|
Post by Tom Gensmer on Aug 26, 2014 23:25:00 GMT -5
Alright, I'm starting this thread as a general information gathering tool for fellow contractors and remodelers who regularly process larger posts, but who are not necessarily timber framers. For instance, I regularly use 4x4, 4x6, and 6x6 posts for deck construction, additions, and small retaining walls and window wells. In addition to simple crosscutting tasks, I have had to periodically rip these posts down, whether to properly size them, or to remove a coarse surface.
That being said, I wonder if you folks have any suggestions as to what is a good, all around "Large" saw? In my mind, contenders in this category would include the KSS-80/370, MKS 130, and the larger MKS saws (145, 165, 185). What features should we be looking for? Are there any tricks to keep in mind? For instance, rather than getting hung up on cutting in a single pass, is it to our benefit to go with a slightly smaller saw and simply cut the post/beam in two passes?
Thanks for any input!
|
|
|
Post by MrToolJunkie on Aug 26, 2014 23:29:32 GMT -5
Great thread. Hopefully some users will chime in. I know Aaron has one of the saws and Garch will hopefully chime in. I have pinged Woodie a couple of times and I hope he can give feedback on his experiences with the KSS80.
|
|
|
Post by wrightwoodwork on Aug 27, 2014 1:20:19 GMT -5
Yeah I've got the ksp 85 I have used to split up 6x2 if I needed to buy new I'd properly go for the ks80 or kss80 the main reason being you can flick the guard up from the inside of the saw. Where the ksp 85 is on the outside and can be awkward if the saw is angled over. If I was working exclusive with heavy glulam beams then maybe consider the mks130. Just to safe flipping over a heavy weigh. If only once in a while then the kss89
|
|
|
Post by Tom Gensmer on Aug 28, 2014 22:32:43 GMT -5
Yes it's a bit tricky. On the one hand, I wouldn't want to buy a large saw like the KSS80, only to find out that's its still too small, on the other hand I'd hate to overdo it with a MKS saw....
Given that I'd still need to flip the material when crosscutting or ripping 6x6 posts regardless of whether I was cutting with the KSS-80 or MKS 130, I suppose it'd make more sense for me to go with the KSS-80, since it would also serve well as a large capacity framing saw, with it's 60 degree bevel capacity (cutting rafters, for instance, whereas I feel like I would almost exclusively use the MKS 130 for crosscutting and ripping timbers.
Oh well, I'm still a few years away from this purchase, so I've got time to noodle....
|
|
|
Post by holmz on Jun 6, 2015 0:00:20 GMT -5
What other saws fit onto the Bosch rail? Are there any 7-1/4" ones that work that are not $$$ versions? (To put a Prazi onto) Ideally on a track....
|
|
|
Post by jm on Jun 6, 2015 13:21:59 GMT -5
You can buy a plastic shoe for some Bosch saws that slip over the base of some of their less expensive saws.
|
|
|
Post by holmz on Jun 6, 2015 17:50:45 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by holmz on Jun 7, 2015 2:38:32 GMT -5
Note to self... I think that the GKS-65 or GKS 66 is the one to fit the bosch rail.
|
|
|
Post by jalvis on Jun 15, 2015 12:09:44 GMT -5
For the money I think Makita's 5104 is a good looking saw. Makita 5104
|
|
|
Post by jasonkehl on Jun 16, 2015 6:29:28 GMT -5
I've got the MKS 130 and the KSS 80 and I recommend the 80. I find it a far more versatile saw with the 370 track, lighter weight and just overall great design. The MKS still requires that you flip a 6x6 and cut it in 2 passes. I use the 80 all the time and have seriously considered selling the 130. There are occasions I grab the 130, but only because I already own it.
