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Post by sundog on Jan 13, 2016 16:31:26 GMT -5
Hey all...I've been reading and agonising for several days over the decision. I'm an old house owner, so there is a huge variety of projects in the next decade for whichever saw system I choose. I'm not making money with it, so I *do* have to choose. Some projects include:
Kitchen Cabinets
Mudroom Lockers
Shelving, both high quality and general use
Hardwood Flooring
Fencing
Deck
Window and Door Casings
I'm sure there are more, but those are some major ones. I won't say which way I'm leaning, so as not to bias anyone's opinion. I appreciate any input! Thanks!
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Post by reflector on Jan 13, 2016 16:37:59 GMT -5
Disclaimer: I only have the MT55cc
Go with the MT55cc if you're planning on working with sheet materials 98-100% of the time with it. The KSS400 is versatile because it has the crosscut rail and can be used off the rails without the awkwardness of the MT55cc (It doesn't have a secondary handle). If you want to push it with the MT55cc you can use the angle fence attachment (Mafell or Bosch, its the same thing) with a rail and make crosscuts, slowly.
Edit: I misread and thought you were comparing the MT55cc to the KSS400. The KSS300 has less cut depth than the MT55cc but its very light and great for working with dimensional lumber and sheet goods but it won't tilt the blade on the lip of the guide rails that the MT55cc uses. It'll cut fine with its own flexible guide rail and crosscut rail.
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Post by lincoln on Jan 13, 2016 17:14:52 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum, sundog.
I'm sure you don't want to hear this, but it sounds like you need both! Do you have a mitre saw?
Lincoln.
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Post by sundog on Jan 13, 2016 17:16:36 GMT -5
Yours is a very helpful comment! I would estimate my use profile will be 30-40% sheet goods and 60-70% 2x stock or thinner dimensional materials. I know you don't have the KSS300, but maybe someone could answer the opposing question: does the KSS300 handle sheet goods comparably to the MT55cc?
And since you brought up the KSS400...if I'm planning a wide variety of uses, and planning on buying the rails and connectors anyway, does the 400 offer any compelling advantages over the 300? Seems like the flexi-rail and portability is the big difference.
Choosing is brutal.
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Post by sundog on Jan 13, 2016 17:20:28 GMT -5
I do have a miter saw. A Dewalt 12 inch. It gets the majority of use in my projects. I have a small table saw that I am fearful of, so I use it as a very last resort. That is the impetus for my track saw purchase...essentially hoping I can avoid using the table saw completely, and avoid an upgrade of my miter saw to a compound saw.
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Post by holmz on Jan 13, 2016 18:54:23 GMT -5
I cut 2" thick stuff n the MT 55, but it is all I have.
I love it though.
You will need at least 2 rails, and 3 if you have one on an MFT.
i cross cut on an MFT or with the Bosch mitre job (OFA FSA I think or something like that with clamps
Where are you at?
Your power requires some consideration. Red can p'rolly help, but basically it is 220v in the US..
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Post by sundog on Jan 13, 2016 19:37:45 GMT -5
I'm in the US, 110v. I don't have a dedicated MFT at the moment. I could see most of my cuts being done on a temporary table set up on sawhorses. Especially working on the deck, fencing, house and garage siding...
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Post by holmz on Jan 13, 2016 19:48:38 GMT -5
I'm in the US, 110v. I don't have a dedicated MFT at the moment. I could see most of my cuts being done on a temporary table set up on sawhorses. Especially working on the deck, fencing, house and garage siding... I use an old fold out table like the women at a churches serve snacks on. I would suggest that you look at the Neutrik connectors and maybe get into contact with Red. Where in the US are you? I sorted out my own 220v (230v) as I am normally in Australia. You have 220v at your oven or drier, so you likely have 220v. The tools are 30% off imported so you effectively get a discount on them in case you get/need both  But I think either would be fine. There is also the p1cc which is handy, if you do not have a jog saw. Either a transformer or the 220v plug makes sense and ou get 3 tools for the price of 2 imported. But using 110v is a more normal choice for many. |
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Post by reflector on Jan 13, 2016 20:09:16 GMT -5
If you get the Bosch Holey Rails (The shelf pin rails) you can use a router to make your own MFT top with a 20mm hinge boring bit. They also work with the KSS400 and MT55cc and that's how I ended up with my MT55cc.
The KSS400's crosscutting rail is really useful but I went with the MT55cc because I didn't need the speed and convenience of the crosscutting rail. The MT55cc will cut dimensional lumber with the angle fence just fine, just like it'll rip it and hardwoods just fine.
You can also import the 110V versions from the UK if you want the price and something that'll run on US power still. Sometimes you can get a bit off versus US prices. I stuck with 120V because I wanted the ability to use my tools anywhere anytime since I'm space restricted for my workshop space.
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Post by sundog on Jan 13, 2016 21:29:00 GMT -5
I'll have to figure out who Red is, being a newb around here. I'm in North Dakota, a few hours away from Minneapolis, a few more from Chicago. I priced a couple of saw setups from TWolf, and they come in around $1300, so a discount of any kind would be helpful. I have 220v in the garage and a couple of locations in the house, but it would require some extensions to use it around the yard. Haven't looked at or read enough to understand the transformer option. 110v would be simple and convenient, but we'll see what the tradeoffs are. Great info, everyone. Thanks so much!
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Post by holmz on Jan 13, 2016 23:51:29 GMT -5
I have relatives in Suer Dulut
My grandfather took a model T to Fargo when he was 9... Alone.
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Post by GhostFist on Jan 14, 2016 5:49:46 GMT -5
Owning both an mt55 and a kss 300, in your situation I think the kss 400 is the biggest bang for your buck. Also, I belive festool's versions should be hitting this side of the water soon. while I cannot comment on their quality as I've never used one, they may be worth taking a look at.
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Post by sundog on Jan 14, 2016 8:56:48 GMT -5
Ha...start a comparison thread between the 55 and the 300 and end up buying something completely different!  Appreciate all the info. I watched a teardown video of a new FT saw. I won't be spending money on one of those any time soon. :\ |
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Post by GhostFist on Jan 14, 2016 10:12:39 GMT -5
Imo festool's
Quality has been going down hill over the past few years exceptions being the domino 700 and the conturo which appear to be of high quality, though I haven't put them to the test
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Post by reflector on Jan 14, 2016 10:38:30 GMT -5
I think what the biggest thing was in that video was that the TS55R took the ball bearing that was there in the TS55 and replaced it with a plain bearing. I've heard modern plain bearings can be good in that specific situation where there is a thrust load. The thing is I don't know what composition that bearing is.
Checking the MT55cc diagram it looks like there's ball bearings in that location and from my understanding the Makita SP6000 is the same. At the price that TS55R goes for I find that kind of odd...
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But I think either would be fine. There is also the p1cc which is handy, if you do not have a jog saw. Either a transformer or the 220v plug makes sense and ou get 3 tools for the price of 2 imported.
Appreciate all the info.