Which Track Saw Should You Buy??? Mistakes I made...

[@InsiderCarpentry]

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...

[@AJ-wk9mb]

Is your mafell for sale, if so, please let me know?

[@neilyochim8932]

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

[@laidbackmedia]

None of them are suitable for ripping long material safely

[@thomasmorley4966]

I went the Mafell route. Purchased two, my first a decade ago nearly. Fantastic saw.

[@pureau79]

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.

[@robwalker8530]

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.

[@russellslater4037]

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.

[@hhanger1]

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.

[@whitey0o5]

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.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

I appreciate that. 👊👊👍

[@rickyperkins232]

@@InsiderCarpentry I haven't seen any video from you in a minute wondering if you are Okay?

[@InsiderCarpentry]

All good. I’ll be back soon. 👍

[@rickyperkins232]

@@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%

[@metal-adventures-joerg]

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)

[@paulhopkins1905]

You would be on your 8th Festool by now

[@MichaelRozie]

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

[@dthorne4602]

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.

[@stephenmurray4916]

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.

[@metgumbnerbone1]

I love my Makita too!

[@kperellie]

I second that! LOL

[@smokingcheeba420]

Makita fan boy here. But haven't used the makita track saw. Only festool.

[@KevinManual]

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.

[@stephenmurray4916]

@@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.

[@CLPRPSD]

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.

[@als4817]

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.

[@kentbrobeck5140]

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.

[@erichamilton5932]

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.

[@farmcat3198]

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.

[@BType13X2]

@@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.

[@samsonacc8081]

​@@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.

[@ILruffian]

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.

[@ackec-umsekkruch-ekucki952]

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!

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Happy to help. 👊

[@garybutterfield8953]

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!

[@InsiderCarpentry]

I had mine rebuilt it it has been great for me ever since.

[@daftnord4957]

$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

[@-37driver]

Sounds like you should have just started with Mafell MT55s and ran them on Mafell tracks...

[@johnbeckman8916]

As with any addiction, step one is admitting you have a problem and are powerless to resist....... 😀

[@JonDunnmusician]

Would be nice if we could start a Self Help group on here for tool lovers

[@hoppy2515]

I'M IN!!!

[@MrDragonlarry]

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.

[@woodbutcherjc]

Where did you buy it and did you buy a package deal?

[@MrDragonlarry]

@@woodbutcherjc Bought the package deal off Amazon and added additional tracks with carry case.

[@andyboybennett]

WHAT??? There is another brand of track saw other then Festool or Mafell? Hard to believe after watching this video. If there really are other brands, why not include them in a comparison that claims to tell us which track saw to buy.

[@2chipped]

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.

[@agentchodybanks9120]

Festool makes cordless too so your point about Makita is dumb

[@2chipped]

@@agentchodybanks9120 when I bought it,festool did not have a cordless saw for sale.

[@TheOfficialSoulPower]

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!

[@muddywater6856]

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.

[@rpezman24]

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.

[@kenvanness2828]

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.

[@vincebacon4587]

The festool track saws are actually a bit cheaper than I expected, but I still estimate you've spent 6 times what you might've had you bought one makita saw

[@benjamingerow5650]

Really appreciate you passing along your life lessons without padding the length with useless anecdotes like I keep seeing. Subscribed

[@solomonquinn1041]

The mafell tracks are so good. Mafell also make a cordless track saw

[@hgohlke]

I have both tracks. Maffel is much better. Also the connector

[@paulroth1060]

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)

[@harveysmith100]

The Mafell cordless batteries also fit Metabo and vise versa.

[@kentbrobeck5140]

Mafell track is superior to all other brands and puts their MT55 at the top of the track saw class all by itself.

[@simonh73]

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.

[@JasonTaylor1]

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.

[@SingleTrack66]

The battery powered ts55 absolutely rocks. More power than the mains version and a dream to use.

[@tsherman.9181]

love the Garand Thumb homage in the opener! Love your videos!

[@flyingjackcarpentry9394]

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.

[@loumonte658]

I've been super happy for years with my makita track saw.

