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Kmike (Rock Creek, OH)

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I've been looking at table saws and the pro's and con's of each ( I keep reading allot about kickback and the pro's and con's of flesh sensing technology). But as of late I�... (read more)39;ve been also considering a panel saw like the Festool TS75EQ. Is one better than the other (table vs panel saw)? Are there things a panel saw cannot do that only a table saw can? And feedback is welcome!

12/07/2011 6:58 AM · Reply · Like (2) · Share >

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MacIII (Toms River, NJ)

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A panel saw is great for cutting sheet goods. Its basically a circular saw on a sled. The table saw is so much more depending on the quality of a piece of equipment you invest in. I could go on all da... (read more)y with what can be done with a table saw and the different blade type options. Get a table saw. Use your circular saw and a decent straight edge for cutting sheet goods.

12/07/2011 9:56 AM · Like (3)

Nate (Lawrenceville, GA)

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Festool track saws are completely different than traditional panel saws. They are amazing and cannot be compared with anything else. I would recommend a Festool track saw over any onther tool in my co... (read more)llection. They are amazing. I love my table saw, and it definitely has a place in my shop, but if I had to pick between the 2, I would take a Festool Track saw anyday. Also, be sure to look at the TS55, unless you need the extra depth, the TS55 will save you some money over the 75. I have the 75 myself though, so go for it! The only thing I can think of that the TS wont do that the table saw can, is cut concave moulding, but who really does that on a table saw anyway. But just try to cut a miter on a 45 degree bevel across an 8' sheet of ply with your table saw...good luck. Your TS75 will do it just fine!

12/07/2011 1:51 PM · Like (1)

MacIII (Toms River, NJ)

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Nate, That is a nice set up. It has it's place as does the other saws mentioned. A few advantage that I will give for a table saw is the use of Dado blades and trim cutters. Some of my trim cutte... (read more)r attachments cut 1" of material per pass. Not only do I cut miters with my table saw at 8' lengths but also will do my rabbit joints dadoes. of course as I mentioned above, for just cutting sheet goods, a nice circular saw and a straight edge are enough. Especially when it comes to portability.

12/07/2011 4:05 PM · Like (1)

Gene (Grand Forks, ND)

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The only thing I can think of that the TS wont do that the table saw ? Can it cut perfectly round 22" circles out of 1/2" Polycarbonate to use as sump pump basin covers. A table saw will get... (read more) them perfect every time.

12/08/2011 6:27 AM · Like

Nate (Lawrenceville, GA)

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That is why I own a router.

12/08/2011 9:39 AM · Like

MacIII (Toms River, NJ)

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Gene, do you have a circle cutting jig for the ban saw?

12/08/2011 5:41 PM · Like

Gene (Grand Forks, ND)

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No sir, that i do not have. Do you know what i was talking about when I said I can cut perfect circles on a table saw. That one cost me $20.00 on a bet I lost to learn how to do it. I bet it could not... (read more) be done ha ha

12/08/2011 6:28 PM · Like

Gene (Grand Forks, ND)

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The covers are used to seal up the Sump basin against Radon in the winter and have to be inspected. Any hole discovered is an automatic FAIL. How do you router the circle out with out having a hole in... (read more) the center for your guide pin?

12/08/2011 8:22 PM · Like

Nate (Lawrenceville, GA)

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http://www.festoolusa.com/products/routers/edge-guides-stops-a... (read more)nd-circles/trammel-unit-483922.html

12/08/2011 8:31 PM · Like

MacIII (Toms River, NJ)

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You are referring to the pivot point on the sled I'm thinking.

12/08/2011 10:14 PM · Like

Gene (Grand Forks, ND)

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I would of bet that you would get that one

12/08/2011 11:29 PM · Like

Gene (Grand Forks, ND)

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I guess you missed the part about the hole in the center

12/14/2011 11:33 PM · Like

Gene (Grand Forks, ND)

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How many Festool Saws have you ever seen in a real life application. The ridiculous price of there tools will have to be passed on to the client and significantly reduce your profit or you will have t... (read more)o increase your job costs to pay for tools like this. If they where worth the price all Pro Wood workers would own them. A simple clamp tracking system and a high quality blade will produce results that are satisfactory enough for any pro with out have to pay those kind of prices. One thing to remember is it can only cut material that the track is attached one cut at a time. You have to reattach the track for every cut. All you have to do is ripp your sheet stock down to workable size with a clamp and saw quide and let your table saw do what it was designed to do.

