Thread: TS55 or TS75 - can't decide

75 has a lot more grunt + the cutting depth. Up to you. I'm glad I got the 75

The 75 can do everything the 55 can do, but the 55 cant do everything the 75 can do.

Originally Posted by Lignum

The 75 can do everything the 55 can do, but the 55 cant do everything the 75 can do.

If you are planing to cut 45mm, with a track the TS55 has a maximum depth of 50mm. You will probably find a job where you want the additional 20mm.

The TS55 is lighter and as you said cheaper than the TS75 and can also be plugged in to a dust extractor, but not as powerful, something you will notice when cutting thicker and harder material.

The choice is yours, but if you can afford it, buy the bigger saw. I think you will appreciate it.

Thanks for the replies.
I thought you could plug the ts75 into a dust extractor?

I don't plan on using 45mm stock regularly, it's just for this bench really. Will the ts55 handle blackbutt up to 50mm, or will it sttuggle?

I just really can't see myself using anything over 50mm after this project.....

Decisions....!!!

I had to rip some spotted gum for my father that was 45mm thick and the TS55 struggled to do it in one pass on the track. I ended doing it it in multiple passes which the saw did with ease. It was the only time that that I wish I had the TS75 in the 18 months that I have owned it. In saying that, I am considering a bench build too and can see that the TS75 would suit very well. All the tools I owned were purchased for specific jobs and now that I have them, have made things that I never thought or considered doing before having them. I am a hobbyist like yourself and now buy my tools with the thought that I am buying them for life. You never know what things you may need them for in the future, like renovations.
And be aware of the slippery festool slope!

I thought mine was a bit a bit under powered, but I recently had to rip up some 20 mm and 50 mm merbau, I bought one of those cheap 160 mm blades from bunnings(marathon), the ripping one (32 teeth?)
Brilliant! Cut it as quick as I could shove it through, I was well impressed.

They do fit straight on btw, straight out the wrapping. And you get to smile and think 'up you festool!'

I have both the ts55 and the ts75 both are brilliant saws but if i had to choose i would go the 75 as stated elsewhere it will do everything the 55does but not viceversa the extra weight isnt a problem and the dust extraction works same on both

The standard ts55 is shipped with a fine cutting blade, which could be one reason for "under power"?
I faced similar problem decideing between the 55 and 75 a while ago. Ended up going 55 as 75 is just too big for a small guy like me. I ordered a ripping blade and parallel fence from amazon and will test out it's ripping capability on 45mm timber once they arrive.
Ps, getting non-powered festool accessories from amazon will cost almost half the price compare to buying in au.

Originally Posted by pkjames

The standard ts55 is shipped with a fine cutting blade, which could be one reason for "under power"?
I faced similar problem decideing between the 55 and 75 a while ago. Ended up going 55 as 75 is just too big for a small guy like me. I ordered a ripping blade and parallel fence from amazon and will test out it's ripping capability on 45mm timber once they arrive.
Ps, getting non-powered festool accessories from amazon will cost almost half the price compare to buying in au.

Remember Charles

I thought about the size of the 75 over the 55 and came to the conclusion that i'll be using it only in my workshop and it's going to be on a rail. Different story I suppose if you use it on site and moving it around all day.

Andy

I have the 55 and quite like it. It's light and perfect for breaking down sheets and putting straight edges on pieces.

The only time where I wish I had the 75 is when I'm cutting up a slab. It may be the blade as pkjames suggests but I have to run it in multiple passes when cutting up a slab (English Elm as a comparison).

My suggestion, go the TS75 if you can afford it. If you don't mind taking multiple passes and don't need to cut deeper than 50mm, then the TS55 would be fine.

Cheers,
Af.

TS 55 or TS 75?

In a recent kitchen renovation project requiring quite a bit of cutting of flooring, MDF and Gyprock, I relied on a TS55 for all my cutting. This tool without doubt was the 'hero' tool of the entire rather expensive renovation project.

I have often pondered over the same question - TS55 or TS75; and came to the conclusion that the TS55 is a much more versatile tool becuase of its smaller size and weight. As others have pointed out, it will gladly cut through 50mm stock provided you have the proper blade installed. I have both blades - rip and cross cut. Rip sawing of heavy timbers isn't an issue for me as I have a full sized panel saw capable of heavy sawing and so the TS55 is used on jobs where sawing needs to be done on site.

The guide rail system is what made the difference for me - without it the TS55 (or TS75 for that matter) would have only been half as good. So regardless of which saw you get, ensure you also buy a rail.

Good luck with your decision.

Richard