[@billystray7007]

I've used that Makita, loved it !! Im so over my festool

[@Jason-uz8hj]

I have the cordless makita. Very happy! Use it with festool tracks though. I read too many bad reviews of makita track

[@jaredwaters4633]

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)

[@Jason-uz8hj]

@@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

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

@@eringuet 3 year warranty

[@user-zz8ln3uh5x]

I hear what you're saying. It's hard to ditch a system once you're into it. I think my TS55 is great but I can see how the Mafell/Bosch tracks are arguably better, especially the track connecting system. I think that the concern about Mafell being a foreign saw is less relevant with battery-powered tools. Mafell can use Metabo batteries with a domestic charger. Timberwolf (a domestic retailer) even recommends doing that. The main downside I see to Mafell is that they're significantly more expensive than even Festool.

[@dlevi67]

Festool is as "foreign" as Mafell, since they are both German brands...

[@BType13X2]

Or you could get a Makita corded saw and save a pile of money. I don't see much of a point in a battery powered tool that you are going to connect to dust collection.

[@mathewlang5749]

I started with the HKC55 when I needed to do a window trim job where I would be cutting a bunch of 1x6 trim and the saw paid for itself on that first job with it. Its a rugged tool that I could toss around without fear. I later picked up a full set of tracks and used that same saw to cut doors. At some point I can see myself stepping up to a full track saw, but I feel like the HKC55 was the better way to get into it. I could be wrong but I think the cordless festools are brushless and the corded tools are brushed motors which require more maintenance.

[@Keifsanderson]

Wanted corded for longevity (occasional user/hobbyist). Tried to save a buck; started with the Makita. Not enough power to cut 3/4 Birch ply with the included blade. Customer support said to get a rip blade for it, but that would leave a rough cut and defeat a benefit of using a track saw. Back it went. Looked at the Festools, but they were underpowered. Bit the bullet and bought the Mafell mt55cc (with Bosch tracks and clamps). Couldn't be happier. So refined and so much power. If you go this route, beware the European ebay sellers of 110v models; Europe's 110v runs on 50hz, where the US runs 60hz. What effect will this have? I don't know. I'm not an electrical engineer.

[@gjforeman]

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.

[@garyneyenhuis7112]

I’ve had a TS 75 since 2012 and it still works great. Have an aluminum blade when I need to cut aluminum.

[@skipmcgrath]

I have a makita corded for the shop and the jobsite, smaller lighter, more power, and half the price of festool. Use them all the time and never had them serviced.

[@msm624]

Just bought the kreg track saw to cut a slab of 2" thick black walnut and im very pleased. Perfectly clean cut.

[@zacharybaker695]

Makita 36v track saw for the win. Used it for years, cuts true, lots of power, never regret not having a riving knife. 🤷‍♂️

[@thyslop1737]

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.

[@kiwdwks]

Been thinking about the cordless Festool. Great to know you approve. Thanks!

[@carloscasamalhuapa1309]

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.

[@M30263]

Thanks for the insight Spencer! I almost made the very same mistake this morning when I went to Rockler. 🤦‍♂️ As a tool nut and the Toolman Taylor mentality where bigger is better!?! It’s akin to grocery shopping on a empty stomach or a kid in a candy store. 😂

[@maxbrap]

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

[@JoeC92]

The Bosch track saw is identical to maffel minus the scoring cut feature. Given the main complaint you had was the use on festool tracks you could've started with just the Bosch tracks and you're set. I've never owned the festools but have used them. If you're lucky enough to have enough money to be fully invested in the festool line they are great. But I did find it lacked power. I started with a grizzly so the Bosch was a huge improvement. I haven't found any place I'd prefer the festool other than if I had everything, the extractor and other tools, since they all work with one cord. I haven't had any issues getting the other accessories for the Bosch. I'm not a fan of cordless tools like this because batteries are so expensive and the batteries always seem to be before the tool. At least in my experience with Milwaukee and Makita. So when it comes to high demand tools like track saw, table saw, mitre or routers I prefer corded. I know Bosch make a cordless option but no experience with it. And one complaint I've heard with festool was their warranty. As great as it is they will fix it, its rarely for free and it's almost as much as the tool. Because they won't just fix one thing they'll fix everything even if you didn't want it fixed. Like a cracked handle on an extractor or whatever. They'll make it where you need to fix it all to get the broken motor fixed and then charge you the $300+ when it could've just been change the motor for $100

