- Item No: FES578738
- SKU: FES578738
Available Options
Festool TSC 55 KEB-Basic Cordless Plunge-Cut Saw
At a Glance: Powerful dual 18V cordless plunge-cut saw with a 55mm cutting depth, brushless EC-TEC motor and intelligent KickbackStop protection.
Experience mains-level cutting performance with complete cordless mobility using the Festool TSC 55 KEB-Basic Cordless Plunge-Cut Saw. Powered by Festool&s dual 18V battery system and an exceptionally efficient brushless EC-TEC motor, this professional plunge saw delivers concentrated torque, rapid cutting progress and outstanding precision in solid timber, sheet materials, doors, worktops and flooring. The intelligent KickbackStop detects a sudden kickback and stops the saw blade within a fraction of a second, helping protect both the operator and the workpiece. Combined with the Festool guide rail system, fine depth adjustment, variable speed control and the supplied 42-tooth WOOD UNIVERSAL blade, the TSC 55 K produces clean, straight and accurately positioned cuts up to 55mm deep. The Basic version is supplied without battery packs or a charger, making it ideal for users who already own compatible Festool 18V equipment.
The TSC 55 K combines the precision of Festool&s proven plunge-cut saw system with a high-performance cordless drive. Its dual-battery configuration delivers full 36V performance and a maximum speed of 5200min⁻¹, while the coordinated 1.8mm thin-kerf blade supports fast cutting, extended battery endurance and excellent finished-edge quality.
Product Highlights
- Intelligent KickbackStop: Detects sudden kickback and stops the saw blade rapidly to reduce the risk of injury and workpiece damage.
- Full cordless power: The dual 18V battery system and brushless EC-TEC motor deliver performance comparable to a mains-powered plunge saw.
- Rapid cutting progress: Concentrated torque and the matched thin-kerf blade provide fast, controlled cutting with excellent battery efficiency.
- Precision guide-rail system: Integrates perfectly with compatible Festool guide rails for straight, accurate and splinter-reduced cutting.
- 55mm cutting capacity: Handles common timber and sheet materials with a cutting depth of up to 55mm at 90°.
- Flexible bevel cutting: Provides an adjustable angular range from -1° to 47° for accurate undercuts, square cuts and bevels.
- Splinter-free results: The guide-rail splinter guard and supplied clip-on splinter guard support clean cutting on both sides of the workpiece.
- Low-dust mobile operation: Use the supplied collection bag or connect a compatible Festool mobile dust extractor.
- FastFix blade changing: Makes replacing the blade quick, controlled and straightforward.
- Ready for existing 18V users: The Basic package is supplied without batteries or a charger.
Extra Information
- The TSC 55 KEB-Basic is supplied without battery packs or a charger.
- Two compatible Festool 18V battery packs are required to obtain maximum 36V performance and the full 5200min⁻¹ no-load speed.
- The saw can operate with one compatible 18V battery pack at a reduced no-load speed of approximately 2650–3800min⁻¹.
- For consistent full-power operation, use two compatible battery packs of the same type and a similar charge level.
- Compatible Bluetooth® battery packs can automatically start a paired Festool Bluetooth® mobile dust extractor when the saw is switched on.
- The KickbackStop can be manually disabled for specific applications, such as working without a guide rail on particularly uneven material.
- The KickbackStop automatically returns to its active state the next time the machine is switched on.
- Only approved 160mm saw blades with a 20mm bore and the correct 1.8mm cutting width should be used.
- The supplied HW 160x1,8x20 WD42 blade is a versatile WOOD UNIVERSAL blade suitable for general cutting in wood and wood-based panels.
- The guide rail is not included and must be purchased separately where required.
- Different approved Festool blades are available for fine wood cutting, laminates, aluminium, plastics and abrasive materials.
- The supplied collection bag supports mobile low-dust operation when an external extractor is not available.
Pro Tips
- Use two fully charged, matching Festool 18V battery packs when maximum cutting speed and endurance are required.
- Fit the guide rail splinter guard directly against the cutting mark for quick and accurate positioning.
- Make the first cut with a new guide rail carefully so the splinter guard is trimmed precisely to the saw blade&s cutting edge.
- Use the clip-on splinter guard together with the guide rail when both sides of the workpiece require a clean finish.
- Select a saw blade matched to the material rather than relying on one blade for every application.
