I'm ordering a Precisio CS-70 from Europe, what should I know?

Oh yeah, I looked at the Mafell, and it looks like a darned good saw. The 85 cuts up to 85mm thick, but if I remember it's about $2800.00 without any accessories. Egad! I suppose I could buy one and build my own in and out feed tables, but at nearly 3 grand I'm not going to be in the mood to start jury-rigging a new tool as soon as I get it home. Does anyone own a Mafell?
 
The CS70 comes in a cardboard box. Not really sturdy for international shipping. The CS70 is pretty sturdy itself, so it won't be damaged that quickly, unless a forklift bumps into it, but that's of course a possibility to consider with international shipping.

I agree with William that the CMS/TS75 combo is not comparable to the CS70. The CMS is really small so you can cut only small pieces on it. Maybe you can cross cut a foot wide at most. On my CS70 set with all extensions I can cut a full 8x4 sheet and the basic unit alone will allow a cross cut of up to 3 feet. Maybe you think you don't need the pull saw function, but once you used it you'll think differently. It adds a layer of comfort, but also a layer of safety because you don't need to move your body to feed the wood into the saw.

I can't comment on the entire shipping part of your idea, but considering what I read here in people's comments I'd really consider going for the Mafell Erika instead of going through all the trouble of importing a saw from Europe. It has about the same functionality as the CS 70, only shame is that it's about 40% more expensive than the CS70, which already isn't cheap either. But if you want to make your own extensions, don't call it jury-rigging because it is nothing like that. You only need to make something that fits into the profiles on the outside of the basic saw unit. There's no modification to the basic unit itself. 

But despite of what JMB says, I think you're gonna find it very difficult to find yourself an official dealer that wants to break Festool's rules and ship outside of the UK. Most dealers hold their dealership very dear because by many of them it's regarded a privilege to be a Festool dealer. And Festool keeps them on a very tight leash from what I've heard from some dealers I know.

I do know one dealer here in The Netherlands that isn't bound by any of Festool's restrictions. He could perhaps set you up with a 220 volt version of the CS70 or a CMS if you do decide for that instead. PM me if you want me to make inquiries.
 
 
Richard Leon said:
Yes, I have done it. I sent a stamped VAT receipt back to the company I bought the goods from when I got back to Canada. It is up to the company to process the VAT refund.

Personally, I think the best thing is to get on a plane with a large empty suitcase and spend a long weekend sightseeing and Festool-shopping in London.

No shipping charges or brokerage fees, and depending on the personal allowances, possibly no duty either.

This is basically what I did, except I got the VAT refund at the Frankfurt airport, the tools were 'carry-on luggage', (except the track, which was over-sized.) The customs agent suggested that the OF1000 router was my daughters and the AT 65 plunge saw was my sons. :-) I got the VAT back and paid our GST. (7% back then.) No shipping, and we had a nice family vacation too!
 
If you're looking for a small table saw, what about looking for a used Inca 259. They show up every so often. It's a great saw. You should be able to purchase one for $400 - 800. The table tilts, not the arbor.
 
Get one for me too!  Christmas is coming up.  I'll get you something nice too.  [big grin]
 
I got the Mafell 70 Ec.  It is a good tool.  Accurate, well made, German quality.  Sturdy and rugged feeling and still only 70 lbs.  Quick folding legs are solid and really convenient.  I have not seen the Precisio in person.  It looks great, but is it really worth it to try and bring it over with out a dealer?  The Festool has a zero clearance plastic piece that moves with the blade for 90 degree cuts.  The Mafell does not.  I  wish it did.  I have to make some creative jigs, but I feel like you usually have to do that anyway.  The 70 Ec is 2400.00 US dollar if you get 220 volt(I paid 100.00 for shipping).  It comes from a guy in Buffalo NY named Denny Hambruch.  He is reliable as far as getting parts and dealing with damage from shipping, etc.  He told me he has been selling Mafell tools for thirty years.  Overall they have a good reputation.  They make 3 different size saws.  I don't think you are saving money getting a Precisio. 
 
Don't know if you are still looking, but if you were thinkinking of a Delta I assume you don't need mobility? what about a European table saw like a bottom of the range Hammer?
With a slider you don't really need sawstop technology, it will handle much more than the precisio and is not very much larger. Don,t know what the prices are, but you could visit the other FOG ( Felder owners group)
Just a thought.
Richard
 
CutsTwice said:
Hi guys,
I'm finally going to import a Precisio CS-70 from Europe to the U.S....the CS 70 EB-Set GB 240V model, but I have a few questions that hopefully you more experienced folks can help me with.
1. Is it going to be difficult to find someone that will sell it to me and ship it across the pond?
2. Should I pick the 110 volt or 220 volt model?
3. Can I hook it up to the 230v power we have in the states?
4. Does anyone have any idea what customs fees or import tariffs might run me?
5. How long can I expect standard shipping to take, and what shipping service will serve me best?
6. Are there any pitfalls or risks that I should be aware of before I start this process?

I know that I'm certainly not the first guy to consider doing this, so I'd REALLY appreciate any input or directions to resources that will aid me in my project.

In all honesty, check out Mafell's erika saws. In the pullsaw category Mafell has the upperhand in my oppinion.

OT:
Dissappointed in Festool once again...
I called festool about a production error/subpar quality of an item.
The sales rep said to me: "Because you have used the product we are not liable for production errors and will not take your case foward" 
I bet you north americans cant even believe that, consider yourselves lucky.
 
I think that you should buy the MAFELL ERIKA 85 EC. THEY PROBABLY HAVE IT IN 120VOLT.I have a a MAFELL MT 55 plunge saw and a p1cc jigsaw and they are as good as festool or better ;D
 
alik said:
I think that you should buy the MAFELL ERIKA 85 EC. THEY PROBABLY HAVE IT IN 120VOLT.I have a a MAFELL MT 55 plunge saw and a p1cc jigsaw and they are as good as festool or better ;D

Hi,

Welcome to the FOG ........  I think ? !  [smile]

That is quite a first post  [big grin]

Seth

 
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