Festool CSC Sys 50 - Introduction and Setup

[@antonn1608]

Yesterday I went and checked out this saw at a local showing. I was very excited to finally go see it and spent about 2+ hours looking at all of its features. Previously to going I’ve watched a lot of reviews online from people stating mostly positive points on it and I think that it created some false expectations for me of the saw. I am not new to Festool and own quite a few of their tools, including their latest battery Kapex KSC 60. Due to the nature of my job, I’m able to use different brands of the same type of tool and can see - first hand, the advantages and disadvantages in each. I was surprised to find a few items and features in this table saw that made me scratch my head and am hoping that someone would explain them to me. Please reply into this thread, I will definitely check the comments and see where I’m wrong. 1. The saw angle bevels TOWARDS the fence 10° while beveling AWAY 47°. Old Delta saws use to do that, until the manufacturers realized that it’s safer not to wedge the piece of wood between the blade and the rip fence. This Festool saw does exactly that. That also means that ripping material against the fence at angles 10-47° (a fence which allows maximum rips of 11”) - will force you to put the material face down, if you’re ripping an outside corner miter. Therefore the teeth of the blade will be producing tear-out on the face (which is now the bottom of your piece). You can’t place the fence on the left side of the blade, the saw is not designed to do that, the sliding table is there. 2. The sliding table. It is very nice, but the saw that I looked at had a pretty noticeable difference in the planes of the sliding table and the main table. As you would push the table forward, it would lower, not by much, but enough to be causing the material to run against the main table. The only reason I noticed that was because I dropped the blade all the way down and slid the table forward with the clamped piece of wood. Normally I would think that the resistance is from the blade against the wood. I thought that maybe it was a cup in the particle board, but no, the aluminum of the crosscut rail was also leaving marks on the table, so it was catching too. I repositioned the crosscut rail forward to maybe negate an imperfection somewhere but it was doing the same thing. 3. The crosscut rail. There’s no way to put stops on it (at least right now) for repeatability, nor is it any significant length to do so anyways. In my head this is not something an installer would do in the field anyways, that’s geared more for a shop situation where a sled is used. But since this saw already has a sliding platform, why not just go a tiny step further? There’s also no way to attach a sacrificial fence to the rail so that you’d get zero-clearance cutting. 4. The outfeed base of the cart that’s designed to be an outfeed material stand is very clever, but it was at least a 1/4” lower than the plane of the saw table so the material was dropping when leaving the saw. Not a problem for when material is ripped with the saw blade being 0 degree, but when you’re ripping at an angle, the material has to be supported at the same height when leaving the saw. When it drops that quarter of an inch, the material picks up at the blade causing the distance between the blade cut and the fence to widen. There’s no adjustment, unless it’s in the feet and I didn’t see it. 5. The handle of the cart touches your knees when you’re working with the saw on the festool stand. The handle is not “quick” removable and it definitely takes some getting used to, but requires you to change your ergonomics by bending down slightly. This saw offers great features to me that other cordless saws don’t offer. Some include: 1. Systainer storage 2. Accuracy of angles and blade height plus repeatability of 6 programs on the saw and 10 with the app 3. Vacuum port and auto start with bluetooth batteries Those are features I wish I had on other saws, but definitely not instead of the basic features that other saws have that we all take for granted.

[@studiolezard]

The clearest explanations I've seen so far. I got mine a couple of hours ago and will follow your video in the morning. Thank you.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad it helped! Cheers. Peter

[@matthewwysocki5019]

Peter, thanks! I purchased the saw and was generally pleased. That said, I went with the Benchdog miter fence as it has measurements and works well with the blade guard. The fence only allows 11” inch rips, which is disappointing. I hope someone will make an adaptor to extend the rip cuts to 24”. That would make this little “gem” of a tool priceless. The battery life is good for a hobbyist but I imagine a finish carpenter would need an extra set of batteries to make it through a normal day of work. That said, the sliding crosscut sled is beautifully machined and works perfectly.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Matthew, I use my tracksaw cutting station to rip wider stock as the guide rail will sit nicely on stock beyond 150 mm. I agree that about the batteries but as I have a reasonable selection of Festool cordless kit I can always find a spare which would most likely be the case for the professional on site. Cheers. Peter

[@The78bluedevils]

this is a real game changer in the portable table saw world. top quality panel saw on the move. it still needs a power cord that you can plug in. step in up in size., a mid-level size for a limited workshop footprint

[@Johnny19O]

Thank you Peter! I look forward to when this saw is available in the USA.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I am sure that it will not be long. Peter

