MFT/3 basic or full?

[trebuchet]

I own a Bosch GKS 55 18v G circular saw and a pair of track guides and I´m about to buy MFT system but not sure to go for the basic with some dogs and rail square or the MFT/3 full equip (or both??)
I thing the accesories worth the price difference but I´m not sure how well the Bosch would run on the Festool track guide.
I´m not a pro but a amateur enthusiastic with some proyects in mind.
Any opinion will help

 

[vkumar]

I dont think Bosch is compatible with Festool tracks.  Makita , Festool, and Triton are somewhat compatible with each other.

I think you are better off buying just the MFT and come up with your own guides and squares form other makers. Even the TSO will not work with the Bosch.

 

[waho6o9]

You'll have more area to work on the table without the extras, I say get the basic.

 

[elm]

I have both the basic and full setup.  I find myself using the basic table more.  Don't get me wrong, the attachments do have their place in my shop, but for what I do (hobbyist) I find using the basic table with a separate track to be faster.  That is probably because I started with just a track and a large work surface.  With repeated cuts that fit inside the constraints of the track mounted on the table, I have used the full setup and when I do I like the speed, but for me I have more one-off cuts that I can simply do faster with the track free floating (not constrained).

 

[ScotF]

DashboardPWS.com makes replacement guide rail clamps for the MFT/3 that fit Mafell/Bosch guides as well as Festool. Something to consider with an MFT.

 

[trebuchet]

I dont think Bosch is compatible with Festool tracks.  Makita , Festool, and Triton are somewhat compatible with each other.

I think you are better off buying just the MFT and come up with your own guides and squares form other makers. Even the TSO will not work with the Bosch.

Thanks for your input. They are compatible. The Bosch has an exra slot in the base for Festool but nor sure how well they work.

 

[trebuchet]

DashboardPWS.com makes replacement guide rail clamps for the MFT/3 that fit Mafell/Bosch guides as well as Festool. Something to consider with an MFT.

I´ve just see that and is nice but...  [eek] those guide rail clamps costs $199 (and it seems they do not ship outside the US)  and the difference between the basic and the full is about $200 or less where I live... and I´m getting the rail, clamps, fence...

 

[MikeGE]

Thanks for your input. They are compatible. The Bosch has an exra slot in the base for Festool but nor sure how well they work.

I'm not familiar with the Bosch GKS 55 18v G.  I am familiar with the GKS 55G corded and GKS 18V-57G cordless saws.  I have the Bosch GKS 18V-57G and the GKS 85G saws (and Bosch FSN rails).  The "G" identifies the Bosch tools as being compatible for use with the FSN rails.  The Bosch saws and rails are gathering dust now that I have switched to the Festool TS75.

I think "compatible" with the Festool rails might be a stretch.  Both of the Bosch saws will fit on the Festool track, but the fit is loose and the saws have a slight side to side movement on the track.  Unlike the Festool TS55 and TS75 saws, the Bosch saws don't have any way to compensate for the fit, so I doubt you will be able to make accurate or repeatable cuts.

I wouldn't hesitate to use the Bosch saws and Festool tracks to break down sheet goods, or rip lumber to rough size, but I would not rely on the combination for precision work or glue-ready cuts.

Another point to consider about the Bosch circular saws is the amount of chips and dust they spew out because of the exposed blade.  The vacuum attaching point manages to take care of some of what is produced, but the rest is thrown out all over the place.  If you work outside or in a garage, this might not be a problem, but it does create quite a mess if you cut a counter top in the kitchen.  My wife was not happy and didn't complain when I bought the TS75.

 

[trebuchet]

I'm not familiar with the Bosch GKS 55 18v G.  I am familiar with the GKS 55G corded and GKS 18V-57G cordless saws.  I have the Bosch GKS 18V-57G and the GKS 85G saws (and Bosch FSN rails).  The "G" identifies the Bosch tools as being compatible for use with the FSN rails.  The Bosch saws and rails are gathering dust now that I have switched to the Festool TS75.

Mine is the 55 18v G, my bad!    :

I think "compatible" with the Festool rails might be a stretch.  Both of the Bosch saws will fit on the Festool track, but the fit is loose and the saws have a slight side to side movement on the track.  Unlike the Festool TS55 and TS75 saws, the Bosch saws don't have any way to compensate for the fit, so I doubt you will be able to make accurate or repeatable cuts.

You totally cleared my question. Is absurd to go to the full without a Festool saw. Thanks.

Another point to consider about the Bosch circular saws is the amount of chips and dust they spew out because of the exposed blade.  The vacuum attaching point manages to take care of some of what is produced, but the rest is thrown out all over the place.  If you work outside or in a garage, this might not be a problem, but it does create quite a mess if you cut a counter top in the kitchen.  My wife was not happy and didn't complain when I bought the TS75.

I won´t be happy neither as I have to clean my own mess  [big grin]
That would be my next question in a future when I change my saw for a plunge one. I bought a saw for a few little proyects and I didn´t think I will like woodworking so much...
One day I´ll have to think if I go with the Mafell (or the new Bosch Biturbo cordless) or get rid of all the Bosch rails and go with the Festool but today is not that day

Thanks!!!!