jacko
Junior Member
Posts: 95
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Post by jacko on May 1, 2015 19:49:58 GMT -5
Guys,
While at this time I only envision using the track saw to break down the sheet goods then cut final dimensions on my slider table saw. The reason I would do this (besides being anal about dimensions) is I don't have any experience on the precision of a track saw.
I looked at a demo model at a Rockler store before they dropped Festool and the reference edge was pretty ragged not very conducive to aligning to a knife marked line. Is the alignment reference on the Mafell MT55 a lot better then the Festool saw?
I'm still in the mode of trying to justify to myself that I need (want) this track saw.
Jack
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Post by erik on May 1, 2015 22:56:19 GMT -5
Hey Jack,
The reference edge is established by your initial cut into the splinter strip affixed to the guide rail. That edge represents where the blade will arrive, so unless you use an after market blade with a different kerf dimension, the edge should remain a constant. Now, in real life, we do not always have machine precision when pushing the saw, so you could introduce variance. My splinter strip has a couple of gauges from precarious cutting arrangements, binding wood and just plain old whoops, but if you're cutting sheet goods from a stationary table, you will reduce that issue. Sometimes i push left-handed and sometimes right, so that could also degrade my reference edge. Its in the hands of the user that makes the difference and the more you use the saw the better you become at controlling error. So, you may want to use the saw, practice a bit, and when you're satisfied with your set-up and push, change your test splinter strip out for a new one that reflects your higher fidelity...knife mark even, reference edge.
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jacko
Junior Member
Posts: 95
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Post by jacko on May 1, 2015 23:45:44 GMT -5
Thanks Eric,
The thing I was wondering about is if the splinter strip material is any better that the stuff Festool uses? The Festool demo model track saw I was looking at at the Rockler store was kinda fragmented and ragged on the edge. Perhaps like you indicated that is all operator error and with good technique you can get a good refrence edge. I sure wish that there was a Mafell retailer on the West Coast so I might be able to see for myself before spending the money on a hobby tool. If I did this for a living it would be a no brainer and I would already have a Mafell saw.
Thanks for the info,
Jack
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Post by lincoln on May 2, 2015 1:34:40 GMT -5
Hello Jack - Very nice desk. I like how you joined the two units together, at the back leg.
I had the Festool TS55, but sold it recently and upgraded to the Mafell MT55. I got seven good years out of the Festool, but the Mafell is definitely an upgrade - both the saw, and rail system. I should add though - cost wasn't an issue in my case. Festool are so expensive here in Australia, that I was able to sell my TS55 and accessories, and import the Mafell from Germany, and only be a few $ out of pocket. Plus, the Bosch rails are available here, off the shelf. And yes, the Mafell/Bosch splinter strip is far superior to the Festool. If you did go for the Festool, I'd recommend getting the Makita splinter strip - works the same way, but make out of a better material. Still nowhere near the Mafell/Bosch, but better than what Festool currently offer. And please hang around, no matter what you decide on!
Lincoln.
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jacko
Junior Member
Posts: 95
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Post by jacko on May 2, 2015 9:08:57 GMT -5
Lincoln,
Thanks the information on the splinter strip was exactly what I was looking for and it makes my decision a lot easier.
The desk sections were connected at the left side top rail of the short section to the front rail of the longer section. I clamped the back legs together for reference and when I had the top edges of the rails aligned I drilled and press fit in location pins. I then drilled and bolted the two sections together. I needed to able to take the two sections apart if I ever replace the carpeting in that room or to move it for whatever reason. The top sections were aligned by a series of 6mm Domino slots and Domino tenons (not glued) and then the top was attached to the rails with table top fasteners.
Jack
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Post by MrToolJunkie on May 2, 2015 10:18:45 GMT -5
Jack - yes, as Lincoln pointed out the strip is superior. But in both saws it is a consumable and you will have to replace it in time after use - but it lasts a very long time. The Mafell fits in a channel and the Festool uses a sticky adhesive that sometimes sticks and usually peels in hot weather. Festool has more accessories available for the rail system, but the Mafell rails are nice. I do like the green glide strips on Festool's rails, but I like everything else on Mafell's rails more.
For me a track saw was game changing in how I work - easier to work with sheet goods and preferred method of straight line ripping solid material. I get just as accurate as I would with a table saw and use this or my KSS80 for processing material these days. And I have a good cabinet saw to use too. I just like the track system better.
