Which TS 55 Package ?

[HarveyWildes]

Modified this post - for some reason the final version did not post the first time.

My background for choosing a saw - I have a basement woodworking shop that is reasonably well outfitted - table saw, planer, jointer, band saw, router table, Bosch 12" miter saw, variety of handheld power and hand tools.  I use the shop on weekends and evenings, and make 2-3 large pieces a year, along with 10-20 incidental pieces.

I'm looking at a TS 55 for plunge panel cutting.  I have a Milwaukee cordless saw with a track, quality is OK for rough cuts, not finish cuts - partly cut quality and partly plunge quality with a non-plunge saw.

I'm also looking at an MFT table, and if I got one, I would get the one with the 42" track rail and other accessories.

So that gets me to four TS 55 packages.  They all include some basic saw accessories and the systainer.

1.  TS55 REQ - $660
* Corded, Plug-It
* 55" Guide Rail

2.  TSC55 Basic - $465
* Cordless, no batteries or charger
* Add (2) batteries and (1) charger - $195
* Add 55" Guide Rail - $133

3.  TSC55 Plus-XL - $725
* Cordless, includes (2) batteries and (2) chargers
* Add 55" Guide Rail - $133  ($858 total)

4.  TSC55 Plus-XL-FS - $825
* Cordless, includes (2) batteries and (2) chargers
* Includes 55" Guide Rail

Question #1:  Given that I have a shop with a good compliment of tools already, and that my work is done in the shop, do I really need an MFT table and TS saw?  Are they that good that I would really benefit from their capabilities?

Question #2:  If I get an MFT table with a 48" rail, should I get the 55" rail with the saw?  The obvious advantage is that I get a 103" rail if I add a couple of connectors to the mix.  Most of my panel cuts are 48" or less.  Or may the right answer is to get the 42" rail with the MFT and a longer rail (100+") when I need it?  Is the longer rail a pain to store?

Question #3:  The basic TS 55 plus two batteries and a charger is $660.  The TS 55 Plus-XL has the saw, two batteries, and two chargers in a package for $725.  Why would I buy the TS55 Plus-XL?  Would I really need two chargers?

Any discussion/observations that would help make a decision are appreciated.

 

[nickao]

To me if you are going to use it for panel cutting I personally regret not getting that 118" AND the 75" tracks day one. As far as the MFT, well that's another story.

 

[HarveyWildes]

Bump - added more to the original post.

 

[ear3]

If you go longer rail, definitely go for the 118" as it gives you the ability to cut diagonal on sheets as well as ripping longer hardwood.  The problem with the 42" rail is that it's not long enough for cross cuts, and using the longer rail for that purpose might be cumbersome.  If you have to choose between a long rail and a shorter one I would get the 75" rail over the 55" (provided your going cordless).  Storing the longer rails are not a problem as long as you have the space, which you can create on a wall or on the ceiling.  I've made a dedicated case for mine that I slide up into my garage loft after I'm done with it.

I really like the cordless option on the TSC55 -- you don't sacrifice power, and you gain a tremendous amount of mobility by being able to work away from the Vac.  I actually find my TSC to even bog down less than the corded TS55 I eventually resold. 

As for the chargers -- the TSC55 runs a fairly long time when doing sheet goods (field tests put it at 100 yards I think on a single charge), but if you're cutting hardwood thicker than 3/4 you'll be running through your batteries quickly.  I've never timed a Festool charge because I have 4 batteries, but i would imagine you would be out at least an hour waiting for both of them to recharge in succession on just one charger.  I think it's actually worth it to get an extra battery or two rather than an extra charger, and thus always have a spare ready to go. 

 

[live4ever]

Agree with Reno on the TSC55.  I currently have both and have been surprised at how liberating it has been to go cordless and occasionally, vac-less.  If you will always use the saw in the same place and never move your extractor, perhaps you won't feel the advantages.  My extractors are always moving around the shop and house (esp with ongoing renovations) and thus it's really nice to use the TSC completely cord and hoseless when I don't need to pick up every speck of dust.  The dust collection with the bag is surprisingly good.

 

[Coen]

I would get the corded version. If you already connect a hose for dust extraction, the cord isn't a problem, and the corded version is a lot lighter (compared with TSC + batteries weight). Batteries also degrade, so there is not only the up-front cost, but a maintenance cost to buy new batteries when they are worn out.

On the two chargers; well, two batteries; so unless you have two chargers, totale charging time for both will double. It will probably matter less if you have four batteries, but if you have four batteries, you probably have at least two chargers anyway.

On question #2; the 1080mm (42") rail that comes with the MFT is something you leave attached permanently to that thing that attaches it to the MFT. So for cutting sheets longer than that, you want another raild.

I have two of the 1400mm (55") rails, but for cutting 2.44m sheets at a weird angle that's just a bit too short. I would never ever buy the 2700mm (106") rail, but would get the 3000mm (118") instead. For small stuff (outside cuts on MFT) you can use the 800mm rail you get when buying a OF 1010 Plus-FS  [tongue]

 

[rst]

I own every size rail except the 16'er and used each one.  That being said, my go to rails are the 42, 75 and 118.  I have a large MFT style cutting table, 64 X 102 that I use to break down sheet goods and mostly plastics up to 60 X 120 with my TS75.  I used to join my 75 and 55 with Makita joiners but that got old after a couple years.  I use the 75 cutting off 48 and shorter and the 42 for small off cuts.  I used to use the two 32s for cutting out stair risers but bought the HKC and with two rails, 420 and 670, that job is now even easier.  I also have an MFT with attached rail for my TS55.

 

[Holmz]

Do you do a lot of sheet goods?
Are you getting rid of the table saw?

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Good advice. I own most of the rails, a TS75 and I just acquired the TSC55. I really like the TSC55 - it has surprising power, the blade brake is awesome and as others have said, not being tethered by cord and hose is nice. Nothing to hang up on the guide rail on long cuts. I think it has better power than the corded TS55 too - to me that saw has always seemed under-powered. I think two chargers makes sense - it takes an hour or so to charge depleted batteries and it would be a pain to keep swapping them around, even if you have 4 or more batteries. I currently only have 2, but will likely add a couple of more to avoid this issue. I use my tracksaws for most all cutting and rarely use my cabinet saw - I am likely going to sell it at some point as it is just not needed for cabinets and furniture. Of course I have a big bandsaw at my disposal for cuts others might use on a table saw. I mention this as the cuts you get with a tracksaw are really, really good and you might find it works really well for lots of things. I have changed the way I work. I realize others do not or will not agree with this, but I throw it out there for thought.

So I would get option 4 in your shoes, add a 118 inch rail and also get the MFT. You would be covered for most cross-cuts, rips and using the MFT for repeatable cuts and smaller rips and cross-cuts. If you can swing a 75 inch rail I would add that too as it is a really useful size in furniture for many rips and cross-cuts.