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Post by atlantis on Feb 5, 2021 16:08:37 GMT -5
Hi all I'm new to the Mafell forum and I have seen a few discussions about what rails people like more but I am thinking of swapping from the Festool ts55 to the mt55cc and I already own so many Festool rails I don't want to buy all new Mafell rails. I just wondered if anyone has made the switch and kept their rails and is happy with the Festool/Mafell?
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Post by aas on Feb 5, 2021 16:21:01 GMT -5
I sold my TS55 and rails and switched to Mafell. Since then I've purchased more Festool rails for the MT55 - there are advantages to each, but I like the MT55 on Festool rails. I use the Mafell rails too, but probably use the Festool rails more.
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Post by Knight Woodworks on Feb 5, 2021 16:30:10 GMT -5
What do you enjoy about the Festool rails? One of the main reasons I switched to Mafell saws was to get away from the Festool splinter strips and the hassle of joining the rails.
Thanks,
John
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Post by alvychippy on Feb 5, 2021 16:40:57 GMT -5
Hi all I'm new to the Mafell forum and I have seen a few discussions about what rails people like more but I am thinking of swapping from the Festool ts55 to the mt55cc and I already own so many Festool rails I don't want to buy all new Mafell rails. I just wondered if anyone has made the switch and kept their rails and is happy with the Festool/Mafell? In short FesT rails are OK, as long as you don't need to join them, but Mafell are narrower that is couple of advantage and disadvantage points. I'm settled on using MT55 on FesT rails, I got plenty of lengths and have replaced all splinter guards with Makita ones, still remember fondly of Mafell rails used not that long ago, for being lot smaller,lighter.
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Post by atlantis on Feb 5, 2021 17:33:12 GMT -5
Thanks ass it's good to hear that there is already someone out there enjoying the Mafell/Festool combo.
Knight woodworks I like that the Festool rails stick to the work surface well as I have seen on here it can be a problem with the Mafell rails moving around. I also like all the attachments and jigs you can get for the ft rails.
Alvychippy I am much like you I have replaced my splinter strips with makita and since have had no problems. I also have the 3m track so no problem with joining.
I was just concerned as I spoke to someone in a local store and they told me that the mt55cc doesn't work well on the Festool rails so I thought I would check.
Also have you had any problems with 45° cuts being off set from the splinter strip.
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Post by alvychippy on Feb 5, 2021 19:03:33 GMT -5
atlantis 45° cuts is bit of a pain, but once learned (mark, clamp, run in, unclamp move - cut) it's bearable... Tbh only once need panels to be joined as finish in 45's and be it just a kitchen panels I had 0 splinters. Somebody worked out washer packing way, to make MT55 to be on the same cut line as FS55 does... Seemed like alot of bother for very little benefit.
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Post by MrToolJunkie on Feb 5, 2021 19:59:13 GMT -5
I like the green strips to reduce friction and no metal on metal contact. Also, bottom of FT is gripper. Have every size and joining is a rarity, but the TSO products rail joining accessory gets perfect joining of FT rails that used to be an annoyance. Mafell rubber strip is much better than FT though and you can clamp narrow stock on edge.
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Post by aas on Feb 6, 2021 2:13:53 GMT -5
I concur with comments above : Put Makita splinter strips on Festool rails are grippier Don't join them, buy the right length (I don't have the TSO joiner yet)
I would add: More choice of clamps Festool (TSO designed) rail square Extra width to be able to hold the rail while the saw runs past
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Post by atlantis on Feb 6, 2021 3:31:10 GMT -5
alvychippy Thanks for the tip, I might be wrong but when you say run in, move and cut do you mean check where the saw will cut on 45 then move the rail to make the saw line up rather than have the splinter strip on your mark? I have seen an older post about taking the saw apart and changing the washer but I think to do that to a brand new saw is crazy and also if there are any problems I'm sure it will invalidate warranty. @mrtooljunkie clamping close to the edge is not too much of a problem for me as I would normally do narrow cuts on my table saw. Thanks for all your help, I think I will just buy the bare saw and keep my FT rails for now
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Post by alvychippy on Feb 6, 2021 4:05:58 GMT -5
Indeed, as per how you understood. Long time now, I was lazy avoiding clamping, but for 45's and in general it just takes away endless unnecessary risks. At 45 that becomes crucial, as FT splinter guard is ~3 +; -1 mm away from the actual cut line but if there's any material and /or guide deflection - the workpiece could end up ruined.
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Post by kraftt on Feb 6, 2021 8:00:46 GMT -5
I’ll add that I make it a point to regularly wipe down the mafell/bosch grip ribs with one of those pre-moistened hand cleaning towels to maintain their best grip since they have such a narrow contact point. I guess with all designs the rubber/foam builds up a dirt/dust film after prolonged use sliding them around.
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Post by aas on Feb 6, 2021 16:32:01 GMT -5
I've got a Mafell 1600 rail with Festool non slip fitted - I will do this to all my Mafell/Bosch rails when I get the time - so much better.
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Post by kraftt on Feb 6, 2021 17:33:03 GMT -5
Great idea. Does it change rail height? Do you take advantage of the single shallow channel and install just one strip or pull the maf/Bosch grip ribs out and abridge their slots?
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Post by alvychippy on Feb 8, 2021 8:02:39 GMT -5
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Post by Knight Woodworks on Feb 8, 2021 10:28:27 GMT -5
Thanks to all for your input.
I agree, the Festool rails are grippier. Not a big deal to me, if I'm making a critical cut I clamp the rail regardless of the brand. Having said that, I too would like to hear more about fitting the FT strips on Mafell rails.
Not concerned about about abrasion to the bottom of the saw. Even with a few years of regular use mine show limited wear.
In agreement that the Makita rail strip are better.
I'm frequently working on site. Would rather not transport the long rail. Have not tried the TSO connecters, anyone here have any firsthand experience?
Do wish there were more accessories for Mafell rails.
Never tried cutting a 45* bevel with my Mafell saws on a FT rails. Annoyingly all four of my Mafell saws miss the rail by apx 2mm in this configuration. Fortunately I seldom need to do bevel cuts.
I like the Mafell rails. They take up less space, the option to clamp near the cut is a big plus, joining them is painless. Having said that, based on peoples replies I may get the TSO connecters and give my Festool rails a go with my Mafell saws.
Thanks,
John
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