Recently my TS55 started to make weird noises and smoke, neither of which is good! I originally purchased the TS55 in 2014 as a used unit. Between then and now I seldom used it mainly due to two physical moves. As I get older I move MUCH slower and rest a LOT more. Needless to say, I was emotionally crushed. I called Festool and ask what would be the worst-case cost for a repair and was informed that it would cost about 1/2 the cost of a new saw, so I sent the saw in for repairs. I was shocked to receive an estimate of $425 for the repair and went into a tailspin. After a bit of research, I saw a few postings stating similar issues and they were resolved by installing new brushes even though they did not have much wear. I had looked at mine and they showed very little wear but what the heck, they only cost $25 with shipping so I ordered the brushes.
Sorry to report that the new brushes did NOT resolve the issue. So, now what? A new Festool would cost $699 thus I did more research. I watched SEVERAL YouTube videos where the Makita had received very positive reviews. I also considered getting a battery TS, but looking at the Festool it was at $800 so I decided I'd stay with the corded TS but still Makita or Festool.
I decided to purchase the Makita from HomeDepot. The total cost with my VET discount was $408 which also included a track. Also, one of the pluses of the Makita is, that Festool tracks (I have two) could also be used with the Makita. I could have ordered just the saw at $399 before discount but I did not and I assume the case comes with it.
Obviously, I was excited when it arrived. Later I grabbed the Festool track and made a few cuts and was successful but I did have some reservations.
- I REALLY liked my Festool and this was NOT a Festool
- The darn power cord is only 8 feet long (the Festool cord is 13 feet long)
- The power cord is fixed into the handle and comes out 90 degrees to the handle. I see this as a possible issue in the future.
- When setting the depth on the Makita at a very shallow depth, around 10mm or less it was difficult for me to loosen the locking mechanism.
- The case did not securely position the saw and the plastic at the bottom of the case was damaged because of this. I noticed that the plastic at the bottom of the Festool case was about twice as thick thus much less subject to damage.
- The lid of the case did not have anything to lock the handle of the saw in place as did the Festool.
I can fix the above last two items with some Great Stuff spray foam.
Yesterday I was helping my son install some plywood fillers between 2x8's in a deck ceiling. Both of us were surprised as to how quiet the Makita was and the grade of the cuts. I'd go as far to say the cuts were as good (or better) as the Festool. BTW I did use my two Festool guide rails.
Because we were outside I did not use dust collection and it did make a LOT of sawdust. Sometimes it seemed that the saw was not cutting because it was so quiet but the dust coming out told us otherwise.
At this time I'm satisfied with the Makita but will admit I'd rather have the new Festool with the 1.8mm wide blade and the riving knife.