Watch this before buying a festool track saw
In this video I compare 4 of the best track saws on the market. The TS 55 F, TSC 55 K, TS 60, and the TS 75 from Festool. I compare the similarities and differences between each one and share my favorite and which one I think is the best overall.
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Great summary - concise, full of technical info and practical considerations. Thank you!
Nicely compared and explained, thanks for sharing Jason!
Awesome video! Just outstanding content. Exactly what I needed to know, as I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on this. Thank you .... 👍🏼👍🏼
So about a month ago I was ready to get my tracksaw I was going with the 55 then I saw the last video and this one on the 60 and you talked me into the 60 and I am very happy with it.
Thank you for the information. I always use your knowledge when it comes to making my decision on tools.
Glad to help
Jason, great video. Also, a fantastic way to address the "underpowered" argument. I firnly believe that using the right blade for the required cut is critical. Most folks leave a framing blade on their circ saw and get fast (but ugly) cuts. I've used my TS55 for cutting trex on my deck, for flooring work, and mostly for woodworking. With the right blade, it will perform well in any application up to the 55mm depth.
Exactly the information I needed. Cheers
Great video. Agree with weight comments. I bought the 75 first. It’s difficult to use one-handed. After saving up, I bought a 55. These days, I use the lighter saw 90% of the time.
Thank you for your summary. I am planning to buy a Festool track saw before summer and I've been looking at them at the local retailer. Unfortunately, the sales staff is not as well informed. You've helped me with my decision. Thanks again.
I got the TS60 recently. Very pleased with my purchase. Felt it was a good medium between the 55 and the 75.
Hello, I am getting ready to purchase a track saw. Your video is wonderful and very informative as many of your videos are. I was listening to fess tool US video, and they mentioned that the depth of cut is actually 5 mm less because of the thickness of the track. have you heard about this? If I can get close to 2 inches with a 55 I will buy that otherwise it will definitely be the 60. Thank you
Do you have any plans on making a video on the TSV60? Do you think the scoring option will be worth getting over a TS60? The TSV60 is the only track saw that Festool lists for cutting plywood under usage. Have you tried scoring plywood with a track saw pulling the saw backwards as some suggest doing?
I use the TS 55 F and haven't come across anything it can't handle. I only use it to breakdown sheet goods so the finish size can be done on the table saw.
Great video. I've out grown my current Kreg Accut / Home-made sled / Straight Edge cutting setups. I want fast and easy. I also want repeatable quality. Been eyeing up Festool for a while now. Time to pull the trigger. Thanks for the info!
I’m with you. Suffered through the accu-cut, which was fast to setup but offered awful results, and a homemade guide, which is decently accurate but takes 5 minutes to make a cut between lining up and setting up clamps.
Extremely helpful. Wish the TS60 had a riving knife as well and the disconnect cord :-(. Love the fact that it can use the 250 rail.
I just bought a 60 today and then watched this! Glad I bought the winner haha
Great video. Helpful and informative!
What do you do about dust extraction with the cordless saw? The little filter thingy?
In your experience, which is the more effective safety feature, the kickback stop or the riving knife?
Thank you , superb summary
I'm going to sell my TS55 and my TS75 and I want that TSV 60 KEB-F. That scoring blade is everything I've been dreaming about.
Can you make a video on tools for a beginning wood worker with limited space? Think half or a quarter of a large garage with 2 separate 1 car garage doors. I’m thinking of getting into this since I’m working on a big log bench I’m making out of the remnants of a 50’ cedar tree trunk I cut down to a 6’ log just over 24” at its base. The tree had to come down since it had some carpenter ant damage higher in the tree. It left the center of the trunk with some very small unusual small channels. My oldest daughter and I have been working on it together. We stripped all the bark by hand and the softwood using nylon wheels. We’ve also sanded it down and now are going to be doing a Wisebond color changing mica epoxy inlay (Excalibur) she chose. We’re going to finish the heartwood (seating area, left, and right sides) with Rubio Monocoat Plus 2 C Pure finish and the outside (bark side) we’re going to do Rubio Monocoat Plus 2 C Mist 5%. The feet are smaller logs I cut further up from the same tree. I’m leaving the chainsaw bar marks in seating area but I’m either going to fill them with black epoxy or just go over them with more Rubio since it gives the piece characteristics since it shows the story of how the log was hand milled in half with a chainsaw by hand vs a professional bandsaw mill. This piece will stay with me in the garage since my kids sit on it while I work on chainsaws maintaining them and making them run faster by porting them. Long story, I’ve learned from this project I enjoy woodworking and how it brings me together with my daughter. She enjoys sanding and the whole finishing process has her very interested so I’d like to build on that with the limited space I have. Any help would be appreciated.
