Mafell KSS 300

[Jalvis]

This week I found myself needing to miter some trim but my miter saw wasn't in the trailer.....found another way....but the KSS 300 was on my mind.  I think the KSS is like many innovative tools....once you add it to the arsenal you find more uses than one would hope.  This saw is moving up my list!

 

[GhostFist]

I've yet to do any trim with mine yet. Not to say it isn't doable, but there are some things to think about if this is your intended purpose with this saw. First it's a profile moulding you'd need to set a piece of scrap behind the piece you intend to cut just to ensure the track lays level. For compound cuts remember the saw only tilts one way so consider this when doing inside corners. All easy things to overcome but you do have to get slightly creative when you first start using the saw due to it's uniqueness.

 

[Jalvis]

I was contemplating the same things you mentioned.  Although you can cut the trim on the back side for a flat location.....mitered corners might need some practice.  As I think about this more it would be simple to make a miter box for the saw......then you could cut crown and have some more options like a true sliding miter saw.  Not sure if it would work but worth considering.

 

[GhostFist]

Honestly I have a ton of ideas for simple jigs for this saw. Just haven't had the time to test them out. Jigs should be simple and compact if not disposable for this saw in order to maintain its usefulness as a compact device. If you do end up getting one I'm sure the wheels will start to turn in your head as well. Still waiting on my mt55, but I've been eying the cordless version of the 400 as well.

 

[GhostFist]

Well, I'm still super happy with this tool and managed to finally snag an mt55 to compliment it over the weekend. Big brother hasn't seen any action yet beyond laying it on it's track, pushing it back and forth, and making truck noises (vrroom vroom!). Went with the mt55 over the festool for a few reasons, mainly the fine touches on this saw that for me push the mafell slightly on top of the festool. Keep in mind I've yet to cut anything with this tool yet but it's love at first site with this puppy. I noted jmb's criticisms of the saw and tested it out for myself they didn't seem to be an issue, in fairness I could be blinded by lust, but I found plunge action to be smooth and effortless, dropping it on the track all easy peasy. Could use a plug it though, and I'll have to field test track grip

The package I picked up consisted of two F160 rails which, when combined give me about 10' of track. Connecting the rails is fast solid and sturdy, you can simply slide the connecting piece back into one of the rails when not in use and back out when you're ready to join another piece. I locking it in place involves a quarter turn a piece on four tightening bolts on the connection bar, really a smart bit of engineering you have to see up close for yourself. With the kit I got a parallel fence, the position indicator and the angle track, which works similarly to the cross cut track on the  KSS 300, minus the spring loaded capability and it uses a sturdy fence that protrudes beyond the track that has slots to attach the mafell f clamps to. This wee bit of track is meant to be connected to one of the longer rigid rails for accurate angled cuts.

So ya, so far impressed, really solid build all around, this beast should last a long while.

 

[ajones]

a great purchase you will be happy as Larry with that kit, I use mine with the festool track [sad] so I have the parallel guides would be nice if Mafell made a set of parallels... enjoy

 

[Jalvis]

I have been using the MT55 for the last year......and also have the two 160 rails and connectors.

For the record I have several Festool TS55's and ATF 55's.  The Mafell is a better machine in use and durability.  One thing that is cool is being able to use the Mafell on either rail system.....it fits flawlessly with the Festool system, but I think the Mafell rails are better quality....especially with the connector option.  Oh...and the rail strip doesn't come off like the Festool rails.  

The blade change function on the Mafell is Amazing.....I now change the blade for the cut thats needed!

Some people had problems with the Mafell rails slipping but I find that they hold better than the Festool.  Although there are lots of easy solutions to get more grip.

The only reason I'm keeping my Festool rails is for the Gecko clamps.....I need to find a way to use those on the Mafell Rails......or buy the Aerofix system!

 

[neth27]

If any one needs a extra jointing bar (£22.67p) or 1600 rails (£40.00) these are a bargain, http://www.powertoolworld.co.uk/bosch-saws/bosch-fsn-vel-rail-connecting-piece.html 

John...

 

[jmbfestool]

Well, I'm still super happy with this tool and managed to finally snag an mt55 to compliment it over the weekend. Big brother hasn't seen any action yet beyond laying it on it's track, pushing it back and forth, and making truck noises (vrroom vroom!). Went with the mt55 over the festool for a few reasons, mainly the fine touches on this saw that for me push the mafell slightly on top of the festool. Keep in mind I've yet to cut anything with this tool yet but it's love at first site with this puppy. I noted jmb's criticisms of the saw and tested it out for myself they didn't seem to be an issue, in fairness I could be blinded by lust, but I found plunge action to be smooth and effortless, dropping it on the track all easy peasy. Could use a plug it though, and I'll have to field test track grip

The package I picked up consisted of two F160 rails which, when combined give me about 10' of track. Connecting the rails is fast solid and sturdy, you can simply slide the connecting piece back into one of the rails when not in use and back out when you're ready to join another piece. I locking it in place involves a quarter turn a piece on four tightening bolts on the connection bar, really a smart bit of engineering you have to see up close for yourself. With the kit I got a parallel fence, the position indicator and the angle track, which works similarly to the cross cut track on the  KSS 300, minus the spring loaded capability and it uses a sturdy fence that protrudes beyond the track that has slots to attach the mafell f clamps to. This wee bit of track is meant to be connected to one of the longer rigid rails for accurate angled cuts.

