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Post by 7 on May 4, 2014 0:38:08 GMT -5
7 sounds like your getting your money's worth out of it I only got one about two weeks ago as well and I love it both on and off the rail. I use sidewinders so as you say I don't mind the blade on the right side but I have a cordless side winder only an 18v makita and the blade on that is on the left find it much nicer all right That's exactly what I figured. It wouldn't feel odd to me if I was raised on sidewinders. I almost consider cutting with my left hand even though I am right handed when it is off the rail. I do really like the red blade guide mark on the foot of the saw though, it helps me to at least cut straight with the sidewinder even if it does feel strange to me. Glad your liking yours too. Great saw.
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Post by Tom Gensmer on Aug 25, 2014 19:12:28 GMT -5
Oh my, I totally haven't been checking this thread!! I'm so happy that more users are trying out the KSS-400. As wonderful as the MT-55cc is, unless you're solely processing finished sheet goods, I think the 400 is a much more versatile saw. Here are some pics of my KSS-400 Saw Tote, version 2.0. To review, I hate putting my saws on the ground, particularly when working outdoors when they can get muddy, and don't like placing them on finished floors either. So, over the Winter I built an initial tote that would serve as a landing pad for my saw, as well as provide storage for extra blades and my parallel guide. After several months of use, I decided that sometimes I would want to clip to the top of my CT-MIDI, something I couldn't do with my plywood tote. I also wanted easier access to my parallel guide. Thus, I launched version 2.0! 2.0 is built around a Festool Sys-Toolbox, which allows me to clip the saw tote to the top of any Festool CT vac or Systainer. I then built up a supplementary rim around the perimeter using 1" thick Azek (any material would be fine). The purpose of this supplementary rim is to allow the saw to sit flat without hitting the Sys handle, and allow room for the parallel guide. I routed a shoulder on the bottom of the rim, and the whole thing fits snuggly to the Sys-Toolbox with a friction fit. To store and organize my blades, I made an insert. The insert is made from some scrap 5mm plywood. I drilled holes using a 6 3/8" hole saw, then ripped the sheet in half to create cradles to keep the blades from rolling front to back. I then ripped more 5mm plywood to separate the blades from each other, then glued the whole works together. And...well.... that's it for now! I REALLY like it, it keeps my saw at a comfortable height and keeps my accessories within arms reach at all times, and makes it easier to match my blade choice to the work I am performing. I hope this helps to spark other creations, I look forward to seeing what you guys come up with!
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Post by Tom Gensmer on Aug 25, 2014 20:31:30 GMT -5
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Post by checkmax on Aug 25, 2014 20:36:19 GMT -5
I'm digging the work truck
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Post by MrToolJunkie on Aug 26, 2014 0:43:13 GMT -5
This is awesome! Great ideas, Tom.
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Post by thedude306 on Aug 27, 2014 9:25:06 GMT -5
More great pictures! Thanks for the visual.
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alik
New Member
Posts: 8
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Post by alik on Sept 16, 2014 22:26:44 GMT -5
Hi,Tom im just a hobbyst and i only due proyects for my home.I just sold my MT 55. It is true.,the KSS 400 is more versatile than the MT 55. The KSS 400 have a wider track that is attached to the saw and thats make it more controlable.thanks for the great reviews
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Post by Tom Gensmer on Sept 16, 2014 22:39:36 GMT -5
Thanks guys That's good I carry two makita saws in the van one is a small 18v lxt great for small jobs and the other is a standard side winder don't really want 3 in the van so that makes it easer I use a festool 55 regularly not mine great on a track but would not like using it without the track so that was why I was asking Thanks Hi Mick! Like yourself, I used to carry a variety of saws around in the van with me, including a Makita 7.25" hypoid saw (my daily driver), a Makita 6.5" LXT cordless, and a Festool TS-75 for track-guided cuts. I also haul around a Festool Kapex and Bosch table saw. These days, my KSS-400 is my "Go-To" saw, and use it for the VAST majority of my cutting tasks. My MT-55cc rides along in the van, but really that's more a reflection of how poorly my storage locker is organized than how frequently I use it on site.
I use my KSS-400 for everything from rough framing (cutting studs, headers, stair stringers and hand framing roofs) to finished work, including cutting baseboard, base shoe, door and window casing, stair skirting, etc.... It's not perfect at everything, but it's very accurate, really durable, and produces a great quality of cut. I strongly recommend the 24 tooth blade for framing, the stock 32 tooth blade is great for finer work. You might want to look at the Festool "Fine" blade that ships with the TS-55 saws if you want to perform a LOT of splinter free cutting in fine finished materials, but thus far the 32 tooth blade has performed fine for me.
