Replies

1. 
   GregoryPaolini | Jan 25, 2011 07:35am | #1

   Track Saws

   I don't have a lot of experience with the dewalt or makita track saws, but I have spent a lot of time with their track routers - What I can tell you is that Makita & Festool tracks are almost identical.  Both companies guides will work with the others rails.  The dewalt rail is propriatary, and looks like you could use the saw on either side of the track.

   I do have a bunch of experience with the festool TS55 & TS75.  I bought the 55, thinking the thickest thing I would ever need to cut would be the custom exterior doors that I make.  But then I got a couple big slab jobs, which prompted me to get the TS75 for the shop as well.  I love both of them!  They cut as accuratley and cleanly as my cabinet saw does.  And unlike my cabinet saw, I can take the track saws out on location.

   Hope this helps

   Gregory Paolini

2. 
   RalphBarker | Jan 25, 2011 11:07am | #2

   taking the track plunge

   About a year ago I decided to change how I dealt with sheet goods, and decided on the Festool TS-55. I chose it over the TS-75 based on weight differential and what I need to cut being within the 55's range. The interchangable zero-clearance inserts, the riving knife, and dust collection are a real plus, not to mention being able to set the depth of the plunge cut. It has changed the way I work. And, I no longer tease the "Festoolers" about what I previously thaought was their extravagance - the quality of Festool engineering really is worth the difference, I've found.

3. 
   bones | Jan 25, 2011 11:07pm | #3

   Be carefulgetting the TS55

   Think long and hard before buying that TS55.   Especially if it's your first Festool.   It will lead you down a path of spending!   Seriously it's the top in class and the DC is just unreal.   Great engineering and great service are halmarks of Festool.  Soon you will pair it with the MFT/3 and others.  

1. 
   RalphBarker | Jan 26, 2011 01:17pm | #4

   Yep

   It's called Festoolitis. Thanks for infecting me.  ;-)

4. 
   Riffler | Feb 02, 2011 06:59pm | #5

   Thanks for the feedback

   I guess you are all quite satisfied with the Festool saw. Based on a review I saw on the Wood Whisperer site though, http://thewoodwhisperer.com/81-dewalt-tracksaw-review/ I am leaning towards buying the Dewalt since ToolKing is offering this saw plus two tracks for $500, versus the same price for the Festool TS 55 EQ with just the short track.

1. 
   jointerman | Feb 03, 2011 01:12am | #6

   Just to throw this into the mix, I use my Festool TS55 tracks with my router and jig saw as well. I also have the MFT table (the older 1080) . This table is great for the router and the saw. My point being that there is potential for a lot more than just the track saw.

1. 
   bones | Feb 03, 2011 09:18am | #7

   Great point and...

   You make a great point.  I use my TS55 & mft3 to do most of my cross cutting now and I use the router guide suspended between two rails on the mft/3 to make perfectly perpendicular dado's with the router and with the stop added once you have it set, it's repeatable and fast.   And if you want super fine accuracy add a microfence adapter and your talking .001's of accuracy.   It's and amazing piece of equipment for sure!   

5. 
   JasonK | Feb 04, 2011 08:22am | #8

   I have both the Makita and the Festool TS55. They both work well, but the Festool has some advantages.

        The TS55 has a slightly lower amperage draw; this means that when I use it with their CT36 vac I do not blow the 15 amp household breaker that I am plugged into. This is not always true with the Makita and the CT36 used together. It is worth noting that the TS55 does not feel underpowered. 

        There is a greater variety of available blades for the TS55 than the Makita, although you can put the slightly smaller TS55 blade on the Makita saw if needed.

         My Makita does a weird litlle "wander" with the blade as it exits the cut and result in a deviation from the intended cut line. I do not know why it does this, a blade change has not helped the situation, the TS55 does not do this.

        The primary advantage of the Festool line in general is their "system" mindset. In my view each individual Festool is not in and of itself so much better than the rest, but together all the design elements really start to shine. This is why Festool users warn of the danger in getting your first Festool, more will likely follow. 

        I hope this helps.

       Jason

1. 
   MichaelKellough | Jul 11, 2011 09:19am | #9

   Your Makita blade is not parallel to the guide rail and needs to adjusted, if possible. It is possible on the Festool saws.

1. 
   extiger | Jul 22, 2011 03:22pm | #10

   I got the older model 55 saw from Festool. Called the ATF 55. The intent was to use it for breaking down sheet goods.

   On one occasion I used it, with the track, on a sheet of 1" Baltic Birch ply, and the Festool handled it beautifully.  Can't say anything about the other brands mentioned. With me, tools are kept and used forever so the cost of Festool isn't so intimidating.