Regarding Festool vs Mafell 55 plunge / track saws... I have both, ( and the Makita) and can give you the straight dope...
For system integration and convenience, plus wide availability and service, Festool wins.
If you want "the best", then Mafell has substantial advantages in features and quality.
Here's WHY I say that:
My Mafell MT55 has a completely enclosed blade guard, which improves dust collection. Sure, Festool's dust collection is great too. Mafell is just better at catching the last bit of fine dust that escapes from the hole on the festool saws.
Blade changes are faster on the Mafell. Search online for videos to see it for yourself. I consider that an advantage when I am carrying only ONE saw to do several things, therefore fast blade-changes are helpful. My entire travel kit fits in the back of a Honda Civic, partly because of the Mafell Track saw and Mafell jigsaw. ( the Mafell jigsaw is head and shoulders above any other jigsaw, including Festool. yes, I have both.)
The pivot-locking is faster on Mafell---one knob instead of two. It still locks at both ends like Festool’s, but a steel rod connects both ends so only one knob is needed.
Depth of cut and angle settings are more robust, secure, fast and easy.
When you pick up the Mafell, you'll know. Just looking at it in photos doesn't help you see and FEEL the difference in weight, strength, general engineering. The tracks and track connections are VASTLY better, much more rigid and heavy duty... made of thick wide STEEL, not thin soft aluminum.
There is only ONE feature about the MT55 that SOME users MAY need, but can't get---
the riving knife.
Apparently, it's very difficult to get permission in Germany ( or the EU) to even make a saw WITHOUT a riving knife... but Mafell jumped through those legal hoops to make it happen. WHY? Because they know the riving knife on a small circular saw is USUALLY superfluous. The only time we really need that riving knife is when we rip solid timber, especially if it is not properly dried.
You'll note that ALL the BIG timber-framing saws Mafell makes DO have riving knives for that reason.
The Makita also has no riving knife. Since I use that at home for plywood or KD only, I have only had one instance of kickback, and that was because the tracks were dusty and I didn’t use the clamps. Keep clean tracks and use clamps, you’ll never have a kickback with plywood or engineered lumber. So long as we are cutting sheet goods or good dry solid lumber, you don't need a riving knife. As soon as we start cutting BIG TIMBERS, or wet wood, then that riving knife is a good thing!
Therefore, If I was doing timber framing anymore, I'd go with the Festool TS75 ( at the bare minimum) or one of the other Mafell LARGE saws with riving knives.
Convenience and accessories...
Festool certainly has the edge in convenience and system integration. Their tools fit their power and vac connections. So long as you stick with Festool, you're good to go! Their vacuums fit all their tools. That’s true if you go ALL Mafell too, but then you’re in another echelon of cost.
I consider Festool’s system integration an advantage simply because I don't have to think about it. Just go Festool all the way, and your thinking is done for you. You pay a premium for accessories, but consider the value of your time. If you are fed up worrying about it, just go Festool. It's plenty good enough and has most of the features you could want, certainly all the features you need.
Problems arise when you need another section of track, or want to use another brand of router, jigsaw, etc.
The instant you need to bodge Festool stuff together with another brand, you're out of luck. Mafell saws CAN use Festool, Makita and Bosch tracks. You can't get Festool to work with Mafell tracks. Likewise, the DeWalt track-saw has a unique track with the guide-rail in the middle. I like that because there are TWO zero-clearance strips. But again, you can’t use their tracks with any other saw and vice-versa.
Mafell has great vaccums too, but frankly, I prefer the square top design of Festool vacs. Yes, you can use Mafell saws and hoses with Festool vacuums interchangeably. I just like the little Festool vacs for portability and convenient tool-holding.
Service... Festool is well known for its service. I have only had one problem with Festool stuff (the older jigsaw) and they took care of it fast, without any grousing.
