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Post by ohan on Jun 4, 2015 14:34:10 GMT -5
So, doing the math with the numbers available, there aren't many apples/apples comparos. The 300 isn't available in 110 on Amazon, but the 230 version is $100 cheaper (and $300 cheaper in bulk). The 400/110 is actually more expensive on Amazon, but you save $200 in bulk (all prices less shipping, and in this case, re-shipping).
The only one that makes real obvious sense to me is the 80 in 230v, which is $250 cheaper singly and $600+ cheaper in bulk. So roughly, you'd be getting an UK 80 for $200 more than a TW 400, but you'd need to ship it twice and make a new cord/plug. And you'd need to find three other guys who want an 80 RIGHT NOW.
Perhaps in the case of importing the KSS saws, Tobias is the better solution?
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Post by checkmax on Jun 4, 2015 15:36:47 GMT -5
Can someone give me a non-electrician's summary? To get UK 120v to work in USA requires : X,Y,Z To get UK 220v to work in USA requires : X,Y,Z If UK version is the same as TW version (or could be adapted w say, a custom extension cord), I would be interested in KSS400 or KSS80ec in either voltage. If either require hardware (transformer, etc) then would depend on prices; anyone else interested in KSS saws? I'm pretty sure you'd just cut the plug off and put a US plug on 120v. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. Couldn't one just use a high quality travel adapter and go from UK plug to US plug? Hardwiring is clearly better but as a start an adapter should work.
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bb
New Member
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Post by bb on Jun 4, 2015 15:57:04 GMT -5
I'm pretty sure you'd just cut the plug off and put a US plug on 120v. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. Couldn't one just use a high quality travel adapter and go from UK plug to US plug? Hardwiring is clearly better but as a start an adapter should work. I've decided to edit my post to better reflect sound judgment when it comes to modifying electrical tools. You assume all of the risk so due diligence is required before hand. As other have mentioned below, don't do anything you aren't comfortable with.
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Post by Red on Jun 4, 2015 17:01:35 GMT -5
Some of the posters need to do a little reading before jumping to any conclusions -- especially when electrical work is involved. At this point in time, there is no Festool "Plug-It" pigtail available in North America and, most importantly, the electrical conventions and standards in Europe are different from the NEC (the US standard).
Please seek advice from someone in the electrical field before becoming too confident around electrical power. Your tools are very expensive and, more to the point, it's simply not worth getting electrocuted over.
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Post by GhostFist on Jun 4, 2015 21:13:16 GMT -5
Red's statement couldn't be better worded and should be taken as a mantra. Tinkering with your tools is risky business. DO NOT DO ANYTHING YOU ARE UNSURE OF. The risks should be obvious, but not only do you run the risk of damaging your tools but also yourself or others.
Please please please be careful
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Post by holmz on Jun 5, 2015 5:44:47 GMT -5
... Couldn't one just use a high quality travel adapter and go from UK plug to US plug? Hardwiring is clearly better but as a start an adapter should work. Yes. I am making one from an su extension cord when it arrives. As RedOak mentioned... Get a aparkie to make it up. It is the same as a travel unit in the Bauhaus sense.
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Post by toomanytoys on Jun 7, 2015 12:11:30 GMT -5
So someone on the FOG posted this, Amazon UK is doing a buy 3, get one tool free sale. Looks like they have Mafell stuff available that qualifies for this. A DD40G MAXI 110v goes for $868 USD shipped, which is about $300 off what we would be able to get it at without importing. With a free tool, it could knock another $200 off the price if you split the savings of the free tool. I don't need four tools right now (really only interested in the DD40G or the MT55cc, but Amazon doesn't list a MT55), would someone want to split the savings with me and get in on an order together? In 110v, they offer the P1cc, KSS300, KSS400, KSS80Ec, DD40G, MF26cc, K85Ec, KSP65F, KSP85F, MHU82, PSS3100E, and S25M. I'd say USA/Canada only since shipping again overseas would probably add too much to the cost. I would say I'm interested in the KSS400 and a DD40 if this situation and pricing pans out. Where are you located JM? Shipping should not be too bad between PA and NJ. The 300 is available in 110, you need to search "Mafell 110" to see the list.
