Post by Red on Apr 22, 2015 3:27:46 GMT -5
Regarding my particular choice:
I too considered both the K85 Ec L-Max and the KSS 80 Ec/370. Both machines have exactly the same specification, save for the fact that the KSS 80 Ec can be fixed to and used with it's own 370 Cross-Cut Guide Rail, and can also be detached therefrom and used with the Guide Rail F system or just on its own. The K85 Ec, however, can only be used with the Guide Rail F system or just on it's own..........it is not interchangeable with the 370 Cross-Cut Guide Rail.
The KSS 80 Ec/370 is ideal for users who are cross or rip cutting short widths or short lengths time and time again, day-in day-out. Lifting the machine single handed from one piece of material to the next with the 370 Guide Rail attached is a dream time-saver particularly, though not exclusively, if the cuts are required to be at the same angles.......pre-setting the angle stops on the 370 Guide Rail allows the machine and attached Guide Rail to be quickly and easily placed against your cutting mark on the material to be cut, and it's good-to-go each time. The "370" in the product title refers to the maximum length of cut at full depth with the Guide Rail attached...........shallower cuts will enable progressively longer cuts, but only up to the overall length of the 370 Guide Rail itself, which will provide a maximum cut length of approx., 450 mm, or thereabouts as I seem to recall.
If 'time is not of the essence', then the K85 Ec can perform exactly the same cuts to exactly the same angles and tolerances (it's the same basic machine after all)..........the Angle Fence F-WA accessory is required to do so of course. This takes but a few extra seconds per cut in order to set the K85 Ec upon the Angle Fence F-WA Guide Rail, but the option now exists to also attach additional lengths of the Guide Rail F system so as to complete much longer cuts.........still all straight and true I might add.
The KSS 80 Ec/370 is about 15% more expensive than the K85 Ec L-Max, and it is only supplied in a cardboard box rather than the heavy duty L-Max case.
I too considered both the K85 Ec L-Max and the KSS 80 Ec/370. Both machines have exactly the same specification, save for the fact that the KSS 80 Ec can be fixed to and used with it's own 370 Cross-Cut Guide Rail, and can also be detached therefrom and used with the Guide Rail F system or just on its own. The K85 Ec, however, can only be used with the Guide Rail F system or just on it's own..........it is not interchangeable with the 370 Cross-Cut Guide Rail.
The KSS 80 Ec/370 is ideal for users who are cross or rip cutting short widths or short lengths time and time again, day-in day-out. Lifting the machine single handed from one piece of material to the next with the 370 Guide Rail attached is a dream time-saver particularly, though not exclusively, if the cuts are required to be at the same angles.......pre-setting the angle stops on the 370 Guide Rail allows the machine and attached Guide Rail to be quickly and easily placed against your cutting mark on the material to be cut, and it's good-to-go each time. The "370" in the product title refers to the maximum length of cut at full depth with the Guide Rail attached...........shallower cuts will enable progressively longer cuts, but only up to the overall length of the 370 Guide Rail itself, which will provide a maximum cut length of approx., 450 mm, or thereabouts as I seem to recall.
If 'time is not of the essence', then the K85 Ec can perform exactly the same cuts to exactly the same angles and tolerances (it's the same basic machine after all)..........the Angle Fence F-WA accessory is required to do so of course. This takes but a few extra seconds per cut in order to set the K85 Ec upon the Angle Fence F-WA Guide Rail, but the option now exists to also attach additional lengths of the Guide Rail F system so as to complete much longer cuts.........still all straight and true I might add.
The KSS 80 Ec/370 is about 15% more expensive than the K85 Ec L-Max, and it is only supplied in a cardboard box rather than the heavy duty L-Max case.
Preface: Coming from a traditional timber framing background, I've heard about the advantages of various Mafell tools for many years. Obviously, this does not make me a Mafell expert -- by any means -- so please bear with me if/when I make a few mistakes.
The quote above was taken from a 2014 thread started by muuiska, in which many of the differences between the K 85 Ec (K 85) and the KSS 80 Ec / 370 (KSS 80) are explained and discussed. Based on what I read in that thread -- and other K 85 threads -- the main difference between the two saw models is that the KSS 80 costs more and, although there is a metal case available, doesn't come with a systainer. It is also a bit more versatile in as much as it can be taken off of its 370 guide rail and used on the [more common ??] Mafell 'F' guide rails -- or sans guide rails.
The K 85, on the other hand, can only be used on the 'F' guide rails -- or sans guide rails. The K 85 has five more millimeters of cutting depth because it's not specified sitting atop a guide rail and it comes in a systainer with slots provided for extras.
Assuming that I'm correct, thus far, the only thing I don't understand is the angle capabilities. The third paragraph of the quote above states that the K 85 "...can perform exactly the same cuts to exactly the same angles and tolerances...'' and, furthermore, that "...the Angle Fence F-WA accessory is required to do so...". As muuiska also states that both saws are "...the same basic machine..." with "...exactly the same specification(s)...," I have to admit to being confused about the apparent difference in angle capabilities.
Assuming that I haven't confused anyone reading this, would those in the know please educate me on what the differences between the two saw models actually are. Much like Mr. Tool Junkie was, I, too, am wrestling with a potential "big track saw" purchase. As both the KSS 80 and the K 85 can cut to a depth of 3+ inches at 90-degrees, both saws would find a use on many of our job sites. I simply want to be sure that I understand all of the differences before I make what constitutes a major investment for our small operation.
Thanks very much for your time ...