Who uses both ts75 and ts55

[billybokay]

i have been using the ts 55 for a few years and love it. I had the need for a ts 75 and got one used. Now that I have both, I don't know if I will be using both, or just settling in with the 75 and use only that. It's not like they are routers and you want a few.
If you own both, do you use both?
I noticed that the 75 recut the rubber guide strip on the mft rail. Is that an adjustment issue or will it be always a different cut than the 55?
I am considering selling the 55. I work alone and mostly in my shop, cutting sheet goods and truing rough lumber where I need the 75 for 8/4. 
should I sell or should I keep now?

 

[Holzhacker]

I only have the 75 but have thought about getting the 55. I tend to have multiples of same type tools so I can set-up and leave each for specific purposes. My thought is that if I get a 55 I would then use that in the field and leave the 75 in the shop set up on my mft. The smaller capacity and size would be a little easier for me. Cutting doors, strips of ply, trims, etc.
Personally I would keep the 55 but since I don't have both that is sheer speculation on my part. On the other hand, selling it is a great excuse to buy another Festool you you might use more.
Good luck

 

[ForumMFG]

Bill,

If I were you I woud keep both for a while before you think to sell it.  Work with the 75 for a while, see how you like, see if you ever the need the 55 for anything and see if you like the feel of the 55 better.  If thats the case then you can just pull out the 75 whenever the application calls for it.

 

[billybokay]

You see that is why I love this forum
There is no way I can sell one of these saws. I know I probably could get by fine with out the 55. I should probably make do with  just the 75. I could use the money for my kids college crap. But c'mon.
You know I would just get another sander, or start replacing router bits or maybe some other green and black stuff until it was time to just go rebuy a ts55 cause I miss it.

 

[woodshopdemos]

In a way, you answered your own question when you said that you use the TS75 for "truing rough 8/4 lumber."  Last week, I spent most of my shop time cutting 4/34 white oak for two mission side tables. And then it came time to cut the 8/4 for the legs. Yes, I could have used the TS75 for all, but the TS 55 was nice to use given all the board feet I had to work. To me, this dual application often exists and it is nice to have both.

 

[billybokay]

Do you find the cut line different on the splinter guard with the 2 saws. Is that something I can adjust or is it going to be a little off. I know it is lazy asking on here and not going to figure it out for myself. Just tired I guess.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Do you find the cut line different on the splinter guard with the 2 saws. Is that something I can adjust or is it going to be a little off. I know it is lazy asking on here and not going to figure it out for myself. Just tired I guess.

Yeah, you can adjust the saw to cut on the same line. I think Rick outlines the process to adjust the saw in his TS55 manual.

 

[HowardH]

I have had both but now I exclusively use the 75.  I sold my table saw a few months ago so I'm glad I have the extra horsepower.  The extra weight doesn't bother me but I have found I need to use a longer rail since the base of the saw is a lot longer. 

 

[honeydoman]

i have both also and use the 55 more cuz I am usually knocking down sheet goods.  but if I have to trim a 1 3/4 door then the 55 will do it slowly but the 75 does it much better due to the power.

the 55 is just lighter and I usually just grab it and do the job.

 

[tbellemare]

I think I agree with pretty much all that has been said.

I use the 55 more than the 75 because it is all that is required most of the time.
I use the 75 when I have even the slightest thought that it would be better, "because I can".

That is all I will say...

Tom

 

[Tim Sproul]

I use both.

The 75 pretty much sits with a rip blade in it for help with procuring furniture parts from large stock.  It crosscuts solid wood just fine, especially since I'm just roughing out parts.

The 55 pretty much sits with the crosscut blade for help with procuring furniture parts from plywood sheets.

 

[billybokay]

I took the blade for the 55 in for sharpening as I am using the 75 to get used to it. NO WAY would I sell the 55 now. Using the 75 frequently on the mft for cross cuts of sheet goods is actually not fun. The 55 IS fun.
The 75 will absolutely be used often enough, but not nearly as much as the 55.
It took a few days but I answered my own question.

 

[gkeas]

Just because I like to hear myself type, I'll interject.  I have both. 

I had a 75, but took it back to woodcraft after a brief time, as I procured a TS55, MFT1080, OF1400, and a crapload of accessories for roughly what I had into the 75.
I used the 55 for about a year, almost exclusively breaking down sheet goods, then I ripped some 8/4 stock (soft wood) and immediately missed the power of the 75. 

I found a good deal on a used 75 and picked it up (later finding that it had been dropped and the base plate was bent).  a few extra dollars on a new plate later and an ideal opportunity to align the new plate to the existing 55 guide rail cuts, and I now have the best of both worlds. 

I am fortunate to be able to own both.  If I had to choose only one, it would be the 75.  It can do everything the 55 can and then some.  the opposite is just not true..