[@johnbarlow6546]

Hi Peter - good to see you back on screen. I took the plunge and purchased this saw earlier in the year and have been delighted with the results so far. Look forward to seeing your future work with the saw. All the best

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi John, I now kick myself for not buying the saw sooner. Cheers. Peter

[@davidgrover2665]

Love a new Festool video & nobody does the set up & explanation better than Peter - Thank you Peter I hope you enjoy your new saw! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi David, Good to hear from you. The saw is super. Cheers. Peter

[@PaulMarlmountWoodcrafts]

Thank you Peter. I took the plunge and purchased the saw. IT’s everything you said it is and more. It is precision personified. It will be a wonderful addition in creating small projects. I am delighted with my purchase. Regards, Paul

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Paul, I am so pleased with mine as well. As you say, it is ideal for smaller projects although I suspect that with the right extension pieces it would do some larger work as well - perhaps up to the kitchen cabinet level. I have also bought the new CTLC Sys cordless extractor but although it does well at dust collection the battery life is dreadful. I will produce a video about it in a few weeks time. Cheers. Peter

[@PaulMarlmountWoodcrafts]

@@NewBritWorkshop many thanks Peter. I think you have inspired my Festool journey. Looking at the Kapex is 60 and the Rotex sander. I have the corded CTL midi and extractor. I read a comment from Sautershop on one of Peter Millard’s videos that there may be some something in the pipeline re corded 50 csc sys Regards, Paul

[@LDBecker]

Another great video - I just took delivery on the saw/stand/batteries/charger kit. VERY nice. I did also order the Bench Dog miter gauge attachments. They won't fit into the case like the original miter gauge, but I really would like the repeatability and the ability to have a stop.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Sounds great!

[@andytalbot8108]

Fantastic, I so love you clear and concise explanations and demonstration, So helpful. Saves so much money for me personally, your recommendation is so trustworthy. Appreciate your years of experience and knowledge, thank you .

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Andy, Thank you so much - brilliant. Cheers. Peter

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Hi Peter, ok for working away from the workshop or on site don't get me wrong the festool is a good product .But for the workshop I do prefer mains power just for the extra power ,it's a shame that festool don't make a small compact mains power saw. I watched Peter Millard 2 weeks ago with his view on the same saw . Thanks for the video I always enjoy your tool reviews and build projects ,take care and all the best👍

[@garyhorton6652]

Looks like Christmas came in July for you Peter! Thanks for sharing

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Yes, thanks

[@66meikou]

I really like this saw. I just wish it was about 50% bigger and gave you an option to run on mains power. I'd probably mount this into a larger mobile table so I'd have support for bigger stock as I mainly work in my shop. Being only battery powered, I'd have to allow for getting at the batteries.

[@kevinwillis6707]

I think it's far too small in cut capacity to appeal to most users, and agree a mains option would be better. The fence and mitre guage look poor to me also. Overall an expensive toy.

[@kiwigrunt330]

@@kevinwillis6707 My thoughts exactly. The set of features on this saw will always tease you for greater capacity. At this size, it is as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike, unless you run a toothpick factory. A sliding table that cannot support at least a 2400 x 600 sheet is not worth the frustration.

[@lesthiele4921]

Hi Peter, nothinb like gaving a new toy in the workshop, hope you have lots of happy times with the new saw, best regards from a Kiwi living in Australia

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Thanks, you too!

[@allanwilliams679]

Another great video Peter. Always detailed and informative. I’ve been using the Festool CS50 (with sliding table and all extensions) for the last few years. But this new small portable saw has got my interest. Thank you again. I think a lot of people would agree with me. If you say something is good, we can count on it! 👍🏻

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Allan, Many thanks. Cheers. Peter

[@egrootenboer]

Thank you, best presentation and unboxing video I have seen about this saw.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@joegregory5515]

Excellent presentation Peter!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Joe, Glad you liked it. Cheers

[@sawdustwoodchips]

Great video as always! some people have said that the miter slot is a bit sloppy until locked.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Ho, it is fine. It is slightly sloppy when it is not clamped in place but solid as a rock once clamped. Peter

[@MINGLE2008]

Good afternoon Congratulations. Thanks for the video.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Thanks for watching!

[@kevinwalsh336]

Festool u.s.a. needs to get the market up to speed with the u.k. ! Thanks for the demonstration !