Conversely, I have NEVER had any issues with Mafell, despite using Mafell saws since 1978. Those timber framing crews that introduced me to Mafell back then didn't just use Mafell saws... they used the ever lovin' $H1T out of 'em! For the really heavy duty stuff, Mafell is the way to go. It should be considering Mafell is far more expensive. Mafell is the German analog to Northfield Machinery of heavy duty portable equipment. It’s expensive and worth it.
Now that Mafell is finally becoming recognized in the states, Timberwolf Tools has relocated their main warehouse to Chicago. That dramatically improves shipping and turnaround times should you ever have a problem. I know from experience that Timberwolf stands behind every product they sell, 100%
Jeffery Powel (8008694169) is the guy I talk to there for advice, and you will probably need some advice when buying Mafell. Reason: Mafell is NO WHERE NEAR as clever at marketing and promotion. You have to dig through online catalogs and learn their peculiar teutonic protocols to even understand the catalog listings. Even with some experience navigating their website, I STILL call Jeff before placing an order.
One thing is certain... Timberwolf ships FAST! So far, everything I got from them was delivered the next day. Super packaging. No problems with shipping damage, even with the awkward long tracks and little parts ( clamps, edge guide, angle guide / protractors etc.) And BTW... don't believe the prices are written in stone. Sure, like Festool, Mafell has MAP pricing by contract, but there are ways around that. If you do enough business with Timberwolf, they'll work with you as much as they can. Because I’m tool-crazy, I might just spring for a mafell Bandsaw and one of those Erika table saws... but NOT before I talk to Jeff!
Most Festool dealers are good since they all can get Festool training. Festool works with their dealers to insure they know the products. I buy Festool stuff locally since we have a dealer here.
I made the mistake of buying some Festool stuff from CPO Festool. Never again.
In general, all the CPO services are crap and they only care about making more sales. Call them and ask a few questions to see for yourself.
Although Amazon has a good return policy, there is no one there to give buying advice or answers to user questions.. other than some users... and some of them are shills.
You’re better off not buying tools from huge outlets or Amazon no matter which brand you choose. Find your nearest dealer... or if you don’t have one nearby, talk to a reliable dealer: Lee Valley in Canada; Highland, Rockler or Woodcraft in the USA. There are other good dealers I’m sure. It’s just that I know from long experience you can trust those resources.
So, My advice? If you need the BEST dust collection, the most features ( minus riving knife for the small saws) or just want the Supreme BEST heavy duty tools... get Mafell.
Their Jigsaw is BY FAR the BEST. Likewise, the Mafell MT55 has some advantages over Festool in that size range.
However, if you plan to work with solid wood ( instead of plywood or other engineered panels) you'll want the riving knife. Festool’s small saw (TS55) and their big saw (TS75) both have ‘em.
Now, this last part is subjective and depends on what kind of work you do...
If you want to save time building cabinets, then the TS75's depth-of-cut is an advantage over any 55mm saw. With that, you can stack two to four sheets of plywood to make matching cuts on opposing carcass faces. You CAN gang TWO sheets with the 55’s, but you’ll unlikely gang FOUR like you can with bigger saws.
Gang-cutting speeds production and guarantees equal sized parts. That gang-cutting approach is a time saver for other applications too: making internal components for torsion boxes, cutting many small interior drawers at once, ripping many thin strips for boat building or fancy laminated furniture.
If I built those kinds of things more, then I'd go with Festool TS75.
If I was young enough to do timber framing anymore, I'd definitely go Mafell, all the way. But there, we're not talking about the little MT55... we're talking the ultra skookum BIG BOY saws! (WAY over the thousand dollar range) Those saws run on 220, so you either need an industrial power drop or a BIG PRO generator to run them. For installers, cabinet makers and us old fart retirees, Festool is the easy way out and PLENTY good enough.
BTW: the new Mafell MT55 plus a track, roller edge guide, angle guide, xero-clearance inserts and stuff cost me $1375. You can get the small Festool saw AND a vac for that. But then, I’m crazy and bought both.
As it is, I have both brands to cover any situation. At home INSIDE, I prefer Festool.
