Which Track Saw

[Gerry Pehl]

I'm sure this has been discussed many times before, but I sure would appreciate any thoughts or guidance anyone can offer.

I've got a big project coming up, and I'm going to take the plunge. Pun, anyone?

Since I've been learning about track saws, I now wish I would have bought one 30 years ago- I'm sure it will pay for itself in less than a job.

So, the question is, which one?

- If there is a difference in precision, I'd go with the most precise.
- I still don't know how important cordless is to me, the cost increase doesn't seem too bad, but is there a downside to going cordless?
- cross-cutting is important
- I'll be doing 10' rips, so I'll need track for that, unless it's not too bad to move an 8' track
- nice/necessary accessories?

It looks like there are 5 basic options to choose from:

HKC 55
HK 55
TSC 55
TS 75
TS 55

Can anyone point me to a simple breakdown of the differences and strengths and weaknesses?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Gerry

 

[Poindexter]

The biggest determining factor is going to be the depth of cut.  Type of wood makes a difference too.  Do you mind providing that? 

You're going to find most FOG folks own the TS55.  As one who recently joined, having the wide range of Festool saws you do, I can tell you I found the TS75 to provide best for my needs:  extremely hard woods around 8/4.  That had TS75 written all over it.  If I were just cutting sheet goods, I would have bought the TS55.  The HK's seem to be best for folks working on roofs or in places where a miter saw can't go.

 

[Stephen B]

[attachimg=1]​

Welcome to the FOG [member=64282]Gerry Pehl[/member]

You might find the following thread useful -
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/hk-or-ts-saws/30/

I have  both a TS55 REQ and HK55, both corded. I still find that the TS has an edge on precision and is easier to plunge. As promoted by Festool  the HK55 shines in construction applications.

My TS55 REQ is shop bound. When purchased batt. was not then available. I went corded too  on the HK55 due to the higher torque motor; at least in the 240V version.  Others here will comment that they find the batt versions are good to excellent.

Re 75 or 55. I have found the TS55 more than adequate in cutting benchtops [see photo] and the HK55 with two passes and attached to FSK240 rail easily cuts 100X100 mm Treated Pine posts.

 

[tjbnwi]

What material are you ripping, thickness?

How good do you need the cut edge?

Shop or field environment?

Moving the rail is not a good idea. Go with a 3000 and 1400 rail with connectors. There is the 5000 if you have a place to store it and don't need to transport it often.

Buy whichever saw as a package with a CT, which one will depend on the answers to the above questions.

Tom

 

[Gerry Pehl]

Thanks Poindexter.

I'm sure I'll run into just about anything, including sheet goods of all types, but plywood, OSB, doors, etc... specifically for my upcoming project I'll be trimming Equitone fiber cement panels (nothing like James Hardie type materials) for exterior cladding. Depth of cut- always seems like you need more than what you've got sometimes, so it's hard to say.

Thanks for the insight on the HK's in particular- having a hand-held miter saw sounds really intriguing. I'll have lots of 24" cross cuts to make, so a shorter track would be ideal.

You're going to find most FOG folks own the TS55.  As one who recently joined, having the wide range you do, I can tell you I found the TS75 to provide best for my needs:  extremely hard woods around 8/4.  That had TS75 written all over it.  If I were just cutting sheet goods, I would have bought the TS55.  The HK's seem to be best for folks working on roofs or in places where a miter saw can't go.

 

[Gerry Pehl]

Thanks Tom.

My immediate need is for sheet goods, plywood, fiber cement, OSB, etc... under 1" thick, but it seems like such a useful tool that I'll end up using it for just about anything I can.

Edge quality is of utmost important to me.

Shop environment

Sorry, what is a 'CT'?

Thanks again!

 

[Gerry Pehl]

Thanks Untidy,

I'm reading the thread right now.

You wrote:
>>I still find that the TS has an edge on precision and is easier to plunge.

This may make the difference- I think I'd give up a lot to optimize precision. Do you know the difference between the TS 55 and the TS 75? Depth only?

 

[Shane Holland]

This may make the difference- I think I'd give up a lot to optimize precision. Do you know the difference between the TS 55 and the TS 75? Depth only?

1200W vs 1600W motor
Depth of cut (1-15/16 vs 2-3/4)
Weight (9.9 vs 13.6 lbs)
Physically much larger
TS 75 has a slip clutch on the arbor
TS 55 comes with a 55" rail, TS 75 comes with a 75" rail
Different size Systainers

 

[Gerry Pehl]

Untidy Shop wrote:

>>You might find the following thread useful -
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/hk-or-ts-saws/30/

I just read it, and I had not considered the Mafell, but now I'm wondering... what is the balanced view? The one post seemed to indicate that the Mafell is _much_ better than even the best Festool. Is that a fair assessment?

 

[Gerry Pehl]

Alright- thanks Shane!

I know all of the specs are out there, but marketing writers sure know how to hide them

But now I understand the '55' vs the '75'

But what's a 'slip clutch'?

And what's a 'systainer'?

 

[Shane Holland]

But what's a 'slip clutch'?
And what's a 'systainer'?

Hey, I used to be one of those marketing guys for Festool.  [tongue] I didn't think I hid them *that* well. Ha.

