Festool TSC 55 Cordless Track Saw

By Robert Robillard on Tool Reviews

Festool TSC 55 Cordless Track Saw

Festool TSC 55 Cordless, Brushless Track Saw Review, Model 561 702

The new Festool TSC 55 Cordless Track Saw 561 702 is a real nice addition to the Festool cordless line.   Complete with all of the features of their corded saw, [See our track saw Head to Head test] with easy-to-read dual-depth scale for cuts on or off the guide rail, the TSC 55 allows you to cut the cord without losing the versatility, and precision your accustomed to.

Track Saw Love

As a carpenter, who does a fair amount of built in cabinetry and finish work, having the ability to get straight, splinter-free in the field is a game changer for my business.

Festool TSC 55 Cordless Track Saw

The TSC 55 guard rail allows me to get perfect and consistent cuts, while the splinter-Free guards on both sides of the blade ensure zero-tear out, improving my precision and quality of work.  I liked the smooth motor start and electronic controls that keep the motor operating at a uniform speed throughout the cutting application.  I also liked the electronic brake which stops the blade in approximately 2-seconds.

Run Time

The Festool TSC 55 Cordless Track Saw has a brushless EC-TEC motor and is powered by, one or two, 18-Volt, 5.2 Ah batteries.  This saw has a flexible dual battery concept allowing you to operate this saw on one battery for less weight or on two batteries for more run time.  With two charged batteries you can cut 328 feet of sheet goods on a single charge.

We did not perform a run time test but this saw lasted three jobs and two weeks of pretty constant use.  Like most if not all brushless motors the TSC 55 has a temperature cut out that protects the motor and batteries from over heating.

Note – when running with one battery you need to make sure it is inserted  into the saws bottom slide port.

Festool TSC 55 Cordless Track Saw

Flexible Battery Platform

Can also use any combination, mix or match of Festool flat battery platform available from 12 volt, 15 volt to 18 volt.  Fuel gauges advise the user of the power left in the gas tank. On board battery fuel gauges monitor and advise the operator of the battery pack charge. Te battery gauge is automatically displayed when the tools trigger is activated.

Features

  • 
Two 5.2 Ah Li Battery and dual TCL 3 Charger
  • Brushless EC-TEC motor
  • Saw blade speed 2,650–3,800 (1 x 18 V) / 2,650–5,200 (2 x 18 V
  • 55″ Guide Rail
  • 48-Tooth Blade
  • Chip Collection Bag
  • Splinterguard
  • T-Loc Systainer SYS 5
  • Battery Voltage 18-36 volts
  • Battery Capacity 5.2 Ah
  • Saw Blade Speed Saw Blade Diameter Bevel Cuts 6-1/4″ (160 mm)
  • Cutting Depth (with Guide Rail) 1-15/16″ (50 mm) straight down and 1-7/16″ (37 mm) at 45°
  • Cutting Depth (without Guide Rail) 2-1/8″ (55 mm) straight down
  • Cutting Depth (45° angle)
 1-11/16″ (43 mm)
  • Bevel 1° to 47°
  • Arbor Size
.787″ (20 mm)
  • Weight 10.1 w/ 1 battery or 11.7 w/ two batteries

Dust Collection

The TSC 55 comes with a dust bag which worked surprisingly well by capturing 90% of the dust, not a bad percentage considering the 96% efficiency received when hooked up to a vacuum.  The vacuum hooks up easily to this saw.

Faster Blade Changing

The Festool TSC 55 saw has the new FastFix feature for faster, easier blade changing.  The Allen wrench for the blade nut is securely hidden below the FastFix lever and once the lever is activate the blade automatically locks our allowing easy access to the blade nut and also eliminating the need to hold the tool in that position.

Festool TSC 55 Cordless Track Saw

 

New Depth Setting Gauge

I only used this saw on the rail guide but a new gauge lever tells you the depth setting of the blade both on or off the guide rail. This is going to be useful to contractors and flooring contractors in cutting applications where the rail is not needed or applicable.

TSC 55 Cordless Track Saw Packages

This saw comes in three options:

Basic tool or the Plus-XL model which comes with two 18-volt 5.2 Ah Li-on Batteries and two TCL 3 chargers, or else choose the Plus-XL-FS Model which in addition to 2 batteries and 2 chargers also includes a 55″ Guide Rail.

Basic Saw

  • 48-Tooth Blade
  • Chip Collection Bag
  • Splinterguard
  • T-Loc Systainer SYS5
  • Basic model includes NO BATTERIES, NO CHARGER AND NO GUIDE RAIL

Plus-XL Saw:

  • Everything in the Basic
  • Two 5.2Ah Li-Ion Batteries
  • Two TCL 3 Chargers
  • Limit Stop

TSC 55 Cordless Track Saw Plus-XL-FS:

  • Everything in the Plus-XL
  • 55″ Guide RailFestool TSC 55 Cordless Track Saw

Overall Impression

I’ve used the TSC 55 track saw for almost two months now on several projects and while I am still a fan of my TSC 55 corded saw, this is by far the most advanced, nicest track saw I have reviewed to date.

How Much and Where To Buy?

The Festool TSC 55 Cordless Track Saw for $825  here: FESTOOL-TSC-55-Cordless-Plunge Saw

Video Review

 

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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