TS-55 0r KSS300 HELP
- Thread starter JUDOKA
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What is a KSS300?
Peter
Peter
ccarrolladams
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JUDOKA said:
You have asked this question in another thread.
My answer is the same as I posted there: Where is your Maffel service place and are they as easy to deal with as Festool?
What use is a tool in need of repair? How does that tool earn for you until it is repaired?
Bob Gerritsen
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I have both, the TS55 stays in the shop, the KSS300 stays in the van, for me that says it all. I wouldn't want to give up either and can recommend both.
However, if this will be your first track saw to be used cutting sheet goods mainly in the shop, I'd probably say go for the TS. For me the KSS300 works as an on site solution that is perfect because it is compact and extremely versatile, one sys4 replaces the TS55 with track and the Kapex in most situations and because I'm on site a lot. I need it in the van always because the van is separate from the shop and always ready to go so to speak.. The tiny guide profile is the price you pay for that though, the TS with FS is more bullet proof in that sense and is hard to get of track.
So I say, get both.
However, if this will be your first track saw to be used cutting sheet goods mainly in the shop, I'd probably say go for the TS. For me the KSS300 works as an on site solution that is perfect because it is compact and extremely versatile, one sys4 replaces the TS55 with track and the Kapex in most situations and because I'm on site a lot. I need it in the van always because the van is separate from the shop and always ready to go so to speak.. The tiny guide profile is the price you pay for that though, the TS with FS is more bullet proof in that sense and is hard to get of track.
So I say, get both.
jonathan-m
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Well to be fair, you could also get a regular solid track for the KSS. The TS has a much more controlled plunge action though. Plunging with the KSS I find kinda iffy.
If you get the TS55R you can also get close to the wall for flooring just like the KSS though.
For the rest, I completely agree with Bob.
The KSS is extermly compact and portable, more suitable for jobsite work on location. It's an excellent solution for guys that lay wood or laminate floors on location. And like Bob already said, by using it on the small fixed miter rail it can replace a miter saw for 90% of the work. All in a single systainer. It works blazingly fast for guys that do flooring.
The TS55 then again is better suited for breaking down sheet goods and general all round in the shop use, whereas the KSS is a specialty tool.
If you get the TS55R you can also get close to the wall for flooring just like the KSS though.
For the rest, I completely agree with Bob.
The KSS is extermly compact and portable, more suitable for jobsite work on location. It's an excellent solution for guys that lay wood or laminate floors on location. And like Bob already said, by using it on the small fixed miter rail it can replace a miter saw for 90% of the work. All in a single systainer. It works blazingly fast for guys that do flooring.
The TS55 then again is better suited for breaking down sheet goods and general all round in the shop use, whereas the KSS is a specialty tool.
Bob Gerritsen
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jonathan-m said:
This is very true. To the OP, please keep in mind that plunging is one of the weaker points of the KSS, if you see yourself doing that a lot, go TS. Also the smaller blade will dull faster if it is your only saw. Not an issue if it is your second though, if you consider it an issue at all as the blades are cheaper than on the TS. Btw, you could also consider Mafells bigger saw to compare to the Festool, I'm probably getting that one to replace my TS some day.
The KSS is somewhat of a specialty tool, which seems contrary to the fact that it's main pro is it's versatility. For me it is the perfect on-site-won't-leave-home-without-it saw, as it is always in the van it has gotten me out of tight spots several times. I would even go so far as saying it has probably paid for itself already in the time it has saved me within the nine months or so I have it now. But that is because I have the luxury to keep it in the van and leave the TS in the shop. It is the multi-tool among saws if you like. I have to say that for a saw that has a couple of obvious downsides I sure do love it a lot!
So in summary and just to be fair (wouldn't want you to find out later and be disappointed), the downsides are:
- Plunging is possible but a bit weird.
- Portability comes at a price, the flexi rail requires a bit more concentration than a sturdy one, you need to keep a bit more vertical pressure. Consider an extra sturdy one if you're planning on sawing a lot in the shop.
- Depth of cut maybe? Again, might be an issue if it is your only saw.
Other than that it is totally awesome.
In the US, Festool has a local subsidiary and a proper dealer network, and Mafell appears to be only really imported and sold by one small business in Maine. I imagine Canada is similar, whereas Switzerland presumably has good distribution channels for all German brands of power tools. I'm not saying not to buy the Mafell, if you like it. Just be aware that everybody has their perspective based on their local situation.