- Set the cutting depth only slightly deeper than the workpiece to reduce exposed blade area and improve extraction.
- Connect a compatible mobile dust extractor for extended indoor cutting or when processing materials that produce fine dust.
- Keep the guide-rail contact surfaces, machine base and KickbackStop sensor area clean and free from packed dust.
- Allow the saw to reach full operating speed before plunging the blade into the workpiece.
- Use the viewing window for freehand cutting and replace it with the splinter guard when maximum edge quality is required.
How to Use
- Inspect the saw, battery interfaces, saw blade, guards and accessories before use.
- Fit one or two suitable Festool 18V battery packs until each battery locks securely into place.
- Select a Festool 160mm saw blade approved for the material and application.
- Set the required cutting depth, allowing for the thickness of the guide rail where one is being used.
- Adjust the bevel angle between -1° and 47° where an angled cut is required.
- Position the guide rail with its splinter-guard edge against the marked cutting line.
- Secure the guide rail with compatible clamps whenever there is a risk of movement.
- Attach the supplied chip collection bag or connect a compatible D27 or D36 suction hose.
- Place the saw onto the guide rail and adjust the guide jaws for smooth movement without side-to-side play.
- Confirm that the KickbackStop is active unless the specific application requires temporary deactivation.
- Hold the saw firmly with both hands and start the machine.
- Allow the saw blade to reach the selected operating speed before plunging into the workpiece.
- Plunge the blade smoothly and guide the saw forward at a controlled, consistent feed rate.
- Do not twist the saw, force it sideways or pull it backwards while the blade is rotating.
- Complete the cut and allow the blade to stop fully before lifting the saw from the guide rail or workpiece.
- Remove both battery packs before changing the blade, cleaning the saw or carrying out maintenance.
Features
- Dual 18V battery interface: Accepts two compatible Festool 18V battery packs for maximum 36V cutting performance.
- Single-battery operation: Can be operated with one compatible 18V battery pack at a reduced speed when lower weight or emergency operation is preferred.
- Brushless EC-TEC motor: Provides efficient power delivery, excellent durability and reduced maintenance.
- KickbackStop sensor: Monitors the saw during cutting and plunging and reacts rapidly if kickback is detected.
- Selectable KickbackStop: Can be temporarily deactivated for individual applications and automatically reactivates when the saw is switched on again.
- MMC electronics: Provides adjustable speed, constant-speed control and electronic temperature monitoring.
- Variable no-load speed: Allows cutting performance to be matched to the blade and material.
- Quick-acting brake: Stops the saw blade rapidly after the trigger is released.
- FastFix spindle system: Locks the machine in the blade-change position for easier and safer accessory replacement.
- Fine depth adjustment: Enables the cutting depth to be set accurately for use with or without a guide rail.
- -1° to 47° bevel range: Supports precise square cuts, slight undercuts and common bevel angles.
- CLEANTEC connection: Integrated bayonet fitting provides a secure connection to compatible Festool suction hoses.
- Antistatic compatibility: Supports static-charge dissipation when connected to a complete compatible antistatic extraction system.
- Replaceable viewing window: Improves visibility of the cutting line during freehand and plunge-cutting applications.
- Clip-on splinter guard: Supports the cut-off side of the material for cleaner cutting edges.
Benefits
- Improved working safety: KickbackStop reacts within a fraction of a second when a dangerous backward movement is detected.
- Complete cordless freedom: Work on job sites, during installations and in areas where mains power is unavailable or inconvenient.
- Professional cutting accuracy: The Festool guide system enables straight, repeatable and dimensionally precise results.
- Reduced finishing work: Matched saw blades and splinter guards produce cleaner edges with less chipping and tear-out.
- High cutting performance: The EC-TEC motor and dual-battery system provide the torque required for demanding timber and panel cutting.
- Longer battery endurance: The efficient motor and 1.8mm thin-kerf blade reduce unnecessary resistance and energy consumption.
- Application-specific control: Variable speed allows the saw to be adapted to different materials and blade types.
- Cleaner mobile working: The supplied collection bag captures chips without requiring an external dust extractor.
- Fast accessory changes: The FastFix mechanism reduces setup time when replacing or changing the saw blade.
- Protected transportation: The SYS3 M 437 Systainer³ keeps the saw and accessories organised during storage and transport.
Application
- Precise straight and plunge cuts in materials up to 55mm thick.
