Festool Tracksaw Comparison: TS-75 vs TS-55

video comparison by Jason Bent

article written by Ben Marshall

Are you currently looking to pick up a track saw? Are you looking at the Festool line up of track saws and can’t decide which one to get? In this article, I’ll go over Festool’s two flagship model track saws that will hopefully help you decide which one to pick up.

What are the main differences?

• Plunge Depth

• Motor Strength

• Weight/Size

• Blade size and styles available (TS-75 has a steel cutting blade available - however TS-55 has all other blades, just a smaller diameter)

• Cost

• Miter cuts (TS-55 is capable to cut at -1 degrees - handy for cutting flooring against a wall for expansion relief)

What are the same features?

• Nearly identical operation across all features (TS-55 has a slightly different plunge scale - which shows plunge depth on and off a guide rail)

• Superb cut quality

• Great dust extraction and build caliber

• Can cut bevels up to 47 degrees

decisions, decisions

One of the more challenging decisions to make when it comes to track saws is which one to get. With so many tool companies out there, vying to get your hard earned cash - it can be daunting for hobby and professional woodworkers alike to choose which brand to go with. While I do not have much experience with other tool brand’s track saws - I have been incredibly happy with Festool’s line up of track saws.

When deciding whether you want the TS-55 or TS-75, you’ll want to think about capacity of cuts more than anything. The TS-55 has a maximum plunge depth (at 90 degrees) of 55 millimeters, and the TS-75 has a maximum plunge depth (at 90 degrees) of 75 millimeters. Without a doubt, the TS-75 is more useable with thicker stock, handling beyond 8/4 stock without any issues, bindings or the need for repeat passes. If you ever plan to cut through thick stock, then read no further and just go with the TS-75 for the added motor strength and depth of cut.

The TS-55 stays at my MFT/3 cross cut station permanently.

The TS-75 handles thick stock incredibly well.

That’s not to say that the TS-55 can’t hold it’s own against most materials - as it certainly can. However, just from a functional standpoint - the TS-55 stays on my MFT/3 cart most of the time. It comes with a general purpose blade, which makes quick work of most of the plywood I cut here. The TS-75 stays in the next to my assembly table, ready to tackle whatever thick stock I may have to dimension before coming to my crosscutting station.

which one should you get?

It’s important to remain objective when it comes to track saws - there really is no ‘perfect’ solution, as every tool we purchase is not a zero sum fix. There’s always a tradeoff when it comes to making purchasing decisions - the nature of the profession/hobby we’re in!

Here are some of the key things I think YOU should consider when deciding which one to get. These are not pros or cons - just decision points:

• There is a 3ish pound weight difference between the two models - if you’re having to move the saw around quite a bit throughout the day, you can expect more fatigue with the TS-75

• The TS-55 has a smaller footprint than the TS-75. This means it has a smaller systainer, easier to handle, and more importantly it requires less real estate on a guide rail to make cuts. So if you’re running out of runway on your guide rail because of the length of cut you’re performing, the TS-55 has a little more wiggle room at the end of your guide rail than does the TS-75

• The TS-75s is more powerful than the TS-55. Both are considered trim saws, so it’s a less aggressive pass than a traditional carpenter saw (see the HK/HKC line up for a more aggressive saw). Both can handle hardwoods - however the TS-75 has a leg up and bogs down less than the TS-55.

• The TS-55 is more nimble than it’s bigger brother - however the TS-75 can handle just about anything you throw at it.

Closing thoughts

At the time of the original video comparison, there wasn’t much of a price difference between the TS-55 and TS-75 - however in the post pandemic world, the TS-75’s price has increased significantly. This price hike hasn’t changed my recommendation though.

If you’re only doing cabinetry work or know that you won’t be making cuts on stock thicker than 1.5 inches - then go with the TS-55 (or TSC-55) and pick up a ripping blade just in case you need to rip stock thicker than sheet goods.

If you do more live edge work, or just work with thicker stock in general - then the TS-75 is your go to, especially considering the density of some hardwoods. If push came to shove, and I only had the ability to purchase ONE, then I would pick the TS-75 for the additional capacity and features with this saw.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my thoughts on both of these saws - if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment or reach out on Instagram!