12/15/2011 7:57 PM · Like (5)

Kmike (Rock Creek, OH)

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Thanks guys! Allot of food for thought. I'm seeing that a table saw has it's significant advantages over a panel saw. Thank you all for your replies and Happy Holidays to all!

12/16/2011 6:17 AM · Like (1)

PutnamEco

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Kmike, I think you may have confused track saws with what is commonly called a panel saws. Panel saws are large unwieldy machines dedicated for cutting panels exclusively, usally in a vertical postiti... (read more)on like those manufactured by Safety Speed Mfg. and PanPro. Festool manufactures what is commonly called a TRACK saw, as do Dewalt, Makita, and a few other less commonly found manufacturers. There are some things that either saw does that the other cannot easily accomplish. Often a track can be place on some work that you could not get on a table saw easily. Dadoes are really hard to find a set up that will work on a track saw. Although Festool does make a router that will work with their rails and EZ Smart makes a set up for their system. As for me, If I was setting up a shop I would choose a table saw first. and live with a simple shooting board until I could swing the Festool. Then again I do have multiples of regular circular saws. Dino Makropoulos has posted many informative demonstration videos on youtube. Look for videos from eurekazone. EZ Smart vs The Table Saw may be of interest to you. There are many Festool videos as well.

12/22/2011 2:18 PM · Like (1)

PutnamEco

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often see Festools on the job. As I own some. I find the convenience of the system and the time it saves me to be worth the cost. It is one of those brands that until you work with them, you can'... (read more);t really appreciate their value. Dust control is one of the big selling points for me. I do home repairs, and I can set up a cut station in some ones house with out really having to worry about setting up a dust exclusion zone. comes in handy on those rainy days and apartment jobs where outside is ten floors down as well. There are ways to make repeated cuts with the Festool system, their parallel guides for one, then again you can always stack plywood and cut more than one sheet at a time. There is little you can do to combat chipping with the common "clamp and saw guide" that can compare to the convenience of the anti chip features of the Festool. This is a very handy feature when working with hardwood plywood and melamine.

12/22/2011 8:57 PM · Like (1)

Gene (Grand Forks, ND)

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With the correct blade you will not have chipping.Have you ever seen formica sheets ripped.There is no anti chip feature(LOL),it's all in the blade. The use of the proper blade will eliminate chi... (read more)pping on melamine and with "plywood" because of the saw rotation it is cut with finish side down. On a table saw the plywood is cut finish side up.

12/24/2011 10:05 AM · Like

PutnamEco

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It comes in very handy when you need to have BOTH sides cut clean. It is often not feasible to cut with the finished side in the optimum position when the piece your working on is already in an instal... (read more)ation. This would be a case when the dust collection can also be a benefit. Formica is often has the finish cut with a laminate trimmer. Comercial table and panel saws have an additional scorring blade to ensure a clean cut in sheet goods.

12/27/2011 7:24 PM · Like

Gene (Grand Forks, ND)

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All I can do with that comment is laugh!

12/28/2011 12:08 AM · Like

daddycard (Clarksville, MI)

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I have never used a panel saw but I can see where they would be really handy. Cutting a perfectly straight diagonal on a peice of plywood would be really handy. The dust collection system seems really... (read more) nice also. I used to think paying such a large amount for certain tools was crazy until I used the tools, most times you get what you pay for. I don't think i would use a panel saw to replace my table saw but I would try one out and like to have one on hand for those certain situations where having the right tool makes life so much easier.

01/07/2012 4:45 PM · Like

MikeyBagANailz (North Bergen, NJ)

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I debated that same thing w/ my partner a while back. Having limited space and considering portability & versatility we decided that neither of those two were for us. Instead we opted for a track ... (read more)saw (Makita). It lacks the production ability of repeated cuts that a panel or table saw possess but has worked like charm. They cost what a table saw costs w/o the weight, size & stand. Hope that helps.

01/07/2012 8:52 PM · Like

Nate (Lawrenceville, GA)

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Have you seen the Festool Parallel Guides? They connect to the track and make repeated cuts a snap! Check it out. You Makita saw will fit on a Festool track so you only need a track and the guides. Un... (read more)fortunately, due to Makita's anti tip or kick back slot or whatever they call it, the Festool guides will not fit the Makita track, although most of the rest of their accessories are compatible.

