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LS 103
Apr 24, 2015 10:56:20 GMT -5
Post by jalvis on Apr 24, 2015 10:56:20 GMT -5
I've also wondered about the difference.
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LS 103
Apr 27, 2015 16:00:19 GMT -5
Post by Red on Apr 27, 2015 16:00:19 GMT -5
I'm not a big brand warrior, Jalvis, but I use a Protool CMP 150 and it works very well. I've never used a Mafell chain mortiser; hence, the question I asked about the difference between the Protool and the Mafell.
When I see video of the Mafell in action, I see our mortiser -- sans the nice Mafell paint scheme.
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LS 103
Apr 28, 2015 9:53:04 GMT -5
Post by jalvis on Apr 28, 2015 9:53:04 GMT -5
Is the Protool much cheaper? Seems like chain mortisers are kinda pricey no matter what.
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LS 103
Apr 28, 2015 14:17:46 GMT -5
Post by Red on Apr 28, 2015 14:17:46 GMT -5
Yes, Protool/Hema chain mortisers are quite a bit less expensive than their Mafell brothers.
I'm still trying to learn the exact differences between the two designs, but they clearly appear to be very, very, similar.
I have no doubt that the LS 103 works great, but, once again, our 230V Protool CMP 150 delivers excellent performance.
By the way, I have used the most inexpensive professional grade chain mortiser [that I'm aware of, anyway] -- the Makita 7104L -- and I prefer the cross-cutting design employed by both Mafell and Protool/Hema because it inherently pulls the tool toward the timber during the cut. In other words, there's a "clamping" effect that occurs when the cross-cutting design is used to cut mortises into timbers.
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LS 103
Apr 28, 2015 18:23:28 GMT -5
Post by GhostFist on Apr 28, 2015 18:23:28 GMT -5
Protool is discontinued now though isn't it?
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LS 103
Apr 28, 2015 21:36:15 GMT -5
Post by Red on Apr 28, 2015 21:36:15 GMT -5
Protool is discontinued now though isn't it? The Protool tool designs no longer have the "Protool" label on them -- they're now called "Hema." As far as I know, Hema is alive and well and is available through a US distributor.
By the way, I have absolutely no affiliation with any tool company. I simply believe in giving credit where it's due -- and the Protool CMP 150, which is now known as the Hema ZKS15 -- has proven itself to us by giving us excellent results on the job.P.S. The box that our Protool CMP 150 came in has the moniker "ZKS15" printed on it.
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LS 103
Apr 28, 2015 23:42:36 GMT -5
Post by 7 on Apr 28, 2015 23:42:36 GMT -5
Protool is discontinued now though isn't it? The Protool tool designs no longer have the "Protool" label on them -- they're now called "Hema." As far as I know, Hema is alive and well and is available through a US distributor. By the way, I have absolutely no affiliation with any tool company. I simply believe in giving credit where it's due -- and the Protool CMP 150, which is now known as the Hema ZKS15 -- has proven itself to us bygiving us excellent results on the job.P.S. The box that our Protool CMP 150 came in has the moniker "ZKS15" printed on it. Timberwolf, the only US dealer for Mafell, also sells HEMA tools. I wonder what they would say the difference is because they are obviously charging more for the Mafell. I am sure they would know the difference, if there is any, from seeing them side by side. Wouldn't be cool to pay so much more for a Mafell label and red color if they are nearly identical.
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LS 103
Apr 29, 2015 4:11:27 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by GhostFist on Apr 29, 2015 4:11:27 GMT -5
Agreed
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LS 103
Apr 29, 2015 13:11:15 GMT -5
Post by Red on Apr 29, 2015 13:11:15 GMT -5
By studying the small print, I'm learning more about the Mafell chain mortiser. Apparently, the LS 103 doesn't require as much oiling as the Hema ZKS15 (formerly Protool CMP 150).
To clarify, our Protool CMP 150 has a brass "grease cup" mounted near the top of the guide bar. To lubricate the guide bar [it helps to think chain saw here], we unscrew the cap on the grease cup and load it with chain lube. The LS 103 doesn't have a need for this grease cup, apparently, so that constitutes a convenience. Other than that, however, I honestly can't see a difference.
I wouldn't be comfortable cutting mortises any faster than our tool will cut them, so it's difficult for me to understand where all that money is going. Maybe it's the motor? I don't know, but I'd be happy to learn.
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LS 103
Apr 29, 2015 13:12:21 GMT -5
Post by jalvis on Apr 29, 2015 13:12:21 GMT -5
I always thought the "Swiss 3 in 1" looked like a good machine. link
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Post by Red on May 1, 2015 15:41:47 GMT -5
The photos of the 3-in-1 machine are rather small, Jalvis, so it's hard to distinguish all of its design features. I will say, however, that its plunge action seems to be based on a shaft and a compressed spring. The plunge action on the Mafell and the Hema, on the other hand, are based on a gas strut. The up/down (plunge) action on our machine is smooth enough where you don't even think about it.
I do like the fact that the Swiss 3-in-1 machine was designed with other tasks in mind, however. The more uses for a tool the better. The slotting function is used primarily for spline joinery, which, when wood species are mixed, can be very easy on the eye.
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