Which Track Saw Should You Buy??? Mistakes I made...
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- Опубліковано 5 лис 2020
- In hopes of saving you some money I dive into my track saw journey. I have the TS 55, TSC 55, TS 75, Mafell MT55, and HKC 55. There is a lot to consider when purchasing a track saw and if I could go back in time knowing what I know now I would have made some very different purchasing decisions. Hope this track saw buying guide helps...
Festool TS 55 - geni.us/omVtg (Amazon)
Festool TS 75 - geni.us/FnLDV6 (Amazon)
Festool TSC 55 - geni.us/45gqG4 (Amazon)
Mafell MT55 - geni.us/an8djE (Amazon)
My Favorite Tools - Insider Carpentry Amazon Site - www.amazon.com/shop/insider_c...
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![Big Decision: Festool or Mafell? [video #400]](/img/n.gif)
Festool TS 55 - amzn.to/3eeX3Y5
Festool TS 75 - amzn.to/3oLRtBd
Festool TSC 55 - amzn.to/3jNgIj3
Festool HKC 55 - amzn.to/3ecmV6W
Mafell MT55 - www.timberwolftools.com/mafel...
Is your mafell for sale, if so, please let me know?
Hey spencer just watched your video on track saw to buy and not to buy and wanted to thank you for all your advice. I’ve been on the fence about what track saw to buy. I bought the dewalt and it was ok but wasn’t satisfied. I was getting ready to buy the tc55 but instead am going to go with the battery powered one like you suggested. I’m a trim carpenter in saint Louis and have been watching your channel for a couple of years now. Just want to say thank you for all your help man. Also was wondering how much you would charge me to build your latest miter saw stand? Thank you
None of them are suitable for ripping long material safely
I went the Mafell route. Purchased two, my first a decade ago nearly. Fantastic saw.
It has been said that, “An average man learns from his own mistakes, and a wise man learns from the mistakes of others.” I’m 61 now and carry the residual evidence of many personal errors of judgement. I have watched quite a few of your videos and appreciate the depth of logic and reason applied. As expected, this was well organized and informative. It helped me with a decision and is greatly appreciated as I too can be an impulse buyer at times.
I got the TS75 because I needed to miter 1.5” butcher block countertops. I needed the depth of cut at 45 degrees. Four years later, still happy with the purchase, I use it all the time.
I like the to the point approach of the pro who's done all the testing and thoroughly thought out the production processes. It's just invaluable.
Not only does it save my money but most importantly it does save a lot of my time. Thanks for being so open and honest and for making the industry better in so many different ways!
Happy to help. 👊
I had the TS55 and TS75 and sold them both. Now I use the Mafell 55 and it's a beast. Very happy with it for my use.
I really appreciate your content. I can’t tell you how many times I’m researching something...Carpentry techniques, tool reviews... Oh, I wanna build some custom miter saw extension wings. Bam! Oh and let’s not forget Amazon reviews. BAM! You’re the real hero. The man we can trust. Much respect.
I appreciate that. 👊👊👍
@@InsiderCarpentry I haven't seen any video from you in a minute wondering if you are Okay?
All good. I’ll be back soon. 👍
@@InsiderCarpentry just wanted to make sure there wasn't any kind of health issues impeding you or something like that. Good to. Know that you are 100%
I have a Mafell Track Saw for 25 years now and still working fine!
The MT 55 is available as a cordless version now
Greetings from Oberndorf, Germany (Hometown of Mafell)
You would be on your 8th Festool by now
I have the Bosch that is based on that, love the rails. I would never go Festool, the rail is much worse than Mafell / Bosch
Yes, festool is the most overhyped fanboy brand in all of tools. Sadly, deWalt is the second most fanboy oriented brand at least in the US.
Been thinking about the cordless Festool. Great to know you approve. Thanks!
Really appreciate you passing along your life lessons without padding the length with useless anecdotes like I keep seeing. Subscribed
Sounds like you should have just started with Mafell MT55s and ran them on Mafell tracks...
Thanks for your honesty, and that ts75 will be a collector's piece in a few years time
I greatly appreciate your review and advice. I am in the market for a track saw and was leaning towards the corded Festool as I "assumed" it would have more power. Thank you for saving me the grief.
