TS and other brands

[RC]

Any hints to where I could find data on the Mafell rail-systems 'superior' features?

I looked at the one video on youtube and found the PDF brochure where they basically say that you can use 'other make' rails on the saw, but nowhere did I find more details on what these advanced features of the rail are that are mentioned in the plusses for the MT55.

 

[ajones]

I do not know where you could  look, I use my mafell mt 55cc on my festool rails (which works perfectly) as I have the parallel guide system,

but the mafell rail is a superior design as is the rail connector you need to see them to realise just how good they are

for me its the very low profle of the rail and the superb rail connector its just quality..... and makes the festool rails and connectors look and feel clunky [crying]

 

[neth27]

I do not know where you could  look, I use my mafell mt 55cc on my festool rails (which works perfectly) as I have the parallel guide system,

but the mafell rail is a superior design as is the rail connector you need to see them to realise just how good they are

for me its the very low profle of the rail and the superb rail connector its just quality..... and makes the festool rails and connectors look and feel clunky [crying]

Also the splinter guard strip can't fall off  [big grin]
http://www.dm-tools.co.uk/browse.php/section/7327/level/4
John..

 

[ajones]

I do not know where you could  look, I use my mafell mt 55cc on my festool rails (which works perfectly) as I have the parallel guide system,

but the mafell rail is a superior design as is the rail connector you need to see them to realise just how good they are

for me its the very low profile of the rail and the superb rail connector its just quality..... and makes the festool rails and connectors look and feel clunky [crying]

Also the splinter guard strip can't fall off  [big grin]
http://www.dm-tools.co.uk/browse.php/section/7327/level/4
John..

Yes forgot about that,  you also have the detachable plastic ends to protect the end of the rail and  the profile is so low the hose does not catch on the end of the rail.

 

[Michael Kellough]

The Mafell rail connector looks very good but when the clip-in splinter guard gets worn it has to be replaced entirely.
I like the fact that the Festool splinter guard can be moved out and re-used several times.

 

[neth27]

But they fall of and get covered in sawdust so can't be used more than once..

 

[Brice Burrell]

I do not know where you could  look, I use my mafell mt 55cc on my festool rails (which works perfectly) as I have the parallel guide system,....

How about you do a review of the full Mafell saw.  I'm sure there are plenty of members that would appreciate it, I would be one of them. [thumbs up]

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

This modular saw base may be worth mentioning. I'm not trying to start another Eurekazone flame war here, just pointing out that this kit would allow use of ANY saw on Festool rails. I did this once for cutting concrete pavers using my Festool rails and a Bosch worm drive saw. Worked like a charm. Just mention that you are using Festool rails and make sure you mention which saw you are using in case they need to send you longer pieces (like for the Makita 16 5/16" saw!  [eek])

http://eurekazone.com/content/moduni-saw-base

Thanks!
Tom

 

[Michael Kellough]

But they fall of and get covered in sawdust so can't be used more than once..

I'm still using the black rubber strips...are the clear worse?

 

[Laminator]

Double faced tape allows me to reposition a strip six or seven times at least and they never fall off.  Works as good with the white strips as it does with the black ones and costs almost nothing....

The Mafell saw sure does sound interesting!    I would hate having a "one time use" strip on the rail though.

 

[ajones]

Double faced tape allows me to reposition a strip six or seven times at least and they never fall off.  Works as good with the white strips as it does with the black ones and costs almost nothing....

The Mafell saw sure does sound interesting!    I would hate having a "one time use" strip on the rail though.

I guess there is no one perfect system that will suit everyone. the fact that the strip will not come unglued  and just slides out frome either end of the rail.
sounds like the better deal I replace the strips on my festool rails but have never bothered to move them across.

 

[RC]

Somehow the Mafell guide rail extension connector looks more 'professional' than the Festool ones. Looks sturdier and convenient storage on the rail itself - is it just looks or does it actually work better? 

Also does anyone have the Makita SP6000K1 saw and could maybe compare it to the TS55 and the Mafell MT55? I just watched the Axminster introduction video on Youtube on it and it seems to have just about all the features of the Mafell saw (except the guide rail and single knob tilt).

