, knew the 500 would serve most of my needs except for the projects when the XL would be the only way to go.  Have some future plans of making a waterfall type coffee table.  So, being the 75 has a larger 45 degree cut capacity, that's what I'd need for the job.  Of course, I wonder how accurate it would be cutting a miter like that and getting it perfect with either saw, anyone have experience with that?  So which track saw do you all own, pros cons etc.  With that 10% off deal, thought about buying the 75 then my wife buying a sander since she doesn't own any festools, so I could save $75 [big grin]

 

[ear3]

When it comes to mitre cuts on the TS75, you do have to be more careful about supporting the saw and making sure it doesn't tip off the track due to the weight of its motor.  But once you get a feel for the physics of the machine, it's fairly easy to manage -- though I admit that I use the TSC55 whenever possible on bevel cuts, and only switch over to bevel with the TS75 when the size of the material demands it, or when I want to have multiple angles/settings locked in on different saws.

The TS(C)55 is surprisingly powerful -- I've ripped 8/4 material with no complaints from the saw, though if it's a hard, dense wood I definitely prefer the extra power of the TS75 for thicker material.

I think the TS(C)55 is better for MFT work as well, since the 75 needs more rail overhang at the front and back of the piece for the saw body to be fully seated in the rail on the cut.

In the end, I guess you have to determine how soon you might need the extra cut capacity of the 75. 

 

[jbasen]

I have the TS75.  I had a TS55 EQ and upgraded to the 75 when I had to cut a bunch of butcher block counter top and wanted the extra power and capacity.  As a hobbyist/homeowner I can only justify owning one track saw so I sold my 55.

I like the power of the 75 but to me it feels a bit like Festool's unwanted stepchild. 

1) From a Festool standpoint it seems that you should own both saws.  The 55 for cutting thinner stock and the 75 for thicker stock.  If you try to cut thinner stock on the 75 the splinter guard doesn't engage the edge of the blade.  The work around for this is to modify the splinter guard using half-inch-shy's design.  IMHO a ridiculous limitation put on the saw by Festool

2) There is no cover plate to go over the window in the side of the saw to improve dust collection like Festool offers for the 55.  The common practice, from posts I've read, is to use duct tape.  [mad]

This being said, I do like the 75.  It is on the heavy side but personally I just use it for breaking down sheet goods or with other large work pieces.  I do the majority of cutting on my table saw.  If you are looking to do all your cutting with a track saw and an MFT then the added weight might be more of a consideration.

Hope this helps

 

[Gixxerjoe04]

I'll still use my table saw for a lot of applications, but for awkward/potentially dangerous stuff, it would be ideal.  Of course the one table I have in mind, gonna have to cut up a big chunk of sapele, at 13" wide 3" thick and like 80" long, doing so will be pretty difficult by myself.  Problem is I've got all these future plans of what I want to do or try, that will be made a lot easier I believe by getting the ts75, and make me actually get it done instead of just thinking about it.  Always seem to spend more time thinking about what I want to do instead of actually getting to the shop and doing it.  Or something else always comes up, which put my larger projects in the back of the line, new years resolution is to stop doing that.