Festool Junkie Blog

One challenge some of our peeps have is which saw to choose; the Festool TS 55 or the Festool TS 75. Both saws operate the same way, and both saws are awesome with regards to precision and usability. However, in many ways, choosing the “right” saw can be a bit of a task.

Here are a few questions that may make it easier.

Before you click the purchase button, consider these questions:
1. Is size and weight important to me?
2. What are the most common materials and thicknesses of you are cutting?
3. Is cost a factor in my decision?

Questions 1 and 2 are really at the core of which saw you should choose. For me, I am a short little Irish guy, and like the “nimbleness” of the TS 55. It has served me in my furniture business for years. One of the toughest materials for a saw to cut is Solid Surface used for countertops and the like. National solid surface fabrication, and installation companies are using the TS 55 for field work. For those folk that are the furniture making types that do a lot of plywood and 4/4, 5/4, even 8/4 (surfaced) solid wood, the TS 55 will suit you fine. Even with the occasional 8/4 stock that is surfaced to 1 3/4″ the TS 55 has the juice to do the deal.

If you are considering using your TS for production, I would recommend the Festool TS 75. The increased size of the motor, and the increased power provide you with a “beefier” saw that will take the “production environment” all day long. That is not to say that the TS 55 wouldn’t work for production, we are just talking “much more saw” with the TS 75.

The TS 75 is a lot of saw. Doors, no sweat! All day on a construction site cutting 1 1/2″ stock, then going to cut out a window, then trimming doors at 2″ the TS 75 is your saw. Further, if you are using the TS to joint rough lumber such as Oak, Maple, etc. The increased motor size will do you well.
Here are some one liners I have heard:

“The TS 75 will do anything that the TS 55 will do plus…”

“Weight is irrelevant due to the way the saw travels on the Guide Rail” My take, True but you still have to lift it, and place it on the guide rail.”
“The TS 55 is awesome for what I do…mostly single sheets of Plywood and 4/4 - 6/4 stock.”

More Considerations:

The TS 55 comes with a 55″ rail. The TS 75 comes with a 75″ rail.

To cut an 8′ length the TS 55 uses a 106″ rail. The TS 75 requires the 118″ rail.

Spec Comparison: