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Post by Tom Gensmer on Feb 5, 2015 20:42:05 GMT -5
Do any of you KSS400 owners have trouble with the depth adjustment? Mine was silky smooth when I bought it, but it's actually quite difficult to adjust the blade depth now. It hasn't been bent (as far as I can tell) nor used in the wet. I haven't had a really good look at it yet but I thought I'd see if I'm alone with this s issue. Hi Jason! Taking a suggestion from my Festool representative about maintaining my OF-1400 router, I use strips of ~1000 grit sandpaper to polish the columns, then put a few drops of pneumatic tool oil on the columns. There's probably a better oil or lubricant, but it's what I usually have in my van and yields a very smooth action on both my router as well as my KSS-400. I add a drop or two of oil every few months. Calidecks, the KSS saws all take different sized blades. The KSS-300 takes ~4.75" blades, plenty for 1x material but they BARELY cut 2x material. The KSS-400 takes the exact same blades as the MT-55cc, TS-55, etc.... The KSS-80 takes a ~9" blade. As Wrightwoodwork stated, it's kinda funny that so many users associate "Track Saw" with the rear pivot, plunge cutting saws popularized by Festool, Makita, Dewalt, etc.... Whereas, if you look at the Mafell catalog, they manufacture 12+ saws (the KSS saws, MKS saws, KSP series, etc....) that are technically "Track Saws", in that they are guided by a track, but only one saw (MT-55cc) that many users would think of as a track saw. Of course it all depends on what you need a saw to do for you, but if I knew nothing about a user other than that they want a versatile saw that can be track guided, I'd recommend the KSS-400 over the other saws. The KSS-400 doesn't do everything perfectly, but it is profoundly versatile, I use mine for everything from framing decks to cutting fine millwork and breaking down sheet goods. The MT-55cc is more refined, with variable speed, scoring function, better dust collection, faster blade change, and generally handles better for sheet goods, but it is generally limited to on-track use. The KSS-400 on the other hand can be used on a F-track, on it's own integrated track, as well as free hand. The KSS saws are absolute workhorses, tough but also precise, just a matter of figuring out which one is correct for you. Calidecks, without knowing the specifics of your needs, I'd steer you toward the KSS-400. It will streamline your blade inventory, is more powerful than the KSS-300, and you can also use it for your deck framing. |
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Post by erik on Feb 5, 2015 21:27:15 GMT -5
If i remember correctly, the 300 costs a bit more but it comes with a case and the flexi rail. You can purchase a case for the 400, which will fit the saw and guide bow, but it was a bit pricey for being just a large metal box. If you have a spare sys 4, you can squeeze the flexi rail and the 400 in there and just carry the guide bow separately. The kss saws are a real value, they function as a radial arm saw, part miter saw, part track saw and of course a circular saw. And they allow this functions to be portable. The question for me was depth of cut so i passed on the 300 in favor of the 400.
My 400 had gotten a bit sticky as well while working, so i tried a couple of different angles while pushing the plunge lever and found its a bit of a sweet spot. Sometimes i raise it a bit and then plunge other times i lay the saw on its motor side and it plunges without hesitation.
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Post by 7 on Feb 5, 2015 22:28:10 GMT -5
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Post by 7 on Feb 5, 2015 22:44:13 GMT -5
My opinion is the KSS 400 is better for decks and the KSS 300 is better for wood flooring. I think you would like the fact that the blades are the same as the MT55 & TS55.
After so many years of use a worm drive feels very normal in use so I would always use it for cutting stair stringers and wouldn't think of changing to a right blade sidewinder saw like the KSS 400. I also find the worm drive still better for most other framing too- specifically because I run the joists wild over the front beam then chalk a line and cut them from above using the weight of the saw. On a tall deck it is nice to use the 400 from below hooked to a vac though. Perfectly accurate & fast.
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Post by calidecks on Feb 6, 2015 2:29:06 GMT -5
I'm also left handed so it's actually nice having the blade on the right of the saw. It's all to do with the your line of sight, which is straight at the blade vs. Leaning over the saw. Although I've been using a wormy for 30 years and have adapted well.
Thanks for all your help, you guys have been a great source for info. Without a dealer it's rough to buy something that cost this much without knowing the details of the product.
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Post by GhostFist on Feb 6, 2015 12:45:35 GMT -5
That's what we're here for. 7 don't worry about photo storage. It's a write off  |
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Post by thedude306 on Feb 6, 2015 14:04:07 GMT -5
Is it weird that I want a black blade for my 400? Man that thing looks mean!
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Post by MrToolJunkie on Feb 6, 2015 18:45:41 GMT -5
So do the two kss saws take the same blades? LOL...I told you that you would want a KSS saw, CD. The 400 and 55 use the same blade. The 300 uses a smaller blade. I opted for the 80 so that I could use it on bigger timber. Like I said, you can look at mine if you want - it can almost cut 4x material - almost as in it leaves 1/32 or so. I think that for decking the 400 would be a good all around choice. I would strongly consider adding a 300 to my combination for the lighter duty stuff. I was very, very close to a 400 though before I bit the bullet on the bigger saw. |
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Post by MrToolJunkie on Feb 6, 2015 18:50:16 GMT -5
Oh and 7 posted the pic of the longer cross-cut track available for the 400 so that might be something to consider if you every use it for cross-cutting wider panels or sheet goods.
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Post by jasonkehl on Feb 6, 2015 20:36:23 GMT -5
Just a little bit of Teflon spray lube on the posts of the KSS400 and the depth adjustment operates silky smooth, nice!
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Post by 7 on Feb 6, 2015 22:36:37 GMT -5
Is it weird that I want a black blade for my 400? Man that thing looks mean! haha, that's awesome. I liked the look of the flat black blade when I found it in the store and also like the tenryu blades in general but I was really surprised how cool it looked on the saw. It seems a bit adolescent but I was stoked about the look too. I also put black wheels on my truck, probably a waste of money but I like it a lot. It's obviously not necessary & feels a little immature to care about looks (I'm 38 years old) but I admit it does matter to me. |
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Post by Knight Woodworks on Feb 7, 2015 8:37:40 GMT -5
Makes me want to buy a 400 just so I can put a black blade on it.
John
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Post by checkmax on Oct 26, 2015 15:36:57 GMT -5
Could someone clarify please the latest model nomenclature. I assume the difference is battery powered versus coded:
KSS 300 corded = KSS 40 18M
KSS 400 corded = KSS 60 cc
I'm not following the 18M versus cc letters
Thanks
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Post by tymbian on Oct 26, 2015 16:03:12 GMT -5
I imagine the 40 & 60 refer to depth of cut. The 60 being in between the depth of the KSS400 and the KSS80. AFAIK the 18m is battery powered..
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Post by wrightwoodwork on Oct 26, 2015 16:16:28 GMT -5
Yeah that's it depth of cut
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