Mafell MT55 and Festool CMS?

[Robbie40]

Hi all

First post on the forum.

I am currently running a Mafell KSP 55.
I've had the saw for over 10 years and used it almost everyday for those 10 years.
It is finally going to need replacing pretty soon.
I'm a massive fan of all things Festool and will be looking to buy into the CMS system over the next few months.
However.... For me when it comes to track saws I just think the Mafell edges it.
Does anyone know if the MT 55 will fit the CMS saw module?

Thanks

 

[ajones]

that would be a No... great saw though

 

[Robbie40]

Thanks for that.

Thought that may be the case.

Need to decide on buying the complete CMS system or possibly buy a separate bench saw.
(Over time of course!)

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Why, does your Mafell KSP 55 need replacing?  What are you looking for your new saw to do?

 

[Robbie40]

Hi

My KSP55 doesn't need immediate replacement .
I'm feeling that after 10years hard use it's becoming ever so slightly stiff to adjust the depth.
I'm also working with more laminated and veneered boards these days. Whilst my KSP55 is excellent for this I can't help feeling
that the mt55 or ts55 could be even better.

I'm just weighing up options.

Over here in the UK there are some good deals on both. For roughly the same cost I can get a ts55 with a midi extractor and one 1400 track or the mt55 with 2 tracks and clamps.
The CMS system is really appealing but after having such  a brilliant  mafell tool for so long I'm a bit  undecided !

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Have you considered the MT55cc with the Aerofix?

 

[Robbie40]

Yeah, I had.
Just like the idea of the CMS system ts55 insert. Think it could come in handy.
Looks like the mt55 and a seperate bench saw

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Have you thought of trying to use the CMS and cut and rabbet your own insert and clamp a saw upside down?  Maybe, use the Mafell that you have now?  Also, you probably know that Bosch and Mafell make pretty nice portable table saws.   

 

[Robbie40]

Was thinking of fabricating my own insert for the CMS, but unless it's perfect it kinda defeats the object.
Also without the plug it system I'd have to adapt the power supply cords as well. Not sure but I imagine that would invalidate warranty

Like you say Bosch and mafell make decent table saws.
Either way I've got an expensive few months ahead!
Thanks

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

You don't need a plug-it cord to plug into the router table outlet.  You could align your Mafell into a permanent and dedicated insert and just get a new track saw.  You could pop out the router plate and pop in the table saw insert plate.  Haven't done this, but it seems like it would work?

 

[wrightwoodwork]

If you check across at another forum called mafell users forum some of the users have put plug it cords on there MT55

 

[Davej]

Maybe cost effective to get an aluminium plate cnc cut to suit your saw and  buy a n.v.r switch to enable you to switch your saw on/off safely. Also you need to consider if it's possible or necessary to have a riving knife and blade guard depending on your needs. Just a thought.  Dave

 

[peter halle]

I'm not suggesting that you try to install the MT55, but did want to point out that the CMS kit for the TS-55 includes other things other than just the plate such as pieces to hold the plunge position, handle the trigger switch, a different riving knife ( I believe), etc.

Peter

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Peter makes a good point...where the Mafell MT55cc makes just as clean cuts as the TS55, eventhough it doesn't have riving knife, you would want to have a riving knife on a table saw.

  I would like to hear from some of the guys who are using the track saw with the CMS insert, as far as what they can't do with it - compared to something like the Sawstop or Bosch contractor table saws.

 

[Robbie40]

Thanks for all the advice. It's all been really helpful.
Think I need to take a trip to shop and have look to see if it is possible to machine a plate for the Mafell.
Thanks again

 

[MahalaHomecraft]

i was just reading over this thread and i can't understand what the advantage of putting a track saw into a router table setup would be as compared with just getting a table saw.  The track saw is awesome for what it can do to lessen the need of a table saw, seems to me like this is taking a step backwards.  and as far as inserting and removing from the table as necessary… that sounds like i'd quickly want to start hitting things, and considering the cost of the CMS I can't help but think you could buy a dedicated saw for around the same amount of money.  Then again we might be thinking in different terms here, because I have a DW745 for my table saw and someday, when it breaks, I'm gonna get another one.

 

[mouppe]

One table takes up less space then two, and if you are concerned with portability it's less to move around. One saw, one router, one guide rail and one table eliminates the need for a plunge router, a router table, a tracksaw and a table saw.

 

[woodie]

If all you need is the cutting capacity of an MT55 you could look into the Erika 60E Pull/Push table saw. It's seems to be reasonably priced and they even have a router table add-on. 

 

[Robbie40]

Reason why I like the idea of the CMS saw insert is simply portability.
With the whole CMS system I can move my workshop on site.
With seperate table saw, router table etc it would take pint luck space in my van.

Thanks for pointing that the Erica saw can have a router extension.

Think I may start another thread to convince to change over to festool!

Thanks