[@yo2stix]

I’ve been a long time Festool supporter I’ve pioneered some of their tools and work with their R&D department yearly with the guys from Germany. I found the TSC 55 to be pretty darn awesome I wasn’t a fan at first I’m an old-school corded guy fourth generation builder. But I still keep the TS 75 corded as certain applications only that it can perform. That’s 75 doesn’t come out as much but if I’m doing lots of rips setting up more like a panel saw application don’t wanna deal with batteries and working stationary that’s the saw i use. If I’m doing shorter projects and moving around more on the site the TSC 55 works best.

[@samsonacc8081]

Wait till you try mafell one, you will immediately regret playing all this time with those toys

[@slowride5633]

This is an old video but it has great advice. I have been kicking around buying the new Ryobi track saw with 18v battery and track for $399 since I already have Ryobi stuff coming out my ears. However, the design of the riving knife on the Ryobi sucks so I will not buy it. This is how I got to this video because I was researching the rest of the market and safety is a high priority since I am a rookie with this and I think I have decided on the Festool TSC55.

[@timcc001]

I've used the Festool TS75 to cut rough 8/4 maple and white oak - no problems.

[@garrettlund]

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

[@AshleeWainwright]

I’ve got the tsc55 but mafell in every way is better I just couldn’t justify double the money for the cordless mafell. The rails are far superior, blade change, power and looks better in my opinion I wish I would of saved abit more as the mafell cordless jigsaw is out this year and that is going to be the dogs nuts.

[@johncarne4884]

I have the Mafell mt55cc started with a festool ts55. I never had any major problems with the saw besides sometimes wanting more power. I hate the festool track for one thing the foam underneath compresses to much giving you a cut past 90 when you want a 90 degree cut. I don’t like the jointing bar it’s horrible to use and the splinter guard is murder to change. I really love my corded Mafell and unless it suddenly died or gave me quality issues I wouldn’t change to anything else. I have worked with the festool cordless for a week on a friends job and it was disappointing power was ok but runtime was kinda bad but he was using 4.0 batteries also I like my dust extraction on and it’s a pain to flick the switch manually every time. Having said that if it wasn’t for the horrible track design I would probably consider the festool ts55 36v with 6.0 Bluetooth batteries. Oh also the Mafell blade moves 0.1mm towards the saw for the saw cut to stop tear out it’s not the lever just built into the plunge the stop is just there for the depth at with it is activated. Thanks for the video always good to hear opinions.

[@bret9741]

I wonder why Festool doesn’t update both saws and batteries. I’m new to Festool. Recently purchased the 36 AC vac for my large clean up and drywall work. I purchased the 6” Rotex for refinishing stair treads and or large surfaces; the Rotex 90 3.5” with the rounds and triangle sander pads. So far, these sanders are on a factor of 3-4x more productive than my previous brand. The vacuum……. Well it’s down right transformational. The dust on the job site is almost non existent. I do have the Makita 36v track saw and the 36v 10” compound miter. I really like both. Im looking for a couple of new routers. Right now neither of mine have dust collection but one runs off my Milwaukee 18v batteries which is handy. Finally, I’m looking for a smaller lighter miter saw. I prefer shadow line saws over laser line. Makita has a new 40 amp 8.5 compound miter Im wondering about. Well thanks for the video and your experiences

[@davidwarren4569]

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.

[@y0utube5uxx]

7:09 that's the problem. The Mafell tracks are so much superior to the Festool tracks. The AF-1 alone is worth having a Mafell saw. Running a Mafell on Festool tracks is pretty much the same as driving a Ferrari off-road.