Great comparison that was super helpful
Really good comparison--thanks.
Very helpful. great video. Thank!
Jason, excellent presentation and comparison of the 4! On a serious note, I saw a few others have mentioned Mafell saws. I'm on the fence myself choosing between the Festool TS 60 and the Mafell mt55cc. What's your thoughts between the two? Also, the Makita 36V cordless seems to hang right with the Festool cordless on side by side comparisons....
I do agree with you on the TSC 55 being the favorite. There are so many times I've taken my track saw away from a power source and it was the perfect solution. I have a TS 75 that I've never used and perhaps I might sell it to get the TS 60 to have a corded saw with slightly more cutting depth and the ability to be used on the FSK rails. There doesn't seem to be much of a reason to buy the TS 55 F these days nor the TS 75 unless you NEED the cutting depth. You made an important point -- buying things because you might need it one day in a blue moon is not a great justification. The TS 75 is MASSIVE compared to the other track saws - an utter beast. Though one thing you or Sedge may have mentioned is that you can cut more pieces of sheet goods STACKED than the TS 55 or TS 60.
That’s a good point with stacking multiple sheets. I have never considered doing that myself but I can see how it could save a ton of time
@@bentswoodworking I haven’t done it myself but I could envision needing to cut 2 panels that are 5/4 thick or so, stacking them, and getting identical pieces. Actually, I remember seeing KZheadr do this when he was making his son a desk.
Thank you! Very informative.
Glad it was helpful!
Hello Brent, I have been watching your videos a few years now. and they have answered questions when I was working on projects. I am planning to build a plywood cabinet in our garage in a 2' x 2' dead space. My thought was to build a 4' high cabinet sitting on 3" wheels and possible putting peg board on 1 side to handle cables and misc items. Since, I have a 10' ceiling I am debating about putting a second cabinet 3' high on it. The Mill where I buy most of my lumber has 3/4" cabinet grade Birch plywood. Presently, I own the Festool TS 75 that I purchased years ago. It works perfectly but as you said in the video it's heavy and in this case over kill. I have 2 Festool work tables to work on. So I have plenty of room to work. When you purchased your TS 55 saw did the blade Festool provided a good choice for sawing plywood or did you buy a dedicated blade just for plywood? Regards, Kevin
Very well done comparison. I have the TSC 55 and I'm very happy with it. But I will sell it and get the TS 60, because I got 2 trees European Ash from the Lumber Mill and the boards are a little over the capacity of the the 55. It is a PITA to finish every cut with a hand saw. ;-) Thanks God here in Europe we have the PlugIt version of the TS 60 ;-)
Agree. I have a TS55-EQ (>10 years old). I was considering an upgrade to a TS-60 but that's not happening because of the cord. I have dust collection and plut-it cord hanging from a track on the ceiling. Having another cord is a pain. I do it for my Shaper Origin but it doesn't need the range of motion the track saw does. The track saw is exactly why I did the DC+power setup.
I have the TS 55 KEB and still managed to damage the track from kick back. COMPLETELY Amy fault but it still happened, awesome saw though, great video.
great video sir. It would have been good to know the prices but they are easily found online. Thank you for this comparison. Now, I have to save my pennies.
Festool ups their pricing yearly so this video would be out of date by January
TS75 maybe suitable for joinery rather than cabinetry. Also for carpentry instead of a mitre saw as it can cut 3 inches at 90, 53mm = 2" at 45. So it could handle framing jobs. TS60 competes with Mafell which used to blow Festool away for power of cut
If I follow the hard coded logic, the new saw pull more power(1500w) then the OF 2200(2200w)?
I bought the TSC 55 based on what you said earlier about it, then the TS 60 came out!
Both are awesome saws
@@bentswoodworking I already had the HKC 55 so the TS 60 would have fit perfectly into my set of tools.
I think they also just added one with a scoring blade in the "60" size, if I'm not mistaken. Great lineup!
I will have a video covering the TSV 60 very soon now that it is public knowledge. At the time of filming this video, it was announced yet.
@@bentswoodworkingwe have it in Europe guess it will get across the pond soon. My friend has one great saw for panel work.
