Track saw, too many options! help!!!

[Michael Rutman]

Once again coming here for advice.

Finally understanding how badly I need a track saw and how poorly I’ve viewed them based on crappy tools. Watching YT videos on good TS I can see the error of my ways. As the wonderful ads make the TS seem like the perfect tool for all jobs if you buy the right attachments I am very confused as to what would actually be a good set of stuff. They will literally cut a kitchen sink and slice bread :).

As always, situation matters, I am a hobbyist with more money than skill. I buy high end tools even though I never sell my stuff. So likely Festool, still considering Makida but likely Festool. Corded because I don’t want yet another battery system (I’m just starting to move to the Milwaukee batteries and they don’t make a TS). I want to use this to break down my lumber when starting a project and final cutting sheets.

So, Festool TS55. I know the HSK is supposed to be awesome for cross cutting your boards to rough and/or final lengths but I think I want the TS55 unless there is something about the HSK I’m missing.

Now for the add ons. I can’t even get my head around what’s included in what and what I want to add on. I start reading about this track and that and get to one that supports the 32mm system and off my ADHD goes into what that is and do I want that, etc. Then there are a bazillion compatible jigs from woodpecker and festool that are “must have”. Oh, and the blade, half the time they say get the “good” blade.

So, seriously, what should I be looking to get to handle 8 ft sheet break down and not hauling 8 foot lengths to my miter saw? What would be not needed now but I won’t regret it later?

Thanks.

[Brian Tymchak]

If money is not a concern, I would recommend going up to the TS75 on the initial buy. The gain in cutting depth can be beneficial at times.

IMHO, let the work you do drive what accessories you get by buying the accessories >when< you need them. Just buy the basic track saw package which will likely include the short track. Buy the long track to make 8' cuts. After that, buy as needed.

In my experience, Festool rarely if ever puts their accessories on sale. So there has been no benefit to me to try to anticipate what accessories I will need.

FYI, the "TS" short acronym is usually reserved for Table Saw. BS is for band saw. MS for miter saw. There are others. But that does raise the question of of what to use for track saws.... maybe TrS?? Hmmm.

[Derek Arita]

Wise choice on Festool. I initially purchased both the 55 and the 75. I got the 75 during a reconditioned sale. For me, the 75 sat, unused for years, mainly because the 55 is smaller, lighter, so much more convenient to use. I did purchase several sized tracks and have used them all, including the one that's over 8 feet long. I know lots of folks join shorter tracks for make longer, but for me, it was worth it to have the right size ready to go when I need it. Now, if you really want to take full advantage of the track saw's capabilities, get the MFT as well.

[andy bessette]

Get the TS55 plus a 55" and 118" track. That is really all you need--no joiners, clamps or anything else. Later you might find the need for a spare 55" track to cut down for fitting in tight spots and making short cuts. A 6-1/2' track is also handy.

[Jim Becker]

^^ This....good advice from Andy

[Bryan Lisowski]

I would go Mafell if money is no object. Otherwise the festool is a great choice. If your looking to break lumber down, I would get cordless jigsaw with your current battery platform.

[Mike Hollis]

I have both the TS55 and TS75, along with the MFT/3 setup and find them indispensable.

[Curt Putnam]

As long as you have a flat cutting grid such that sheets lay flat, you will get finish grade cuts from a Festool with an appropriate blade. The dust extractor gets almost all the sawdust. Understand that a track saw is really specific to sheet goods. It will do solid wood but you have to jump through some hoops. In particular, stock that is less than 1/2 the width of the track presents support issues.

[andy bessette]

...a track saw is really specific to sheet goods...

Perhaps many people might think so, but this is simply untrue.

[Ralph Okonieski]

I use the TS55 to put straight edge on 4/4 rough lumber, oak mainly, in addition to sheet goods. It struggles at time on the oak. For 8/4 oak, it is underpowered. If you are planning to edge rough lumber with it, go with the TS75. For sheet goods, it is fine.

[Keegan Shields]

I previously owned the corded Makita and currently own the TS-75 corded. The Makita was somewhat underpowered when cutting 3/4” BB but I think a rip blade might have helped. Overall the Makita is a great saw for the money.

The TS-75 has loads of power and I don’t mind the extra weight. I bought it for both sheet goods and hardwood cutting. My only complaint is the offcut splinter guard doesn’t work through most of the plunge depth range. I cut on 1” pink foam and rarely plunge deep enough for that offcut guard to work.

Other than that, you won’t be disappointed. Great saw and works well with the 75” and 42” Festool tracks. I need to grab a 118” long one when I get a chance. And the rail works amazing with the Festool OF1400 router rail attachment.

[derek labian]

I've owned the Dewalt and the TS75. The TS75 is smooth, but the Dewalt with a good blade worked very well. You would be just fine with it if you want to save a bit of money. The Dewalt is a 2 & 1/8" cut so its between the TS55 and the TS75.

https://www.dewalt.com/products/power-tools/saws/track-saws/612-165mm-tracksaw-kit-with-59--102-track/dws520ck

[Matt Day]

I have a Wen track saw and a TS55. The TS55 is more refined but with a good blade the Wen is perfectly acceptable.

As far as sheet goods only - I disagree. I am building an 8’ long walnut bench and instead of wrestling 12” wide 1 1/4” thick 8’ long boards across the jointer to joint the edges, I clamped the two boards together and using the track saw I jointed the edges of both boards for a PERFECT fit. Also will use it to Square up the ends of the 8’ bench top. Many uses once you have it on hand.

