Mafell MT55 cc

[AndrewG]

Hi all,

A bit of background info first. I just sold my TS75, I  debated the 55 v 75 choice at the time of purchase and decided that the 75 will have more power for when I rip hardwoods. I always found it bulky for when using it on sheet goods etc and I almost never rip anything thicker than 50mm (hardwood). I used someone else’s 55 and I loved the size.

The new TS55F with thinner blade/new blade options had me interested so I decided that’s the way I’ll go.

However, I noticed the mafell MT55 cc. It’s $200 cheaper (for me in Oz). I’d buy the mafell from Axminster. It has 200W more power, has the 1.8mm blade.

I was looking at blades and everything points to the mafell being able to use the new line of festool 1.8mm blades (rip blade is what I’m looking at). Am I right here? Is there any other recommendations for rip blades for the mafell?

Is there anything else I should be considering? My understanding is the festool rails work with the mafell. Should I go all out and sell my festool rails for the mafell? From everything I’ve read the mafell should handle hardwood as well as the festool, particularly with a good rip blade.

I noticed there is no plug it cord but I can easily attach one.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[mino]

Keep in mind the MT55 can be used on FS/2 tracks but is not really a friend with them.

There were a couple threads where users complained the FS/2 tracks giving bad cuts compared to Maffel/Bosh tracks. It was eventually root-caused to their use of the MT55 and it not playing (as) well with the Festool tracks.

I would stick to TS55 F if you are on FS/2 and do not plan any Maffel/Bosch tracks.

The other option is the Makita SP6000 or their cordless models. These are not as good saws esp. on dust extraction, but will track similarly to a Maffel when used on the FS/2 tracks. And they costs way less than either the TS55 or the Maffel.

For me, with a TSC 55, when cutting thick hardwood, I use the universal 28-tooth blade and it makes all the difference needed. That is with 2.2 blades. IMO the TS55 should be fine with 1.8 universal blade for hardwood all the same.

 

[AlexThePalex]

No brainer, get the Mafell, regardless of what tracks you gonna use with it. It's the superior saw.

 

[jeh]

I have had both Festool saws and sold them after buying the Mafell strictly for the rail system, which is significantly better than the Festool ones. The fact that there are multiple gadgets to help align multiple tracks tells you all you need to know. The Mafell saw is more than powerful enough though you have to buy the Mafell rails to get the full benefit.

 

[mino]

I have had both Festool saws and sold them after buying the Mafell strictly for the rail system, which is significantly better than the Festool ones.
...

Sorry, the Maffel rails are not better. They are different. They may be better for you. That does not make them "better".

There are strong points to each rail system. The connector system being one of the stronger points for Maffel, the slide strips a stronger point for the FS/2, etc., etc. This is not the thread for the rails debate though.

On the saw part, the MT55 is arguably a better saw. Putting aside rails and their impact/effect on the whole package.

ADD:
As use case was not stated, some comment on that:

For a contractor I would gear to MT55 + dedicated rails for it if FS/2 not work well enough. For hobby use I would gear to FS/2 and thus the TS55 or, better,  TSC55.

 

[Bernmc]

Axminster have certainly opened up the world of Mafell to us Aussies.

Andrew, how would you convert to plugit? I know that you used to be able to buy the female connector so you could convert, but AFIK they're not available anymore. Do you have an additional source?

If I was starting again, I think I'd go with the Mafell saws. I have their jigsaw and love it. There are so many clever little features (like integrated circle cutting) that Festool either don't offer, or would probably charge an extra arm and leg to add.

I miss the plugit function. Having a few leads scattered around the shop ready to use is surprisingly useful once you get into it.

Tracks would be the issue for me now as I have a bunch of Fe$tool, including a ludicrously overpriced 3m. (Joining them has never been satisfactory for me, even with better systems like TSO's. It's just too difficult to do it quickly, reliably and accurately).

I bought the TS55 first, and then got the 75 when I found the 55 struggling with 50mm treated pine sleepers - even with that beast of a rip blade. The new thin kerf blades may make that less of an issue now. I use the 55 most of the time, but the 75 still comes out regularly.

I only have an 800mm mafell rail. I like the smaller footprint (and it's lighter), but it's a little more complex in terms of edging strips and grip strips etc, so possibly more fiddly to replace these things (bearing in mind availability here in Aus - even some Bosch stuff seems to be tricky to get hold of at times).

Comes down to what you have now, what you plan to get in the future, and what you want to do with it. If you only have a small investment in Festool saws and tracks, I'd be tempted to go with Mafell. Festool stuff tends to sell well 2nd hand here - particularly if it's not the usual paint-stained grubby ex-tradie offerings.
If you need to work very accurately, then I'd shy away from using the Mafell with Festool tracks, so factor in getting Mafell or equivalent.

 

[AndrewG]

Bern-https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/254724446685?_trkparms=ispr=1&hash=item3b4ec299dd:g:GXYAAOSw3WZfZ2Ax&amdata=enc%3AAQAGAAAA4Lb5Za%2FQol70akFoYC62xkaB82ZAdFQ07veryYc6sWeG4knvGbGoXpmRKzvjU8B4H2JLwXRP4NUfYHBDhWQxftibeXkDjF1w7TQrR9a4jVIBtySax90t2l4i5J3uRut7PIhFjfc3QLgUxpuLbd0VqNxbdw40PdDxdJuma2rc9waDGk4zfdhiMi0yrX%2F4MoJrMPVGFfBlK%2B0wV3ZkjsxmKG69Cr2yVJoWxwpueybLdd6bqAH6ULQ30G4UjmYHuUBCTpejWPim71Dx8VKy5a4iWkwiLVXHXPSuzmp%2FPKwkRBxB%7Ctkp%3ABFBMopKj9Pxf

I have two 1400 FS rails currently. I need to buy an additional 800mm so was looking at the package with the MT55cc and rails. Would need an additional longer rail still.
https://www.axminstertools.com/glob...w-with-guide-rail-set-angle-fence-230v-720782

My concern is the import fees for over $1,000.

 

[Bernmc]

Be careful with that eBay link - it's only for a 3D printed HOUSING - not the electrical plugit socket itself. You'll need to get that in addition. I had a quick look around, and idealtools seem to list Festool spares, as well as a link to the eCatalogue to find part numbers. (like this).

Looks like it'll be anything from $50-$70 all in by the time you've added postage etc.

As far as duties and Axminster are concerned, their global-e page says:

"Axminster Tools have been exporting worldwide for nearly 50 years

Through our partner Global-e, we can offer you...

• Payment in your currency
  
  Local payment methods
  
  Prepaid duty and tax (no hidden costs)
  
  Great shipping rates
  
  Easy returns
  
  Checkout in your language"

 

[Cheese]

For corded I own a MT 55 and for cordless I own a TSC 55 K. It's because of my extensive use of the MT 55 that I decided to purchase the Festool TSC K version. After much rip cutting of maple I decided that the 1.8 mm blades were a viable alternative to the previous 2.2 mm Festool offering.

The Mafell guide rails are also superior to the Festool offering in many ways. The one exception is that the Mafell rails do not have a gilde strip attached to them which makes moving the saw along the rails more sluggish. The 1.8 mm kerf blade also produces less waste so emptying a bag doesn't happen as often. I usually use both saws with the DC bags and seldom use a vac as it's just easier.

 

[batmanimal]

Mafell also offers a vacuum clamped rail system (Aerofix) that feels… for lack of better word, magical.

You do need to get the longer hose part and additional rail to attach to it if you want to rip anything beyond 4’, AND the little connector piece … all this adds up quickly.

One side benefit of the Aerofix rail is that, because it requires a vacuum to work, you never forget to turn on the dang vac when you use your saw! Still not the same as plugit, but if you have a vac with a Bluetooth enabled button on the tool end, it’s functionally pretty close. Travel on the rail is not frictionless. It’s not “glidey,” but it’s not hard either. Friction level for me is equivalent to cutting a single piece of paper with decent scissors.

Note: I have never owned the Festool track saw or used the rails, so I can’t offer a direct comparison. I just started with the Mafell bc I preferred its housing, and I liked how their rails connected a bit better. It is the only Mafell tool I own. I don’t plan to buy more bc I have just about everything a hobbyist could need already in Festool or Makita, but it definitely has given me a favorable impression of the brand.

Downside of mafell track saw is that it’s harder to find helpful accessories like parallel guides, as there is not a comparable cottage industry vs Festool.

But the Aerofix rail system makes up for it, imho. You can even clamp the rail from above, with the workpiece on the floor. Like I said, magical.

 

[Cheese]

There are 4 items that make the Mafell rails my favorite;
1. The connector just plain works without any additional props and the tool to tighten the rails is carried on the Mafell saw.

2. There are 2 clamping positions on Mafell rails which allows you to clamp on very narrow wood strips. The red X marks the clamping positions.

[attachimg=1]

3. The splinter strip is retained in a gland recess on the rear of the track so there's no adhesive and no loose splinter strip.

4. The red splinter strip is softer than the Festool HDPE version and cuts smoother. The harder Festool version can chunk out in places and makes the decision on where to place it on a pencil line problematic. It also provides a nice contrast and is easier to see next to a pencil mark.

Check out the gap between the Starrett straight edge and the 2 splinter strips.

[attachimg=2]

[attachimg=3]

 

[ChuckM]

As a previous TS75 owner (saw sold due to under usage -- saw was used only twice before it was sold), if I were in the market for a new tracksaw, I was sold on Cheese's pointers, and would likely get a Mafell. Price differences within the range of a couple of hundred dollars are seldom a factor to me when selecting premium tools or accessories. What matters more is how often the tool will get used.

 

[ear3]

Can anyone comment on comparison between corded and cordless Mafell 55?

The TSC55 does much better under load than the corded version (at least the older style, can't comment on newer, thinner blade unit).  But the cordless Mafell only uses one battery, which would seem to limit its use for thicker materials.

 

[Cheese]

I was looking at blades and everything points to the mafell being able to use the new line of festool 1.8mm blades (rip blade is what I’m looking at). Am I right here? Is there any other recommendations for rip blades for the mafell?

The Festool and Mafell blades are interchangeable here's a Mafell 16 tooth rip vs a Fetool 12 tooth rip. The Mafell 16 tooth blade produces a very nice surface for a rip blade.

Also of note, the Mafell blade plate is .047" thick and the carbide is .069" thick. The Festool plate is .045" thick and the carbide is .070" thick so the blade cut lines will be within .0015" of each other when mounted on the saw.

[attachimg=1]

FWIW...the Festool blades appear to be chrome plated while the Mafell appear to be raw steel. In the 12 years that I've been using Festool track saws the Festool blades are always pretty clean after use and it's just a simple resin/pitch removal process to fully clean the blade.
This Mafell blade was used last November to rip a lot of dried maple boards...this is what it looks like when I dug out the saw today.

[attachimg=2]

 

[ScotF]

The Mafell does not cut on the rubber strip if you bevel. It is 1-2 mm off. You can shim the saw so the motor and blade are elevated by the difference, but that requires some adjustments and finding the right thickness shims. Or you have to set the rail by the offset to get the exact cut. That is really the only downside of the Mafell. One other difference is the green anti-splinter attachment for Festool. It is not available for Mafell. Not a big deal for my use, but thought I would mention it.

Power, dust collection, blade changes and clamping positions on the rail are big pluses for Mafell.

 

[lshah72414]

Can anyone comment on comparison between corded and cordless Mafell MT 55?

[member=37411]ear3[/member], I have both corded and cordless MT55. I am only a hobbyist fabricating built-ins for our new home.
I have cut oak 4/4, cedar 4/4 and mainly plywood(all sizes, mostly 3/4") with both saws.

Most cutting is done with my cordless MT55. The reason for this is, I have two Mafell rails connected for ripping and I use a festool rail with cordless. So one MT55 is fitted for the Mafell rails and the other is for the Festool rail. I don't take anything apart once I get started. Also, you can find parallel guides for Festool a lot easier than the Mafell rails.
I have four batteries, two 8 Ah, and two that came with the cordless.  I am older so when working in my shop I only can work for 5-6 hours  a day cutting with the track saws before the lifting and twisting and turning  gets to me. In this time I only change batteries once. I change the battery that came with the cordless to an 8Ah, 18 V Metabo(CAS system). This lasts me one days work no problems.  I notice no difference in power/efficiency between the corded and the cordless. I have read somewhere that people say the cordless is less powerful, I have not noticed it.