[@MrPatdeeee]

Wow! For it's really "SPOT-ON!". As they say over the "big pond". Wow. We❤it kind Sir. And you never let us down. Thus, we ❤love you too!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Wow, thank you Pat. Cheers. Peter

[@slhasebroock]

Peter, thanks for the video about the new saw. Looks intriguing! Sadly, it will not be available in the US for a long time IF ever for some reason.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I am sorry about that. I cannot understand why. Cheers. Peter

[@neilgillies6943]

I'm fortunate to have one of these saws and I cannot find a _single_ bad thing to say about it. It is just so quiet - it also has a soft start - unlike my screaming demon DW475 which scared the living *&it out of me every time I switched it on (now sold :-) ! I haven't used the blade cover with the attached riving knife as I detest them - I wouldn't normally use a riving knife at all, but the separate small version supplied is perfect as it always matches the blade height and angle. Absolutely great machine for accurate work - and no mains cables trailing about either! Great video on this saw - look forward to seeing the next ones 😁

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Neil, Many thanks. Yes, it is a great saw. Cheers. Peter

[@travismansfield8604]

Great review Peter. Can't wait to see more of you thoughts on the saw as you use it more. Hope it comes soon to the 🇺🇸 .

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Fingers crossed! Cheers. Peter

[@kiwdwks]

Thanks for a great video Peter...very helpful. Looks to be a nice portable saw...

[@NewBritWorkshop]

It is far better than I had imagined and I am very pleased. Cheers. Peter

[@zerblatt3365]

Thank you Peter for your excellent first review

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nutsmcflurry3737]

So where’s the digital read out for the fence? And I agree about having the option for a mains connection. I can see this as being very useful for a finish carpenter.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Yes, a digital fence would be nice. Cheers. Peter

[@brentprosser7293]

I could see pairing this with an MFT to the right of the blade and adding an incra fence to turn this into a super accurate table saw option without the need for a giant dust collector. I wish it had a wired version though.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

The wired version may come but not sure how it will be presented. It could be a gizmo that fits into the battery slot giving power from the mains. Peter

[@novapball]

Thank you! I ordered this saw, but still haven't used it yet. I've been watching a lot of content trying to make sure I know what I am doing before I unbox it. Thank you for your videos. When is it best to use the blade guard vs small riving knife?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I use the blade guard most of the time and the riving knife alone if I am cutting very thin strips (the fence needs the guard out of the way) and for trenching. Cheers. Peter

[@georges8348]

Excellant expanation of the use of saw and the features of saw Peter. I'm extreemely interested in knowing if the blade is perfectly parallel to the miter gauge slot when the sliding table is locked and if there is any runout in the blade as it spins. Also if the miter gauge fence is perfectly 90 degrees, to the table. And as long as you have your dial indicator out, (I'm sure you have a dial indicator), would you indicate the leading edge of the blade when the blade is at full height and the trailing edge with the sliding table unlocked so you can move the indicator to the rear of the blade.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Noted. Cheers. Peter

[@johnfstockland]

Peter, wouldn't you prefer to have a digital fence rather than a digital height adjustment? Accurate and repeatable fence on this type of machine would be a massive improvement, while the digital height adjustment seems like a minor quality of life improvement.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi John, The digital height control is important to me as I do a lot of rebate work. I agree that a digital fence would be brilliant. Cheers. Peter

[@johnfstockland]

@@NewBritWorkshop Thanks Peter, in that case the height adjust is definitely very useful. Hoping Festool comes out with a digital fence at some point, but that would probably add significant costs.

[@ylovaht2097]

Fine

[@jorgenavarrete6118]

I have the saw but i am only use for hobby but i think the batteries don’t during lot and if want cut a sheet is to difult cut only can i small parts of sheet because the table is to small.

[@danthechippie4439]

Hi Peter, great to see you back in the workshop. Can I ask if this new saw has the saw stop tec now it battery operated. Does it use every battery 18 volt range, 8,5 & 4 amp? In regards to the last cut you made, I was always thought not to use the fence and sliding arm at the same time, but rather choose one or the other. Alternatively you could pull the fence back till its in front of the blade then it's safe to use both. Cheers

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Dan, You can use the two together if you make sure that you move the stock (on the left of the blade) away from the blade at the end of the cut. I did that but it is difficult to see in the video. The risk is from the cut end fouling the blade and then flying. As far as I know it will use the full range of batteries of that style. Cheers. Peter

[@johnopfer8065]

Great video as always. What is the maximum blade width that the arbor will accommodate? I know it uses the usual 20mm diameter, but how thick?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Not sure - ask Festool. Sorry, Peter

[@ventilara]

Hi Peter great video I have now bought one but it seems to run one battery flat then stop. Is there something I should set up. thanks. j

