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Post by jameshowison on Dec 16, 2019 13:10:40 GMT -5
I'm considering the Mafell MT55 18M bl but using it with Makita rails. Why? Because the squares and parallel guides work with those (mostly looking at tso products stuff), as do the rail dog systems (e.g., parf dogs). Also like the possibility of using with Makita routers and possibly Makita circular saws when a rail gets older.
Any "gotcha"s to watch out for? Like problematic cut lines? I understand that joining the Makita/Festool rails is it's own gotcha! But other things to think about?
Also considering the KSS 40 18M bl cross-cut, which I understand can also run on the Makita/Festool rails for long cuts. Would that have a different cut line on that rail than the MT55 18M bl?
When considering the Mafell rails, am I right that the rail dog systems require some offsetting bar or such since the mt55 saws overhang the rail? Or are the small rise dogs ok for the saw to pass over? And there are still no non-DIY'd parallel guides for the Mafell/Bosch rails, right?
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Post by alvychippy on Dec 16, 2019 13:19:57 GMT -5
I'm considering the Mafell MT55 18M bl but using it with Makita rails. Why? Because the squares and parallel guides work with those (mostly looking at tso products stuff), as do the rail dog systems (e.g., parf dogs). Also like the possibility of using with Makita routers and possibly Makita circular saws when a rail gets older. Any "gotcha"s to watch out for? Like problematic cut lines? I understand that joining the Makita/Festool rails is it's own gotcha! But other things to think about? I'll answer the first bit, I know of Makita rails are OK, but Mafell/Bosch rails better, unless those are new guide rails and you'll do a "de'flowering" cut on a splinter guard. still, at 45 or 48 on FsT rails cut becomes 2mm away (to the right), so splinters are possibility.
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Post by jameshowison on Dec 16, 2019 14:58:43 GMT -5
Thanks, alvychippy. Right, so basically need rail dedicated to the saw and one for 45° (and near) angles.
Anyone got any thoughts on the parf dog situation with Mafell rails and the MT55?
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Post by aas on Dec 16, 2019 15:44:01 GMT -5
KSS40 cannot run on Festool rails as you said - only Mafell/Bosch rails.
I use my MT55 almost exclusively on Festool rails, and the MT55 18bl on Mafell rails - apart from the issue of 45's whichhas been fairly well covered, no problems. I think the Festool rails are better than Makita rails...
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Post by MrToolJunkie on Jan 2, 2020 19:03:31 GMT -5
KSS40 cannot run on Festool rails as you said - only Mafell/Bosch rails. I use my MT55 almost exclusively on Festool rails, and the MT55 18bl on Mafell rails - apart from the issue of 45's whichhas been fairly well covered, no problems. I think the Festool rails are better than Makita rails... Has there been any wear on the MT55 base using it on FT rails? I took the blanking strip out to look and it looks like there are some plastic pieces that hold the screws slightly elevated from the magnesium base, but I wonder if the plastic wears down over time. It looks like it is a part that can somehow pop out and be replaced, but I did not want to mess with it too much and damage the plastic. Also, do you have to adjust the cams each time you swap between rails? I have only been using it on Mafell rails, but the TSO square and other bits has me thinking about using it on Festool rails. Thanks!
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Post by kraftt on Jan 2, 2020 21:24:38 GMT -5
Each time you move the saw from one brand rail to another you would want to re-snug the cams.
It’s my estimation that with the feed rate the saw typically sees you don’t have much to worry about with plastic ‘cams’ wear/burnishing, against aluminum, unless you’re a heavy daily user. Even then you would just tighten the cams a bit more as they wear or replace them which is easy.
As for the “plastic pieces that hold the screws (elevated from the magnesium base)” they clear the top of a festool guide. The saw relies on its base resting on the aluminum rail for depth accuracy.
If you're curious you can easily pop out those plastic pieces and put them back no worries:
1) Remove the allen cam screw. 2) Rotate the plastic cam knob while gently pushing from underneath it (now exposed) and it will 'align' to slip right out without effort. 3) The main cassette body/sleeve slides right out. That's it.
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Post by MrToolJunkie on Jan 2, 2020 23:10:48 GMT -5
Thanks, kraftt ...very much appreciated! One other question - and I suppose I can just see for myself, but do the green strips cause the base of the Mafell to tilt - since it only covers one side of the saw shoe?
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Post by aas on Jan 3, 2020 3:46:36 GMT -5
Thanks, kraftt ...very much appreciated! One other question - and I suppose I can just see for myself, but do the green strips cause the base of the Mafell to tilt - since it only covers one side of the saw shoe? Good question, I've never checked - I'll have a look at some point.
