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Post by Tom Gensmer on Feb 1, 2014 12:13:30 GMT -5
Is it worth it to get the carrying case for the KSS 400?
The case I am referring to is part #204240, seen at 2:07-2:14 in this Mafell video:
My distributor claims that the cardboard box that the KSS 400 ships in is very heavy duty, but I can't imagine that it'll hold up to the elements that job site tools inevitably encounter. The red carrying case is $200, which is NOT inexpensive, however I don't want a $800 hand tool just banging around a job site either. I'm sure I could rig up a box out of plywood, I just wonder where my time/money is better spent? Spend the money for a case and use the time to generate revenue? Or spend the time to build a custom case and save the money? Hm.......
Thoughts?
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Post by jalvis on Feb 1, 2014 12:21:05 GMT -5
The Case looks nice but like you said making one would be simple and you can always use scrap material. I didn't see any place for extra blades and accessories with that case either.
Chances are I would probably build a case at that price. It would be super simple and made in less then an hour with stuff already in the shop. Plywood and screws! I'm starting to care less and less about the boxes that tools are sold in. Just yesterday I trashed a handful and seriously contemplating selling some systainers. Its about the tool and what you build with it!
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Post by wrightwoodwork on Feb 1, 2014 15:23:33 GMT -5
When I got my kss400 it come with the metal case. The case is quiet big in the van I leave the case in the van as quit heavy and robust in the van I have the tools or try to have them with their own spot and don't need to pull out other tools to get a tool out. To me systainers locked together is only handy if carrying a bunch of tools from A-B on a practical side tools locked together isn't practical to me what ever tool you want is at the bottom
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Post by 7 on Feb 2, 2014 13:55:22 GMT -5
I can see both perspectives on the systainer and other organization debate. I like them a lot. Especially for the tools that have accessories that are small and easy to misplace- (festool router for example or jigsaw with spare blades & circle jig etc) I like that they are square for organized trailer transport. I have also seen Ron Paulk's trailer shelves with all tools out of their cases- great solution too. Another personal preference area based on how each of us think & work.
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Post by jalvis on Feb 2, 2014 14:38:41 GMT -5
I still use systainers for some things but they are not ideal for speed. The only advantage I like is the protection it provides.
The real problem for me is the constant change from onsite to shop use. I'm constantly unloading and reloading from shop to trailer. Now if I had two of everything….problem solved!
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Post by garch on Feb 2, 2014 17:46:14 GMT -5
I have the metal mafell case for mine. It's awesome, even lockable, and made very well. Nice to see a metal case in lieu of all the plastic cases tools come with today (not that I'm against systainers). A bit heavy but will last for years. I have extra blades and the parallel guide stored in mine.
For me very much worth the price.
Another option but pricey is to use a pelican case. That is what i did with my KSP 85 as it would not fit in any of the systainers. A bit heavy again but nice for transporting to jobsites. Waterproof too.
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Post by jalvis on Feb 3, 2014 11:30:44 GMT -5
I have a pelican for my Camera gear and used it for years. Certainly the most durable case and water proof like you mentioned.
Remember when Milwaukee tools had Red Metal cases?
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Post by Tom Gensmer on Feb 3, 2014 12:26:03 GMT -5
Love these responses!
jalvis, I agree that there is a tremendous amount of satisfaction to be had when making custom cases for tools! Some creativity and some 1/2" Baltic Birch plywood can do wonders!
For tools that I take on-site, particularly tools that will by used outdoors, I really like to have a tool case that can hold up to the elements, particularly the rain and snow that we see here all too often in Minnesota! I've had really good luck using the plastic Systainers from Tanos/Festool and making my own plywood inserts for them. One option would be to make an insert for the KSS 400 (minus the track), rip guide and extra blades, and simply transport the track separately, perhaps in a custom-made canvas tote? Or, just go all-in and get the mega-case...... Hmmm, decisions!
garch, could you post a photo showing the inside of the KSS-400 case? I'm curious to see the parallel guide and blade storage, and some idea of scale.
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Post by 7 on Feb 3, 2014 22:15:08 GMT -5
I have a pelican for my Camera gear and used it for years. Certainly the most durable case and water proof like you mentioned. Remember when Milwaukee tools had Red Metal cases? I actually got a makita sawzall a few years ago with a blue metal case- the AVT model- managed to break the tool recently so its sitting in my shop- trying to decide if its worth fixing at this point. My co-worker has the Milwaukee super sawzall in the red metal case. My new one came with in a plastic blow molded one with no room for blades etc. |
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Post by garch on Feb 10, 2014 21:41:16 GMT -5
Love these responses! jalvis, I agree that there is a tremendous amount of satisfaction to be had when making custom cases for tools! Some creativity and some 1/2" Baltic Birch plywood can do wonders! For tools that I take on-site, particularly tools that will by used outdoors, I really like to have a tool case that can hold up to the elements, particularly the rain and snow that we see here all too often in Minnesota! I've had really good luck using the plastic Systainers from Tanos/Festool and making my own plywood inserts for them. One option would be to make an insert for the KSS 400 (minus the track), rip guide and extra blades, and simply transport the track separately, perhaps in a custom-made canvas tote? Or, just go all-in and get the mega-case...... Hmmm, decisions! garch, could you post a photo showing the inside of the KSS-400 case? I'm curious to see the parallel guide and blade storage, and some idea of scale. Here's the exterior where you are able to see actual dimensions. I'll post interior photos separately.    |
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Post by garch on Feb 10, 2014 21:49:00 GMT -5
Plenty of room for the saw, all accessories and much more. I usually place my parallel guide on top of the track as shown. Everything rides along quite nicely.  I like to leave my blades in the factory cardboard and just stack them right under the saw track as shown.  The molded plastic insert does have a specific area to place loose blades under the saw track.  The case alone weighs about as much as the saw with track and the latches have integral locks. Key included. I'll try and post photos of my pelican I use with my KSP85 when I have time. For comparison. |
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Post by GhostFist on Feb 10, 2014 22:27:47 GMT -5
Thanks garch didn't know there was a molded insert for the base.
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Post by GhostFist on Feb 10, 2014 22:29:23 GMT -5
I also thought I was the only person in North America who used a folding rule.
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Post by garch on Feb 10, 2014 22:44:56 GMT -5
I also thought I was the only person in North America who used a folding rule. Ha. You're the first person I hear of using one also. All I can say is that you must be concerned with the quality of your work. Quite unusual these days. |
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Post by GhostFist on Feb 10, 2014 22:53:44 GMT -5
I was using mine the other day (I use it every day) and some "carpenter" asked me what it was. I said "it's called a ruler" he didn't find it funny.
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