A slip clutch is a dish shaped washer in essence that will allow the blade to disengage from the arbor if the blade binds. Basically, a safety feature to help prevent the possibility of a kickback.

A Systainer is the tool box that almost all Festool power tools come in. They are stackable.

 

[Stephen B]

[size=8pt]

This may make the difference- I think I'd give up a lot to optimize precision. Do you know the difference between the TS 55 and the TS 75? Depth only?

1200W vs 1600W motor
Depth of cut (1-15/16 vs 2-3/4)
Weight (9.9 vs 13.6 lbs)
Physically much larger
TS 75 has a slip clutch on the arbor
TS 55 comes with a 55" rail, TS 75 comes with a 75" rail
Different size Systainers

[size=13pt]
Once again [member=64282]Gerry Pehl[/member] , [member=48572]Shane Holland[/member]  is shinning with his facts and knowledge re all Festool [big grin]  and here has answered the questions you asked of me and others re 75 and 55.

Re Maffell, some consider them to be better, but their cost is a premium over Festool. Although some Australians here [[member=40772]Holmz[/member]] have directly imported them, there is no Australian importer and my finances make me even a critical selector of Festool products.

Re precision, I would select the TS55/75 if you are more in to cabinet and furniture making or final fix. The HKs are more directed at construction. I should have added earlier that if I was going to be roofing and rafting [very unlikely at my age ] I probably would have gone HKC / battery.

CT? Is Festool Dust Extractor. Get it with your saw and in Nth America you get a 10% package discount. All here would strongly recommend you get a CT.

We are all probably assuming that you reside in Nth America. Is that true?.

If you want to alert a member in one of your posts, just ad '@' before his name, as in [member=64282]Gerry Pehl[/member]

 

[tjbnwi]

Thanks Tom.

My immediate need is for sheet goods, plywood, fiber cement, OSB, etc... under 1" thick, but it seems like such a useful tool that I'll end up using it for just about anything I can.

Edge quality is of utmost important to me.

Shop environment

Sorry, what is a 'CT'?

Thanks again!

TS-55 with a CT 26 dust extractor. You'll need the following blade (besides the 48 tooth that comes with the saw).

Due to the fiber cement your cutting you'll need the CMT fiber cement blade (CMT 236.160.04H). Be aware it has been posted on this forum that cutting FC will void the warranty on the saw.

Get an extra 48 tooth blade, latter you can add other blades as your needs change.

Add the 3000 rail and rail connectors to get your 10'.

Where are you located?

Tom

 

[Cheese]

A slip clutch is a dish shaped washer in essence that will allow the blade to disengage from the arbor if the blade binds. Basically, a safety feature to help prevent the possibility of a kickback.

I'm assuming the equivalent to a belleville washer?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belleville_washer

 

[RustE]

I bought the HK55EQ because I was more impressed with the versatility.  For me, this decision was easier since I do not own a sliding miter saw or radial arm saw.  The cordless version (HKC55EQ) was not a consideration since I plan to only use the saw when connected to a dust extractor.

To my knowledge, no one has quantified the term 'precision' when comparing the HK55EQ to the TS55REQ.  All the comments that I have seen are qualitative in nature, not measurements that I can compare side-by-side.  Long-term durability cannot yet be compared either since the HK55EQ is a newer offering.

 

[tjbnwi]

I bought the HK55EQ because I was more impressed with the versatility.  For me, this decision was easier since I do not own a sliding miter saw or radial arm saw.  The cordless version (HKC55EQ) was not a consideration since I plan to only use the saw when connected to a dust extractor.

To my knowledge, no one has quantified the term 'precision' when comparing the HK55EQ to the TS55REQ.  All the comments that I have seen are qualitative in nature, not measurements that I can compare side-by-side.  Long-term durability cannot yet be compared either since the HK55EQ is a newer offering.

The reason I did not recommend the HK is all the sheet goods he is cutting. Having the waste side anti-splinter device is not on the HK. He stated edge finish was a priority, the TS will produce a better cross grain cut on veneered plywood.

Tom

 

[waho6o9]

Welcome to the FOG Gerry!

I have a 75 with a Festool  Panther Blade on it for ripping and a 55 with a factory blade on it

for crosscutting and a Festool Dust Extractor.  This set up serves me well.

Good luck on your decision and remember you can return the saws within 30 days, no questions asked.

 

[Gerry Pehl]

Shane wrote:

>>Hey, I used to be one of those marketing guys for Festool.  [tongue] I didn't think I hid them *that* well. Ha.

ok, I'm totally busted, just being lazy

But truthfully, there's no substitute for expert commentary, so thanks!

 

[Cheese]

As Tom said...the CMT 236.160.04H blade works really well with cementious based products. I'm currently using one on an HKC for a bathroom remodel.

 

[Gerry Pehl]

Untidy, you are font of knowledge- thank you!

Yes, I am in North America- could you tell by my accent? For bonus points, which country in North America?

And now, after who knows how many years, you have just taught me the origin of the '@' phenomenon- thanks again!

I try to stay off of roofs these days, too- I'm definitely going to try to stay 'shop focused' going forward.