Festool 561174 Circular Saw TS55 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've had this for about a year now and it is by far, the best circular saw that I have ever owned. While it is pricey, it is well worth the deniro if you do finish carpentry or cabinet work.

This saw is part of the Festool system.When I first looked at Festool and heard that there was a "system" I was very leery.I've always associated "systems" with stuff sold by the likes on Ron Popeil on late night TV.My fears were entirely unfounded.

While this saw can be used without the guide, it really excels with the zero clearance guide.Just draw your cut line, place the guide on top of it and cut.There is no need to offset the guide because the edge of the guide (a stiff, replaceable, rubber strip) runs next to the blade. Your cuts are exactly where you thought they would be. Also, the rubber strip acts to dramatically reduce chipping/tearout. There is no need to clamp the guide to the board because there is a friction strip underneath the guide.I've cut dozens of sheets of plywood and have never had a problem with the guide slipping.

This saw integrates with the vacuum exceptionally well.At least 95% (probably more like 98-99%) of the dust is captured.Using this at a client's home is great because of the dust capture and because the saw and vacuum are relatively, quiet.Compared to the high pitched whine of most circular saws, this wins hands downs.

This also integrates exceptionally well with the MultiFunction Table.The guide attaches to the MFT and allows you to use the saw as a very accurate chop saw. Even more accurate than a laser guide chop saw because you can see exactly where the cut will be. Also, the cut is almost always splinter free.

The Systainers are very durable, contrary to what another reviewer wrote.And the saw is very safe because the spinning blade retracts into the saw body when the body is let up.Also, the saw has an integral riving knife to prevent kickback. The knife sits directly behind the blade and prevents the kerf from closing (or, if you are using the saw free hand, prevents kickback if you wander off your cut line). Because the blade retracts into the body, this might not be as useful for rough carpentry--I've seen lots of (foolish) things done with circular saws that would be hard to do with this saw because you need to push the ody down.

The only thing I would change, and this is a very minor point, is the depth settig mechanism.The mechanism is indexed so that the depth increases by 1mm increments.

Also, customer service at Festool is great. Very responsive.

Overall, this is an awesome circular saw.It might even allow a finish carpenter to do away with an on-site table saw and chop saw. So, I highly recommend the Festool system.

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Product Description:
Festool 561174 Portable Circular Plunge Cut Saw TS55 EQ with 55 Inch Guide Rail