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Post by Tom Gensmer on Jul 29, 2019 7:48:41 GMT -5
I just saw Mafell released a bunch of video tutorials for the Erika 70/85, and it looks like they've made some light updates.
Anyways, it looks like Mafell made a very light update to the saws, without changing the core functionality or mechanics. For me, this is great, since this confirms that: A.) Mafell is continuing to improve and refine the saws, and B.) Functionally, the new saws are only an incremental improvement, and I don't feel like I'm missing out
It looks like the most noticeable changes are: -- Different blade guard (I'm glad I have the "red" style) -- On-board storage for the guard -- On-board storage for the push stick -- Removable riving knife (neat, but not something I think I'd use) -- On-board storage for the little clamping element you'd use with the longer fences -- Better access for blade changes -- The shorter fence extrusion on the MFA is now rounded
Otherwise, it looks like the core of the machine and all of the accessories remain unchanged. I can't tell if the motor is any different, but I rather doubt it. I adore my Erika 70, and cringe at the thought of working without it. I'm glad to see Mafell continuing to refine the design, and happy to see them release some tutorials on a rather unique saw.
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Post by aas on Jul 29, 2019 10:12:18 GMT -5
Not a lot of change there... the first video at 1:59 - is that LED lighting on the cut line or video special effects?
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Post by Tom Gensmer on Jul 29, 2019 14:49:19 GMT -5
Not a lot of change there... the first video at 1:59 - is that LED lighting on the cut line or video special effects? Good eye! Yeah, initially I thought it was just ambient lighting, but on closer inspection it looks like it might be onboard LED lighting, perhaps battery powered and integrated into the blade guard?
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questa
Junior Member
Posts: 62
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Post by questa on Jul 29, 2019 17:05:25 GMT -5
The blade guard on my 70 cracked a few years ago, still works fine but taking it off and on has taken its toll and just the other day I thought about ordering a replacement. From this video I think I may like the new one!
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Post by aas on Jul 30, 2019 16:12:15 GMT -5
I recently added a Festool CS50 Precisio to the stable... long story short...Festool had released a new model, they sent me the old model, I opened a Paypal litigation - Festool sent me all the parts to upgrade my saw to the new model... so I now have two blade guards for the Precisio, (amongst other things!), the second of which is very similar to the new Mafell Erika guard in the video - it looks like it's not very good, and I thought I'd prefer the old style, but actually I use the new one more - for one, the dust collection is better - no LED lighting though!.. but I could add it if need be. I would like some more info on this Mafell guard, see if it really does have built in lighting.
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Post by kraftt on Jul 30, 2019 19:02:19 GMT -5
... " The new protective hood with integrated work light covers the saw blade completely, thus increasing the safety for the user. "
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questa
Junior Member
Posts: 62
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Post by questa on Jul 31, 2019 15:54:02 GMT -5
Just spoke to David at Timberwolf and he said he met with the president of Mafell just 10 days ago and got an "overview" of the changes to the Erika. I asked about the possibility of getting the new blade guard for the existing model Erika and he advised to check back in 3 to 4 months for a definitive answer.
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Post by naildrivingman on Aug 4, 2019 7:24:34 GMT -5
Not a lot of change there... the first video at 1:59 - is that LED lighting on the cut line or video special effects? Good eye! Yeah, initially I thought it was just ambient lighting, but on closer inspection it looks like it might be onboard LED lighting, perhaps battery powered and integrated into the blade guard? Thanks for posting those Tom. I have to agree that the “split” blade guard is not my favorite. I prefer the red one as well. I do think that as I age I would appreciate a little more light on the work area, however. With the popularity of LED in the last few years, I have to believe that given enough cleverness, the user could come up with an aftermarket workaround that could be incorporated into the red guard. i like the idea of the removable riving knife, but coupled with the new guard and other minor features, it is not enough to warrant buying another Erika.
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Post by aas on Aug 4, 2019 15:41:48 GMT -5
I must admit, I too have a need for decent lighting on my work area - I'm not sure the Erika would be first on my list to add lighting to though - rip fence; sliding table; you name it... I need the light for setting up, not for seeing all the dust missed by the dust collection!
Maybe I'm missing something here.
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curious
New Member
EVA 150E, UVA 115E, P1cc, KSS80ec, MT55 18B bl, MKS 130ec, Erika 85, DDF40
Posts: 4
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Post by curious on Aug 5, 2019 0:14:00 GMT -5
When can I buy them?
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Post by aas on Aug 9, 2019 4:12:08 GMT -5
From a German dealers website :
Advantages:
New type of dust channel revolutionizes the extraction - for even less dust when working.
Maybe this is the main upgrade, the new blade guard is just to improve airflow for the extraction.
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Post by naildrivingman on Aug 10, 2019 5:48:13 GMT -5
From a German dealers website : Advantages: New type of dust channel revolutionizes the extraction - for even less dust when working. Maybe this is the main upgrade, the new blade guard is just to improve airflow for the extraction. In hindsight, I can see how the split guard might actually improve dust collection. With ol’ red, the suction comes from above and beneath (or above only with use of the clean box). Because there is no impediment for the sides, back or front, I can see how dust can get flung away from the negative pressure of the collection point. i may consider this hood, if offered for older gens of Erika. Currently, I use a two point vacuum collection (with the Mafell supplied Y). I do not have the Cleanbox. I’m pretty sure I will always use a vacuum with Erika. Has anyone experienced better collection when using the Cleanbox as a static collector and the vacuum as the dynamic collector?
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Post by aas on Aug 10, 2019 6:17:55 GMT -5
The cleanbox is a quick fix solution for working outside, saves spewing 100% of the dust out!.. don't bother with it unless you do this a lot.
I'm currently fabricating some solid surface tops, the dust is fairly heavy - none of it goes up the top hood - it all gets flung forward carefully lined up to fill my jean pockets. This is with the Mafell Y connector going on to a 1600w iPulse Starmix.
The best collection I have ever had from the Erika was when I tried it with my proper dust collector on a approx 70mm hose.
The other option is to put one vac on the back, one on top - I tried this with my Makita DVC860 which has a foot switch, plugged into the Auto plug on the Festool Midi - a quick kick turns both the vacs on. Not ideal, but better than with the Y connector.
I'm guessing it will be too hard/expensive to upgrade an existing Erika to add the new dust channel, but I could be wrong.
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Post by antihero on Aug 10, 2019 10:02:05 GMT -5
I'm disappointed they don't seem to have addressed the issue of accidentally changing blade height when using the push-pull action.
Other than that, a pleasant surprise - decent improvements and very nice of them keeping old accessories compatible. Too many companies like to change up things on purpose to make you buy everything again.
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Post by aas on Aug 10, 2019 11:16:20 GMT -5
I'm disappointed they don't seem to have addressed the issue of accidentally changing blade height when using the push-pull action. I've never found this to be a problem... maybe there's a friction adjustment, in any case, mine doesn't move unless I want it to. Maybe it's how I hold the handle - hand on top, fore and middle fingers either side of the pull out bar, no grip as such, just let my hand hang there.
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