So ya, so far impressed, really solid build all around, this beast should last a long while.

What where my comment again?!?!  

I have been using it for abit now and dropping it onto the track has become quicker and easier mainly because I noticed the two red marks on the base which indicate where the slot is,  it was just because I was more use to using the festool TS55 which does engage onto its tracks more easily.    

BUT my mate removed the plastic piece on the base so you can use the saw onto a Festool rail.  

That threw me off on the first cut  I placed it on the rail thought it sat in the Mafel Groove but I dropped it into the Festool groove and started cutting oops!  I find they are very close together and its advised to put the plastic infill back in if your not going to use a Festool rail any time soon.  My mate says it doesnt bother him he says hes going to leave his off   cus he can just use my rails when he wants.  

The rail connection to join the two 1600 rails to make one long raill is AMAZING  I have been using the rail connector for the Mafell for a bit now and its AMAZING it makes the Festool rail connectors a pile of rubbish absolute pile of rubbish.  

No need to check the rails for straight just simply slide the connecter in and turn 4 screws just a quarter turn and the rails pulls them selfs straight its so fast I dont mind  disconnecting/reconnecting the rails all the time.   In a small room on site this is a very very handy feature as often swinging a large rail about is a pain in the bottom AND is more likely to get damaged.    

I hate connecting the festool rails together  
1. I gotta get a straight edge first.

2. you have two connecters with poor little screws which are soft and I never have the correct screw driver to fit them properly.  

3. If you slightly knock the rail against a wall when you swing it around it WILL knock it out and you end up having to have to check the rail for straightness again and reset

4. I get parranoid incase I have knocked it out any way and I end up checking to see if its straight through out the day with a straight edge.

 

[GhostFist]

Rail connection was a major draw for me. I was almost immediately fed up with connecting festool rails when using them. The mafell solution is better than I expected and I was very interested just reading about it. For those in Europe, is the machining of Bosch components as good as mafell? Can the rails be joined without conflict?

 

[neth27]

Rail connection was a major draw for me. I was almost immediately fed up with connecting festool rails when using them. The mafell solution is better than I expected and I was very interested just reading about it. For those in Europe, is the machining of Bosch components as good as mafell? Can the rails be joined without conflict?

They are exactly the same rails and jointing bar but with Bosch name on instead. I have two of the Bosch rails for my Mafell saw  [big grin]

John..

 

[GhostFist]

Nice to know, too bad the bosch is still NAINA

 

[Jalvis]

I considered the same option....using the Bosch rails and connectors....but no such luck in North America. 

Not sure why some Bosch products are in the USA while others are not?

 

[GhostFist]

Interesting to note bosch are releasing their dust collector which looks to be the mafell design here. Don't know how it compares

 

[jonathan-m]

Those Bosch & Mafell vacs are rebranded Starmix vacs. Quality German engineering vaccuum company.
That particular model has been around for a few years and is on par with the Festool offerings in terms of performance.

 

[GhostFist]

haven't looked too much into them. Don't know if they have the HEPA filter on them like the festool. What I do like is the filter shake mechanism, again, don't know how well that works, ut it seems like a good idea.

 

[GhostFist]

Update on KSS 300 use. Shooting has finished on the show I'm on so I'm back in the shop, thank god. Anyway, in prep for next season, we're building a second story addition to a small room in our shop to move construction and paint coordinators into, nothing fancy, but we're doing 2x6 framing, i switched blades on my 300 and whipped through framing with this bad boy. Has just enough clearance to cut 1 1/2 material right off the pile and just leave a slight scratch on the piece below it. We were at first cutting with a regular skill saw and a speed square which is fast enough but there's just that much less effort with the 300. and when it comes to angled cuts it just cant be beat. Still an amazing little package!

 

[Dogwood]

Thanks for the update. Still really interested in that little saw.

 

[welshsam]

welshsam from the uk here, just thought I'd add my opinion on this tool.

I'm lucky enough to have been predominately  a finish carpenter for the last 28 years and at least 3/4 of that time in either shop fitting,joinery or pub refurb work. As You would expect the finish on these type of projects has to be real good ,so I'm always on the search for tools that improve my ability to achieve the required finish. My Mrs and bank manager will confirm that carpentry and tools are my passion moving through what seems like every new tool that comes out my last purchase being the TS55 r which I simply cant praise enough. now the KSS300

Iv looked at every video and review on this little saw for what seems like an eternity and in truth I just couldn't get my head around the work it seemed to do on the videos to it's relatively small size.
So after many months I bit the bullet and purchased one complete with sustainer,flexi rail,guide and clamps.
Firstly having the complete set in one sustainer which has to be said is light and easily attached to my other sustainers only heightened my excitement to use this saw on site. straight out of the box I had it cutting moulded architrave and skirting with no rip out giving me a finish that allowed me to glue and
pin without my trusty block plane  coming out of the pro pac. Iv ripped every sheet good possible from melamine ,ply and mdf  without it skipping a beat the short attached track surprised me and the flexi track astonished me in fairness.
I absolutely love this little gem of a saw on every thing I used it on you have to be a little inventive when cutting compound mitres the right way and obviously the depth of cut wont fully substitute all your saws but it's lightness and mobility factor puts it way up there with one of the best tools Iv ever bought.

Sorry if this doesn't read fluently as its my first post but I do feel quite passionately about good accurate tools that help me be the carpenter I am no matter what name they have on their label. [big grin]