 

[EWTHeckman]

Also does anyone have the Makita SP6000K1 saw and could maybe compare it to the TS55 and the Mafell MT55?

I don't have the Makita, but I did notice some differences from the video.

Advantages of the Makita:

• Can cut angles greater than 45° plus -1°
• The ability to lock the saw to the track, which is helpful at larger angles
• The positive 22.5° stop
• The square motor housing for blade changes. (You can set the TS 55 on it's motor, but it's not very stable.)

Advantages of the Festool:

• Superior blade change locking system
• Precision depth stop. The Festool has a notched quickset system, plus a set screw that allows for precision adjustment.
• Riving knife
• Splinter guards (apparently)

 

[ajones]

Also does anyone have the Makita SP6000K1 saw and could maybe compare it to the TS55 and the Mafell MT55?

I don't have the Makita, but I did notice some differences from the video.

Advantages of the Makita:

• Can cut angles greater than 45° plus -1°
• The ability to lock the saw to the track, which is helpful at larger angles
• The positive 22.5° stop
• The square motor housing for blade changes. (You can set the TS 55 on it's motor, but it's not very stable.)

Advantages of the Festool:

• Superior blade change locking system
• Precision depth stop. The Festool has a notched quickset system, plus a set screw that allows for precision adjustment.
• Riving knife
• Splinter guards (apparently)

advantages of the mafell
the best blade change/locking system
dual depth stop for on off track use
riving knife
pre score option for laminated board
more powerful cuprix motor

 

[EWTHeckman]

Disadvantage of the MT55: NAINA

Or at least not listed on their (really poor) U.S. web site.

 

[ajones]

Disadvantage of the MT55: NAINA

Or at least not listed on their (really poor) U.S. web site.

I took about a min to find this  mafelltoolstore.com sale price $825

 

[Brice Burrell]

Disadvantage of the MT55: NAINA

Or at least not listed on their (really poor) U.S. web site.

I took about a min to find this  mafelltoolstore.com sale price $825

Disadvantage of the Mafell MT55: $825 price
Advantage of Festool TS55: $525 price

In fairness to Mafell MT55 comes with a second blade and parallel fence that the Festool does not.

 

[ajones]

Disadvantage of the MT55: NAINA

Or at least not listed on their (really poor) U.S. web site.

I took about a min to find this  mafelltoolstore.com sale price $825

Disadvantage of the Mafell MT55: $825 price
Advantage of Festool TS55: $525 price

In fairness to Mafell MT55 comes with a second blade and parallel fence that the Festool does not.

That price also includes a guide rail.....

 

[EWTHeckman]

I took about a min to find this  mafelltoolstore.com sale price $825

Finally found it. $825 is a sale price. Regular price is $941.60.  [eek]

Another disadvantage of the Mafell: their web site. It was listed on the "store" web site, but not the primary U.S. web site. And here is the info they have listed about that saw:

The new MT 55 cc Plunge Cut Saw is designed to make high precision plunge cuts and can also be used for parting, bevel and angled cut without any tear out. It has a 2 HP variable speed motor and has a cutting depth of 2 1/4".

That's it. Period. I've sometimes wished that Festool's site included more information on their products. But Festool's site is practically non-stop info compared to Mafell's site. I guess they're going for the high-priced, "if you have to ask…" market.

I wish the Festool had some of the other features of the Makita and Mafell. IMHO, Festool beats the Makita overall, and the extra features of the Mafell just isn't worth the $$$$ or the attitude projected by that site. Hopefully, though, Mafell will keep Festool's engineers on their toes.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Disadvantage of the Mafell MT55: $825 price
Advantage of Festool TS55: $525 price

In fairness to Mafell MT55 comes with a second blade and parallel fence that the Festool does not.

That price also includes a guide rail.....

Yes, I was only listing the extra items the Mafell has.  The $525 price on the TS55 includes the saw, 48t blade, 1400mm rail, green splinter guard, anti-kickback stop and T-Loc Systainer.

Here's the description for the Mafell MT55: MT 55 cc Plunge Cut Saw - 120 volt includes Guide rail F 160, 48 T and 32 T Carbide Blades and Parallel Fence.  No mention of a case.