[John Goodin]

The Festool TS55 is on loan from a friend and is a very nice tool. He may have a hard time getting it back. I will say with Festool it is quite easy to develop a brand loyalty. Their system is very well integrated and designed. Just keep in mind if you buy a Festool track saw you may end up with with a Festool dust extractor, sander, etc in the future.

[Michael Rutman]

Once again, thanks. I went with the TS55 with 55” track. I considered the advise and what struck me was order the rest If I need it. I went with the 55 as it is light and I do mind extra weight. Probably should have looked at mafell again but I wanted to order it and get it before my vacation is done. I did buy screw clamps as I will need them on the current project.

[Rod Wolfy]

Get the TS55 plus a 55" and 118" track. That is really all you need--no joiners, clamps or anything else. Later you might find the need for a spare 55" track to cut down for fitting in tight spots and making short cuts. A 6-1/2' track is also handy.

This is great advice! It's what I did 14 years ago. Still have the TS55 saw and tracks. I got the quick action clamps & a 3" 4x8 sheet of foam. I put a couple of plastic quick fold saw horses up in the driveway & cut down the sheet goods when I get home from the store, then into the garage. I've changed table saws 4 times since (moves & all). I sold off the MFT, but still use the 1400 router & the vac that I got then, too.

I have a 3 hp SawStop for thick timber, but I only need a 36" table on it, as the TS55 cuts all the sheet goods well enough.

[Bryan Hall]

Once again, thanks. I went with the TS55 with 55” track. I considered the advise and what struck me was order the rest If I need it. I went with the 55 as it is light and I do mind extra weight. Probably should have looked at mafell again but I wanted to order it and get it before my vacation is done. I did buy screw clamps as I will need them on the current project.

I have the mafell, but I find the lack of vendors and consequently the lack of accessories in the states to be annoying when I want to upgrade it. I'm expecting I'll have to buy festool tracks to go with my mafell saw. I doubt you'll be disappointed in the festool.

[Greg Quenneville]

I have a TS55 that I bought new about 14 years ago. About two years ago I started breaking down sheets…about 120 in all. I got tired of slight in accuracies using joined tracks so I bought a 118” Makita track then later the shorter (48”?) one too. The Makita tracks’ guides are 0.5mm thinner than the Festool, so to avoid having to adjust the saw I have those two tracks. The Makita 118”track here was $400 cheaper than the Festool and in stock locally. It kind of bugs me to pollute my Festool collection that way, so I bought another sander with the savings to calm my OCD

[Alan Lightstone]

Once again, thanks. I went with the TS55 with 55” track. I considered the advise and what struck me was order the rest If I need it. I went with the 55 as it is light and I do mind extra weight. Probably should have looked at mafell again but I wanted to order it and get it before my vacation is done. I did buy screw clamps as I will need them on the current project.

I have both the TS55 and the Mafell K85. They really serve different purposes, in a way. Since you mind extra weight, my Mafell is a beast. Far, far heavier than the TS55. I do appreciate its ability to cut far deeper cuts, when they come up (which isn't that often, but does happen). Its extra power is impressive.

I do use the clamps routinely when I use the TS55. Andy, obviously, has a different approach. They aren't expensive, and I much prefer the work to be clamped down.

I found the TS55 underpowered. I think the TS75 would be better there. That being said, I'm sure you'll get great use out of your TS55. It is a nice track saw.

[Jim Becker]

Congrats! If you do decide to get the long track, the Makita is completely compatible and often has a better price point than the Festool. I do have the latter and while I don't use the long track often, it's been great when needed. I chose that over knitting two short ones for long things. I also have a short-short track which is great in the shop, in particular, for utility use. That one is a Makita and gets used a lot.

[Jim Dwight]

Congratulations! If you tire of the screw type clamps you might want to consider the DeWalt track clamps. They are easy to use one handed. Festool makes a quick clamp too and I have a similar one made by Bessey but I do not find it to be easily workable with one hand. I use this clamp on my workbench, however, and it might work better on a track.

I store my tracks on the inside of the garage door at one end of my shop. Vertical storage is a great idea if you have the ceiling height (I do not).

I have parallel guides but I rarely use them. I prefer what I call track positioning guides. In concept it is just a longer piece of plywood with a moveable stop. Mine have a stick on tape and a hairline pointer. "The 10 minute workshop" youtuber did a piece on a similar concept.

Ron Paulk is another youtuber with what I think are good ideas on track saw use. I am pretty sure he uses a Festool. My outfeed/assembly table is based upon his workbench ideas.

[ChrisA Edwards]

Santa's bringing a 118" Festool track.....Ho. Ho. Ho.

Had my TS55 for over 10 years, always used two 55" tracks joined, looking forward to just using the longer track.

If, when, the TS55 fails, it'll either get repaired of replaced with the same one.

[Mike Kees]

I used a Festool on one job then purchased a Makita. I like it better (Personal thing) . As a carpenter I have at least 2-3 friends and competitors that all run the Makita long track even if their saw of choice is Festool.

[Bob Falk]

I too, use clamps a lot. If you only cut smooth plywood, you probably don't need. But, if you are ripping rough cut lumber (especially 8/4) as I often do, the clamps are essential to keep the track in place.

[Jack Frederick]

I’ve had the 55 for probably 15 yrs. It’s primary use is sheet goods. I recently made an MFT (Parf Guide Mark II)and have done my first project with it, a desk top and shelf system for my grand-daughter. Rabbits and dadoes were cut with both the 55 and my brand new 1400 router with the rail guides. I really don’t like using my chop saw in the shop for space and dust problems, and the 55, 1400 and MFT are changing the way I will work going forward.