Mafell Mt 55 cc

[jonathan-m]

Here's a video that shows how the scoring works on the MT-55

 

[jacko9]

Looks like a pretty nice saw.

 

[ccmviking]

Here's a video that shows how the scoring works on the MT-55

    The only problem with the offset is that if you are edge banding it will give you are larger glue joint.  May not be that big of a deal...  You should be able to do a good job scoring melamine but setting a shallow depth on the TS and dragging it backwards.  That would pretty much mimmick what a scoring blade does on a slider. 

 

[Laminator]

If white melamine  was used for the test material,  It would be much easier to see the effect of the scoring.  Looks good on the wood grain from what I can see.

 

[jonathan-m]

I used what was on hand, some left over of the cheapest particle board around.
You know, the stuff you find in your local building market.
I'll see if I can do another video on some white when I have some laying around.

 

[jimbo51]

I would like to see a comparison of the cut with and without the scoring function being used.

As mentioned, making a shallow backwards cut would not take much longer, just resetting the depth by hand rather than with a switch. 

 

[Locks14]

I would like to see a comparison of the cut with and without the scoring function being used.

As mentioned, making a shallow backwards cut would not take much longer, just resetting the depth by hand rather than with a switch.

Manually setting the depth to 2mm then resetting back to the final cut depth wouldn't take muck longer, you're correct.

In the same way if Festool didn't have plug-it cords manually unplugging/changing power tools over wouldn't take much longer. And also it wouldn't take much longer to tighten router bits with two spanners rather than the ratchet of the OF1400 & OF2200...

But the point is, the scoring function does save a little time, make the tool a little more efficient and contribute to it being a little better to use.

I haven't been a member here long, but I have been reading the forums as a guest for a long time. It strikes me that when Festool come up with some new time saver/convenience with their tools praise is shouted from the rooftops, yet when another manufacturer comes up with something Festool didn't think of or implement, it's dismissed as just being a gimmick and not given the priase it deserves. 

 

[semenza]

    Well FOG is a Festool centered forum, so there is bound to be some tilt in that direction. I view most of the feature discussion as a comparison. With the "talk" looking at the feature (scoring in this case) to decide if it is worth having.

    I think if you read enough threads you will find plenty of complaints about Festool. As well as the word gimmick being used in reference to a feature on occasion. 

Seth

 

[Bohdan]

I would like to see a comparison of the cut with and without the scoring function being used.

As mentioned, making a shallow backwards cut would not take much longer, just resetting the depth by hand rather than with a switch.

Making a shallow cut backwards would give a chip free edge but when you then cut forwards it might still rub against the top of the previous cut and chip, if you have any side movement in the saw position on the rail between going backwards and then forwards.

The Mafell switch actually shifts the first cut 0.1 mm to the left, so that there is no contact with the top of the cut on the final cut and any side movement, since both cuts are going forward, would cancel.

 

[Wuffles]

At the ToolFair show yesterday, there was a shop representing Bosch with one of their plunge saws on display. Overheard the chap proudly saying it's all Mafell with a re-badge by Bosch. I don't think that's quite true.

I interrupted and asked where the scoring function is if that's the case and he said there wasn't any point in having that anyway (pure salesman this guy) then demonstrated how the saw rocked on the rails and that there's no point in it being there anyway, given the rocking.

 

[Davej]

At the ToolFair show yesterday, there was a shop representing Bosch with one of their plunge saws on display. Overheard the chap proudly saying it's all Mafell with a re-badge by Bosch. I don't think that's quite true.

I interrupted and asked where the scoring function is if that's the case and he said there wasn't any point in having that anyway (pure salesman this guy) then demonstrated how the saw rocked on the rails and that there's no point in it being there anyway, given the rocking.

I believe he is right that mafell make the Bosch saw , BUT it's made down to a price , not up to a standard.
Dave

 

[Wuffles]

At the ToolFair show yesterday, there was a shop representing Bosch with one of their plunge saws on display. Overheard the chap proudly saying it's all Mafell with a re-badge by Bosch. I don't think that's quite true.

I interrupted and asked where the scoring function is if that's the case and he said there wasn't any point in having that anyway (pure salesman this guy) then demonstrated how the saw rocked on the rails and that there's no point in it being there anyway, given the rocking.

I believe he is right that mafell make the Bosch saw , BUT it's made down to a price , not up to a standard.
Dave

I reckon "designed by" might be closer to the mark.

 

[ali]

i have the bosch, I preferred it to a TS55 (bigger motor, bigger blade). It's a fine saw but I would prefer the mafell, and would be interested in trading up to the mafell if the scoring function works well. there are distinct differences between both but the bosch is undervalued if you need a reliable plunge saw.

 

[Locks14]

I have the Mafell and a guy who I work with has the Bosch.

To be perfectly honest the Bosch makes me question why I spent the extra money on the Mafell.

Th Bosch is basically the same saw as the Mafell, just minus the scoring function and the blade change on the Bosch is like the Festool, where as the Mafell cover completely opens on a hinge to change the blade and is therefore completely sealed to aid dust collection.

The truth is though, the dust collection is equal on both saws and whilst the scoring function is nice/unique/useful, I have to question whether it is worth the extra £150.

What's for sure is the guide rails are brilliant, Mafell came up with a really elegant and superior design over all the other tracks on the market.

 

[Wuffles]

I have the Mafell and a guy who I work with has the Bosch.

To be perfectly honest the Bosch makes me question why I spent the extra money on the Mafell.

Th Bosch is basically the same saw as the Mafell, just minus the scoring function and the blade change on the Bosch is like the Festool, where as the Mafell cover completely opens on a hinge to change the blade and is therefore completely sealed to aid dust collection.

The truth is though, the dust collection is equal on both saws and whilst the scoring function is nice/unique/useful, I have to question whether it is worth the extra £150.

What's for sure is the guide rails are brilliant, Mafell came up with a really elegant and superior design over all the other tracks on the market.

Does his Bosch "rock" on the rail?

 

[Locks14]

I confess I was confused by that comment from the sales guy, I have never noticed a "rock" whether in a positive or negative manner.

What exactly did he mean?

 

[Wuffles]

I confess I was confused by that comment from the sales guy, I have never noticed a "rock" whether in a positive or negative manner.

What exactly did he mean?

He was demonstrating it not being very solid on the rail, I tried it myself, it was as if the base of the saw wasn't quite flat.

 

[Locks14]

Can't say I've ever noticed that. The base is perfectly flat and the only time it ever "rocks" or flexes is if the material you're cutting has some flex in it.

 

[Wuffles]

Can't say I've ever noticed that. The base is perfectly flat and the only time it ever "rocks" or flexes is if the material you're cutting has some flex in it.

Must have been a one off for them then, shame it was on the demo machine.

 

[Locks14]

Yeah, also I know salespeople can be a little overzealous. But how he managed to make the logical link from "it doesn't have the score function of the Mafell" to "well it rocks on the rail so doesn't need it" is still confusing me...

How did he demonstrate this as making up for the scoring function being absent?

Edit: The only thing I can think of is the tension adjustment on the saw to adjust the amount of friction the saw has on the rail were so loose that it was causing slop, but when adjustment properly it doesn't appear to move.