[@Bshwag]

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.

[@robertmerrill4326]

Using tracks with the festool 75 and a metal blade has obsoleted my metal devil. I've ripped 10' sheets 3/16 aluminum. Over a decade of service and still cuts like a champ, wish I could say the same for their vacuum.

[@glavardera]

Not sure about your recommendations - to me it sounded like the take-away was go with Mafell saws and track from the start. Mafell has corded and battery saws for track and carpentry saws. Mafell has multiple sizes of the carpentry type saws. Mafell uses the Metabo battery system and there is a much broader selection of tools on their battery system than Festool. Bosch and Metabo saws also use the same track. Metabo just released a similar carpentry saw.

[@malikto1]

I bought the Makita SP6000K1 over 10 years ago and it's worked flawlessly. The 8' track has been a godsend.

[@craiguddstromcarpentry7605]

Always a pleasure to use my Makita corded track saw, 5 years old with no problems.

[@carlcox7332]

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

[@steenfraosterbro3268]

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.

[@SubaruRob1]

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.

[@dazzz4real]

I run the HK 85 EQB and it slays everything. Power enough. Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪 and thanks for your opinion.

[@frankwieczorek5112]

I'm a Mafell fan for a good reason, they are extremely good tools

[@scotland1380]

Best decision I made was going Mafell over festool

[@gmusiclarsen1163]

The makita cordless track saw is excellent. The specific blade it comes with will outperform that festool for speed of cut and battery longevity. I also have the corded version for years. No problem and lots of power. Plus makita makes 10 foot track for staightedging etc. I have batteries on many platforms simply because really good tools can't all come from one company. Some companies do certain tools better. For price and quality, makita is an easy choice over festool in my opinion.

[@BType13X2]

I am on 2 battery platforms and genuinely wish we had legislation that forced the batteries to be universal between all tool brands. It is anti competetive and your battery platform has a large impact on the tools you buy. For many years I was team Teal for all my tools, Makita's lack of a 3" battery powered framing nailer caused me to go and invest into Milwaukie with 2 batteries, now I am on both platforms. I like the doors it opened but am genuinely frustratred that I had to buy red team batteries / chargers. And I am aware there are battery adapters, I just haven't had good luck with them lasting or not damaging tools.

[@kevinpunter7960]

I hear you .. I have TS55, TSC55, TS75, HKC55, HK85 .. then I've got a full CMS setup for the TS75 and the outrageously expensive trenching setup for the HK85. Tracks for the TS's and the HK's? Loads of them! Now I'm faced with a need for a cordless circular saw with a greater depth of cut than 55 :( ... Looks like a Dewalt is likely coming! Buying a generator could be on the cards too.

[@RonKillian]

Good video Spencer. Another take away here could be, if you cut sheet goods alot and can afford a track saw, get one now. What a difference. I've had the Makita cordless for a while and just recently got around to using it.. OMG, why did I wait? What a dream way to break down plywood. I use to use a emerson clamp and a circular saw, what a pain, to many ways to mess up the cut. With a track saw, you lay the track on your marks and cut, that easy. Plus the saw says on "track" for the entire cut. I was going back and forth about makita corded or cordless. But since I had the one battery makita brushless circular, that cut great, I knew the dual battery would do me fine. It does, rips up plywood with no struggle. Of course it depends on what you are doing, but the track saw has been one of the best tools I've bought in a long time.

[@BType13X2]

I come from a welding background and used track cutters so the concept of a track saw was pretty easy to pick up on. Reality is a tracksaw is as good and as accurate as you are. For a few years I used a Kreg accucut and had a makita sidewinder saw in the jig. Every cut I made with that was accurate as I set it up to be, and I was usually accurate to 1/16". Recently I went and bought a corded Makita track saw. (why buy cordless when I am going to connect it to dust collection anyway?) I wish I would have bought a "real" tracksaw earlier. My choice of brand has more to do with spending money intelligently. Is the Festool a nicer saw than the Makita? I don't think so but some people say yes. Now is the festoll Saw 500$'s nicer than the Makita (local price.) Absolutely not. Thats like buying a Snapon Box wrench instead of a Williams. Both do the same thing both have hastle free return warranty but one costs 40-50% more. Again I don't mind splurging on a nice tool , but it has to be because it offers me something that is far superior for that premium price.