01/17/2012 8:35 PM · Like (1)

DavidWinick (Ada, MI)

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I have to agree with GeneUknow..I would never consider a high-priced tracking system. You can obtain the same accuracy with a shooting board with practice. And mostly the only reason you need to do th... (read more)is kind of cut is that it's some off-angle that you can't use a table saw to do. Plus it's a one-time cut as you need to reset. At first, I thought the post was about PANEL SAWS. I have a one of those as well which are also limited in their capabilities. I've looked at the Festool and wondered what their profit margin must be with the cost of their stuff. Highly overpriced.

01/24/2012 11:34 AM · Like

Gene (Grand Forks, ND)

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Festools are nice but man I just can't justify that price.

01/24/2012 7:35 PM · Like

Town&CountryBuilder (Grand Rapids, MI)

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I only know one person using Festool and he's installing granite.

01/26/2012 11:06 PM · Like

Town&CountryBuilder (Grand Rapids, MI)

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If you want to go real cheap buy a circ saw and make a zero clearance jig out of ply wood.

01/26/2012 11:09 PM · Like (2)

Gene (Grand Forks, ND)

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I could see where that might justify the cost but I bet the blade must a cost a pretty penny.

01/27/2012 1:50 AM · Like

Town&CountryBuilder (Grand Rapids, MI)

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I think that's a 8 1/4" or 8 1/2" blade that only fits the Festool saw. I bet it's not cheap.

01/27/2012 12:17 PM · Like

Gene (Grand Forks, ND)

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I just pulled this from a Festool forum.said before within previous discussions, I would NOT use my Festool saw for any type of masonry cutting, no matter what sort of blade i was using. I seem to hav... (read more)e a recollection that Festool will not honor their warrantee if the saw has been cutting masonry. That is not a direct quote, just something that settled among the dust in the back of my head. If i am wrong on this, my apologies to Festool; but if i were in the business, i would not warrantee any type of woodworking saw that was used for cutting masonry>>> period That would appear to be the case. The US Instruction Manual states: Use for intended purpose The hand-operated circular saw TS 55 EQ is designed exclusively for the sawing of wood, wood-like materials and plastics. With the special saw blades for aluminium offered by Festool, these machines can also be used for sawing aluminium. The machine should not be converted or modifi ed, e.g. for any other form of use, other than as specifi ed in these operating instructions. The user shall be liable for damages and accidents resulting from incorrect use. Festool Limited Warranty This warranty is valid on the pre-condition that the tool is used and operated in compliance with the Festool operating instructions. Interestingly, the instructions also mention the procedure for cutting the following: D) Sawing plaster and cement-bonded fibre boards Due to the high build-up of dust, using a cover (accessories) that is mounted on the side of the protective cover is recommended. I reckon that cutting soapstone is definitely forbidden! Forrest

01/27/2012 1:37 PM · Like

Town&CountryBuilder (Grand Rapids, MI)

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That's interesting. I was under the impression you could cut steel with a Festool saw. I do agree with not using a Festool to cut concrete. That's way too much money for that, that's wh... (read more)at my trusty old Porter Cable is for.

01/28/2012 10:19 AM · Like

itsmedadroth (Saint Augustine, FL)

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What is a Festool Saw?

02/06/2012 6:59 PM · Like (1)

Thepirate (Grand Rapids, MI)

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Festool is a brand of higher end cabinet making/cabinet shop tools. what saw are you looking at?

02/06/2012 8:39 PM · Like

BillSNY (Staten Island, NY)

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I've read a few reviews in family handyman about these track saws. Festool was one of them. I can't remember which month it was but I believe there were 4 saws in total and all were compared... (read more) to table saws for such things as cabinet making. Although for repeat cuts a table saw is the best, because you don't have to set up the track. They gave these tools the nod for guys who take on this sort of things. Something to add to your tool hoarde. Check it out. Familyhandyman.com

02/06/2012 10:35 PM · Like

Town&CountryBuilder (Grand Rapids, MI)

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Festool is actually a brand name of a series of high end tools. They're very expensive but every one that uses them swears by them. The saw in particular has a track it runs on for a perfect cut.... (read more) I hope this helps please feel free to ask me more questions if needed. good luck.

