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Post by MrToolJunkie on Sept 5, 2014 21:51:14 GMT -5
Yes...lots of different things to consider when it comes to choosing the saw.
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Post by MrToolJunkie on Sept 7, 2014 23:14:52 GMT -5
I know the 400 has been out for awhile and folks like it...but, do you think that the lack of electronics to protect against overload is an issue? I keep going back and forth on this debate between the 400 and 80. I like features of each saw for different reasons. The only thing I am not sure of with the 80 is the amp draw and being able to plug into a vac. Yes, it will weigh more than the 400, but I do not think it is a huge deal. I really like the specs of the 400 but the only negatives of it are the older style motor/lack of variable speed/overload protection and the lower blade guard activation on the right of the blade guard verses inside as on the KSS300 and KSS80/K85.
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Post by Tom Gensmer on Sept 8, 2014 0:02:34 GMT -5
My KSS-400 has been an outstanding performer. While the MT-55cc is a nuanced, sophisticated saw capable of producing fantastic cuts, for the sake of sheer versatility the 400 is tough to beat. Rugged, tremendously versatile and capable of producing great cuts, if I could own only one Mafell saw, the KSS-400 would be my choice.
Regarding overload protection, I'm not aware of any of the Mafell saws (or any tool manufacturer, for that matter?) offering overload protection on their tools. If you seriously bind the blade, you will either trip the circuit breaker or burn out the motor. If anything, the "older" motor of the 400 should be a little less sensitive to "dirty" power than the motors with onboard computers.
The amp draw on the 80 is a bit of a non-issue as well. Many of the vacuum manufacturers list the allowable amperage for their vacuums as very low, perhaps around 3-6 amps, yet they often advertise them as working with tools drawing well over 15 amps. Something important to consider is what the cordage you are using will handle, as this will be your biggest limiting factor. Also, many of these wattage/amperage claims are based on maximum load. For instance, a Festool Kapex is rated at around 13 amps, but the service technicians I've spoken with say they REALLY have to push the saw in order to approach that value.
For the KSS-80, if you're mostly making relatively short cross cuts I would think you'd be fine running through an autostart vac. If you think you'll be pushing the saw close to its limits (constantly ripping 8x4 hardwoods all day), then yes you'd likely want to plug the saw directly into an appropriate outlet with the shortest possible, heavy gauge cord. Again, speaking with guys who service tools, they say one of the more common reasons they are servicing tools (Kapexs, for instance) is because users are using them at the end of long runs of undersized cords and burning up the motors.
The blade guard lever on the 400 is a bit of a non-issue, at least for me. Yes, it would be VERY cool if Mafell would go to an inboard design (like the KSS-300 or KSS-80) on some future iteration of the 400. That being said, the outboard lever is identical in location and function to the other blade guard levers on the "standard" sidewinder saws we all learned on, so it should be a pretty seamless transition for you.
As for variable speed, I guess it really depends on what you're planning on cutting. For most wood cutting applications you'll be running at maximum speed, I imagine you'd only really want/need variable speed for cutting materials that can heat up and adversely affect the blade or the material itself, such as aluminum and plastics.
All of the above being said, the Mafell saws all seem extremely well made and perform at a level I have not before experienced. Either way you go, I'm sure you'll be happy :-)
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Post by MrToolJunkie on Sept 8, 2014 0:28:11 GMT -5
Thanks, Tom. Good thoughts and insight as always. Appreciate your thoughtful reply. The new KSS80/K85 is supposed to have electronics that protect from thermal overload and constant torque when cutting. Again, this is likely only going to be an issue as you say plowing through thick hardwood every day. I likely will end up with both of these saws at some point as they each seem to excel at certain things and I am with you on humping a large saw around all day could get tiring. The cool thing with the 400 that I am now aware of is that you can get the full depth of cut on angles up to 22.5 degrees -- so that resolves my issue with 8/4 bevels - I need to rip 3-4 degrees for chair seat blanks, for example, and so the 400 seems like it would do the job adequately. My thought is that while straightlining I could actually do it with the 3 degree bevel and save a step in the process. If the cuts are clean, that would save a huge amount of time over the long run. If, however, the 400 does not have enough moxie for this type of task, then the 80 might be better.
