Festool/ Mafell Rails

[Cheese]

Quote from JimH2

   
    "No matter what anyone buys take a look at the Mafell rail system. To say it is vastly superior to the Festool one is an understatement. The ends are perfectly square and their rail connector bests the use of two metal rods with recessed screws. I know you buy the Betterley rail squaring tool, but why should you? I am all in on Festool rails with virtually ever size except to 106" (too short for plywood) and the 197" (too long to be practical). The reason for all the lengths is that connector system is marginal at best. Festool could easily best what they currently have, though it would disappoint a lot of people."

[member=652]JimH2[/member]
I take it that the Mafell rails won't work on Festool tools?

 

[jeh]

[member=652]JimH2[/member]
I take it that the Mafell rails won't work on Festool tools?

They won't, but the Mafell tools will work with the Festool rails. There is a plastic insert in the foot that can be removed to allow them to ride the rails (so to speak). You can search for "Mafell on Festool rails" for more info.

And Bosch (Europe/UK only) makes the exact same rails as Mafell (or one makes the others or licensed it).

 

[elfick]

OK, has anyone investigated using Festools on a Mafell/Bosch rail? Their rail system with all the accessories looks amazing.

 

[jnug]

    Not commenting at all about what works and won't work Mafell to Festool or Festool to Mafell. But I have to admit to being surprised at how reasonable the pricing was for their rails. Again it might be a mute point in my case if they won't work with the Festool TS75. But they are not all that pricy. Nobody paying for Festool rails would be bowled over by the prices I am seeing for the Mafell rails.

 

[jeh]

OK, has anyone investigated using Festools on a Mafell/Bosch rail? Their rail system with all the accessories looks amazing.

They work. There are videos on YouTube you can watch (I think).

A quick read and rapid response to an earlier question got me. The correct answers are:

No: Festool on Mafell rails
Yes: Mafell on Festool rails (A good interim move until you can purchase some Mafell rails).

The unfortunate thing about the rails is that the longest one sold in the US is 5.2ft. The rails come in 2.6, 3.6, 5.2, 6.9, and 10.2 ft. Even though the connector is great I'd prefer having the 10.2 ft rail for sheet goods.

So the only way to do sheet goods is to purchase two 5.2ft rails as a 5.2ft & 3.6ft is too short (you need at foot on either side of the material).

 

[Linbro]

No, you can't use Festool tools on the Mafell guide rails.
Mafell make the rails for Bosch.
Yes, they are far superior to the Festool rails. (I have/use both brands)
The Mafell MT55 (plunge saw) will work on the Festool rails, but the better rail was part of the reason I upgraded to the Mafell saw, but I kept a couple of Festool rails for use with my 1400 router.

 

[elfick]

Are the dimensions of the Mafell rail available anywhere? It seems like an interface plate might make it possible.

 

[Linbro]

That's the other great thing about the Mafell/Bosch rails - you don't need an extra foot either end of the rail, you can cut the full length from start to finish of rail.

 

[jeh]

That's the other great thing about the Mafell/Bosch rails - you don't need an extra foot either end of the rail, you can cut the full length from start to finish of rail.

Good to know. I bought the P1cc, but am holding off on rails until I get the MT55. Another plus for Mafell.

 

[jacko9]

Good discussion and since I haven't purchased a track saw (yet) I'm interested in this comparison from users of each or both saws and track systems.  One question I have is can I connect the Mafell saw to my Festool Ct extractor without a lot of interface issues?

Jack

 

[thedude306]

Good discussion and since I haven't purchased a track saw (yet) I'm interested in this comparison from users of each or both saws and track systems.  One question I have is can I connect the Mafell saw to my Festool Ct extractor without a lot of interface issues?

Jack

No issues with the Mafell saw on the CT extractor.  I had a CT36ac in the shop for a couple weeks and it connected fine. 

I know some guys think this is crazy, but the Mafell/bosch rails are one of the best parts of the track saw.  There are lots of other great things about the Mafell, but the rails are far superior IMO.  Both saws have good points and will serve you well, but the rails put the MT55 over the top. 

There are lots of items available for the mafell/bosch rails as well, you just can't get most in NA.  I've chosen to import some of those and it's been great.

 

[Linbro]

Yes you can, Jack. I run my MT55 with my CT Midi. The 27mm hose fits straight in, but I use the 36mm hose with the Festool reducer. Dust collection is superb.

 

[Luzzy]

My own personal saws are Mafell MT55,KSS300,400. For work we use The TS55/75 and a bunch of different rail lengths.

The main reason i switched personally to the Mafell saws was initially the tracks. I hated the Festool connection system and having to align it with another tool after connecting. With the Mafell F160 rails it's fast and simple and straight. I don't need long lengths because the shorter ones just work.Even when connected.

The MT55 is a great saw and I would say built like a tank. The TS55 is also a pleasure to use. But the rails system of the Mafell wins hands down. Oh and that little KSS300 , well it's an incredibly compact but ridiculously versatile saw.

 

[jacko9]

Thanks for the info guys,

Jack

 

[ScotF]

I have both Mafell and Festool rails. Mafell rails attach to each other much easier than Festool as others have said. The rubber strips are mounted inside a channel so no coming off or messy adhesive to deal with and the sides are machined so that they are dead straight and square. They are thicker and more rigid. There are two clamping channels on the bottom so you can clamp thin stock right on the cut edge, which is nice when working with narrow stock. The plastic cap on the end prevents the hose and cord snagging the entire width of the rail.

Festool's rail system has more NA accessories and I actually like the green strips on top that the saw rides along - less friction and less wear to the base plate of your saw. But, attaching rails is a pain and the plastic end piece to keep the hose and cord from snagging only covers part of the width of the rail and your cord can sometimes get caught in the channel.

 

[semenza]

That's the other great thing about the Mafell/Bosch rails - you don't need an extra foot either end of the rail, you can cut the full length from start to finish of rail.

I am not sure I follow ........ what is different that makes it so you don't need extra rail for run in / out at both ends of a cut?

Seth

 

[Linbro]

The saw base stays locked onto the rail for the whole length - it has a continuous groove that accepts the rib on the rail. Maybe the base is longer than the TS55? I only found this out when I first cut the splinter strip.
I should have said, you still want some run in/out, you just don't need anywhere near as much - eg. the 2100 rail is plenty long enough to rip a standard 2040mm door.
And yes, you can tighten /loosen the saw to the rail.

 

[elfick]

Are the adjustment nibs inside the diameter of the blade? It seems like that would be the only way to increase the cut length.

 

[andy5405]

I always enjoy a "Top Trumps" tool discussion when someone is banging on about Festool. The Mafell user steps in and it's normally game over.

 

[elfick]

Anyone able/willing to put together a sketchup of a mafell rail? Or get a good pic of the profile and some dimensions?
I checked the ketchup warehouse but didn't find anything and google hasn't turned up an useful images.
I'm convinced an interface shoe would allow the TS to ride the mafell rail.