02/07/2012 8:03 AM · Like

Nate (Lawrenceville, GA)

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I own and regularly use my table saw, but I find myself using my Festool TS75 more and more, It is by far the best tool I have ever owned and well worth the money.

02/07/2012 9:55 AM · Like

polarisnut (Hatley, WI)

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I have the TS55 and the Powermatic 2000. If I had to make a choice, it would be the 2000, but fortunately, I don't have to make that choice.

02/07/2012 4:16 PM · Like (1)

GlennReedy

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a panel saw is nice but a table saw is a must ''have''

02/12/2012 6:32 PM · Like (1)

makinsawdust (Lincoln, AR)

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Panel saw is good for plywood, but when you cross cut it you really need a good blade or tear out will be very bad. Personally I wood invest that money in a killer table saw, and there is an attachmen... (read more)t to help raise plywood from the floor to the table saw top.

02/22/2012 8:41 PM · Like

Toolman58 (Lake Charles, LA)

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Tablesaw with paneling attachment is much better

02/23/2012 4:30 PM · Like

DanielLynch (Newport Beach, CA)

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Table saw

03/21/2012 1:34 AM · Like

djesde (Walled Lake, MI)

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Table saw you use it a lot of different cuts.

03/22/2012 6:10 PM · Like

Viking (Hartland, WI)

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Before I went into business for myself, thought I would want a panel saw in a trailer. The panel saw is limited and you can make cuts faster on horses with your circular saw. The Table saw is for fine... (read more)r work, thin cuts, deep cuts and ripping miters. I keep a small Ridgid table saw in my cube van. The panel saw is too much of a niche item and too spendy. I have 50 saws. Most of them used regularly

03/26/2012 10:56 PM · Like

Gene (Grand Forks, ND)

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I do not think a panel saw would be a good choice in a trailer.

03/28/2012 5:12 PM · Like

Gene (Grand Forks, ND)

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How do you rip a miter on a table saw and why do you have 50 saws?

03/28/2012 5:14 PM · Like

PutnamEco

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Ever had to cut a bookcase down to size? Trim an installed kitchen cabinet (to do something like install a dishwasher)? Easy to do with the festool, and the nice thing about the Festool is you DON�... (read more)39;T need a special blade to do this. Sorry for reserecting an old thread, but I can't keep up with all the forums I post on, and felt this deserved a reply

04/01/2012 1:42 PM · Like (1)

PutnamEco

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One of the things you have to consider is that Festool is a German company, that produces their tools in a German factory. They pay and treat their employees well. One of the reasons you can no longer... (read more) purchase a new American made circular saw, and all of our jobs are going to China is no one is willing to pay a couple extra bucks for a top quality product made by adequately compensated employees.

04/01/2012 1:55 PM · Like

Gene (Grand Forks, ND)

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I hate to disagree with you but all track saws run a special Blade specifically designed for use in the track saw. My apologies for my past comment.

04/02/2012 3:40 PM · Like

Gene (Grand Forks, ND)

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http://www.toolstoday.com/p-6095-festool-and-other-track-saw-mac... (read more)hine-compatible-saw-blades.aspx

04/02/2012 3:43 PM · Like

DavidWinick (Ada, MI)

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What you say is true, but even with adequate compensation and being imported, it's still an overpriced tool. A shooting board is just as accurate, made from materials sitting around the shop + ab... (read more)out 20 minutes labor.

04/03/2012 12:55 PM · Like

PutnamEco

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The Festool is part of a system, which has some of the best dust collection in the business, something that the common shooting board does not. you'll also have to carry an alternat shooting boar... (read more)d to work with your router. Festool rails are a standard with many other companies tools working on them. Some people like driving Yugos other prefer Ferraris, to each his own.

04/04/2012 2:19 PM · Like

PutnamEco

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I have to laugh at my own self sometimes and have developed a pretty thick skin from years posting on web forums. Re: "but all track saws run a special Blade specifically designed for use in the ... (read more)track saw." Just arguing semantics now, circular saws in general run blades specifically designed for them, don't they?

