|
|
Post by Tom Gensmer on Aug 26, 2014 23:13:00 GMT -5
Great insight, guys. Appreciate everyone's thoughts. Now, should I wait a little while for the KSS80 or go for the 400? I see advantages of both. While the cutting specs on the KSS80 are impressive, it looks like it would be a real bear to swing around all day on a job site. Unless you think you'll be processing a lot of large posts or timbers, I'd steer you towards the KSS-400. |
|
|
|
Post by MrToolJunkie on Aug 26, 2014 23:18:40 GMT -5
Thanks, Tom. That is what I keep debating...getting tired over long sessions vs. Cut capacity. I want them all!!
|
|
|
|
Post by thedude306 on Aug 27, 2014 9:20:16 GMT -5
Some great info on this thread. Still not sure why the MT55 would cut better then the KSS400. It looks like I have a new goal for a saw. The KSS400 looks to be the ticket for my use.
|
|
|
|
Post by GhostFist on Aug 27, 2014 15:05:06 GMT -5
Well quality of cut, I don't know. Off hand I don't know what the motor specs are. If it's the same Cuprex motor then you have a beast of a saw either way. There are finer adjustments on the Mt55 plus your -1 counter bevel and 48 deg bevel capacity, plus the handy little scoring function. Bottom line you'll be able to really fine tune your cut with the 55 where with the 400 you have an amazing multi purpose saw with all of the awesome kss features. Same blades for both saws
|
|
|
|
Post by MrToolJunkie on Aug 27, 2014 23:22:22 GMT -5
I think that in the end you need them all -- they all have a purpose and excel at one thing over the other and if you want the best of everything, having the right saw for the application is the way to go, and of course will cost more money.  Funny how agonizing a decision this all can be when in the end I am sure that I will be thrilled with whatever saw I get and I will still want the ones I do not yet have. |
|
|
|
Post by thedude306 on Aug 28, 2014 8:22:54 GMT -5
I think that in the end you need them all -- they all have a purpose and excel at one thing over the other and if you want the best of everything, having the right saw for the application is the way to go, and of course will cost more money. Funny how agonizing a decision this all can be when in the end I am sure that I will be thrilled with whatever saw I get and I will still want the ones I do not yet have. Unfortunately (or fortunately!) I think you are right. I am leaning towards the KSS400 for the house build and the MT55 for the shop. It's funny how I keep telling myself the money isn't that bad.... yikes. |
|
|
|
Post by jimbouk on Aug 28, 2014 13:39:15 GMT -5
I know that feeling! Only had the kapex 6 months and it is great so far but having seen the erika and some of wrights videos.....
|
|
|
|
Post by MrToolJunkie on Aug 28, 2014 17:39:41 GMT -5
Yes...I keep thinking the I need the KSS80, KSS400 and the MT55 to cover all bases...but of course the KSS80 is not quite deep enough for 4X material, so that means one of the big-boy saws like the MK series.
I have an email into David to check on some things...
|
|
|
|
Post by wrightwoodwork on Aug 28, 2014 17:48:26 GMT -5
Will you have a lot of 4x material to cut. If only occasionally then the mks might be over kill. Then again if it part of your work day in day out then they maybe are a better choice. What task do you plan to do first. I would go for the saw suited to that task first and get that task done before thinking of next task and saw to do the work
|
|
|
|
Post by MrToolJunkie on Aug 28, 2014 19:29:51 GMT -5
Well I think this is more dreaming...I work 90% of the time in solid wood and 4/4 and 8/4 account for the bulk of that...occasionally 10/4 and 12/4 stock. These big timbers are just too much effort to push through a saw. I have been using a TS75 for straightlining and sheet goods, but getting something more aligned with solid wood is appealing. I think that it is really between the KSS400 and KSS80 now and just trying to decide if the 400 would be enough for most things or if I need the extra depth and power of the KSS80. It is a tough decision. The 400 does not have variable speed either, which I do use now when cutting some materials like plastic, but again probably not a deal-breaker.
|
|
|
|
Post by GhostFist on Aug 28, 2014 19:52:01 GMT -5
Dude, you need the 80
|
|
|
|
Post by MrToolJunkie on Aug 28, 2014 20:02:38 GMT -5
Thanks, Ghostfist...see what I mean? I think I need both eventually...LOL...it is so silly to keep debating this in my mind, really...I keep going back and forth. Of course the 80 is a lot more expensive initially, which I really do not mind, but would require saving a little while longer for it...I wish Woodie would chime in. I have pinged him a few times -- must be really busy.
|
|
|
|
Post by 7 on Aug 28, 2014 23:10:37 GMT -5
I have cut 4/4 and 8/4 with the MT55...haven't yet with the KSS400 but powerwise it feels exactly the same as the MT55 to me. If I were cutting 8/4 often and occasionally (or often) cutting 10 and 12/4 I think the KSS80 would be a much better fit. If you are ever mitering 8/4 or above the 80 would almost be a must.
Just sell the TS75 and pretend the 400 and the 80 are the same price:)
Does teh TS75 do well in the hardwoods thicker than the 8/4?
|
|
|
|
Post by MrToolJunkie on Aug 28, 2014 23:37:00 GMT -5
I like your thinking, 7. No - I do not use the TS75 on the really thick stuff...that is when I have to muscle it through my bandsaw usually. This stuff usually only comes in the rough so straightlining is key and while my bandsaw works very well and accurately, it is a PITA on heavy boards. My back does not like it one bit. Like I said, the bulk of my work is 8/4 and 4/4 though and the TS75 does fine in this. It just does not crosscut as well and I have to use the track, which is not always practical or the safest way to go about things. I liked the Mafell track so much with my jigsaw that I originally was thinking of trying the MT55 since I am familiar with plunge saws and the ability to clamp right to the edge was very appealing from the safety factor. Then you guys have really opened my eyes to the benefits of the KSS and so now I have gone that direction and really like what options that it affords.
|
|
|
|
Post by jonathan on Aug 29, 2014 0:13:22 GMT -5
I like your thinking, 7. No - I do not use the TS75 on the really thick stuff...that is when I have to muscle it through my bandsaw usually. This stuff usually only comes in the rough so straightlining is key and while my bandsaw works very well and accurately, it is a PITA on heavy boards. My back does not like it one bit. Like I said, the bulk of my work is 8/4 and 4/4 though and the TS75 does fine in this. It just does not crosscut as well and I have to use the track, which is not always practical or the safest way to go about things. I liked the Mafell track so much with my jigsaw that I originally was thinking of trying the MT55 since I am familiar with plunge saws and the ability to clamp right to the edge was very appealing from the safety factor. Then you guys have really opened my eyes to the benefits of the KSS and so now I have gone that direction and really like what options that it affords. The KSS80 also works with the regular rails. I think I agree with Ghostfist and 7 here. Recuperate some money from the TS75, get a KSS80 Ec / 370 (with crosscut rail) and maybe later on the MT55cc for sheet goods and other precision jobs. |
|
Funny how agonizing a decision this all can be when in the end I am sure that I will be thrilled with whatever saw I get and I will still want the ones I do not yet have.