I will defend the HKC's Power. I used an HKC to built a full set of stairs (4 stringers, with 2x treads & risers) It handled it all like a champ. No binding, no trouble at all cutting stringers. I went thru one & a half fully charged battery's on the whole set of stairs. I was pretty darn impressed. Thanks Spencer for another quality video.
love the Garand Thumb homage in the opener! Love your videos!
As with any addiction, step one is admitting you have a problem and are powerless to resist....... 😀
Would be nice if we could start a Self Help group on here for tool lovers
I'M IN!!!
I’m not surprised you would have that many track saws given the number of routers you have lol. I am a 55 yr old finish carpenter and made my own tracks for saws and routers I use. Sure a real one would be great , I just never get around to buying one. If I want to see cool tools I’ll just watch you.
Thanks a lot for this, I ordered the TSC 55 today and this video was reassuring.
Great video. Thanks for taking the time to make it. I have the Festool TS 55KEB. Love it. New Festool 60 w/ scoring blade coming soon.
Thank you for your informative review! I purchased the cordless Festool that you mention in your vid back in September, and it arrived in time for Christmas. The information you provided was very helpful in making my decision on which track saw to buy. Much appreciated!
Like some other commenters i have the makita. it has more power than the festool and works perfectly on festool tracks and accessories. You should defo buy one, every one man show needs 6 tracksaws.
I love my Makita too!
I second that! LOL
Makita fan boy here. But haven't used the makita track saw. Only festool.
bought the makita this week, first track saw, its like a funny car. Found a 118 track locally, no 55, so I went to the overpriced tool store and bought a 55 inch festool track. It fits fine, but I have to adjust the tension nobbies every time I switch between the two tracks. so not quite perfectly if your running tracks from different manufactures. Its super minor but still annoying enough that I'm going to pick up a makita 55 track when I find one.
And it came with the double charger, I can ditch some of the single chargers I have. IDK if it plays the song though, none of my single chargers do.
@@KevinManual I'm running all makita tracks I have some festool track clamps and the tso rail square, the square is the business.
You can make any of the makita chargers play up to something like 5 different songs. When you plug in the battery and hear the beep remove it straight away and plug it back in immediately repeat this to cycle though diffrent options.
Nice break down. Now I’m more excited than ever for my TSC55 to come in. Been waiting a month and a half already they’re backordered
Great and honest feedback as always. Love it. Thank you.
The battery powered ts55 absolutely rocks. More power than the mains version and a dream to use.
Thanks for your review! I’m actively looking to buy a track saw was leaning more towards a ts75 but the 55 just moved up on my list.
I know I'm late to the discussion, but I have the TS55. Initially I was concerned that it appeared underpowered. However, when I got additional blades (particularly the Panther), it changed the game. Ripping 2" timber is a breeze, and with the signature finished edge as well. The key is to match the blade to the work.
Yes. Exactly. I am so tired of being the guinea pig on tools and machinery and finding out the dislikes, yet being stuck with it.
Hitting the thumbs up because I too have spent way too much money on tools that I didn't really need but I'm happy to have. Great video.
Hey, absolutely love the videos! Been binge watching tons of them!! Got a quick question though, do you have a video out about how you go about pricing jobs? If not could you please do one?
I am happy with my Makita cordless. At first I was not using it a lot but now it the go to saw for many tasks. Stair stringers, sheathing, foam board, hand rail posts, Etc.
Recently bought the TSC 55 and 1st job was cutting and fitting vinyl planking to stairs (sorry, we don't see much hardwood stair treads in our neck of the woods!). I was super impressed! Thought I'd have to haul in my big Dewalt mitre saw and job site table saw, but the TSC 55 and track did it all in record time with very little dust. Couldn't be happier. Learned about it on your channel, so thanks for sharing!
FESTERING STOOL
Makita for the win
I have the dewalt track saw, it's great! Does everything I need and has awesome power.
I am trying to do my research before buying a track saw so thanks for the video.
I've two favourite YT carpentry channels and this is no.1. Even tho I'm British and we do things differently over here. I like carpenter videos that give advice to carpenters and not specifically DIYers.
Thanks for your help
I have been using the ts75 for about 8 years now and I love it. probably helps I'm a big guy but I really like the idea of the hk55.
Makita track saw is the best purchase I've made. I'm already on the Makita battery platform so that's why I went that route.