For outside stuff at home, I use the Makita. When I need ONE SAW for every job, I bring the Mafell, a few blades and some accessories.
People talk about festool stuff for pros or “spendy” hobbyists, but they never really mention WHY Festool’s system approach is so popular in Europe.
European homes are not nearly as big as American homes. The REAL reason you might want Festool’s whole system approach is to save space. If you don’t have much room and still want pro-level accuracy, Festool shines. You can get an entire workshop in a small van or bedroom, and set it up in minutes. If you work at home, Festool’s dust collection is good enough to keep your wife from divorcing you.
When I do volunteer work, I want to travel light yet remain versatile.That's when the Mafell fast blade changes really shines. But then again, I have my own custom made rolling rig with a panel saw jig. I can switch from rip to cross cut faster than most guys can move stuff to a miter saw. The Mafell angle guide is fast and perfect. I can also slow the saw down, (just like Festool) and use a metal cutting blade. No need to have a different saw. However, If I know I must have two saws, the festool and Mafell boxes fit together perfectly. Festool has speed control too, but Mafell motors are stronger and I’ve never had one “thermal out” on me. I have had the TS75 quit when cutting wet wood or sheet metal. Conversely, I have cut 3/8ths stainless sheets with my little Mafell.
BTW, Festool has a spark arrestor attachment for their Vacs... highly recommended if you are cutting BOTH wood AND metal using the same vacuum!
So, the bottom line is simple... if you work mostly with solid timber or plan to do production cabinet making, get the Festool TS75. You'll pay for it and never have to think about it again.
If you justadmire fine tools, or need the speed and flexibility, get the Mafell. If you want to get ONE THING by Mafell, the choose their Jigsaw. Make everything else Festool and you’re golden.
I recognize that some people "just want the best." Perhaps they are hobbyists who don't want to be clever inventing their own jigs, tracks, dust collection rigs. They just want to have the most fun with the least hassle. Then, either festool of mafell is great. Festool costs less and is more widely available from reputable dealers. Timberwolf is reputable, but you have no other options.
I also recognize that some people ( especially pros) want convenience and don't want to waste time mulling over every detail choosing tools.
If you are a pro, you don't care much what the tools cost up front, since you can deduct depreciation. If a thing costs more, you get larger deductions. Make your damn accountant do his job and by April 15th you won’t care about price. After five years, it’s all a wash no matter which brand you choose.
So the real problem is, can you get everything you want within ONE brand? Yeah... Festool can give you almost everything you'll need.
My personal perspective is peculiar, since I both LOVE fine tools (and can afford them) and yet, I HATE fussing over details. Now retired, woodworking is mostly a hobby for fun, home-repair DIY, or volunteer work to help others. I don’t have time to fuss over niggling details of every tool purchase. Far too many times, trying to “find the best deal” has ended up costing me more time and money. Now, I'd rather just buy the damn thing and see how it works. If I like, I keep it. If I hate it, I send it back. Simple.
BOTH Mafell and Festool have sufficient time windows for customer satisfaction trial. Both companies stand behind their tools. I just prefer to buy fabulous engineering ( like the Mafell) but also enjoy the simple system approach Festool brings.
If your time is valuable... just go Festool and get it over with.
If you are doing heavy duty timber framing or just want the most rugged precise saws with the best features... go Mafell.
I still like my little Makita track saw too. For $350, it’s great. If money is the main issue, go Makita.
If you need a supreme jigsaw, Get the Mafell no matter what brand of other tools you choose. Honestly, it cuts BETTER than my two 10 inch bandsaws... no exaggeration!
Therefore, assuming only quality and features are important (not cost) here is the 2015 / 2016 list:
If I had to choose ONE track saw? I’d get the festool TS75. It’s BIG enough to do gang cutting, has the riving knife in case I need it AND it fits with other Festool stuff I like.
If I had to choose ONE sander? Rotex 150. One sander does three different jobs. Carry less. Do more.
