Choosing between Precisio CS 50 and Mafell Erika 60E

[trebuchet]

I know most of you would have Festool tools but hopefully some also will have experience with Mafell.

As you perhaps know for other posts I opened I have a pull saw in my scope and I´ve narrow the options between the CS 50 and the Erika 60.

Let me share my research:

Erika 60 vs Precisio CS 50. Set vs Stand alone

- I don´t know how much would I use the sliding table. I find it good for cross cutting big pieces but it is someting I can do with the plunge saw and the MFT table. I don´t want to replace the plunge saw with the table saw.

- The extension table is a must (would try to add a router table there somehow)

- Outfeed table is nice but the MFT table can be used as one.

- Rip Fence is necessary

- Folding legs are great for transport but seem to be not very steady in the Festool. Perhaps a folding table could be done with extruded aluminium profiles for the Erika.

Pros and cons about each one:

Erika:
Larger cutting depth
More common blades

Precisio:
More compatibility with MFT (angular fence, height...)
Variable speed (I will cut wood and aluminium which should be cut at maximum speed I believe)

I can not talk about cut precision, power, stability and suction power, only for what I have read and I think people usualy give Mafell a slight advantage.

Price comparision (vat not included):

- Precisio CS 50 EBG - Set (all included). 1.880€

- Precisio CS 50 EBG 1.125€
  + LA rip fence 200€
  + VB table extension (the one without legs) 250€

- Erika 60 E  1.132€
  + Base 226€
  + Sliding table 350€
  + Rip fence 101€
  + Extension table 142€
  + 2x long mounting rail 172€

Complete set comparison. Festool 1.880€ vs Erika 2.122€

Saw + rip fence + table extension comparison. Festool 1.575€ vs Erika 1.547€

I´m very interested in your thoughts

 

[ScotF]

I do not have a Precisio or access to one, but I do have the Erika 85 (bigger version of the Mafell) and it is awesome in every way - super smooth, powerful and accurate. I think the native form is good for most cuts and that is how I use mine. I have the other accessories and do not use them. I could see a second angle attachment - one for rips and leave the second as cross-cuts, but it is not too difficult to switch operations. The 85 is a bit unwieldy to be "portable", but I think that the 60 would be easier to take to the job each day. Zero regrets with my purchase so far.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I don't think you can go wrong with either one of them. Cost is very close, so not a concern either.

Biggest difference I see are the legs, folding vs a full, separate stand. There is nothing wrong with the legs of the CS50, dunno where'd you get that idea. So if you want to be mobile with your saw, or are space constrained, the CS50 is more comfortable than the Erika. But if you plan to use the saw mainly in a steady shop, it makes no difference.

 

[trebuchet]

I don't think you can go wrong with either one of them. Cost is very close, so not a concern either.

Biggest difference I see are the legs, folding vs a full, separate stand. There is nothing wrong with the legs of the CS50, dunno where'd you get that idea. So if you want to be mobile with your saw, or are space constrained, the CS50 is more comfortable than the Erika. But if you plan to use the saw mainly in a steady shop, it makes no difference.

Above all, from the MFT legs. The table wobbles without the cross arms (diy version). Sa hvaing the same type legs I assume it has a similar stability. I know it can´t be super stable as it´s a portable table saw.
I think a portable base with folding legs could be done with extruded aluminium profiles for the erika (which would add a little weight).
I would need to wrap and tidy up everything after I finish a proyect so I need portability

 

[AlexThePalex]

Above all, from the MFT legs. The table wobbles without the cross arms (diy version). Sa hvaing the same type legs I assume it has a similar stability. I know it can´t be super stable as it´s a portable table saw.

Big mistake, the MFT is not a Precisio. The legs of the Precisio saws are solid as a rock.

