Festool Saw

[LyNx]

I'm going to purchase a festool saw as i don't have the room for a tablesaw and i think i'll use this set-up alot more.

There are two saw avalable, the 55 and the 75 model. Is the newer 75 model alot more machine than the 55?

Is this going to be a good investment?

Andy

 

[RogerS]

Hi Andy

OK - it all depends on what you are going to use it for. I have a Ryobi table saw and it's OK-ish. I will replace it at some time or other.

With this table saw I always struggled with large sheets (or even medium size sheets!) of stuff like MDF and plywood. Then I bought the TS55 and guide rails and IMHO you can't beat the combination. Ideally you need an area on the floor about 8 x 6 feet, stick down a sheet of fibre board, stick your MDF or whatever on top, set the TS55 plunge depth to just cut through your material and away you go. I also bought the 90degree attachment to go with the guide rail. So easy-peasy.

I wouldn't use the TS55 for cutting down stock to make table legs though or similar size work. The Table Saw is much better for that. But anything wide (like floorboards or kitchen workstops for example) the TS55 winds hands down.

I know that Tim would go for a 75 if he had the choice all over agin....guess he'll be along soon to confirm if that is still the case!

All IMHO. You might want to sound out John Elliott who had a table saw, then sold it when he got his TS55 but is now getting another table saw.

 

[Neil]

Hi Andy,

I have the TS55 in lieu of a tablesaw - obviously its fantastic for sheet materials but I use it for solid wood as well. Ripping narrow boards takes a bit of messing around but the quality of cut has to be seen to be believed and makes up for the setup time IMO. I've ripped 2"x1" into 1"x1" with no problems, although if the lengths are longer than your guide rail it isn't ideal.

The 75 just gives you 20mm more depth of cut - 75mm instead of 55mm, or 70mm instead of 50mm on the guide rail.

Cheers,
Neil

 

[RogerS]

Neil

I guess the fiddling around is in supporting the rest of the base of the TS55 to stop it rocking?

Roger

 

[Neil]

Roger,

Partly, yes - also when ripping narrow stock I find that I have to have something else butted up to the stock to stop it slipping sideways under the guide rail - the single rubber edge strip isn't quite up to holding it for ripping.

Neil