One joinery system? The small festool Domino... no contest. I still use my biscuit joiner for many things, but for sheer strength, NOTHING beats a tenon and NOTHING is faster or easier than the Domino.
One worm-drive framing saw? Makita magnesium Hypoid. I don’t do ANY framing anymore. Too old. But I still bought one of those because they’re Skookum.
One sidewinder “do everything” Circ saw? DeWalt 364 or 384. The DW360’s are unique because of the parallel adjustment feature and the front depth adjustment. If you need to make a homemade table saw with a sidewinder, THAT is by far the best saw to get. It also does everything else a sidewinder should do, VERY well. Strong. Good design. No dust collection to speak of.
One jigsaw? Mafell... no contest. Again just today, I had to cut fancy curves to mount some garden tools to the garage wall. I already had the bandsaw set up, so I tried that first. Too slow and the cuts were jagged. Got out the Mafell jigsaw, clamped it in the workmate and went to town. Perfect beautiful cuts in half the time. No kidding.
One miter saw? Bosch or Makita. Bosch for compound sliding; Makita for chop saw.
If factory installed dust control is crucial, the bite the bullet, get the Festool miter saw.
If you know how to modify your tools, the others are just as accurate and CAN provide good dust collection.
Vaccums? Festool... any size. I have two. Mini and the 26.
For more chip collection ( as opposed to fine dust) I got the best results with a ridgid 5 gallon attached to a Rockler DustRight separator for the thickness planer. Haven’t changed a bag in two years!
Based of decades of mistakes and luck, If I had to pick mostly ONE brand (and I obviously don’t) I’d choose Festool for system-integration, convenience, versatility and overall dust collection. It all plenty good and I don’t have to fuss over buying decisions. Just buy it and be done, then get on with the fun.
For BIG NASTY CHIP sucking and other gross jobs too mean for expensive German tools, Ridgid vacs are an awesome value.
No matter what, I’d STILL get that damn Mafell jigsaw. It’s in an entirely different dimension.
That’s my honest opinion based on real experience. I sincerely hope that helps because I am tired of typing now. ;-)
For system integration and convenience, plus wide availability and service, Festool wins.
If you want "the best", then Mafell has substantial advantages in features and quality.
Here's WHY I say that:
My Mafell MT55 has a completely enclosed blade guard, which improves dust collection. Sure, Festool's dust collection is great too. Mafell is just better at catching the last bit of fine dust that escapes from the hole on the festool saws.
Blade changes are faster on the Mafell. Search online for videos to see it for yourself. I consider that an advantage when I am carrying only ONE saw to do several things, therefore fast blade-changes are helpful. My entire travel kit fits in the back of a Honda Civic, partly because of the Mafell Track saw and Mafell jigsaw. ( the Mafell jigsaw is head and shoulders above any other jigsaw, including Festool. yes, I have both.)
The pivot-locking is faster on Mafell---one knob instead of two. It still locks at both ends like Festool’s, but a steel rod connects both ends so only one knob is needed.
Depth of cut and angle settings are more robust, secure, fast and easy.
When you pick up the Mafell, you'll know. Just looking at it in photos doesn't help you see and FEEL the difference in weight, strength, general engineering. The tracks and track connections are VASTLY better, much more rigid and heavy duty... made of thick wide STEEL, not thin soft aluminum.
There is only ONE feature about the MT55 that SOME users MAY need, but can't get---
the riving knife.
Apparently, it's very difficult to get permission in Germany ( or the EU) to even make a saw WITHOUT a riving knife... but Mafell jumped through those legal hoops to make it happen. WHY? Because they know the riving knife on a small circular saw is USUALLY superfluous. The only time we really need that riving knife is when we rip solid timber, especially if it is not properly dried.
You'll note that ALL the BIG timber-framing saws Mafell makes DO have riving knives for that reason.
The Makita also has no riving knife. Since I use that at home for plywood or KD only, I have only had one instance of kickback, and that was because the tracks were dusty and I didn’t use the clamps. Keep clean tracks and use clamps, you’ll never have a kickback with plywood or engineered lumber. So long as we are cutting sheet goods or good dry solid lumber, you don't need a riving knife. As soon as we start cutting BIG TIMBERS, or wet wood, then that riving knife is a good thing!
Therefore, If I was doing timber framing anymore, I'd go with the Festool TS75 ( at the bare minimum) or one of the other Mafell LARGE saws with riving knives.
Convenience and accessories...
Festool certainly has the edge in convenience and system integration. Their tools fit their power and vac connections. So long as you stick with Festool, you're good to go! Their vacuums fit all their tools. That’s true if you go ALL Mafell too, but then you’re in another echelon of cost.
I consider Festool’s system integration an advantage simply because I don't have to think about it. Just go Festool all the way, and your thinking is done for you. You pay a premium for accessories, but consider the value of your time. If you are fed up worrying about it, just go Festool. It's plenty good enough and has most of the features you could want, certainly all the features you need.
Problems arise when you need another section of track, or want to use another brand of router, jigsaw, etc.
The instant you need to bodge Festool stuff together with another brand, you're out of luck. Mafell saws CAN use Festool, Makita and Bosch tracks. You can't get Festool to work with Mafell tracks. Likewise, the DeWalt track-saw has a unique track with the guide-rail in the middle. I like that because there are TWO zero-clearance strips. But again, you can’t use their tracks with any other saw and vice-versa.
Mafell has great vaccums too, but frankly, I prefer the square top design of Festool vacs. Yes, you can use Mafell saws and hoses with Festool vacuums interchangeably. I just like the little Festool vacs for portability and convenient tool-holding.
Service... Festool is well known for its service. I have only had one problem with Festool stuff (the older jigsaw) and they took care of it fast, without any grousing.
Conversely, I have NEVER had any issues with Mafell, despite using Mafell saws since 1978. Those timber framing crews that introduced me to Mafell back then didn't just use Mafell saws... they used the ever lovin' $H1T out of 'em! For the really heavy duty stuff, Mafell is the way to go. It should be considering Mafell is far more expensive. Mafell is the German analog to Northfield Machinery of heavy duty portable equipment. It’s expensive and worth it.
Now that Mafell is finally becoming recognized in the states, Timberwolf Tools has relocated their main warehouse to Chicago. That dramatically improves shipping and turnaround times should you ever have a problem. I know from experience that Timberwolf stands behind every product they sell, 100%
Jeffery Powel (8008694169) is the guy I talk to there for advice, and you will probably need some advice when buying Mafell. Reason: Mafell is NO WHERE NEAR as clever at marketing and promotion. You have to dig through online catalogs and learn their peculiar teutonic protocols to even understand the catalog listings. Even with some experience navigating their website, I STILL call Jeff before placing an order.
One thing is certain... Timberwolf ships FAST! So far, everything I got from them was delivered the next day. Super packaging. No problems with shipping damage, even with the awkward long tracks and little parts ( clamps, edge guide, angle guide / protractors etc.) And BTW... don't believe the prices are written in stone. Sure, like Festool, Mafell has MAP pricing by contract, but there are ways around that. If you do enough business with Timberwolf, they'll work with you as much as they can. Because I’m tool-crazy, I might just spring for a mafell Bandsaw and one of those Erika table saws... but NOT before I talk to Jeff!
Most Festool dealers are good since they all can get Festool training. Festool works with their dealers to insure they know the products. I buy Festool stuff locally since we have a dealer here.
I made the mistake of buying some Festool stuff from CPO Festool. Never again.
In general, all the CPO services are crap and they only care about making more sales. Call them and ask a few questions to see for yourself.
Although Amazon has a good return policy, there is no one there to give buying advice or answers to user questions.. other than some users... and some of them are shills.
You’re better off not buying tools from huge outlets or Amazon no matter which brand you choose. Find your nearest dealer... or if you don’t have one nearby, talk to a reliable dealer: Lee Valley in Canada; Highland, Rockler or Woodcraft in the USA. There are other good dealers I’m sure. It’s just that I know from long experience you can trust those resources.