Where did you buy it and did you buy a package deal?
@@woodbutcherjc Bought the package deal off Amazon and added additional tracks with carry case.
I've been using the TSC 55 for 8-9 months. It's a very flexible tool. I actually barely use my cabinet saw anymore unless I'm making a dozen of something. Mostly it's the MFT and the TSC in the van and I'm ready to party
My corded DeWalt TS does all I need with 4 and 8 ft tracks. I have DeWalt router sleds that work quite well with the saw tracks. Dust collection works well. No complaints.
Good review, thank you.
Just bought the kreg track saw to cut a slab of 2" thick black walnut and im very pleased. Perfectly clean cut.
I have the TS 55 which I do really like for ripping sheet goods, but agree that it is underpowered. I've had situations where I was trimming solid-core doors and barely had enough juice to get it done.
Liked your review. Much appreciated. I can’t help but wonder if you tried different blades with your saws.
I’m surprised to see a red X next to the TS75. I use it quite regularly. Despite its large profile, it handles hardwoods quite well, even with the stock blade, but the ripping blade has its place, too. And cutting finished 3/4 plywood with the TS75 and track is quite pleasant since it leaves such a clean edge. With added dust collection and MFT, you get a great system that’s even portable. Leaving the price argument out, you are getting a great tool in the TS75. Love the systainer as well.
Great review! How did you make an adapter to plug in the mafell to the festool plug it system?
I've been super happy for years with my makita track saw.
I've used that Makita, loved it !!
Im so over my festool
I have the cordless makita. Very happy! Use it with festool tracks though. I read too many bad reviews of makita track
How’s the power on the makita, I’m seriously considering it, after doing some research on the subject sounds like the Makita is the best bag for the buck (I was disappointed to learn the Dewalt was so poor in performance and features)
@@jaredwaters4633 I'm heavy into dewalt 20v and 60v and I chose the makita. VERY happy. Ripped lots of sheet goods with no problems ......power to spare
@Etienne Ringuet 3 year warranty
After a great amount of research and trying a number of these saws, I purchased the Makita (corded). It has been excellent overall, has very good power, has an anti-tip lock for cutting 45° cuts and scoring feature. Great saw, great tracks to go with it and reasonably priced.
Thanks for posting!
I love this channle and all the incredible ideas and work processes that are demonstrated here.
I don't use any of the Dewalt and Festool products that Spencer loves.
I bought Makita and Milwaukee decades ago and still do today.
I've never seen a good reason to change.
Thanks for your opinion.
Great video! Thank You!
Always a pleasure to use my Makita corded track saw, 5 years old with no problems.
Makita just makes tools That work. Some of the cordless are a little bulky compared to other brands but they are bullet proof and always get the job done. Gotta say, my most used tools are my Makita 6.5 in circular saw and my 12v impact driver. I also have several 18v Milwaukee impacts, but 90% of the time my little Makita is more than enough to do what I need. And with a 5ah battery it lasts for weeks without charging it. It's also great when I'm doing stuff like hanging drywall over head cause it's so light and the belt clip is wider which is perfect to just drop it on my hammer ring when I move. I also have the DeWalt cordless drywall gun but I only use that when I'm driving a ton of screws. Then I still prefer to co back with the Makita for all the tight spots and corners cause it's more compact. My next big purchase is going to be the Makita track saw
Thanks for your helpful insight
I have the corded makita totally love it!
Tracksaw party at Spencer’s house! Woohoo!
That’s the two I have the cordless TSC and Hkc and looove them
Makita 36v track saw for the win. Used it for years, cuts true, lots of power, never regret not having a riving knife. 🤷♂️
You know, you didn't sell those track saws, but you did get this video out. Thanks!
Convert the corded to a panel saw like I did! It's fantastic for it.
"I leave my festool track saw on the jobsite" my mind is blown.
Would not leave any tool on a UK job site. Sometimes even the site has been stolen.😂😂
Yeah, I can't figure that one out. The theft/replacement insurance over there must be REALLY affordable.
@@TheLastPharm it’s called 1.2 guns per person. Man, woman, child.
Im sure it's Locked up in a tool chest
I bought the Makita SP6000K1 over 10 years ago and it's worked flawlessly. The 8' track has been a godsend.
