lordinteriors said:
hi guys havent posted for a while and thinking of buying a new table saw
can someone make it clear on my options i need to know what e and eb means at the end of for example (cs 70 eb)
by the way im looking at one of the pull through saws any pros or cons on these
Since the Precisio CS50 and CS70 saws aren't available in the USA, you won't find too much information on them, however there are a few European and Australian members who have one and who may be able to help out.
The E suffix indicates that an item has electronics with adjustable speeds. The electronics in the Precisios are MMC (Modern Multi-Material Control) electronics, which give adjustable and constant speeds, plus temperature control.
The B suffix indicates that it has a Quick-action brake, in this case for the saw blade. For some reason, 110V machines in the UK often come without quick-action brakes., and therefore omit the B suffix.
The most immediate "con" with them, and the one which puts most people off, is naturally the price. A fully kitted-out CS 70 EB-Set GB 240V (Order No 561253) retails at 1926.25 GBP, which is the almost exactly the price of two KS120 Kapex saws (without table or extensions)!
For new FOG members who have never seon one, here's what that particular saw looks like:
However, for all that money you get 70mm cutting depth at 90 degrees, easily attachable extension tables for the rear and right-hand side, a small sliding table on the left, a rip fence with micro-adjustment, an Angle Stop (similar to the one you get with the MFT/3), two blades, dual dust hose, and other bits and pieces. Getting the "Set" over the plain CS50 or CS70 does save money compared to buying the base machine and adding all the bits, so it's worth getting if you are after all the accessories.
You also get a very well-made machine that oozes quality. They are specially made for easily moving from A to B, and you are paying for that portability - the legs fold, and you can carry the saws up a flight of stairs yourself.
The extensions and sliding table have adjustments to make them co-planer with the main table and for tilt, and once you've adjusted them, they can be attached and detached very quickly without losing that adjustment. The sliding table for the CS50 is silky smooth, and I imagine the ones for the CS70 are similar (there's a choice of two).
The pull-action of the blade is unusual, but comes into its own when cross-cutting long narrow pieces. Instead of trying to move the material over the blade, you keep the material still (probably supported by a stand and perhaps clamped to the table), and then move the sawblade towards you. It therefore acts like an upside down sliding compound mitre saw.
The 1200W CS50 might well be a bit underpowered for your needs, and with 50mm cutting depth it might leave you struggling with thicker pieces. The thermal cut-out for the motor also has a reputation for cutting out too early, however it is 19.5kg compared to the 34.5kg of the 2200W CS70.
These soft-start saws are nice and quiet, which is often a consideration in residential work, and the speed can be dialled down to make them even quieter. Dust is collected from above and below the blade, and the riving knife can be lowered without tools so that it's below the top of the blade when cutting grooves etc.
As to competition in this sector, Mafell make the Erika Pull-Push Saw, and the picture below shows the 32kg 72mm capacity ERIKA 70 E:
However the price that
this dealer quotes for that machine (1945.66 GBP incl VAT) doesn't
seem to include the accessories shown, and if that's the case, it would make it more expensive than the comparable Festool offering! [eek]
Forrest
