Will the TKS 80 be made available in the US anytime soon?

[Daddyto9]

Hi everyone. I’m curious if the TKS 80 will be made available in the us. I have a buddy in the UK who’s willing to ship me one, but I rather wait because of the power requirements difference. I plan on a new cabinet saw (looking pretty hard at powermatic) but I think I rather wait for the more portable TKS. Thoughts?

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

While I'm unaware of explicit statements from Festool on the topic, my understanding is that Festool has zero plans of bringing the TKS80 to the North American market, as it would likely just cannibalize SawStop sales (same parent company).

If you like the Euro style saw you could look at a Mafell ERIKA 85, or if you'd prefer a stationary Euro machine you could look at the Hammer K3 or B3 machines.

 

[peter halle]

You could consider a Sawstop.

Peter

 

[rocky100370]

Ive imported one and added 220v in my shop. Runs like a champ.

 

[sancho57]

for the cost i would get a saw stop

 

[HowardH]

for the cost i would get a saw stop

Interesting discussion.  I have a SS Contractors model.  It's underpowered, the dust collection is not very good and the motor hangs out the back making it difficult to add an outfeed table. The only thing it really has is the brake system.  I wouldn't buy that model again.  The Professional series is a different animal but once it's loaded up, it's close to and can even exceed $4000. 

 

[peacefulandpatriotically]

Ive imported one and added 220v in my shop. Runs like a champ.

interesting, was this a straightforward process?

 

[rocky100370]

Yes not a problem. Just need to install a 220V breaker into your electrical panel then run proper sized wire from there to a Schuko Type F outlet where you want to plug the saw into. Maybe half days work.

 

[sasharh]

Do yourself a favour and avoid the TKS80. It's a terrible saw. The build quality is so poor. Mine has been in repair with festtool since I bought it. Many people have reported QC issues.

 

[rocky100370]

No problems with mine.

 

[Paul_HKI]

Nor mine.

Nor my friends one.

Nor my brothers one.

Seems like one guy having a bad experience turns into lots of random complaints about the same issue, by the same guy, looking to convince everyone else that the cause of his problem is some widespread quality control issue rather than something as simple as a saw that was dropped during freight handling or shipping.

Look at the hamfisted forcing of a miter fence slider on the other thread he posted, that is clearly not aligned correctly with the side of the saw, and you can immediately eliminate one of the issues being blamed on Festool. 

If a guy can't see that it's not aligned and tries to force it again and again, posting a video of it to the internet for all to see, maybe one shouldn't be so quick to take his advice.  I understand the frustration, but blaming Festool and saying it's a terrible saw is just dumb.  Realign the miter fence slider, and the problem is solved.

I know people think you shouldn't have to do this kind of thing.  But it's a flippin' job site saw.  Of course you'll have to do it, so just do it and stop complaining.  It's not the TKS 80.  It's just YOUR TKS 80, the miter fence or quite likely, whoever handled it while it was in transit.  This stuff isn't rocket science.

 

[ChuckM]

Snip.posting a video of it to the internet for all to see,Snip.

Anytime something bad is to said about a tool (any brand), supporting images and videos will greatly help, and add credibility to the poster.

 

[luvmytoolz]

Snip.posting a video of it to the internet for all to see,Snip.

Anytime something bad is to said about a tool (any brand), supporting images and videos will greatly help, and add credibility to the poster.

Not in this case, I had to see the video to what all the hubbub was about, and it is so obviously mis-aligned. He can't have been that oblivious to it surely?

And no, I didn't call anyone Shirley!