Festool CMS TS 55 Review

May 20, 2010

The CMS TS 55 is the most common entry point for woodworkers into the Festool system. There is a good reason for this - it is a well designed, compact and versatile table saw.

Festool CMS TS 55 Although its not particularly clear on the Festool website, the CMS TS 55 comes with the following components:

  • CMS basic unit
  • TS 55 saw (50mm cutting depth)
  • Mounting plate to fit the TS 55 into the CMS basic unit
  • Mitre guide
  • Sliding table

I find the best aspects of the system are:

  • The aluminium construction makes it light enough to easily move out of the workshop.
  • Compatibility with many other components comprising the Festool range.
  • Great build quality.
  • The aluminium construction means it won't rust
  • Great dust extraction integration.

I have found it a little tedious to remove the saw from the CMS basic unit mounting plate, but I am getting faster at this following a fair bit of switching over the last few days. To put this in perspective, it takes me less than 10 minutes and the only tool required is an alen key which stores in the handle of the TS 55. If anyone has any comparisons with other systems to share, I would be happy to hear from you.

Buying

Rating: 4.5 (out of 5)