So, My advice? If you need the BEST dust collection, the most features ( minus riving knife for the small saws) or just want the Supreme BEST heavy duty tools... get Mafell.
Their Jigsaw is BY FAR the BEST. Likewise, the Mafell MT55 has some advantages over Festool in that size range.
However, if you plan to work with solid wood ( instead of plywood or other engineered panels) you'll want the riving knife. Festool’s small saw (TS55) and their big saw (TS75) both have ‘em.
Now, this last part is subjective and depends on what kind of work you do...
If you want to save time building cabinets, then the TS75's depth-of-cut is an advantage over any 55mm saw. With that, you can stack two to four sheets of plywood to make matching cuts on opposing carcass faces. You CAN gang TWO sheets with the 55’s, but you’ll unlikely gang FOUR like you can with bigger saws.
Gang-cutting speeds production and guarantees equal sized parts. That gang-cutting approach is a time saver for other applications too: making internal components for torsion boxes, cutting many small interior drawers at once, ripping many thin strips for boat building or fancy laminated furniture.
If I built those kinds of things more, then I'd go with Festool TS75.
If I was young enough to do timber framing anymore, I'd definitely go Mafell, all the way. But there, we're not talking about the little MT55... we're talking the ultra skookum BIG BOY saws! (WAY over the thousand dollar range) Those saws run on 220, so you either need an industrial power drop or a BIG PRO generator to run them. For installers, cabinet makers and us old fart retirees, Festool is the easy way out and PLENTY good enough.
BTW: the new Mafell MT55 plus a track, roller edge guide, angle guide, xero-clearance inserts and stuff cost me $1375. You can get the small Festool saw AND a vac for that. But then, I’m crazy and bought both.
As it is, I have both brands to cover any situation. At home INSIDE, I prefer Festool.
For outside stuff at home, I use the Makita. When I need ONE SAW for every job, I bring the Mafell, a few blades and some accessories.
People talk about festool stuff for pros or “spendy” hobbyists, but they never really mention WHY Festool’s system approach is so popular in Europe.
European homes are not nearly as big as American homes. The REAL reason you might want Festool’s whole system approach is to save space. If you don’t have much room and still want pro-level accuracy, Festool shines. You can get an entire workshop in a small van or bedroom, and set it up in minutes. If you work at home, Festool’s dust collection is good enough to keep your wife from divorcing you.
When I do volunteer work, I want to travel light yet remain versatile.That's when the Mafell fast blade changes really shines. But then again, I have my own custom made rolling rig with a panel saw jig. I can switch from rip to cross cut faster than most guys can move stuff to a miter saw. The Mafell angle guide is fast and perfect. I can also slow the saw down, (just like Festool) and use a metal cutting blade. No need to have a different saw. However, If I know I must have two saws, the festool and Mafell boxes fit together perfectly. Festool has speed control too, but Mafell motors are stronger and I’ve never had one “thermal out” on me. I have had the TS75 quit when cutting wet wood or sheet metal. Conversely, I have cut 3/8ths stainless sheets with my little Mafell.
BTW, Festool has a spark arrestor attachment for their Vacs... highly recommended if you are cutting BOTH wood AND metal using the same vacuum!
So, the bottom line is simple... if you work mostly with solid timber or plan to do production cabinet making, get the Festool TS75. You'll pay for it and never have to think about it again.
If you justadmire fine tools, or need the speed and flexibility, get the Mafell. If you want to get ONE THING by Mafell, the choose their Jigsaw. Make everything else Festool and you’re golden.
I recognize that some people "just want the best." Perhaps they are hobbyists who don't want to be clever inventing their own jigs, tracks, dust collection rigs. They just want to have the most fun with the least hassle. Then, either festool of mafell is great. Festool costs less and is more widely available from reputable dealers. Timberwolf is reputable, but you have no other options.
