Thread: TS55 plunge saw at $820

Snapman,

I didn't see this new thread. I have replied to you in the "Bragging" thread.

The Festool is a pimped up Triton the way a Merc is a pimped up Falcon.

You will find your negotiation room on Festool products to be limited. So buy it from someone who will give you good service.

Originally Posted by Honorary Bloke

Snapman,

I didn't see this new thread. I have replied to you in the "Bragging" thread.

The Festool is a pimped up Triton the way a Merc is a pimped up Falcon.

You will find your negotiation room on Festool products to be limited. So buy it from someone who will give you good service.

how dare you compare a Falcon to a Merc
What would you compare a pimped up Merc to then?
http://www.carsales.com.au/used-cars...8450&D=5408450

Originally Posted by PenmanWA

CMS = Compact Modular System

You can put any of Festools products into the CMS frame and use it as a bench tool

Can be very handy

Hi

I am actually seriously considering upgrading from a Triton Mk III to a CMS with a TS75 saw. I read the comment re a pimped up Triton, and this is in fact what has been stopping me from proceeding with the purchase for a while now, even before I read the above comment.
Is the CMS/TS75 combination worth the roughly $3k, or am I going to end up with something that is still only a compromise?
What attracts me to the Festool is its stow away capability as I only have very limited space available.
Any comments on the performance, accuracy, user friendliness and value for money of the CMS system would be much appreciated.

Originally Posted by GoGuppy

Hi

I am actually seriously considering upgrading from a Triton Mk III to a CMS with a TS75 saw. I read the comment re a pimped up Triton, and this is in fact what has been stopping me from proceeding with the purchase for a while now, even before I read the above comment.
Is the CMS/TS75 combination worth the roughly $3k, or am I going to end up with something that is still only a compromise?
What attracts me to the Festool is its stow away capability as I only have very limited space available.
Any comments on the performance, accuracy, user friendliness and value for money of the CMS system would be much appreciated.

I would not say so. Looking at functionality alone here are some differences with respect to sawing configuration only:

• Tilting blade.
• Variable speed with electronic speed control for consistent speed under load.

When using the TS75 out of the CMS:

• Sawing with guide rails.
• Electronic blade brake.

There are other objective/subjective elements which I will leave up to others to comment on.

Originally Posted by GoGuppy

Any comments on the performance, accuracy, user friendliness and value for money of the CMS system would be much appreciated.

At the risk of getting in trouble with Anthony, here is my take on it. [Disclaimer: I have no personal experience with the CMS as it is Not Available in North America.]

Like most of Festool's line, the CMS is meant to take on job sites. It is not designed to replace a stationary table saw, nor should it be expected to. My approach to Festo purchases has been to get away from the table saw as much as possible. To this end, I believe you would be well-served to combine the plunge saw with one or two MFT3s and use it on the guide rails exclusively. There is almost nothing that you cannot cut accurately using the guide rails (more accurately than using the CMS, IMO, though setup time may be longer).

Of course, there is no substitute for that feeling of pushing a piece along a table saw, but once that novelty wears off you will be amazed at the versatility of the saw and rail combo.

I suppose I'm suggesting (heresy ) that the improvement of the CMS over the Triton setup will be minimal. The CMS is a good investment perhaps if you already own the saw. But the saw combined with the rails and work tables, now THAT is a tremendous upgrade which will please you.

Just my 2 bob's worth.

Now you are in trouble Bob.

No not really. I agree with all that you have said.

Like a Triton the CMS is not a replacement for a quality table saw or panel saw. Although the TS55 or 75 and guide rails can do a lot of what a panel saw can do.

The significant advantage of a Triton or CMS (IMHO) is its portability. I have had a couple of situations where I could take the saw with me not only to the site, but into each room at will and do my cutting there.

So if someone is considering a CMS I assume they need something either compact or light-weight. If so, the CMS is a winner in my opinion. Plus you get the saw on rails benefits.

I won't talk about the quality of the Triton equipment of quality of cutting becuase I do not have one (although I have had the router table set-up in the past). But I will say the CMS with TS75 is a solid performer - very nice quality of cuts and masses of power for full 70mm depth of cuts.

Thanks guys for your responses, it's much appreciated.

If I had the space available, it would be a no brainer and I'd go for a quality saw table, as the main reason I am interested in upgrading is to do furniture quality work, not construction site work. WRT an MFT3, well about a year ago I bought a solid jarrah bench from Workbench World in Perth, complete with face and end vices, mounted on industrial casters and fitted with a covered tool slot. As a consequence would not be able to fit in an MFT3, although I can see the beauty and usefulness of one (or two). BTW, the jarrah work bench is a beaut and I love it.

I have managed with the Triton Mark 3 over the years but never been really satisfied with the quality of cut and *IF* the CMS/TS combination gives me the accuracy, repeatabilty and ease of set up that I desire, then I would still consider it.

What's wrong with getting the rails as well, for ripping large sheets?

Maybe not the most economic set up, but if it works for me... .... OR is there a more cost effective way to get what I am after?