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Post by Red on Dec 30, 2015 12:48:10 GMT -5
Okay, so a thread I posted recently got me thinking about the smaller Mafell circular saws. We presently own a KSS80Ec/370 system and a few guide rails to go with it, but a certain job -- and some of you know what that "job" is -- has me seriously considering a smaller/lighter Mafell circular saw.
Not to state the obvious, but any saw we consider buying would have to work well on the Mafell F-XXX guide rails and has to have the wonderful blade guard retraction lever incorporated into its design.
So how about some posts about the smaller saws that fit this description?
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Post by GhostFist on Dec 30, 2015 12:57:07 GMT -5
The 300 is the smallest circ saw mafell makes and it's cordless brother seems even more versatile. The depth adjuster is a little different than the 80 but works great with some practice. The 300 or 40bl will work fine for straight rips on standard mafell tracks but will not bevel on them. I think your business will benefit from the 40 bl as it's the go to lightweight do all saw. Would I buy it for this job alone? No I'd use the p1cc. You wouldn't regret the 300 or 40bl though.
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Post by Red on Dec 30, 2015 18:17:23 GMT -5
The 300 is the smallest circ saw mafell makes and it's cordless brother seems even more versatile. The depth adjuster is a little different than the 80 but works great with some practice. The 300 or 40bl will work fine for straight rips on standard mafell tracks but will not bevel on them. I think your business will benefit from the 40 bl as it's the go to lightweight do all saw. Would I buy it for this job alone? No I'd use the p1cc. You wouldn't regret the 300 or 40bl though. How do you like one of these small circular saws -- or the P1cc, for that matter -- on the F-XXX guide rails and an Aerofix system to hold everything up, GhostFist?
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Post by GhostFist on Dec 30, 2015 21:44:43 GMT -5
Tbh I've not used the aero fix suspended like that.also I've not yet used it extended past it's stock rail so I don't know how suction dimineshes as the length increases. I usually just grab my bag of standard rails as they're convenient. Aero fix doesn't fit in the bag without prying off the base of it. As an alternative to clamping it works amazing on the flat and the hose attachment doesn't snag which makes your cuts a lot less fidgety. It's still possible to move the rail with the aero fix activated, and I find it works better on smooth surfaces.
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Post by Red on Dec 30, 2015 23:23:28 GMT -5
You make some very good points about the [possible] limitations of using the Aerofix system for something like this, GhostFist.
I don't know all the specific terminology, but do the tools you mentioned -- the KSS300 and the KSS 40 18M bl -- both have a "KSS80-style" lever on top for manually retracting the blade guard (at will)? I've found this particular design innovation to be one of my favorite features of the KSS80Ec/370 system.
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mattuk
Junior Member
Posts: 79
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Post by mattuk on Dec 31, 2015 4:31:21 GMT -5
You make some very good points about the [possible] limitations of using the Aerofix system for something like this, GhostFist.
I don't know all the specific terminology, but do the tools you mentioned -- the KSS300 and the KSS 40 18M bl -- both have a "KSS80-style" lever on top for manually retracting the blade guard (at will)? I've found this particular design innovation to be one of my favorite features of the KSS80Ec/370 system.
Hi Red, the 300 certainly has the lever. I have been considering swapping it for the cordless for convenience when working at the shop and power is difficult to get to. I don't think I have seen the lever on the battery version. video of the battery version is here. Cheers matt
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Post by Red on Jan 1, 2016 17:27:21 GMT -5
I have both the 400 and 80 love both but the 400 is always in my onsite kit also sees more action in the shop. I wish the 400 had the same guard lever the 80 has. Likewise wishing for the same blade guard lever Thanks for the informative video, my friend, but I'm a bit confused now...Here's a quote I borrowed from the Jack of all Trades? thread in which you indicate that the KSS400 lacks the "blade guard lever" I described in the original post of this thread [thank God that I now know the proper terminology for the "Guard Handle"].
>> Are you saying that the KSS300 has the KSS80Ec-style Blade Guard Lever and the KSS400 does not?
Judging by the Age! thread, Jack and I are the grey contingent of the MUF, Matt...so please help an old man pick the right saw.
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Post by wrightwoodwork on Jan 1, 2016 18:26:47 GMT -5
Both the kss 300 and 80 have the guard lever to lift the guard from the inside of the saw, where the 400 doesn't
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Post by Red on Jan 3, 2016 23:58:02 GMT -5
Both the kss 300 and 80 have the guard lever to lift the guard from the inside of the saw, where the 400 doesn't If it's not too much trouble, Aaron, would you please take a photo of your KSS300 showing the location of the Blade Guard Lever?
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Post by lincoln on Jan 4, 2016 0:23:04 GMT -5
I've been using my 300 today, so took a few pics for you: The guard lever is the upright one, to the left of the handle, as you're looking at the photo. So, on your right hand side as you're using the saw. Next one shows the saw sitting on the flexi-rail. There are always three of the 'bumps', on the rail, engaged in the slot on the base of the saw. Last one shows the base of the saw. The wide slot, toward the centre of the base, is for the cross-cutting rail. The narrow one, toward the edge of the base, for the flexi and F rails. Need anymore, just let me know.
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Post by Red on Jan 4, 2016 0:38:39 GMT -5
Thanks very much, Lincoln. Have you checked your PM inbox recently?
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Post by MrToolJunkie on Jan 4, 2016 0:54:09 GMT -5
Lincoln - how have you like the 300? Is it your go-to saw or do you still prefer the MT55 over it? Would love to know what kind of work you have been doing with it too. The pics are awesome. Also, I know Ghostfist responded, but would like your thoughts on slop on the Flexi-guide - is it about the same as on an F rail? I have the KSS80 so I know the minimal slop on the F-rails, just curious on the Flexi rail.
Thanks!
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Post by lincoln on Jan 4, 2016 1:38:10 GMT -5
Hey MTJ, I posted this on Red's other thread:
No preference, each one has its own place. The MT55 for sheets, or timber panels, is unbeatable. The KSS300 is great for crosscutting, and I also use it as a general small circular saw - replacing my cordless circ saw. I don't like using the MT off the rail, but the KSS handles just like a 'normal' circular saw, off the rail, with the correct blade. If I started doing framing work, I would definitely get the KSS400, for extra depth of cut.
As far as slop goes, about the same as on the F rail. Makes very nice cuts, but not as good as the MT55.
Lincoln.
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Post by Red on Jan 4, 2016 12:18:06 GMT -5
Sometimes it's the attention to details -- aka, the little things -- that make all the difference. For example, I friggin' love the way that Mafell has imprinted the shoe/base of the KSS300 with a width measurement and, knowing a few German engineers, I'm sure that it's an accurate 120mm measurement. I can't tell you how many times I've wondered why our "other" circular saws didn't have the same type of imprint...Niiiiccce...
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Post by GhostFist on Jan 4, 2016 12:27:26 GMT -5
There is no slop adjustment on the 300. That being said I've never found it to be an issue
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