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Post by holmz on Jun 8, 2015 2:09:04 GMT -5
So someone on the FOG posted this, Amazon UK is doing a buy 3, get one tool free sale. Looks like they have Mafell stuff available that qualifies for this. A DD40G MAXI 110v goes for $868 USD shipped, which is about $300 off what we would be able to get it at without importing. With a free tool, it could knock another $200 off the price if you split the savings of the free tool. I don't need four tools right now (really only interested in the DD40G or the MT55cc, but Amazon doesn't list a MT55), would someone want to split the savings with me and get in on an order together? In 110v, they offer the P1cc, KSS300, KSS400, KSS80Ec, DD40G, MF26cc, K85Ec, KSP65F, KSP85F, MHU82, PSS3100E, and S25M. I'd say USA/Canada only since shipping again overseas would probably add too much to the cost. I would say I'm interested in the KSS400 and a DD40 if this situation and pricing pans out. Where are you located JM? Shipping should not be too bad between PA and NJ. The 300 is available in 110, you need to search "Mafell 110" to see the list. The direct from Germany price, is about the same the amazon 4 for 3 price. For no savings I question whether to get the 220v version or the 110v version. Plus does the UK price get shipped out with 20% VAT? And is there any import duty into the US? It seems that the 868 is not too bad if one removed 20% VAT. Then it is 711 $US. For that price I could even be interested. I am most interested in the template rail...
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Post by Red on Jun 8, 2015 2:20:17 GMT -5
Please take a look at this post again, Holmz. Did you accidentally leave a word or two out?
I'm trying to figure out what you're asking here ...
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Post by holmz on Jun 8, 2015 5:04:41 GMT -5
Please take a look at this post again, Holmz. Did you accidentally leave a word or two out?
I'm trying to figure out what you're asking here ... ...and probably a punctuation mark, or three, as well. I redid the ramblings in the earlier post. The German price , without VAT in USD is $735 for the DD40. In a package with the 32- Template rail and 2x 5-mm cutters it is 888 $US. I fail to see how the UK Amazon is a deal? other than it is in 110v. If they take of 20 for the UK VAT then it is 711, which is better, but it is no screaming deal as the stuff seems raised 30% and then they get you 33% off.
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Post by jm on Jun 8, 2015 5:38:41 GMT -5
I fail to see how the UK Amazon is a deal? other than it is in 110v. Right. There's nowhere else we can get 110v, Tobias says he can't get 110v tools. 220v would be a major inconvenience to anyone in North America. Amazon will remove the VAT at final checkout. With the free tool discount split, we'd be paying $650 or so for the DD40G MAXI (which has the a few cutters + dowels thrown in).
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Post by holmz on Jun 8, 2015 6:47:29 GMT -5
I fail to see how the UK Amazon is a deal? other than it is in 110v. Right. There's nowhere else we can get 110v, Tobias says he can't get 110v tools. 220v would be a major inconvenience to anyone in North America. Amazon will remove the VAT at final checkout. With the free tool discount split, we'd be paying $650 or so for the DD40G MAXI (which has the a few cutters + dowels thrown in). I have spent over 40 years in North America, so I am familiar with how we think. There is a tendency to scoff at all things 230v, and then in almost the same breath "chest puff" when we have a 220 power going to a saw or air compressor. The easiest would be to buy a transformer The second easiest would be to buy 10 or 20 220v Euro outlets and have a sparkie wire one or two into the shop. You could then just plug it right in to the wall like the good lord intended. (Sell the extras to your friends.) The third easiest is to put a Eu female plug onto a US 220v extension cord. --- The $650 starts to look attractive. It is only 10% less than the 220v version, but I can see the attractiveness of the price. The 800-mm long 32-mm template rail is about 180 $US, but not on amazon.uk
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jimh
Junior Member
Posts: 75
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Post by jimh on Jun 8, 2015 11:13:10 GMT -5
In the end as appealing as the EU prices are it probably makes little sense to import them to save a few dollars and have a bit of an electrical kluge to resolve.
The accessories are where you can clean up savings wise and they will work right out of the box.
Asfro import fees I paid about $30 for $1200 worth of accessories. I think it was more of a UPS handing fee for filling out the import form.
Back to tgecoectricsl conundrum.
The U.S. uses a 120 volt system consisting of a hot, a neutral, and ground wires. To get to 240 volts you need a second hot wire in either of these configuration (a 120 hot, a 120 hot, and a ground) or the same with the addition of a neutral.
How does it work in the UK or EU? Isn't their hot wire 240 volts meaning the plug would only have 3 pins (a 240 volt hot, a neutral, and a ground)?
What eould the wiring conversion be?
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Post by wrightwoodwork on Jun 8, 2015 11:32:43 GMT -5
Uk plug has 3 pins live, earth and neutral. In the eu plugs are 2 pin live and neutral I think me personally I don't bother importing electrical goods I know to little about it to start Messing about with it. For me the saying is never worth it
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Post by checkmax on Jun 8, 2015 13:38:31 GMT -5
Not sure what the big deal is here regarding power conversions. As someone has commented these are universal motors. Safest method is to plug into a transformer. I have wired 220V plugs into my kitchen for european kitchen appliances for years and never once had a mishap. Changing plugs and guessing polarities could be more problematic. Candidly if there were a danger these retailers wouldn't be (and the manufacturers wouldn't allow without warning) selling into the US and risk blowing people up.
VAT, taxes, shipping, warranty support and inconvenience of lugging a 40lb transformer around is a different matter.
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