@@bentswoodworking is the scoring blade changeable ? It must be thinking about it.
@@jonesconrad1yes it is replaceable
Thanks Jason (you'll have to update this in September with TSV?) Here is the interesting question. What do you do when you bump against a use case that is not typical and not frequent, but you exceed the limitations of the existing tool (e.g. I will be wanting if not needing to cut an abnormally large bevel that the 55 won't cut through). What then?! Thoughts appreciated
I will have a video covering the TSV 60 very soon now that it is public knowledge. At the time of filming this video, it was announced yet.
I watch a lot of You Tub Wood working videos, they may not have anything to do with what I'm working on, but its the small tips I pick up that I like and so enjoy. I don't have any Festool products, I consider them professional tools for people that make a living making cabinets and so on...etc. I have a Makita SP6000J just about a year now, I love it has made a big difference cutting plywood for my projects. After watching your comparisons on Festool track saws one thing that I think every track saw should have and that's a riving knife. I got a kick back on my Makita, it happened fast and I put a gouge in my short 55" track. I look back on the incident as my fault and I'm always preaching safety and go out of my way to make sure I always buy a safe tool.... Oh and read the instructions too!!! One of the things you hear about Track Saws is Kick Back is not a big problem... which I believe is true... BUT it can happen... I'm now even more so aware of what not to do and I now treat the Makita with much more respect! I like what you said about kerf size of the blade and the riving knife. That's something some wood workers kind of don't pay attention to... I was talking to what I thought was an experienced craftsman... it was like I opened his eye's about kerf size and kick backs on Table saws!!! I enjoy you videos BTW I find myself using metric much more in the shop then I used to mainly from your videos and have purchased a couple of Fastcap Metic/Standard tapes which I love... anyway keep up the good work!
Glad you found it helpful!!
What about TSV 60 KEB-F with scoring function?
I bought a Festul 75 saw with guide bars in 2007 and use it to this day. It is very strong, the saw is steel, aluminum and wood. For steel I use a Festul saw in 2008, it cost 94 dollars and for aluminum I use Oshlun SBFT-260080, They are cheaper than German saws. For other woodworking I use the company's Oshlun 260 mil diameter and 30 millimeter hole.
For the TS60 I would just go rogue and cut the fixed power cable off… splice in a female quick connector… take that MERICA’! Lol
Great breakdown. Thanks. I have a ts55req and it has not let me down in 3 years.
Good to hear!
So it's not a riving knife at all, so why call it that? It's a safety switch.
Just got my TS55 . Also got the 55inch track and 42 inch track . Still suffering sticker shock. But when I go to assemble the tracks - no connecting bars???? Sold seperately need two. This is like buying a car and oh you want a windshield with that, optional. Come on what a rip. By the way Kregs track gives you six bars and these fit the festool just fine.
What is the difference between the FEQ-f and REQ-f and KEB-f models? There's also a HK 55 EQ-F
Hello sir for a beginner, I want to make smaller cabinets, tables, chairs, shelves, from wood, wood panels, plank, plywood can I use hk 55 or do I need ts60, how is ts60 it's hard to work with it, it's big, hard, does it tire you or is it not a problem? Thank you,
I’ve got a pretty good 10 inch 10 amp miter saw. And I’ve got a very old crappy fence craftsman table saw. If I was going to buy one more new tool and try to elevate my workshop, I’m thinking I would buy the festival track saw, and couple that with my miter saw rather than try and upgrade my table saw first. it seems to me that for what I am going to be doing small projects, breaking down sheet goods, some cabinetry boxes, etc. I could really use the festool track saw more than I could a new higher quality table saw ? Do you agree or disagree?
Okay the TSC 55k and TS 60 both use a Brushless Motor but do they have the same power or is the corded TS 60 have more because it is corded?
Voltage. The TS 60 should be able to be more powerful because it runs at a higher voltage.
@@AaronGeller They run at the same voltage. Whatever comes out of the wall.
@@kwilliams2239 I meant amperage
@@AaronGeller Got it. Thanks. That's their excuse but as someone pointed out the OF2200 has the removable cord and it uses a lot more power. It also doesn't make sense (not everything does with the NEC) because the NEMA-15 plug is still there. I don't know if everyone has noticed but there are two different power cords. One is 16ga and the other 14ga, IIRC. They have slightly different plug-it connectors. The 16ga cord will plug into tools that have the 14ga cable but not the other way around.