[@Asgardsteve1]

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.

[@JSears121]

Mafell is the superior saw, not to mention the tracks. Returned the ts55 and tracks for the mafell mt55 with Bosch tracks and it’s miles better. Build quality takes the cake as well.

[@TheTranq]

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

[@josearango8838]

Thanks for your help

[@talaven]

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.

[@arcdraw]

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.

[@andrewschultz2504]

I have experience with track saws also and wasting money on them. I own 3 2 festool and a dewalt I don’t regret the dewalt at all I use it on both festool tracks and Walt tracks I find it very accurate and have owned it since 2013. I also love my hk55

[@jamesconnors5653]

Festool works, can't complain, but game definitely changed when had a rolling cut table fabricated. Store and cut sheet goods on it. Works well.

[@NDB390]

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.

[@mojo6524]

FESTERING STOOL Makita for the win

[@MrSpzwd]

I started with EZ Smart on the job site using a Bosch circular saw I got free on a promotion and a vertical panel saw (a little used one). Both worked great. When I semi retired I got rid of both and went with a track saw. I started with DeWalt. It was really poor quality. Lots of bearing noise and local DeWalt repair shop said that's common. Returned it. Looked at festool but they had recently discontinued this first attempt at cordless and has issues with the ts55 at that time. Ended up with grizzly. Swapped out their spring which was too stiff but otherwise have been happy with it. Wish they had a single track long enough for long rips but their sections go together fine. Good service too. If you're just straight line ripping rough boards or breaking down sheet goods it does the job.

[@richardfettig5974]

I have use a old Milwaukie 7 1/4 and a clamping straight edge ...seem to work fine for me , just to cut down full sheets for the table saw .. 45 years a custom woodworker ,old saw is still going great.

[@mjrwey]

I started with a Makita corded and quickly went to a Makita cordless. Love it is an understatement. Been meaning to sell the corded for 5 years now too. Now I just tell myself ill want it to cut live edge slabs someday or something. I think Festool are pretty poor quality....so I try to limit them to tools no one else has.....like the Domino. And their sanders are pretty awesome with nearly 100% dust collection. Though that HKC 55 looks pretty awesome the way it stays attached to the track. Im not sure my Makita has that option. Gotta look into it. Watching you do treads and risers with it it looked hard to beat. I do them same way with my Makita but i have added steps of throwing the track up on the piece, then the track saw, then remove track saw, then remove track. Be nice being able to leave them connected

[@rudyb9543]

coming froma makita lover: the metabo KS 18 LTX 66 with the attached rail kfs 44 is my top accurate track saw , makita has a better cordless saw, but metabo has a better overall package with the attached rail (ripped from festool) system :D

[@LuneUnion]

You know, you didn't sell those track saws, but you did get this video out. Thanks!

[@1320crusier]

AvE has done a full tear down review of the Festool track saw. its.. not pretty. Granted its been a few years so bits may have changed but the particular model he tore into had some surprising corners cut.

[@blacklabelcarpentry]

One of the reasons i sold my Makita for the Festool was the riving knife. While this may not be deemed necessary for breaking down sheet goods, it has saved me numerous times on some hardwoods, especially slabs.

[@denniso8003]

Oh. I had to build some fast cabinets at a stable and had rather poor sheet woods given to me to do the job. I was pretty happy i had a riving knife. There was so much tension in the sheets, without the knife it would have been really terrible/dangerous. Def. an important feature.

[@blacklabelcarpentry]

@@denniso8003 I havent come across that issue with sheet goods yet, but yes, its always overlooked! its a must have for me, no matter what the brand

[@woodennecktie]

you learn in time that tools give you what you need , if you are not using it right or expect the tool to do your job , you end up disappointed. my friend gave me his ts55 and he was very disappointed , so i fixed the controlswitch and changed the rotor ..... and I never used it to cut firewood , but laminated board , HPL , aluminium etc

[@carpentrytricia63]

I am trying to do my research before buying a track saw so thanks for the video.