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jacko
Junior Member
Posts: 95
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Post by jacko on May 2, 2015 11:12:57 GMT -5
The splinter strip on the Mafell that fits into a slot, is it easy to replace? I have a difficult time seeing me replace my table saw since I have a 5hp saw with a very good selection of Forrest Carbide Blades that make ripping 8/4 stock a breeze.
I want a track saw for sheet goods but, who knows after using it I might be pleasantly surprised.
Jack
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Post by GhostFist on May 2, 2015 13:29:24 GMT -5
I've said before, I don't feel a track saw completely replaces a table saw but it makes several tasks easier and safer.
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jacko
Junior Member
Posts: 95
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Post by jacko on May 2, 2015 13:35:56 GMT -5
I've said before, I don't feel a track saw completely replaces a table saw but it makes several tasks easier and safer. I agree and lifting heavy panels up on my slider is a pain in my back. I see the need for a track saw I just don't know how much I want to spend on one. Is the Makita SP6000J1 at 1/3 of the cost a viable option for just cutting down sheet goods? At least I can drive over to Lowes or Home Depot and take a look at the build quality (and then probably buy the Mafell MT55). Jack
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Post by wrightwoodwork on May 2, 2015 13:46:12 GMT -5
I can't really comment on how good or bad the makita is. I would think its up to the job. Does anyone you know have a track saw you can try to get a feel of and see if it's something you will like
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jacko
Junior Member
Posts: 95
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Post by jacko on May 2, 2015 13:49:20 GMT -5
Actually I haven't seen a track saw in use around here. Then again, I'm not in the trades so I don't have those connections.
Jack
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Post by MrToolJunkie on May 2, 2015 14:00:02 GMT -5
There is a video on here I believe that shows the process and it looks pretty straightforward. I have not had to replace mine yet. I also have a very nice cabinet saw with all the top blades and find the track saw and KSS80 cut even better. It is a different workflow and it is not for everyone, but I find it safer and cleaner results.
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Post by wrightwoodwork on May 2, 2015 14:09:07 GMT -5
It does help if you csm try a tool before parting with cash on it. I presume you stay in california. There is a member called calidecks which I also believe is in california and has the mt55. No idea where he is in relation to you or contact details. Maybe worth a shout to talk things through
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Post by MrToolJunkie on May 2, 2015 14:15:36 GMT -5
Actually I haven't seen a track saw in use around here. Then again, I'm not in the trades so I don't have those connections. Jack Jack - not sure where you are, but you can at least get a feel for the Festool versions at Woodcraft or another supplier in your area. For sheet goods it is a no-brainer as you can move the saw over the material and get excellent results. I even prefer it to solid timber processing. You can lay the track and cut material to follow certain grain patterns, there is no rework on the edge needed, less dust, safer, etc... The only thing table saws to are faster cutting, especially with smaller strips. You can do these same things with a track saw, but not as quickly for sure. So in a production type setting it would not make sense. But when time is not as big of an issue, then I think you can get great results. Like many of us we all grew up with table saws being at the heart of a shop and there is nothing wrong with them or that method of work at all. However, I think that there are lots of ways to get from point a to point b and if you have the inclination to use other tools and methods, you can also get there and often the end result is better. I rely on my bandsaw as the heart of my stationary machinery these days and do lots of ripping on it and I get perfect results with that machine too. I have considered selling my cabinet saw but I keep it because I have already invested in it and I do like cutting large coves and other things on it that would be hard for me to do with other tools at my disposal. But, it sucks up floor space and I often think about regaining it to make my work in the shop more efficient. A track saw or KSS saw makes that type of thinking more of a reality. I think that a track saw is worth it and it then comes down to the value you place on the tool features and benefits. Mafell, DeWalt, Makita, Festool, Triton and even Grizzly Tools' version of the saw will all work. But some will be a little more accurate than others. Some are going to make the job easier and the end cut quality better or have the right accessory to really make a difference and so that is where the extra dollars come into play. Festool offers the 30 day policy to try it out and see if it works for your method of building and so that might be the way you want to go to see for yourself. But, as with many of us here, we have found Mafell and migrated to that level of tool because we value what Mafell offers - yes they are expensive, but on the tools I have used it seems that Mafell just gets everything right -- it is a everything you need, nothing you don't type philosophy, very refined and finely engineered. While I used to think that Festool was the end-all be all, Mafell takes that to an entirely different level. The price you pay is only part of the equation.
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Post by holmz on May 5, 2015 18:08:33 GMT -5
...in my case... ... and import the Mafell from Germany, and only be a few $ out of pocket ... Lincoln. Lincoln - Did you use Dictum? It takes some work to stay under 1k AUD
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