04/04/2012 2:31 PM · Like

Gene (Grand Forks, ND)

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, circular saws in general run blades specifically designed for them, don't they NO, the blade is specifically designed for the application it is used for. Point being: put a cheap blade in your ... (read more)track saw and see how happy that makes you

04/04/2012 9:23 PM · Like

PutnamEco

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I can't seem to find any "cheap" blades for my Festool. I've been more than happy with the less expensive Forest and Tenryu, Even when using the "wrong" type of blade. I ... (read more)usally only carry two types of blades a crosscut and a rip blade. The stock cross cut blade handles most of what I do, from countertops and cabinets to doors and decks. I have pretty good luck using my Hilti saw with Freud diablo framing blades on my Festool tracks as well but the Hilti doesn't have the same anti chip device on the off cut side as the Festool, so there is that. Even so it is only minor tear out and I do have the one good edge.

04/05/2012 12:19 AM · Like

Gene (Grand Forks, ND)

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Trim an installed kitchen cabinet (to do something like install a dishwasher) Use a three fluted straight bit with a bearing on the bottom. The bit will cut the face frame flush with the cabinet perf... (read more)ect every time.

04/05/2012 3:09 AM · Like

Gene (Grand Forks, ND)

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What do you mean by the wrong type of blade? How can it be the wrong blade if it has a 20mm arbor.What other saw uses a 20mm. Why would you need a track for a saw your running a framing blade in?

04/05/2012 3:41 AM · Like

Gene (Grand Forks, ND)

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Just wondering how you would trim that installed cabinet with a track saw? How do you attach the track with the counter top installed.

04/05/2012 3:50 AM · Like

PutnamEco

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Re: wrong blade: like using a regular crosscut blade instead of a specialized laminate blade. Tracksaw come in handy for building decks, why fuss with really accurate measurements to get a clean edge ... (read more)for the deck surface, when you can cut an exceptionally straight edge post install. This is really nice when there are any angles involved, like the octagon of a gazebos floor. Saves a lot of time and improves the accuracy over freehand cuts following chalk box lines, and Festool make tracks that can be joined together to get really long cuts, not to mention their 16 foot long track. If you really want your mind blown, Mafell makes a flexible track, so you can even cut straight lines on objects that are not flat. http://www.mafell.com/produkte/prod_saegen_ksp40_i.html

04/05/2012 5:59 PM · Like

PutnamEco

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Open some drawers or doors and used the Festool clamps that attach to a channel on the underside of the track, I have to admit that I have had to get creative a time or two, sometimes even resorting t... (read more)o a couple extra hands, though once you start the cut a short track can be pinned to what ever your cutting just by a little extra pressure on the saw. Depending on how much the cabinet is being modified, sometimes the countertop does come off.

04/05/2012 6:21 PM · Like

jlanemc (Portsmouth, RI)

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Table saw. The Festool is great for quick cutting sheetgoods down to size, or on a jobsite. But, A TS has much more capability than a track saw. Ex. Dadoes, mount a router to the TS table...and with t... (read more)he price of a Festool as high as it is, you can get a small josite TS like the Ridgid. As far as SawStop tech, I believe the only way to prtect yourself is to know what your doing. (Almost all saws in the US have anti-kick back pawls and or riving knives today.

05/09/2012 9:19 PM · Like

Nate (Lawrenceville, GA)

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I cannot emphasize enough that actually owning both a tracksaw and a table saw is the only way to know how awesome a track saw really is. I own the FEstool TS75, and would not trade it for anything. I... (read more)t is the best tool I own.

07/10/2012 12:05 PM · Like

Koetterscabinets (Utica, MN)

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This is a very interesting tread to read! Back to cutting circle on the table saw.... Gene, I would love to hear the technique used there!

07/11/2012 1:57 PM · Like

Nate (Lawrenceville, GA)

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Anyone Familiar with Mark the Woodwhisperer, may also be interested to note, that he is currently working in a temporary shop. While there, he chose not to bring in his table saw and instead opted fo... (read more)r a Festool Tracksaw and MFT. link to the facebook video is below. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150913282971717

07/16/2012 2:15 PM · Like (1)

Galaxie500

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I have a panel saw and a 10'' table saw with a 52''uni fence . I can cross a 4x8 sheet of plywood with no problen. when it comes time cross cut 18''s or less I use the p... (read more)anel saw.. I'm semi retired from cabinets/ vanities building

09/06/2012 8:49 PM · Like (1)

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