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Yes, I have noticed that one battery loses more than the other. All I can suggest is to always have a spare pair on hand. Perhaps Festool will supply a mains adapter because the saw itself is brilliant for such a small package. Peter

[@chabaneouali1955]

Great video ! Can you tell me what brand is your square ? It looks well made. Thanks

[@NewBritWorkshop]

It is made by Bridge City and sold by Axminster - product code 10456. Peter

[@xenusceptic]

Add mains power socket and I might buy one just running on battery is a big no no, and add legs similar to the Eli flip saw

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I will make a video about a mobile carriage for the saw. I am constructing it now. Peter

[@xenusceptic]

@@NewBritWorkshop you didn’t mention the cost of this saw in your video

[@NewBritWorkshop]

No, it varies but the least expensive place is Axminster Tools but they seem to be out of stock. Next best is FFX. Peter

[@bravomalice7238]

Thank you sir

[@kevinwalsh336]

Do you know if festool has any kind of extension for rip width capacity or if there is an accurate way to do this without losing blade height? Thanks Peter.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Kevin, The only part that would aid wider cutting is the under frame which can help support larger stock. The user would have to work to a scribe mark for those cuts. Peter

[@joegregory5515]

Peter, I bet you’re thinking how could I Integrate this saw into a workbench to increase its table capacity!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Joe, I must confess that I have had such thoughts but have gone a different route. I have standardized most of my work benches to be 900 mm high. So, I am building a rolling cart for the CSC saw which puts its working surface at 900 mm. I can then place it near to any other 900 mm surface to create an infeed or outfeed surface. I can also do the same at the sides to support wood being cut. I am making the video of this now. Cheers. Peter

[@bigmonkey999888]

Hi Peter, a simple question if I may, is the machine value for money? Steve

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Steve, That is a subjective question and depends on the owner's work standards and requirements. However, for me it is excellent value for money as it is really accurate, especially for depth of cut which is very important for the type of woodwork that I do, it is easy to transport and very well made. I do a lot of rebate work and to get within +/- 0.2 of a mm which is well within the machine's spec, and doing this after a 100 mile journey in the back of a van or in my workshop is perfect. Prospective buyers should look at the spec and determine whether it will meet their needs or even, as in my case, exceed them. Having paid the going rate on the open market I am very pleased. Peter

[@bigmonkey999888]

@@NewBritWorkshop Thanks Peter

[@madventure2318]

Great video of what looks like a great product, Peter. Perfect for fine work like kitchen fitting etc. However. For me just not practical without a main adapter. Batteries only get you so far and your working day ends without them. I have a cordless saw table (Milwaukee) and despite me having lots of 12amph batteries I still burn through them on big projects. They are expensive and the turn-around for charging is too long. With a mains adapter it might get more people taking it seriously as an alternative to another platform. Shame - I am loving my growing Festool collection - completely your fault Peter by the way - but this is just a reach too far for now. Thanks for another great video though 🙂

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I understand your position. I have collected several Festool batteries over the years and that gives me a spare pair when I plan to be away from base. I also have two chargers so two can be charging whilst the others are in use. I took the saw to a kitchen job last week where I had to modify two drawers and their supporting frames. I used the saw quite a bit and still had two bars (max is three) on the batteries at the end. That was a short day with only 5 hours on site. Cheers. Peter

[@jonsaircond8520]

I think they should make a adapter that snaps into the battery slots and plug in for main power. I'm sure the adapter would need to be more complex that just converting the voltage but I'm sure it could be done. This would give this saw the best of both worlds

[@BarrySumpter]

What model sustainer? I,2,3,4 etc?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Barry, The end profile is a standard systainer shape but it is much higher in order to accommodate the machine. It can stack on or under other systainers but is not a standard height. Peter

[@iamthenotbenamed365]

your Wish has come tru/through, for the Wish is the Father of Thoth ...

[@kiwigrunt330]

Beautifully made saw that looks about as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike. Unless you have a toothpick factory...

[@kevinohara1908]

You should get it free have you seen some of the American reviews

[@alland1241]

Are you planning on selling your CMS 55 ?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Yes, I will do that soon. It has a TS55R with it and a spare blade. Peter

[@andrewpinson1268]

Why?

[@spilleradam]

That menu system I think is ridiculous, and it’s way too expensive for a portable table saw.

[@peterhopkinson9418]

Peter, look at your video again. You had your hand hovering close to the blade and riving knife, while the machine was still live to power and the batteries in their slots. Not good.