Festool 55req vs makita sp6000j1

[mrboult]

^^^ I've had the same issue on both my Makita saws. One purchased 4-5 years ago, the other 1-2 years ago. It's a silly but BIG issue with the saw.

I use the Makita for the rougher end of my work load so I don't really care, but I couldn't use the Makita for the finer furniture end of things. . . forget to check the adjustment halfway through the day and suddenly you've fu'ed up an important cut!!??  No thanks.

@ dovetail65 - My knobs are very tight to turn as well. Doesn't seem to mean anything.

 

[Redart]

I've had the same issue on mine too, since then I only use the Mafell MT 55 cc  for precision tasks, since i don't have a table saw  I am thinking to put the Makita upside down.

 

[kevinculle]

I've had the Makita for about 4 years, used it a good bit and never touched or needed to the alignment cams...and never had a problem with sections of track (I've use 4 - 55" together) misaligning.

 

[mrboult]

I've had the Makita for about 4 years, used it a good bit and never touched or needed to the alignment cams...and never had a problem with sections of track (I've use 4 - 55" together) misaligning.

Interesting to hear that there's at least a few on the thread who haven't had the issue. I think someone earlier (maybe dovetail65) was asking about the colour of the adjustment knobs in question? Mine are black just like the photos from Lemwise of the saw he returned with the same issue. Do these knobs come in another colour? Is that the differentiation between functional and rubbish adjustment knobs??

It needs to be addressed by Makita. Between this thread and my own experiences of ownership, I can say this has been a consistent issue with these saws (it seems not every single saw) for over 4 years and continues to be an issue. It is the only reason I would not recommend the Makita to someone as a good alternative to the Festool.

 

[Oldwood]

I wonder if some sort of lube on the track or adjusting cam where it rides against the track would minimize the drag on the cam and prevent it from turning out of alignment?

 

[Redart]

I've had the Makita for about 4 years, used it a good bit and never touched or needed to the alignment cams...and never had a problem with sections of track (I've use 4 - 55" together) misaligning.

I was very happy with the Makita saw until I made some 45° cuts, I hade to reposition the splinter gard strip it was no longer alined with the saw in 90° position.

 

[nickao]

I've had the Makita for about 4 years, used it a good bit and never touched or needed to the alignment cams...and never had a problem with sections of track (I've use 4 - 55" together) misaligning.

Interesting to hear that there's at least a few on the thread who haven't had the issue. I think someone earlier (maybe dovetail65) was asking about the colour of the adjustment knobs in question? Mine are black just like the photos from Lemwise of the saw he returned with the same issue. Do these knobs come in another colour? Is that the differentiation between functional and rubbish adjustment knobs??

It needs to be addressed by Makita. Between this thread and my own experiences of ownership, I can say this has been a consistent issue with these saws (it seems not every single saw) for over 4 years and continues to be an issue. It is the only reason I would not recommend the Makita to someone as a good alternative to the Festool.

I wasn't talking about the knob color, but the plastic color that is on the underside and runs up on the track. Mine is blue.

I was just speculating maybe it was the type of plastic(if its been changed). I never had an issue or even thought about it nor read about it until this thread. Its just not an issue I ever knew existed and doesn't exist for me in my shop.

Possibly I don't use the saw in a way where it noticeable, for me a track is a track saw. I don't do crossover things I would use my table saw for.

I actually owned the TS 55, TS 75 and the Makita for a good year and sold off the Festool track saws right here on the forum so obviously I found the Makita to be better or I would have kept the Festool. For each his own, but for me the lack of power of the TS 55 is far more important that an adjustment I dont even have an issue with and appears some that do came over pretty quick. But nothing is going to get that TS 55 more power. It's a 10 amp saw and in my opinion  overpriced for that and what it does. If a new version of the TS 55 gains more power I would buy one in a heartbeat becasue the Festool "feel" better in my hands. But as far as cutting a straight line on the line I put the track on the Makita does that while cutting through thicker, harder materials faster and smoother than the TS 55.