I also recognize that some people ( especially pros) want convenience and don't want to waste time mulling over every detail choosing tools.
If you are a pro, you don't care much what the tools cost up front, since you can deduct depreciation. If a thing costs more, you get larger deductions. Make your damn accountant do his job and by April 15th you won’t care about price. After five years, it’s all a wash no matter which brand you choose.
So the real problem is, can you get everything you want within ONE brand? Yeah... Festool can give you almost everything you'll need.
My personal perspective is peculiar, since I both LOVE fine tools (and can afford them) and yet, I HATE fussing over details. Now retired, woodworking is mostly a hobby for fun, home-repair DIY, or volunteer work to help others. I don’t have time to fuss over niggling details of every tool purchase. Far too many times, trying to “find the best deal” has ended up costing me more time and money. Now, I'd rather just buy the damn thing and see how it works. If I like, I keep it. If I hate it, I send it back. Simple.
BOTH Mafell and Festool have sufficient time windows for customer satisfaction trial. Both companies stand behind their tools. I just prefer to buy fabulous engineering ( like the Mafell) but also enjoy the simple system approach Festool brings.
If your time is valuable... just go Festool and get it over with.
If you are doing heavy duty timber framing or just want the most rugged precise saws with the best features... go Mafell.
I still like my little Makita track saw too. For $350, it’s great. If money is the main issue, go Makita.
If you need a supreme jigsaw, Get the Mafell no matter what brand of other tools you choose. Honestly, it cuts BETTER than my two 10 inch bandsaws... no exaggeration!
Therefore, assuming only quality and features are important (not cost) here is the 2015 / 2016 list:
If I had to choose ONE track saw? I’d get the festool TS75. It’s BIG enough to do gang cutting, has the riving knife in case I need it AND it fits with other Festool stuff I like.
If I had to choose ONE sander? Rotex 150. One sander does three different jobs. Carry less. Do more.
One joinery system? The small festool Domino... no contest. I still use my biscuit joiner for many things, but for sheer strength, NOTHING beats a tenon and NOTHING is faster or easier than the Domino.
One worm-drive framing saw? Makita magnesium Hypoid. I don’t do ANY framing anymore. Too old. But I still bought one of those because they’re Skookum.
One sidewinder “do everything” Circ saw? DeWalt 364 or 384. The DW360’s are unique because of the parallel adjustment feature and the front depth adjustment. If you need to make a homemade table saw with a sidewinder, THAT is by far the best saw to get. It also does everything else a sidewinder should do, VERY well. Strong. Good design. No dust collection to speak of.
One jigsaw? Mafell... no contest. Again just today, I had to cut fancy curves to mount some garden tools to the garage wall. I already had the bandsaw set up, so I tried that first. Too slow and the cuts were jagged. Got out the Mafell jigsaw, clamped it in the workmate and went to town. Perfect beautiful cuts in half the time. No kidding.
One miter saw? Bosch or Makita. Bosch for compound sliding; Makita for chop saw.
If factory installed dust control is crucial, the bite the bullet, get the Festool miter saw.
If you know how to modify your tools, the others are just as accurate and CAN provide good dust collection.
Vaccums? Festool... any size. I have two. Mini and the 26.
For more chip collection ( as opposed to fine dust) I got the best results with a ridgid 5 gallon attached to a Rockler DustRight separator for the thickness planer. Haven’t changed a bag in two years!
Based of decades of mistakes and luck, If I had to pick mostly ONE brand (and I obviously don’t) I’d choose Festool for system-integration, convenience, versatility and overall dust collection. It all plenty good and I don’t have to fuss over buying decisions. Just buy it and be done, then get on with the fun.
For BIG NASTY CHIP sucking and other gross jobs too mean for expensive German tools, Ridgid vacs are an awesome value.
No matter what, I’d STILL get that damn Mafell jigsaw. It’s in an entirely different dimension.
That’s my honest opinion based on real experience. I sincerely hope that helps because I am tired of typing now. ;-)