The constant adjusting ot the cma sis why the 230v stays on Festool rails, the 18v on Mafell. I would love to have one set of rails, but the Festool rails are good for two reasons - 1) the edge of the rail is larger than the saw base and takes accessories (i.e. Gecko); 2) the non slip strips actually work - well.
I have a couple of rolls of the Festool non slip and keep meaning to try it out on the Mafell rails, but it doesn't help with problem one.
My ideal rail would have Mafell splinter strips and joiners, with the Festool non slip strips and accessory groove.
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Post by aas on Jan 3, 2020 13:25:55 GMT -5
Well I looked at this today for you, used my Bosch digital angle finder, not scientific but it should give an idea : 2 measurements, one between workbench and side of saw with the saw sat on the workbench, 2nd with the saw sat on the rail - exactly the same reading. Maybe it would be more accurate to do this from the underside of some solid surface with the blade plunged through the material...
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Post by MrToolJunkie on Jan 4, 2020 11:14:01 GMT -5
Thanks for checking aas. I agree with your assessment of the the best rail. TSO Products in the US makes new rail connectors for Festool rails that are supposed to guarantee square and stay that way - I do not have a pair as I have most of the rail sizes FT makes. You might want to check it out as I know they ship internationally. I do like the Mafell rubber strip. I have been debating adding another saw like you so have dedicated to each rail system. TSO's guide rail squares and parallel guides are some of the best accessories I have every purchased and only work with FT style rails, but I like the Mafell rails for other reasons.
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Post by aas on Jan 4, 2020 11:49:31 GMT -5
I keep looking at TSO products... I have a great solution for joining Festool rails, I have lots of different lengths so I don't have to! As an asides, I use the Makita splinter strip on my Festool rails, so much better, and it stays on the rail!
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Post by MrToolJunkie on Jan 5, 2020 0:06:15 GMT -5
I keep looking at TSO products... I have a great solution for joining Festool rails, I have lots of different lengths so I don't have to! As an asides, I use the Makita splinter strip on my Festool rails, so much better, and it stays on the rail! I just went to one of my suppliers today and was pleasantly surprised to see them stocking TSO products - so I bought the guide rail connectors. They work awesome - I too have every size rail to negate joining, but sometimes it is more practical or if on site. Very well made and they do align the rail perfectly - just like the Mafell rail joiner. I love TSO stuff - everything is top notch. I bought some Makita strips and will give them a try next time I have to replace mine. They are like the old-style FT version. I do wish FT had something similar to Mafell, though.
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Post by aas on Jan 6, 2020 3:28:07 GMT -5
This is one of those things that Festool should have thought of... hats of to TSO though. TSO are very expensive here, I can't buy in France, needs to be ordered from another European country - rail joiners come in at about 75$.
It's maybe not so much just the price (I have loads of Mafell and Festool and that's not exactly cheap!)... but I can't see the goods, I need to order online in blind faith, and if it doesn't do exactly what I want, then it's lot of money to be sitting there doing nothing.
I've already made that mistake with an MFT template (again couldn't be ordered in France), made up one largish worktable (1m x 2m), could never be used for lining up cuts or glue-ups, so far out. The supplied router bit burned badly, it's a table full of black holes!.. and the dogs that were supposed to go with the cutter (I thought, get them together so they are a good match!) are loose and wobbly...
I'm not questioning the quality of TSO, just a shame there is nowhere to get hands on the goods nearby / or with easy returns.
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Post by MrToolJunkie on Jan 11, 2020 0:58:10 GMT -5
This is one of those things that Festool should have thought of... hats of to TSO though. TSO are very expensive here, I can't buy in France, needs to be ordered from another European country - rail joiners come in at about 75$. It's maybe not so much just the price (I have loads of Mafell and Festool and that's not exactly cheap!)... but I can't see the goods, I need to order online in blind faith, and if it doesn't do exactly what I want, then it's lot of money to be sitting there doing nothing. I've already made that mistake with an MFT template (again couldn't be ordered in France), made up one largish worktable (1m x 2m), could never be used for lining up cuts or glue-ups, so far out. The supplied router bit burned badly, it's a table full of black holes!.. and the dogs that were supposed to go with the cutter (I thought, get them together so they are a good match!) are loose and wobbly... I'm not questioning the quality of TSO, just a shame there is nowhere to get hands on the goods nearby / or with easy returns. Yes - I understand. You can order from TSO directly in the US. Hans is great to deal with. I have a big collection of what they make and literally everything is above expectations in quality, function and accuracy. It is really good stuff and worth the money spent IMHO.
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Post by chippiegary on Jan 11, 2020 7:19:25 GMT -5
Axminster power tools in the uk now stock Tso products including the rail connectors if that helps 👍 I also have the connectors and they do work very well “ still constantly put a long straight edge to check though Old habits hard to break 😂
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