Actually the OF2200's cord is fixed, not removable @@kwilliams2239
Do all saws have the diamond scoring blade?
No. The only saw that has that is the TSV 60 which was just officially announced and will be available next month. I will have a video on that soon.
I'm not sure how you would get kick back on a track saw cause it seems to me it will never bind causing kick back, it's straight as one can get with a track saw..I don't own one yet...yet...but I'm sitting here goin, how can it bind...it's a question I've had since getting into wood working...like it can't bind can it...
What about the festool HK 85?
Thanks man, great video!!
Glad you liked it!
I’ve been back and forth on Makita and Festool. I want to go cordless, and pretty much every time Festool is way out of my price range for a hobbyist. Except in the track saw, Festool and Makita are pretty comparable. I’m interested in other people’s opinions on the two, any of the viewers out there that have used both, could you share your experiences. Thank you.
Something to be aware of the reason why the Festool TSC55 Keb is comparable in price for the bare unit is because Festool has a reputation for nickel and dimming customers on the extras and with a track saw those extras are considerable. I bought a HKC55 a couple of years ago for the bargain price of £265 bare tool which was comparable to others saws I was looking at like the Makita and the Dewalt flexvolt. But by the time I had finished I spent over £1200 RRP £2000 battery charger, 2x 1400 tracks, bag, FSK guide rail + bag, clamps, track connectors, kickback stop, Angle kit, then theres other stuff you dont get with Festool products that you do with Makita and others, such as a fence and chip collection bag, both of which are an extra £35. So make sure you tot up everything you will need not just compare the bare tool price. Festool are shifty like that ;D
@@rocketmunkey1 good to know, I know Ridgid is coming out with one or it’s already out, Milwaukee has one, Bosch, Dewalt. Not sure of there track quality. That’s another reason why Makita and Festool have been on my radar
@@randysmith3828 The Dewalt tracksaw is trash, worst tracks out there and the saw is convoluted to use, Makita is a good solid brand and the tracksaw is meant to be very good Makita do make good circular saws generally. Bosch use the same tracks as Mafell which are the best tracks, they have a quick to use single connecting bar and align perfectly. Festool had to bring out new connectors last year to try and resolve some of the connection issues, that said the Festool rails are still very good better than most. The milwaukee hasn't been on the market that long so no long term reviews yet but early reports are favourable. Personally I think it looks a bit chunky toy like even, but the tracks look seriously cool in metallic red . Festool Makita and Milwaukee saws are compatible with each others tracks, they use the same basic design of track with only small differences. The cost of two 1400 or 1500 tracks depending on the manufacturer, two connectors and a bag Here in the UK at least Makita £165 (you also get two basic clamps with that) Milwaukee £250 Festool £290
I have the Makita cordless saw that came as a kit with cases, two 5amp batteries and dual battery charger. I have no complaints at all. Makita guide rails can be hit or miss. I got a great deal on a festool 118 inch guiderail to add to it. I think it's the FS 3000.. I have two 55 inch Makita rails but inspite of having the TSO connectors you still have to make sure they are straight. Moving forward I'll probably purchase Festool tracks but the Makita saw is amazing. If you plan to fully buy into Festool such as dust extractors etc etc then you should get the saw as well. If you just want a great saw, better price point, and hook up to a shop vac the Makita will be fine. You won't be disappointed.
@@seanbrotherton542 thank you, i think i saw someone else on KZhead say the same thing about the tracks.
The right decision should probably take the TSV 60 (currently NAINA) into consideration - assuming that it will come to the US. It’s a TS 60 with a diamond scoring blade. Just saying ;-) …
I will have a video covering the TSV 60 very soon now that it is public knowledge. At the time of filming this video, it was announced yet.
It would be nice to see a comparison between these Festool's and the lower-end saws like the Makita, Dewalt, and Bosch
There isn’t a comparison. The Festool track saws are in another category than the cheaper Home Depot saws
@@Andy-iw9su of course, they cost 2-3x as much of course they are going to be better. But it would be interesting to see in what ways the others fall short.
Having owned the Makita and Bosch, there is no comparison to make. I bought the TS60 and features, power, fit, finish dwarf any of these brands.
