Contributor
I've tried one. I also own a Festool TS55.
You really can't go wrong with either. The DeWalt track allows you run the saw in the track in either direction. The Festool does not -- you have to flip the track around. Not a big deal, unless you're dealing with a really long track in a really tight space.
JW
Originally Posted by Stephen Tashiro
Member
The Dewalt has an anti-kickback feature that I like. Does the Festool? IIRC, it doesn't but it's been a while since I looked.
Tom
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The Festool does not have the anti-kickback feature. That might be handy if you were developing a panel saw idea. That feature can be turned on and off pretty easily so it would work great.
Festool TS55/75 have that nice anti splinter device on the guard though.
ALSO, It looks like there is another drawing for another free tracksaw on Dewalts site. You should enter - maybe a free one will make the decision real easy!
Last edited by Mike Heidrick; 12-12-2008 at 8:39 AM.
Glad its my shop I am responsible for - I only have to make me happy.
Member
Thanks for the response Mike. I'm somewhat on the fence about the two saws, though I seem to be leaning toward the Dewalt. It'll be a while until I can afford one...though I will be entering that drawing. You just can't beat free
Tom
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Mike,
The TS 75 does have an anti-kickback feature -the slip clutch. Also, both saws have have a limit stop, which also helps in preventing kickbacks.
I have not seen the DW, but looks good from the videos I have sen. It's good to have choices!
Bob
bob m
Member
This looks like a viable alternative to Festool and Dewalt track saws.
Certainly less expensive. Everything I've ever bought from these people has been of excellent quality.
http://www.pennstateind.com/store/PPS-2.html
Gene
Life is too short for cheap tools
GH
Member
That's the one I used to want except it had a 108" rail back in '02. They only have the modular one now which is two pieces.
Contributor
The Festool has a spring-loaded riving knife, which helps reduce or eliminate kickback.
The DeWalt has one, too. But the DeWalt also has another "anti-kickback" device, which I couldn't quite figure out. I think it's basically a built-in version of the Festool device that clamps onto the track to keep the saw from trying to go backwards during a plunge cut in the middle of a workpiece.
JW
Member
Bob is very correct about the slip clutch on the TS75. In my comparison we only compared a TS55 and Dewalt tracksaw.
If money is the same on the two saws, why not go with a dealer like Bob or Jason that we have as members on the forums. You would most certainly get the best customer service you could hope for and that is usually 24X7 and weekend support.
Last edited by Mike Heidrick; 12-13-2008 at 5:00 PM.
Glad its my shop I am responsible for - I only have to make me happy.
Member
Kelly,
I agree about the cost. Pretty high. I have the 3000mm. I bought it just before the price went up in April. It was pricey, but nice to have for ripping 4X8 sheets of ply lengthwise.
With the longer rails, I think a big part of the price is the number that are sold and the cost of shipping. There are not many people who need a 5000mm (197") rail. And shipping something that's 16 feet long is probably a bit pricey.
Regards,
Dan.
It's amazing what you can accomplish in the 11th hour, 59 minute of any project. Ya just have to keep your eye on the goal.
Member
If you do go Dewalt - for another $99 you can add on the 108" in a package I believe.
Glad its my shop I am responsible for - I only have to make me happy.
Guest
I've had a couple different panel saw setups and find that the use of a guided saw is the best and easiest for me. I use both the EZ repeaters and EZ square along with the smart table. That allows me to take the repeater and do the rip cuts. Then I take the square or cabinet maker and do the cross cut. This literally allows me to put a sheet of plywood on the table and take off cabinet parts. With a combo of my age and health that really helps.
I agree with what someone said about cut quality. I've compared my EZ system to a unisaw with a 60 tooth blade and a Msakita LS1212 with a 96 tooth blade cutting the same stock. The EZ cut was better. That "Zero clearance" insert effect helps.
To give DIno a little credit, Eurekazone was the first with anti-chip protection on both sides of the blade. The EZ rail is the first bi-directional rail. Also, I don't think that I have ever heard kickbacks discussed on the EZ forum. The kickback problem is created with the front plunge saws.
I just recently sold my last unisaw and am moving forward with just the EZ system. So far - so good!!
Burt
Member
Member
Ah! Thanks for the correction.
Either way, they both look like great systems and well worth looking into for me since a table saw just isn't a viable possibility for me.
Tom
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Jason,
The riving knife actually does nothing to correct the primary kickback problem with Festool. As I understand it, the primary problem is caused by dust buildup inside the saw. This build-up can cause the blade to be in contact with the material being cut when it shouldn't be. Since the rail is rather thin, it doesn't take a lot of buildup to cause this. Festool includes a stop with their saws to help prevent injuries when this happens.
Burt
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