I'm a Mafell fan for a good reason, they are extremely good tools
Best decision I made was going Mafell over festool
Love my Makita! Power and value!
I have worked with both festool cordless tracksaws and mafells cordless tracksaws and I personally like the mafell better. Their track is really good and the handling is super easy and it's very precise. Only thing that would be nice is something that prevents the saw from tipping when cutting at a 45 degree angle but it's manageable anyways
I love your dog! That a great shop partner!
After my ts55 motor burned up i took leap on the dewalt as I had the batteries and dam it’s incredible... so much power and the cordless part is the best for small jobs not having to hook up to a cord or vac
Appreciate your honesty!
Nice honest review. I'd be happy to give a home to the mafell though.
Thanks for this
I run the HK 85 EQB and it slays everything. Power enough. Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪 and thanks for your opinion.
I’ve loved my Festool cordless 55
THANK YOU I LOVED YOUR VID
I have all but the Mafell. Did buy the 75 used at a super price and use it pretty seldom. The rest I use and love. Never had a break down on any of them.
The Mafell track is far superior to the Festool. It’s the reason I purchased the Mafell. You can clamp the track right next to the splinter guard. Obviously this allows you to rip narrow pieces. Tapered extension jambs for example. Festool saws are awesome. I have the TS55 and the HK55 both corded. The saws are under powered for sure. The Festool track is the weakest part of the saw. There isn’t one thing the Festool does better than the Mafell. Do yourself a favor and buy the Mafell track so you can get the most from the Mafell MT 55cc. You won’t have to worry about where the splinter guard hits on it vs. your Festool track saw.
Mafell is the Maybach and Festool is the Mercedes Benz and Bosch is the BMW (not featured here) I always liked Bosch, in any case, the tools are more accurate than I am and I'm a hobbyist /Weekend warrior. I couldn't justify a Mafell or a Festool, would be different if woodworking was my way of making a living.
The Germans together with the Swedes and the English always made the best tools.
I agree on the Mafell. Festool is an accessory sales company. The dust collection on the MT55 cordless with dust bag is as good, if not superior to the Festool ones.
@@erichamilton5932 And Makita is the one that the majority of the population uses abuses, and doesn't do maintenance on but goes on to work anyway.
@@BType13X2that's because it's cheaper. Yes still better than festool, as are their routers. But nothing so far beats any of mafell saws, anything to do with cutting, routing, profiling, guide rail saw included in that.
Nothing wrong with makita tools BTW (except sanders, they are 20 years behind in that department), good reliable workhorse you can depend on. Their tools will outlast premium over priced brands and do exactly the same thing with no compromise at all. I only wish they based their plunge saw on bosch guide rail.
A little Garland thumb ?
I’m lovin’ it.
At the cabinet shop we have the tsc75, which works fantastic for cutting thick hardwood.
Its thicker kerf blades rob power ,but also doesn't deflect.
I personally bought the cordless Makita and prefer it over the festoo,l simply for the lack of a cord.
I've been working mainly on-site for the last 18 yrs in various trades,cordless is a way of life.
Festool makes cordless too so your point about Makita is dumb
@@agentchodybanks9120 when I bought it,festool did not have a cordless saw for sale.
I've used the Festool TS75 to cut rough 8/4 maple and white oak - no problems.
Just came in from the shop where my ts55 (corded) is smoking like a house on fire. Started searching for how much a new one will set me back and found this video. Thanks Spencer for making me feel not so bad! It hurts to spend so much on a tool and see it just burn up. Sure it's about 7 years old but I have only cut plywood with it and never used it in a production environment. I finished the job with my 30 year old Skillsaw that is still running like the day it was bought. That saw has been used in a production environment many times, thrown in the back of a pick up, never lived a day of its life in a sustainer case etc...I wish Skill made a track saw!
I had mine rebuilt it it has been great for me ever since.
$200 sounds steep. i'm guessing you could get access to the brushes for replacement and clean the commutator quicker and cheaper than sending it in
I’ve had a TS 75 since 2012 and it still works great. Have an aluminum blade when I need to cut aluminum.
I like the garand thumb style intro 😎
The Mafell comes with its own track when you buy it, The festool TS55 is good but the batteries run down quite quickly with one losing its charge before the other one. When this happens you have no chance of cutting sheet material as it struggles to rotate the blade to cut through the material.