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Post by Tom Gensmer on Sept 16, 2014 22:43:15 GMT -5
Hi,Tom im just a hobbyst and i only due proyects for my home.I just sold my MT 55. It is true.,the KSS 400 is more versatile than the MT 55. The KSS 400 have a wider track that is attached to the saw and thats make it more controlable.thanks for the great reviews Thanks Alik, I'm glad I could be of help! Something I haven't spoken about much, is the Mushroom Handle for the KSS-400, part #201451. Garch was kind enough to recommend this to me, and I've found it to be VERY handy when using the saw off the track, particularly for ripping cuts! It's pretty inexpensive, and in my opinion a worthwhile investment. I'm glad to hear you're enjoying your KSS-400!
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Post by checkmax on Sept 24, 2015 0:59:19 GMT -5
Hi Tom
I keep eyeing the KSS80. When have you found the 400 too small or shallow a depth of cut? Or for that mattwr howboften would you have liked to have had a larger cut? I have the MT55 and have been very happy with its accuracy and cut quality.
Thanks
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Post by Tom Gensmer on Sept 24, 2015 14:32:05 GMT -5
Hi Tom I keep eyeing the KSS80. When have you found the 400 too small or shallow a depth of cut? Or for that mattwr howboften would you have liked to have had a larger cut? I have the MT55 and have been very happy with its accuracy and cut quality. Thanks Hi there!! I've been working the heck out of my KSS 400 and I looooove it!! It has all of the power and depth of cut I could ask for when processing 1x hardwoods and 2x framing materials. For general use I use a 32 tooth blade which give a great edge, 24 tooth blade when I anticipate ripping 2x material, and I think I have an even more aggressive blade as well. For general remodeling I use the 400 9/10 of the time, relative to my MT-55, which I primarily use for processing panels for cabinetry. (I also adore my MT-55!!) As sexy as the KSS-80 is, I feel it would simply be overkill for my needs as general remodeler and finish carpenter. Even when cutting 6x6 posts, I'll cut around the post with my KSS-400, then complete the cut with my P1cc and a long blade. Does this help? Are there any specific details you are interested in?
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Post by holmz on Sept 24, 2015 16:59:49 GMT -5
... As sexy as the KSS-80 is, I feel it would simply be overkill for my needs as general remodeler and finish carpenter. Even when cutting 6x6 posts, I'll cut around the post with my KSS-400, then complete the cut with my P1cc and a long blade. ... ^ ^ I was telling my friend I had a sexy saw, when he was asking for some wood to be cut. He said how can a saw be sexy. I put that long Bosch blade in the p1cc... His next words were "F**K Me!" I said, "When the saw makes you beg for it, then it is a sexy saw".
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Post by MrToolJunkie on Sept 25, 2015 23:11:21 GMT -5
Hi Tom I keep eyeing the KSS80. When have you found the 400 too small or shallow a depth of cut? Or for that mattwr howboften would you have liked to have had a larger cut? I have the MT55 and have been very happy with its accuracy and cut quality. Thanks Hi there!! I've been working the heck out of my KSS 400 and I looooove it!! It has all of the power and depth of cut I could ask for when processing 1x hardwoods and 2x framing materials. For general use I use a 32 tooth blade which give a great edge, 24 tooth blade when I anticipate ripping 2x material, and I think I have an even more aggressive blade as well. For general remodeling I use the 400 9/10 of the time, relative to my MT-55, which I primarily use for processing panels for cabinetry. (I also adore my MT-55!!) As sexy as the KSS-80 is, I feel it would simply be overkill for my needs as general remodeler and finish carpenter. Even when cutting 6x6 posts, I'll cut around the post with my KSS-400, then complete the cut with my P1cc and a long blade. Does this help? Are there any specific details you are interested in? I went through this same process and opted for the 80 because I rip lots and lots of 8/4 hardwoods and the extra power is great. I am thinking about adding a 300 to the mix for a smaller package when the 80 is overkill. But, the 80 is one awesome machine.
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Post by checkmax on Sept 26, 2015 12:17:04 GMT -5
That's kind of my dilemma. I have a mix of 2x for framing etc and then I have larger timbers 4x for a number of projects. I'm debating about importing the 36v 400 if it's up to the standard of the corded version.
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Post by wrightwoodwork on Sept 26, 2015 13:42:01 GMT -5
Yes I have both ,both are as strong or as weak as the other version
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