I went through my scrap lumber pile today and just looked at the bulk of material I have used over the last year and it is probably 70% 4/4 (5/4 or 6/4 actually since I like to buy rough and mill to size) and 30% 8/4. That would lend itself to the KSS400. I have a project coming up where I will be milling 250 - 300 board feet of 8/4 for a dining table and chair build and hence the reason why I have been considering the KSS80. Maybe I opt for the 400 now and see how I get along and add the 80 later or do I start with the 80 now and see if it works as my main portable saw? I have a shop full of stationary machines at my disposal, but my goal is to reduce the amount of big timber I have to move over machines. My back is not like it used to be 20 years ago and I would rather push a 10 - 20 pound saw rather than an awkward 50 - 80 pound board.
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Post by wrightwoodwork on Sept 8, 2014 0:59:16 GMT -5
Overload protection can be tricked if you pull the trigger then release when you can hear the saw over working and pull again it will by pass it and not kick in.
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Post by MrToolJunkie on Oct 5, 2014 23:50:36 GMT -5
Does the plunge mechanism have a stop on the 400 or is it just use the lever to plunge where you want to it and then I assume you can lock that it? Tried looking at the instruction manual, but did not really see anything. Still debating myself between the 400 and 80. One day I think it will be one saw and the next I am leaning toward the other one. This is probably the longest I have debated any single tool purchase...
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Post by MrToolJunkie on Oct 5, 2014 23:53:30 GMT -5
Has anyone been able to find out if the roller edge guide for the MF26 would fit the KSS400? It is part number 206073. It would be sweet if it did...Or, can one unscrew the rods from the edge guide - maybe tap some new holes in the fence?
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Post by GhostFist on Oct 6, 2014 4:24:14 GMT -5
Ya I like that guide too. Don't know if it's compatible
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Post by MrToolJunkie on Oct 6, 2014 23:36:25 GMT -5
I checked with David and the roller guide works with the MT and KSS400. The graduations will not work since it's calibrated for the MF, but at least it will work and the hole spacing is correct.
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Post by GhostFist on Oct 7, 2014 4:21:56 GMT -5
thats good news. dont know if I'd want it on my mt 55 though
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alik
New Member
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Post by alik on Oct 16, 2014 21:32:12 GMT -5
T  _. MAFELL KSS 400 silver edition on ebay.de |
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Post by MrToolJunkie on Oct 17, 2014 21:44:14 GMT -5
What does the "Silver" edition buy you?
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alik
New Member
Posts: 8
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Post by alik on Oct 18, 2014 0:23:17 GMT -5
Besides the silver color.................  |
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Post by wrightwoodwork on Oct 18, 2014 1:42:14 GMT -5
I don't think it buys you anything extra apart from having a celebration model showing 25 years as in silver jubilee model. Basically a marketing tool. There is properly only so many models. I like my mafell tools, but not enough to buy for the sake of it
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Post by Tom Gensmer on Jan 11, 2015 19:22:15 GMT -5
KSS-400 to the rescue!! I got a message from a customer on Saturday asking if I could install some hand rail in her stairway going from the main level of her home to the basement. It turns out she broke her hip in an ice skating accident on Thursday, and needed a way to get to the basement during her recovery. Rather than hauling out my whole miter saw setup (saw, table, and extension wings) , I elected to try my KSS-400 for handrail duty. Granted, this isn't some fancy handrail (the customer might even have me remove it when she recovers), but it's still interior millwork, and I was very pleased with how the KSS-400 performed. I had to plan ahead a little for cutting my returns, but otherwise I felt it performed every bit as well as my miter saw. The upside was I was able to have a VERY small footprint, just my MFT/3, KSS-400 and Domino, all in the customer's kitchen. Anyways, just another example of how versatile the KSS-400 can be! I used 8mmx40mm Dominos in all of the joints.     |
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