Have you tried different blades on your festo saws. I don’t have problem with underpower on my two 55’s. 20 tooth ripsaw blade for ripping. 24 combination for cross cutting. Works wonders.
I have thr Dewalt Track Saw, and I love it
You just made my mind up!
I've had a TS55 since a previous gen with a stamped steel plate. Great saw, did lots of work. Got the newer version w/aluminum plate and it does everything I need in a TS. Never had a need for the monster 75, too big & heavy for my use. The cordless version might be the ticket in the future.
Update: Purchased the Makita cordless track saw and it performs as good as the Festool. It is my go-to saw now and lives in the truck, while the Festool stays in the shop.
I have been on the fence about the Festool cordless track saws. I have the TS55 and for the most part it works for what I use it for. Get those saws sold and spent the money on accessories for the saws you keep.
Great review. Thanks
I really like my Makita track saw. I do have a FestoolHKC and also love that lil track saw. I really disliked the DeWalt, as I found it awkward to use. One thing I dislike about Festool, is I don’t live near anyplace that carries them and all my blades I have to order and stock for just in case.
Thanks for sharing
My Makita corded is used daily without issue going on 3 years. Great dust collection. I have both Makita and Powertec tracks.....the cheaper Powertec tracks seem superior except for the supplied splinter strip.
I like the anti-tip for bevels.
Actually the only track saw I have ever used.
Blade selection takes care of power issues for me when ripping 8/4.
I love my chordless TS 55 FEQ. The only issue I've had after 3 full years of ownership is one of my airstream batteries died on me and acquiring a new festool battery at this point in time is almost impossible. They're sold out just about everywhere. Aside from that, it's probably one of my favorite tools that I own.
great information
Couldn’t agree about about the hkc. Incredibly useful tool. I also run the tsck version of the festool which has been a great saw
Hi, great informative video. greetings from Norway
I thought Festool was way overpriced when it came out. I bought an EZ Smart system which included track for 8 ft stock and right angle brackets as well as a router setup for less than $500 and you can use virtually any saw with it. It is still going strong but I am about due to change the edge strips. Granted, I am not using it as much as a full time pro. I did shipwright work and it worked out fine.
I had power loss on my ts55 but my local festool said it was due to the body becoming out of line with the base, they realined the machine and it was good to go. It started to happen again years later and I fixed it my self and it never happened again. I think it was resolved in the mk2
Love your vids. I have a dewalt corded track saw setup and give it a solid 4 of 5 rating.
Thank you.
I have the cordless TS55 batteries must be full otherwise-NO GO. However, it works great! I also have the TS75 and outside of being heavy, it’s a dream. I just cut out a floor (3 layers of floor), and to my surprise the TS75 NO struggle at all. Also, I used my TS55 for same application and it worked too. The plus about the TS55 -NO CORD 👍🏿. Both are great! Lots of $$$$
Also Mafell uses the CAS battery system. It’s a system that can use something like 8 other manufactures batterys, all who also have the cas system.
The mafell tracks are so good. Mafell also make a cordless track saw
I have both tracks. Maffel is much better. Also the connector
i also don‘t get the argument. very subjective. i use mafell cordless/with cord at work from 45-80 awesome machines that just need their own track! 🤷♂️ i find the handeling of the mafell machines vs festool more logical/swifter. and the materials, metal finish is just great and sturdy overall. (great if you do building and roofs)
The Mafell cordless batteries also fit Metabo and vise versa.
Mafell track is superior to all other brands and puts their MT55 at the top of the track saw class all by itself.
There's alot more 3rd party addons for the Festool track than Mafell that make processing panels much easier. I have Mafell on Festool rails.
I have the TS 75 and its been good for the most part, but it has bogged down on me. To be fair I was ripping a straight edge on lumber that I had just pulled off the saw mill, and the logs were left sitting way too long before being slabbed. The boards were releasing a ton of stress and two of them actually pinched my blade and stopped the saw. Probably would have been fine if I had sawn the lumber while green and let it dry properly first. My table saw also struggled with those same boards, so I don’t hold that against the track saw. 99% of the time it’s been great.
Only annoyance is how big and bulky it is. I’ve been considering getting a TSC 55 for the smaller tasks and I think you just convinced me.