 

[Svar]

I have had both Festool saws and sold them after buying the Mafell strictly for the rail system, which is significantly better than the Festool ones.
...

Sorry, the Maffel rails are not better. They are different. They may be better for you. That does not make them "better".

I agree with that. Mafell rail is narrower than the saw base. Hence, you can't bump it against bench dogs to make a cut. They'll interfere with the saw. Also no t-track on top, which is useful for a myriad of useful attachments. With the introduction of self aligning connector for Festool by TCO all this connector comparison debate no longer relevant.
So, no. Mafell rail are not significantly better. They excel in some applications, but fall short in others.

 

[Bernmc]

With the introduction of self aligning connector for Festool by TCO all this connector comparison debate no longer relevant.

The debate remains very relevant. TSO's connectors (I have two sets), while better than the Fe$tool offering, are not perfect. I was still getting errors over longer cuts, which is why I ended up biting the bullet and buying the 3m rail. They're easier to get right, but it still takes time to connect and check accuracy each time you reassemble. Joining Festool rails remains a PITA.

 

[AndrewG]

Thanks all for the input.

I’ll list my thinking so far in the hope I can make a decision soon.

- Using the MT55 with rails with bench dogs can’t be done

- There is options of rail dogs (Axminster sell these for mafell) but not sure if these are as convenient?

- No plug it cord. Will have to modify

- Can’t use the benchdogs UK (which I already have) parallel guides with the mafell. However they make a version for mafell rails and it could be as simple as getting a new fitting.

- I do like the mafell rails splinter guard, looks very good quality. Also the fact that I can use the Bosch rails (made by mafell is my understanding)

- If I keep festool rails it seems from what I’ve read that the accuracy/cut quality won’t be the same as using mafell rails? I’ve read mixed thoughts on this.

 

[thudchkr]

Can anyone comment on comparison between corded and cordless Mafell MT 55?

[member=37411]ear3[/member], I have both corded and cordless MT55. I am only a hobbyist fabricating built-ins for our new home.
I have cut oak 4/4, cedar 4/4 and mainly plywood(all sizes, mostly 3/4") with both saws.

Most cutting is done with my cordless MT55. The reason for this is, I have two Mafell rails connected for ripping and I use a festool rail with cordless. So one MT55 is fitted for the Mafell rails and the other is for the Festool rail. I don't take anything apart once I get started. Also, you can find parallel guides for Festool a lot easier than the Mafell rails.
I have four batteries, two 8 Ah, and two that came with the cordless.  I am older so when working in my shop I only can work for 5-6 hours  a day cutting with the track saws before the lifting and twisting and turning  gets to me. In this time I only change batteries once. I change the battery that came with the cordless to an 8Ah, 18 V Metabo(CAS system). This lasts me one days work no problems.  I notice no difference in power/efficiency between the corded and the cordless. I have read somewhere that people say the cordless is less powerful, I have not noticed it.

I also have both the corded and cordless MT 55 saws. I do believe the cordless saw is less powerful than the corded one. Not enough, however, to make me choose it over the cordless. In my shop I have the corded saw setup on an MFT with dashboard brackets and a Bosch 1100 rail as my cutoff station. Am very pleased with its performance as set up. I typically use the cordless saw for most other cuts. I have two of the Mafell 160 rails, a 110 and an 80. I usually have a Bench Dog rail square attached to my 110 but that is easily swapped to one of the 160s when needed. If I need to cut multiple thicknesses of plywood, I sometimes grab the corded MT 55 or use my Festool TS 75 on whichever FS rail length is needed.

I guiltily admit to being a bit of a tool junkie as I also have a TSC 55 to ride those Festool rails as well. If my TSC parallel guides had an equivalent for the Mafell rails, I might consider dropping the Festool saws but not too likely as I still need the rails for the LR 32 system and it’s convenient  to have the saws that ride those rails as well.

My Festool saws don’t see a lot of use since acquiring the Mafell ones but I like having them available.

FWIW, I also have a pair of the 8AH batts, as well the two batts that came with the MT 55 CC and have yet to exhaust two batteries in a single day. Battery life is quite good, even when using the 6AH batts.