Product · Festool
Festool TS 55 R: 230 V plunge saw, 55 mm depth
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The Festool TS 55 R is a corded plunge saw for cabinet makers, kitchen fitters and joiners who cut sheet material and doors to a high finish. It runs on 230 V at 1,200 W. What sets it apart in our plunge saw guide is its variable speed range of 2,000 to 5,200 rpm, which lets you slow the blade for plastics, laminates and aluminium, and run it fast for timber and board.
- Power
- 230 V, 1,200 W
- Max depth
- 55 mm
- Guide rail
- Not stated as included
- In the box
- Saw, guide wedge, viewing window
In its favour
- Listed 230 V and 1,200 W, with a speed range of 2,000 to 5,200 rpm.
- Cuts up to 55 mm thick and suits trimming doors on a rail, according to the listing.
- Transparent viewing window and dust extraction connection are listed.
Good to know
- A guide rail is not listed as included, so budget for one.
- The highest priced corded saw in this guide.
Our take
Key facts from the listing
Festool lists 1,200 W, an idle speed range of 2,000 to 5,200 rpm and precise cuts in thicknesses up to 55 mm. The spec table adds a bevel range to 47 degrees, dust extraction and a weight of 7 kg. In the box are a guide wedge and a transparent sliding viewing window.
The bullets mention door trimming as a typical task. A 55 mm depth covers standard internal doors, worktops and all common sheet materials.
Rail not included
The listing does not include a guide rail. Most of the accuracy of a plunge saw comes from the rail, so budget for one in a length that suits your work, such as a short rail for doors and a longer one for full sheets. Several other saws in our guide, such as the HiKOKI C3606DPA, list compatibility with Festool rails.
Variable speed and dust extraction
Slower speeds reduce melting when cutting plastics and acrylic and help with non ferrous metals using the right blade. Faster speeds give a clean cut in softwood and board. Dust extraction is listed as a feature, and connecting an extractor is important when cutting MDF indoors.
The viewing window lets you see the blade at the cut line, helpful when starting a plunge on a mark.
Other plunge saws to consider
The Makita SP6000JSP1 is a corded plunge saw sold with a rail and clamps, a more complete package. The Bosch GKT 55 GCE comes with a 1.4 m FSN rail. For cordless use, the HiKOKI C3606DPA lists 66 mm depth and fits Festool rails, and the Makita DSP600ZJ kit includes batteries and a rail.
Verdict
Choose the TS 55 R if you want a corded plunge saw with a wide speed range for mixed materials and plan to buy a rail to suit your work. If you want a rail in the box, the Makita SP6000JSP1 or Bosch GKT 55 GCE are more complete, and cordless users should look at the HiKOKI C3606DPA.
Compared with alternatives in: Best plunge and track saws
Amazon listing title: Festool 561551 TS 55 R Plunge Saw with Elektonik, Blue/White