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Post by prolle on Jan 30, 2022 16:43:30 GMT -5
Hi all
I have a small Felder table saw in my shop and am looking to start branching out into Trim / Finish Carpentry with a focus on wainscoting/ wall panelling.
So it seems logical for me to go for the Erika 60E as I have the Felder for heavier work. However from research here I understand that the accessories are limited for the 60E and 70/85 accessories or not compatible with the 60E.
I also understand that the MFA attachment is a huge plus, but this will not work with the 60E.
Question is, I can live with the smaller cutting capacity; but would I lose out on other features important for trim carpentry by going for the 60E?
Thanks
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Post by Knight Woodworks on Jan 31, 2022 10:15:18 GMT -5
Welcome to the Mafell users forum.
No experience with the Erika 60, sorry.
I have owned an Erika 70 for several years and been a finish carpenter for a long time.
Personally, I wouldn't choose any portable table saw as my primary jobsite crosscutting saw. My experience with the 70 as shown me that it doesn't have the crosscutting accuracy/repeatability of a good MFT style table let alone a stationary slider. Mitering longish material is cumbersome what with having to move the support leg and fence when changing the direction of the miters.
I like to do as much work in the shop as possible allowing me to set up a limited number of tools on the job. When forced to fabricate on site I use an MFT for processing sheet goods. A miter saw for mitering and crosscutting narrow stock, and a Tablesaw for ripping narrow material.
Good luck with your decision.
John
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Post by prolle on Jan 31, 2022 13:24:13 GMT -5
Thanks John. That’s really interesting. Something like a Kapex and the DeWalt job site saw then? Or what’s the holy grail setup for a finish carpenter ?
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Post by Knight Woodworks on Jan 31, 2022 18:02:31 GMT -5
When possible I think doing as much fabrication in the shop is the way to go. This should hopefully minimize the number of powertools required on site. Sometimes I can get by with a jigsaw for scribing, a KSS for crosscutting and simple miters, and of course, a dust extractor.
IDK what the ultimate setup is. Some folks here get great results with the pull function on their Erika. Sadly I’m not one them. The Dash-Board workbench looks fantastic. I’ve heard good things about the TSO Products system. I’m sure I’m forgetting many others.
For a full on site build I bring a knock down platform and sawhorses for ripping sheet goods with a track saw and for assembly. Currently I’m using an MFT for crosscutting. I hope to replace that with my own version in the near future. A Miter saw is a must have for me, my Kapex has been great. There are plenty of other options. Whatever you get plan to set it up on a good stand. A small TS for narrow rips is handy.
If I’m making cope and stick cabinet doors and/or window stool on site I’ll bring one or more router tables. Also a portable thickness planner, and less often, a bench top jointer.
Not to say I have all this in my van on a daily basis, I don’t.
John
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Post by prolle on Feb 1, 2022 11:47:16 GMT -5
Thanks John. I think with the advancement of battery tech I would go for a cordless mitre saw which rules out the Kapex. Perhaps a nice laser level would also be important, but those green ones are expensive? Router tables are not something I would have thought of as portable, perhaps you are referring to those bench top models.
Here’s my shopping list so far
1. A Good mitre saw 2. Site table saw 3. Laser Level 4. Vacuum Cleaner/ dust extractor 5. 16G finish nailer
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Post by Knight Woodworks on Feb 2, 2022 18:06:09 GMT -5
My portable TS and MFT have removable routers.
Your list looks good. I suggest adding the following:
Track saw with rails and accessories. RO sander with good dust collection for removing mill marks and flushing joints. One or more cordless drills and an impact driver with bits. Jigsaw for cutting curves, scribing and possibly coping. Pocket hole jig. 18G nailer for nailing wood to wood. Multi tool with blades. And a boatload of hand tools...
Best of luck.
John
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