Who's gone from a 55 to the TS75?

[John Stevens]

Anyone gone from an ATF55 or TS55 to a TS75?  Any regrets in terms of the additional weight or size of the bigger saw?  Any other issues in terms of ease of use, like making beveled cuts?  How about other differences:  I've read that the sole of the TS55 was improved--has the same been done with the TS75?

I know a lot of my questions ask for subjective info, because what's a mountain to one may be a molehill to another, but I'm still interested in your opinions.  The TS75 has been on my shopping list for quite a while, but I'm not sure I want to buy it unless I'm gonna sell of my ATF55.  Thanks in advance.

Regards,

John

 

[Ron Pegram]

Hey John,

From my experience, I've seen more go from a 75 to a 55. Of course, 'more' is relative because the overwhelming majority of Festool customers we've had have been very pleased with their purchases, the 75 included. I've only seen a switch from a 75 to a 55 happen 2-3 times.

Those customers who went from the 75 to a 55 tended to be older hobbyists who struggled a bit with the larger saw. I also suspect there are many who realized that they didn't need the extra depth cut the 75 provides but have kept the saw because they can see themselves needing it in the future.

Of those who purchased the 75, I've yet to hear of someone returning it because of the other issues you've listed. That doesn't mean they aren't legitimate concerns but they haven't been legitimate enough to force a return from our customers to any degree that I've noticed.

Of course, this is just a retailer's perspective. I'm just as curious as you to learn of the experiences of others.

 

[Dixon Peer]

They are different "animals".  The 55 is the first choice for breaking down panels as you only need a small depth of cut.  However, if you're cutting the bottom of a two and a quarter inch door, you're gonna need the larger saw.  I find the weight of the larger saw a discouragement to its use unless the smaller saw won't do the job.

 

[Loren Hedahl]

For the few times my TS55 wouldn't quite cut it (pun intended) I either flipped the door over and finished the cut from the other side, or in the case of cross cutting some 4 inch lumber, I finished the cut with a Japanese pull saw.

When I do deck framing, I have a trusty old 9 inch Craftsman radial arm saw that has an aluminum arm so is not very heavy.  It is mounted on a Ridgid chop saw stand and stays amazingly accurate as long as I'm careful not to bump it too hard when moving it around.

So I haven't had a need to go to the larger TS75 Festool saw.

 

[Tinker]

I have the ATF 55.  I hope to upgrade eventually to a TS 55.  I thought at one time i should upgrade to a 75, but as i have observed, i almost never run into a situation where I need the added depth of cut and i certainly don't need the extra weight.  As others noted above, I finish deep cuts with my Japanese hand saw if necessary.  If it is a long cut that needs to be resawed from the other side, i either go to the bandsaw to finish the cut, or flip it over to cut from the back side.  If i were to upgrade to the TS 55, I would not get rid of the old ATF 55.  there are often times when it is handy to have two saws on hand.  Especially since i got the MFT 800 to go with the 1080.  i often find myself jumping from table to table for different setups.
Tinker

 

[Michael Kellough]

...If i were to upgrade to the TS 55, I would not get rid of the old ATF 55.  there are often times when it is handy to have two saws on hand.  Especially since i got the MFT 800 to go with the 1080.  i often find myself jumping from table to table for different setups.
Tinker

Hi John, I'm with Tinker on this issue. I have an ongoing project away from my shop and I needed to set up a shop there so I took my small MFT and an old Festo 65 (my ATF 55 stayed in my shop with the bigger MFT) which I'd bought on ebay a couple years ago and never tried because the blade was shot. I bought the 65mm combination blade and was pleasantly surprised to find that the old guy still cuts very well with a little room for improvement when I find the time to adjust the toe. The cuts are okay even in thin stuff like 1/8" acrylic.

The extra depth of cut has been a benefit several times when already built stuff Had to be cut down and a jig saw wouldn't leave a straight enough finish surface edge. I do use a jig saw to complete the cut when the 65mm isn't enough but the kerf of the circular saw is wide enough to keep the jig saw blade away from the "good side".

The 65/75 does weigh about 5 pounds more than the 55 but I found I quickly got used to that. Used on the guide rails and MFT the larger size and mass doesn't really have a negative impact on the cutting process. I've even used the 65 and a speedsquare to chop construction lumber into blocks when a chop saw wasn't available so I would say go ahead and get the big saw but try to keep the small one too.

 

[Tinker]

For me, the problem of weight is not related to the actual cutting operation.  It comes with the repetitions of moving the saw out of the way for the next cut and then moving it back into place on the guide bar for the next cut.  After spending many many many years of heavy lifting and tearing my body to pieces, i am always looking for the lightest weight methods for working.  that AFT 55 sure fits the bill purrrfecly as far as I am concerned.  I try to figure ways to use it so many times where it might be simpler to just get a 75 and be on my way.  But that would just take away all the fun of expediency.
Tinker

 

[Greg in Memphis]

Hey John
I have a TS 75 and enjoy it very much. It is my favorite Festool.
I do not plan on getting a TS 55 any time soon, except maybe as a gift to someone else.
Cutting perfect cuts is a no-brainer with the 75 and a guide rail.
The dust collection is superb.
The 75 is not as portable as the 55, but it's alot more portable and safer than a radial arm saw or a table saw.
I had the the choice between the 55 or the 75 and went with the 75 for my needs.
With the limited space I have in my shop, I've found the TS 75 very practical for it's small storage footprint (compared to a RAS or TS).
I have no regrets for the added weight. I very much enjoy the 75 just like it is.
I do not plan on using this saw for overhead cuts or cuts in confined areas. I have other saws for that.
I do use the saw alot for perfectly square cuts either on the MFT or clamped on some saw horses. In this area it excels.

I will have to say that when making bevel cuts, the added blade and housing weight of the 75 can throw the balance off center more than the 55. I use both hands for stability and have had no problems thus far.

These statements may not be exactly what you were looking for, but I had to say something since I truly believe that the TS 75 is the better saw.

hope this may help

Greg

 

[lynnsr]

Hi John.

Well, just the opposite, I started with a TS 75. It was a great saw. However if your primary work for the saw is cutting sheet material, then moving the extra weight is quite a chore by the end of the afternoon of cutting.
I then purchased a 55 and just love it.  After about 30 days of not picking up the TS 75, I sold it and the 2 blades on Ebay for $38.00 less than I paid for the lot. Not bad rent for the experience and Learning curve.

Lynn