Mike Cutler
12-16-2012, 12:49 PM
A little gloat and some first impressions of the Festool TS 75 EQ.
Here is the obligatory pic to prove it actually happened.
248058
So my first impressions were somewhat less than stellar.
Firstly the rear tilt mechanism bolt had come loose sometime during shipping, and lodged in the tilt mechanism slot. I had to get the bolt out of the slot so that the blade could be tilted, which was like working a chinese puzzle. Should this ever happen to anyone, stand the saw on end, grab the bolt head with needle nose pliers, move the shaft away from the slot and rotate the tilt mechanism, sort of like opening a book, and then the bolt can be pushed back through the correct openings.
Next I had to align the 90 degree memory screws. Not terribly difficult, pretty much intuitive actually, but there isn't much in the manual on how to do it. I actually found an old TS 55 PDF on the web that detailed how to do it, other than it's set at the factory and can be adjusted by authorized repair technicians.
These were both extremely minor issues.
I set the saw up with a 48 tooth blade, as I know will be making cabinets with it very soon.I still have the 36 tooth blade that came installed, and will get a rip specific blade for future use.
Once set up though, the saw is flawless. It really is a nice tool.
I was leery that the rail would actually stay in place with no clamps, but it really does. This will definitely speed things up when cutting plywood. I cut some maple ply, and the edges were very clean, both sides. Much better than my Makita. I'm looking forward to not having to tape cut lines.
I won't retire my Makita and EZ Rails just yet. I still like the setup, but my Makita is as screamer.
248060
I chose the TS 75 over the TS 55 because I do a good amount of work on thicker stock. My house was built in 1919 and all of my studs and joists are true 2x4's and 2x6's. They really are 2" thick, so any work I do involves having to make my own lumber. I have a sawmill a few miles away so I can source rough cut 2x hemlock and spruce, but it still needs to be trimmed. I also have a lot of thicker hardwood stock for projects.
Here is my previous saw for doing this;
248059
Compared to the Milwaukee, the weight of the TS 75 isn't an issue for me.;) That's a heavy saw.
Here is the obligatory pic to prove it actually happened.
248058
So my first impressions were somewhat less than stellar.
Firstly the rear tilt mechanism bolt had come loose sometime during shipping, and lodged in the tilt mechanism slot. I had to get the bolt out of the slot so that the blade could be tilted, which was like working a chinese puzzle. Should this ever happen to anyone, stand the saw on end, grab the bolt head with needle nose pliers, move the shaft away from the slot and rotate the tilt mechanism, sort of like opening a book, and then the bolt can be pushed back through the correct openings.
Next I had to align the 90 degree memory screws. Not terribly difficult, pretty much intuitive actually, but there isn't much in the manual on how to do it. I actually found an old TS 55 PDF on the web that detailed how to do it, other than it's set at the factory and can be adjusted by authorized repair technicians.
These were both extremely minor issues.
I set the saw up with a 48 tooth blade, as I know will be making cabinets with it very soon.I still have the 36 tooth blade that came installed, and will get a rip specific blade for future use.
Once set up though, the saw is flawless. It really is a nice tool.
I was leery that the rail would actually stay in place with no clamps, but it really does. This will definitely speed things up when cutting plywood. I cut some maple ply, and the edges were very clean, both sides. Much better than my Makita. I'm looking forward to not having to tape cut lines.
I won't retire my Makita and EZ Rails just yet. I still like the setup, but my Makita is as screamer.
248060
I chose the TS 75 over the TS 55 because I do a good amount of work on thicker stock. My house was built in 1919 and all of my studs and joists are true 2x4's and 2x6's. They really are 2" thick, so any work I do involves having to make my own lumber. I have a sawmill a few miles away so I can source rough cut 2x hemlock and spruce, but it still needs to be trimmed. I also have a lot of thicker hardwood stock for projects.
Here is my previous saw for doing this;
248059
Compared to the Milwaukee, the weight of the TS 75 isn't an issue for me.;) That's a heavy saw.