I own the now 20 year old Festool track saw. So according to all the internet experts its sh-t, garbage, junk, trash. But it cuts just fine. I do not have any experience with the non Festol track saws you mention. But I bet they cut just fine for 99.9% of users. And if I was advising someone to get a track saw, I would say get the Makita. For half, or one third the price of Festool, you will be happy. Back when Cadillac was considered a luxury car, you could get the Buick LeSabre or Park Avenue, or the Oldsmobile 98, or the Cadillac. They were essentially the exact same car, just a different name on the badge. For 99.9% of people using a track saw, the lower cost models will be wonderful.
@@russellseaton2014 you've summed up my thoughts exactly. I would rather someone else spend the money and do the comparisons on KZhead though.
Why does the TS75 have a removable cord but not the TS60? Doesn't the TS75 have more power?
TS 60 is more powerful and a large part of this is due to having a thin kerf blade.
@@AaronGellerThe kerf has zero considerations in this question. He’s addressing the motor.
@@silverbackag9790 the TSC 55 KEB cuts twice as fast as the previous model due to the thinner kerf
@@AaronGeller His question revolves around the size/power of the motor and the plugit cord. Yes, the thinner kerf is great and help a lot. But he’s is ADDRESSING THE MOTOR SIZE and the fact that the TS75 has a plugit cord and the US version of the TS60 was not allowed to by regulations DUE TO WATTAGE requirements (or more likely current/amps). Try to keep up. This ain’t hard.
@@silverbackag9790 I'm aware. "Doesn't the TS75 have more power?" and I wrote "TS 60 is more powerful" I know about the regulations. Thank you ma'am
TSV 60K?
I know this a few months after the video was released but after the video about Festool track saw, you tube in their infinite wisdom gave me an ad for Harbor Freight. Just thought that was funny
🤣
sold my TSC 55 and bought a milwaukee = much happier
We’re glad for you. Guess we’ll never see you here again.
@@Ezlivin no need to be a smart a$$, I ve got several festool tools and like them, just not this SOOOO, have a nice day
@@glodavhog Okay. There are those who like to drop into any Festool discussion and talk trash. I wasn't sure. I've got a mix of Milwaukee and Festool, but mostly Festool. Have a good day and may all your cuts be precise.
@@Ezlivin cool, I know the type that you're referring to. I was just stating this didn't work for me..not a festool basher...my festool sanders, kapex and several other things are top notch
So, basically get the 60, get a replacement plug it jack and convert it.. check.
What is the difference between ts and hk models
HK models are better suited for rough carpentry. More similar to a circular saw but with the added benefit of a track.
@@bentswoodworkingahh gotcha! and the TS models have the ''plunge'' feature that the HK does not have, correct?
@@korrupt4 correct. Although you can technically plunge with the HKC models as well but it isn’t the same as the TS models. If you need it for furniture building, it’s TS. Carpentry/framing, HK model
@@bentswoodworkingthanks so much!!! a popular youtube that responds to comments! i can get used to this! :) keep it up!
Welcome to test our newly produced saw blades, we can send it to you
TSV 60 K?
I will have a video covering the TSV 60 very soon now that it is public knowledge. At the time of filming this video, it was announced yet.
I have Festool tools but they are painfully expensive and if it weren't for the contractor market they would be out of business in a week. Again they make a fine product but...
I would like to have a track saw machine.I am a pensioner and dont have the money. is there anyone out there to help me to get one?
Wen makes one for around $100
TS60 is the best.
Very disappointed that you didn't race them
The Mafell saw should be there.
Well to be technical This videos about saws on the market lol . I’m sure it’s a damn good saw but If there’s a store within 500 miles of me with a Mafell on the shelf i sure couldn’t find it
@@timblack33you could have it shipped
@@timblack33 Well that might be the American "market" but this is the interwebs so most other markets on the other side of the pond do include the Mafell MT55 which is THE Best tracksaw on the market. or perhaps the video title should have been "Comparing 4 OF the best track saws on the market" rather than "Comparing the best track saws on the market"
If only Mafell was available via different vendors - it’s a beast saw
Too hard to get, I looked into them. Just the saw was like $1300, then I had to buy rails and accessories for their system. If they were more accessible here and a better price point I would agree. Festool ts60 is a great saw.
The best is the 20 year old one. Paid for itself many times.
If the blade is the issue, then why can other companies produce a saw that cuts better and faster with the same blade? Blades have nothing to do with the power of a saw. They affect how efficiently a cut is made, but they do not affect the power of the saw. I like my Festool products, but the truth is that they are outdone by companies like Milwaukee in the power department.