 

[shed9]

Appreciate the difference in sizes but I have just taken delivery of a CS70 this last Thursday. Not used it in anger yet but initial thoughts are this is a well thought out machine and well engineered. At 37kg though its at the very limit of what I can move comfortably without a trolley or similar (this thing is crying out for a proper cart). If I was using this on a more portable basis I would definitely have to drop to the CS50. I looked at both, the CS50 and the CS70 along with the Mafell offerings of the 60, 70 and 85, the CS50 was definitely a contender but table size and cutting depth at 45' was the clincher for me to go the CS70 route. The standard blade use was also a clincher.
The main reason I went Festool was the system compatibility of the MFT's in having that out feed if needed and the price point comparative to the nearest Mafell model equivalent. Not sure on the stability of the CS50 but the new model seems to have the same fold out stabilisers similar to the CS70 and that is rock solid.
As others have said you won't go wrong with either model on your list. The propriety blades on the CS50 seems a little odd to me for the benefit of tool-less changing but that's probably a minor gripe.
They both look solid but if you are still unsure, toss a coin and live with the outcome of that decision for a day before you push the buy button.

 

[FestitaMakool]

Yup, the legs on the Precisio is better than the MFT. Early versions with heavy use could see some wear.

It’s a close decision. I’ve met several professionals having CS 50/70, and every one said it’s part of their basic kit, most have them in their vans. To me this says a lot about handling, versatility and handling about these saws. Then, the Erika is immensely expensive, more so than Festool’s here. As a result fewer have them. But, the pro dealer who carry Erika (on special order) do say that, they and the customers are very pleased.
I don’t know if the Erika 60 has the extensions and the router insert available, or if this is just for the 85? Anyway, they’ll both do about the same, apart from Erika’s special mitre fence.

I did look at the Erika, but here it was at least 1000 more with roughly the same accessories. Having started with Festool and the MFT as one of my first purchases, it was easy to pick the CS 50 vs the Erika.

 

[trebuchet]

I don’t know if the Erika 60 has the extensions and the router insert available

Yes. I´ve seen extension tables for the Erika with and without the hole for the router.
It is holded by two support rails that let you separate the extension table and leave a gape where a table with a router inster can be placed.

 

[shed9]

There does seem to be a lot more accessories on the Erika but then I've seen a lot of people adapt to the CS range as well.

There is indeed a router adapter for the 60;
https://www.mtmc.co.uk/Mafell-Saw-A...tension--Router-Table__p-12736560-125920.aspx

But doesn't the CMS add on for the CS have a router plate option as well? I'd be inclined to go for a router wing with leg supports given the known weight of the router and tooling and the unknown weight of future stock going through it. If I went the CS50 route I would have almost certainly opted for the CMS legged extension as opposed to the VB wing.

The mitre / angle lock on the Erika looks a little more refined in my opinion but not having seen one in the flesh this is just an assumption based on images and videos. I'd also say the blade lock appears to be more secure as the CS has a little movement back and forth when locked to the rear - again this is a new saw to me and I may be missing something in regards to adjustments.

I will be adapting an Incra mitre at some point on mine as I don't get on with the Festool angle stop mechanism. I'm on my third MFT now and the angle guides have yet to be used on a table.

Edit: Be aware that Mafell list the router wing as discontinued. Not a show stopper as clearly there is still stock out there but be aware of Mafell's position.

 

[trebuchet]

There does seem to be a lot more accessories on the Erika but then I've seen a lot of people adapt to the CS range as well.

There is indeed a router adapter for the 60;
https://www.mtmc.co.uk/Mafell-Saw-A...tension--Router-Table__p-12736560-125920.aspx

But doesn't the CMS add on for the CS have a router plate option as well? I'd be inclined to go for a router wing with leg supports given the known weight of the router and tooling and the unknown weight of future stock going through it. If I went the CS50 route I would have almost certainly opted for the CMS legged extension as opposed to the VB wing.

The mitre / angle lock on the Erika looks a little more refined in my opinion but not having seen one in the flesh this is just an assumption based on images and videos. I'd also say the blade lock appears to be more secure as the CS has a little movement back and forth when locked to the rear - again this is a new saw to me and I may be missing something in regards to adjustments.

I will be adapting an Incra mitre at some point on mine as I don't get on with the Festool angle stop mechanism. I'm on my third MFT now and the angle guides have yet to be used on a table.

Edit: Be aware that Mafell list the router wing as discontinued. Not a show stopper as clearly there is still stock out there but be aware of Mafell's position.

The holed wing is available in some places yet and also, there is the option of mounting the router in the gap between the tabel saw and the extension:https://holz.habermann-net.de/2014/01/03/fraestisch-fuer-die-mafell-erika/

Did I read in other thread that the LA fence does not run smooth in the CMS extension for the cs 50?