Will I find a TS75 noticeably more powerful/faster than my TS55?

[elliottandnolan]

I've been using TS55s for 15 years now mostly for cutting European 18mm birch ply which has 13 laminations. There are times when I would like it to be a bit faster, but I still want the quality of finish I get with the TS55 and a 48 tooth blade.

I know the TS75 has a higher wattage motor, but don't know how much real world difference that would make. I do this on a commercial basis so don't mind investing if it's going to be worthwhile.

Your opinions would be valuable thanks.

 

[AlexThePalex]

It does not make you work faster in the sense that it takes less time per cut in sheet material. All the set up time and handling of the saw just takes the same amount.

A stronger saw gives you more options as it can handle a deeper cut and goes through hardwood easier.

If all you want to do is push the saw faster through the wood you'll simply get a rougher cut.

If you want to save time in a professional setting, get a sliding table saw that's big enough to handle sheets easily. That will make a difference.

 

[elliottandnolan]

Thanks, good points.

I've had sliding table saws, I don't really have room for one at the moment.

 

[Birdhunter]

I own the TS55 and never found it lacking for power, but I rarely use it for cutting anything thicker than 18mm plywood (usually Baltic birch). I've looked at the TS75 several times, but backed away due to its size and weight. Also, the TS75 needs more rail off the beginning of the cut.

If I didn't have my monster SawStop table saw, I'd probably look harder that the TS75.

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

The TS55 is very underpowered,  the ts75 is more powerful but it sounds like a bearing is going to blow out the side of the saw when it’s being used.  I regret buying both of these saws.  I ended up buying Mafell saws and I’ve been very happy.  Festool makes great sanders and routers,  But in my option all their saws are underpowered except for the ts75. 

 

[rst]

My first track saw was a recon Makita that I bought as an economical exploration into track saws although I bought Festool rails.  I was using it more for plastic fabrication than wood.  It did not like cutting 3/8" polycarbonate  so I bought a recon 75 which I still use.  I got a55 when I bought the MFT.  I plan to sell the 55 as I bought the TSC55 and love the cordless tools.

 

[elliottandnolan]

Good point about the weight and the Mafell. I hadn't been considering the Mafell up til now because I need whatever I end up with to work well with Festool rails (because I can get clips that fix the rail to the 20mm bench dogs I use).

 

[blues]

Mafell MT55 (corded version) has the form factor of the 55, with more power than 75 and rides on festool rails as well (you have to remove a small piece of plastic from the bottom of the saw).
I think the MT55 is a perfect saw that would give you 2" cut capacity. If you need more (multiple sheets to cut at once,  that would make your job go quicker), then 75 is the best choice.

 

[ear3]

The power difference on the TS75 vs the corded TS55 is considerable, though as mentioned above the advantage of the larger saw is more about depth of cut than speed, unless you plan on gang cutting ply.  There is a less noticeable gap in power between the TSC55 and the 75.

Just a note that the larger saw does make beveled cuts more challenging -- especially once you go past 22.5 degrees -- because of the need to keep the greater weight of the saw balanced on the rail, particularly when starting and finishing the cut.