- Cutting chipboard, plywood, MDF and laminated panels to size.
- Shortening interior and exterior doors using a guide rail.
- Producing cut-outs in doors, panels and kitchen worktops.
- Cutting expansion joints and false joints in parquet flooring.
- Trimming worktops, shelving and furniture components.
- Cutting solid timber and wood-based construction materials.
- Producing accurate bevel cuts and slight undercuts.
- Cabinetmaking, joinery, shopfitting and interior installation.
- Mobile construction-site cutting without a mains power supply.
Safety
- Wear suitable eye, hearing and respiratory protection whenever operating the plunge-cut saw.
- Read and understand the operating instructions before installing batteries or using the machine.
- KickbackStop reduces the risk associated with kickback but does not replace correct cutting technique and safe machine handling.
- Keep the KickbackStop active unless a specific application requires it to be temporarily disabled.
- Remove both battery packs before changing the saw blade, adjusting internal components, clearing blockages or performing maintenance.
- Use only approved 160mm saw blades with the correct 20mm bore and specified cutting width.
- Inspect the blade before every use and do not use a cracked, bent, blunt or otherwise damaged blade.
- Ensure the blade rotation arrow matches the direction marked on the machine.
- Secure the workpiece and support it on both sides of the cutting line.
- Position supports so that the kerf cannot close and pinch the saw blade during the cut.
- Use compatible clamps to secure the guide rail whenever there is a risk of movement.
- Keep both hands on the designated handles and away from the saw blade and cutting path.
- Never place hands beneath the workpiece while the blade is installed.
- Check the cutting area for concealed electrical cables, pipes, screws, nails and other foreign objects.
- Allow the saw blade to reach full operating speed before plunging into the material.
- Guide the saw forward only and never pull it backwards while the blade is rotating.
- Do not force, twist or apply excessive sideways pressure to the machine during cutting.
- Wait until the saw blade has stopped completely before removing the saw from the workpiece or setting it down.
- Connect suitable extraction when cutting indoors or processing materials that create harmful dust.
- Use only compatible, undamaged Festool battery packs and approved Festool chargers.
- Protect battery packs from fire, water, excessive heat, heavy impacts and conductive metal objects.
- Follow all safety instructions supplied with the saw, guide rail, saw blade, battery packs and dust extractor.
Specifications
| Description | Spec |
|---|---|
| Brand | Festool |
| Cat No. | FES578738 |
| Model | TSC 55 KEB-Basic |
| Product Type | Cordless Plunge-Cut Saw |
| Drive Type | Battery |
| Rated Battery Voltage | 2 x 18V |
| Maximum System Voltage | 36V |
| Motor Type | Brushless EC-TEC |
| No-Load Speed | 2650–3800 / 5200min⁻¹ |
| Saw Blade Diameter | 160mm |
| Saw Blade Bore | 20mm |
| Supplied Saw Blade | HW 160x1,8x20 WD42 |
| Supplied Blade Cutting Width | 1.8mm |
| Supplied Blade Teeth | 42 |
| Maximum Cutting Depth at 90° | 55mm |
| Maximum Cutting Depth at 45° | 43mm |
| Angular Range | -1° to 47° |
| Dust Extraction Connection | 27/36mm |
| Electronic Control | MMC Multi Material Control |
| Kickback Protection | Intelligent KickbackStop |
| Blade Brake | Quick-Acting Brake |
| Blade Change System | FastFix |
| Guide Rail Compatibility | Festool FS/2 Guide Rail System |
| External Dust Extraction | CLEANTEC Bayonet Connection |
| Storage System | SYSTAINER SYS3 M 437 |
| Battery Packs Included | No |
| Charger Included | No |
| Sound Pressure Level | 96dB(A) |
| Sound Power Level | 104dB(A) |
| Noise Uncertainty | 1.5dB |
| Vibration Emission Value | 2.5m/s² |
| Vibration Uncertainty | 2.0m/s² |
| Applicable Standard | EN 62841-2-5 |
Scope of Delivery:
- Festool TSC 55 KEB Cordless Plunge-Cut Saw
- Festool HW 160x1,8x20 WD42 WOOD UNIVERSAL Saw Blade
- Clip-On Splinter Guard
- Viewing Window
- Festool SB/2-TSC/HKC Chip Collection Bag
- WAF 5 Hex Key
- Festool SYSTAINER SYS3 M 437