|
|
|
Post by holmz on Jun 16, 2015 8:54:38 GMT -5
I've got the MKS 130 and the KSS 80 and I recommend the 80. I find it a far more versatile saw with the 370 track, lighter weight and just overall great design. The MKS still requires that you flip a 6x6 and cut it in 2 passes. I use the 80 all the time and have seriously considered selling the 130. There are occasions I grab the 130, but only because I already own it. So what does that mean to someone without either - who is not doing these cuts all the time? A handsaw, ZSX, Z5 or a MKS185? I know for me in the near term it is the former, but I thinking ahead... Well ahead.
|
|
|
Post by jasonkehl on Jun 16, 2015 18:45:37 GMT -5
It really depends on your budget and what you like to spend your money on. I do enough timber work that I chose to buy both the ZSX and the Z5. I could justify it to myself partly because I use them quite a bit and partly because I like having the best tool for the task at hand. My work/tools are my livelihood and my hobby. They will eventually pay for themselves but I could have made do with something cheaper.
If I was to do it again I would still buy the KSS 400, KSS 80, ZSX, and Z5, I don't think I would buy the MKS 130 again just because with having the other saws my use of the MKS is very intermittent.
|
|
|
Post by Red on Jun 16, 2015 23:23:33 GMT -5
It really depends on your budget and what you like to spend your money on. I do enough timber work that I chose to buy both the ZSX and the Z5. I could justify it to myself partly because I use them quite a bit and partly because I like having the best tool for the task at hand. My work/tools are my livelihood and my hobby. They will eventually pay for themselves but I could have made do with something cheaper. If I was to do it again I would still buy the KSS 400, KSS 80, ZSX, and Z5, I don't think I would buy the MKS 130 again just because with having the other saws my use of the MKS is very intermittent. Where are you located, Jason? I was taught to crown my first timber back in the 70s, and I still don't own that lineup of timber framing tools. Don't take this the wrong way because I'm quite envious ... but I can tell you firsthand that your tool inventory is better than most of the master timber framers I've ever met.
The thread starter (OP) seems to be inquiring about a saw that will work well with light construction timbers -- i.e., 4x6 and 6x6 -- not heavy timbers like 6x8, 8x8, 8x10, 10x10, 10x12 and 12x12. You, on the other hand, are clearly set up for any and all of the timber sizes I've included herein (and then some). For folks in the US to purchase the tools you own -- from the sole US distributor -- we would pay over $15,000.00 USD ... and that doesn't include any shipping charges, taxes or other accessory add-ons. You're clearly good-to-go for timber framing, but I think the OP was looking for something a bit more modest. Nevertheless, I'm quite impressed.
|
|
|
Post by jasonkehl on Jun 17, 2015 6:11:16 GMT -5
I'm in Kenora Ontario Canada (2 hours eat of Winnipeg MB). A bit of personal history in case your interested...
I started my carpentry apprenticeship in 1999, (at the age of 29) I received my journeyman's licence 3 years later and started working for myself 3 years after that. My work is in residential houses and cottages. We build from foundation through to completion; often building the cabinets, interior doors, stairs and railings etc... along the way.
We (I have 2 helpers) had all of the usual tools and popular brands one would expect to see on a job site; once I found out about Festool I invested in some of their tools for cabinetry and interior finish work. I found out about Mafell and have invested in some of their saws for most all of our on-site cutting needs.
Four years ago I started working with a designer that incorporates quite a bit of timber work in his designs. I bought a Makita beam planer and the MKS 130 so we could work with the 6x, 8x and 10x, timbers. I quickly grew tired of having to roll big timbers because the MKS couldn't make the cuts in one pass. We also cut quite a few arches and decorative rafter tails along with all the notches and tenons that come with timber work. Last year brought about the decision to purchase the big saws. They save so much time.
I am in no way a master timber framer; we do good quality work but the designs are quite simple really. I like nice tools and am willing to spend for them. I realize the original question was not geared toward the really big saws so I started off comparing the KSS 80 with the MKS 130.
j
|
|
|
Post by holmz on Jun 17, 2015 7:01:02 GMT -5
I'm in Kenora Ontario Canada (2 hours east... ... j Sounds interesting J .... You have photos of you work?
|
|