[@johnwoodcock9718]

Thanks for your honesty, and that ts75 will be a collector's piece in a few years time

[@ejicon3099]

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.

[@rickgreenhalgh1357]

"I leave my festool track saw on the jobsite" my mind is blown.

[@markgilder9990]

Would not leave any tool on a UK job site. Sometimes even the site has been stolen.😂😂

[@TheLastPharm]

Yeah, I can't figure that one out. The theft/replacement insurance over there must be REALLY affordable.

[@Prevailingbucket]

@@TheLastPharm it’s called 1.2 guns per person. Man, woman, child.

[@mountainbikerdave]

Im sure it's Locked up in a tool chest

[@dwarden3]

Convert the corded to a panel saw like I did! It's fantastic for it.

[@trig]

I rip 35mm oak10 to 14 times a week and with a sharp Festool blade the TS55's power is adequate. However when ever I have a Festool blade sharpened they never seem to be as good as a brand new blade.

[@garydenley1027]

Been using makita corded track saws for years and they are great to use. More power than festool corded 55 or 75.

[@rossbuchanan7632]

Great video- everyone ought to watch this. I am still, after 4 years, happy with my Festool TS55 corded. But when I bought it I had mostly corded tools. Now knowing the benefits of cordless, I might well buy the Festool TSC. I have a Kapex which after 3 years has had to be repaired TWICE, which has knocked a lot of my confidence in Festool. maybe their stuff just isn't up to site work.

[@InsiderCarpentry]

I owned two kapexes. Both had motors replaced. I sold them both and switched to dewalt miter saws. I got sick of it. Those kapexes are a complete joke.

[@SuperBardley]

​@@InsiderCarpentry Yes, I have long been dubious of the Kapex. It just does not offer any uniquely innovative features that justify its 2x premium cost over the next best competitor. The CSMS world was saturated with good products for a long time before Festool joined the party. Its unique “feature” is the reversed rods, but the competitors offer that at a much better price. The other “feature” of lightness isn’t because of some space age material, it comes from Festool’s use of a lot plastic and possibly skimping on the electrics, which of course leads to servicing and failure. Not good for somebody who makes a living via their tools.

[@mikefeil3568]

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.

[@mikefeil3568]

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.

[@tcbridges]

What no Kreg track saw. I love my Kreg track saw and table.

[@cybersewingschool874]

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!

[@ethanboggio3314]

Buy a Makita Spencer. It comes with 2 5ah batteries and a dual charger. Charge time is super quick and saw is all around awesome! Like you brother! Don't let a battery platform hold you back from a great tool. I look forward to your Makita track saw review! lol

[@jckalma7916]

Maybe I missed it but another "back to square one" option is to get the Mafell with the dedicated track. It's now getting dismissed for not aligning with the Festool tracks but you wouldn't have had those. Mafell was out of my (hobbyist) league. I chose Makita SP6000 in favour because of the scoring feature myself. Corded is fine, as I only work in my shop.

[@wulf67]

I would buy the Maffel in a heartbeat, but there's only one US retailer that I know of that sells them, and it's online. I'm afraid that it would be difficult to get warranty work done on it.

[@Darrell_Coquillette]

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.

[@andrewwalker208]

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.

[@JuryRigJohn]

Essentially what you’re saying is that if you went back to square one you’d get the festool instead of the mafell, even tho the only con of the mafell is that it uses it own track? And you’ve had festool saws fail within warranty period? I have no real experience with either of them but the mafell seems like a better quality unit, the festool seems like they have more $$in marketing

[@SteveRivett]

I bought a TS75 to bevel and shorten "solid" interior doors. Poor thing sure struggles... If you crosscut a door really short and start hitting the compacted core it is not good for the blade. I think they fill the doors with compressed floor sweepings.

[@stevenfoust3782]

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.