krkww
New Member
Posts: 19
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Post by krkww on Mar 13, 2016 12:30:26 GMT -5
Greetings,
I am new to both the forum and to Mafell as a brand. A month ago I did not even know what a Mafell was. I have invested in Festool and was looking for a way to accurately cut a custom table top of solid black walnut 1.5"x42"x84" and naturally investigated the two options FT offers. In the course of that investigation, I discovered Mafell and the MT55. I came to this forum through the encouragement of some of you folks who follow both FT and Mafell. I read through a number of lengthy threads (one was 26 pages) and came away with more questions than answers.
I discovered other Mafell saws that might be more appropriate for my present need. I would very greatly appreciate help understanding which tool is best for me at present.
In addition to the pressing need above, I do a good bit of work with rough kiln dried lumber that is sometimes reasonably flat and sometimes not. I own a very nice General table saw with ample out feed and an 8" Powermatic long bed jointer but straight-lining these pieces can be precarious. I also build cabinets using sheet material and hoisting a 3/4" sheet of plywood onto the table saw is getting more difficult not to mention less accurate.
would you please help me understand which Mafell saw offering is best to meet my need today? And please let me know if you have any further questions for clarification.
Blessings and many thanks in advance!
Kevin
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Post by GhostFist on Mar 13, 2016 12:48:58 GMT -5
I see your thread and shall respond proper when I'm done work and the boss isn't watching (i am the boss ) none the less full response to follow
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Post by wrightwoodwork on Mar 13, 2016 15:10:27 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum. For your first mafell saw I would properly recomend the mt55 to start off with as it is the most precise of the saws ideal for cabinet work and also has enough power for straight lining rough timber up to 50mm then at a later maybe add the kss 80
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Post by holmz on Mar 13, 2016 15:12:56 GMT -5
For sheets the MT55, and you need a couple of rails and a rail joiner.
If the table edge is not straight then ou need a p1cc or a Z5ec.
Or await Ghostfist.
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krkww
New Member
Posts: 19
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Post by krkww on Mar 13, 2016 15:46:51 GMT -5
The table edge is straight and square, though one day I look forward to replacing my blue jigsaw.
Ok WWW, why the 80 vs. the 300 or 400?
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Post by GhostFist on Mar 13, 2016 16:16:42 GMT -5
I think an mt55 with the right blade can do a nice job of the task at hand and is perfect for sheet material and anything super precise. In my recent red oak job, and in lieu of a jointer I straightened an edge with the mt55 then went on to final dimension off the table saw. Now I was using the stock blade, which could use a cleaning and sharpening, and there was some slight outward deflection at the bottom of the cut. The cut was still dead nuts straight but in order to get it on the plums a second pass was needed off the table saw on this edge just to take out the slight inconsistency. I only mention this just so you're aware. The motor has plenty of peanuts behind it to eat the cut up and the finish left on the cut was better than the table saw but just that micro deflection that i'm gonna blame the dull dirty blade on.
Kss80 is a nice hefty saw perfect for heavier timbers and might have the gonads to pull a tractor, but some of our residents who own the saw (myself not included) to speak on it's brawniness.
Can I ask what part of the world you live in as it makes a difference for availability and prices on this lush gear.
Also, what on the festool did you not like?
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krkww
New Member
Posts: 19
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Post by krkww on Mar 13, 2016 17:36:26 GMT -5
I sincerely appreciate the consistency of all your council. That is very helpful, thank you!
I am in the USA and understand we have one retailer here. I found links to others outside the States but the saws are 220 volt. While I can handle that in my shop, it does not lend itself well to be outfitted nicely with my CT26. Can I even purchase a 110 volt MT 55 outside this country?
When I investigated the two FT offerings, I read a lot of reviews on both saws. That narrowed my choice down almost immediately since the overwhelming consensus was that the TS 55 was too weak to handle my needs. That left me with the "behemoth" TS 75. I was really drawn to the size of the smaller saw but could not compromise on the power requirement. I read more testimonials on the FOG and became aware of Mafell and the nicely positioned MT 55 situated between the TS 55 and TS 75. That seemed too good to be true. Further investigation of the MT 55 seems to have persuaded me to go this route. Though I now need to save for it since it is much more expensive than I was prepared for. Unless I can find another supplier with prices within my reach presently.
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Post by wrightwoodwork on Mar 13, 2016 18:15:45 GMT -5
The table edge is straight and square, though one day I look forward to replacing my blue jigsaw. Ok WWW, why the 80 vs. the 300 or 400? The 80 simply because of depth of cut if required. The 400 & 300 are more your general purpose saw that do everything on site from framing to finishing and other stuff in between. Depth of cut on these saws is 50/40 depending on version. The Mt is just that bit more accurate for sheet goods. Truthfully thier isn't a right saw to start with its what suits your current work needs |
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krkww
New Member
Posts: 19
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Post by krkww on Mar 13, 2016 19:18:29 GMT -5
The table edge is straight and square, though one day I look forward to replacing my blue jigsaw. Ok WWW, why the 80 vs. the 300 or 400? The 80 simply because of depth of cut if required. The 400 & 300 are more your general purpose saw that do everything on site from framing to finishing and other stuff in between. Depth of cut on these saws is 50/40 depending on version. The Mt is just that bit more accurate for sheet goods. Truthfully thier isn't a right saw to start with its what suits your current work needs Thank you! I've heard replies for my question use one consistent word that truly resonates with me: accurate. This is important for the work I do and has helped answer my question. I agree that the MT 55 is the best saw for me to begin with though I do not rule out aquiring one of the others as need arises. I sincerely appreciate the time each of you has taken to help answer my question. I hope one day to be able to share and help others the way you all have. |
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Post by GhostFist on Mar 13, 2016 20:38:12 GMT -5
If you do get an mt55 or something else. Let us know your thoughts good or bad.
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Post by jonathan on Mar 14, 2016 0:10:26 GMT -5
The MT55 is hands down the best plunge saw for sheet goods. With 1400W it's indeed a little more powerful than the Festool TS55. Where the Festool will audibly start to struggle (in 2 sheets of plywood), the Mafell will not. Don't expect the difference to be night and day either though.
Another option might be the 1800W K65 / KSS60, if you need some extra power and depth of cut. However this is a larger and heavier saw that's more of an all-rounder for general work, which brings you back into Festool TS-75 territory.
Both saws are top of the bill in it's respective category, so you can't go wrong either way.
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Post by holmz on Mar 14, 2016 3:11:36 GMT -5
I sincerely appreciate the consistency of all your council. That is very helpful, thank you! I am in the USA and understand we have one retailer here. I found links to others outside the States but the saws are 220 volt. While I can handle that in my shop, it does not lend itself well to be outfitted nicely with my CT26. Can I even purchase a 110 volt MT 55 outside this country? ... ^This^ should be close to the top of you process. You have 3 choices: 1) 110v tool (It seems like a no brainer... but wait) 2) The 110 -> 220v transformer, which timberwolf sells. 3) A 220v plug on a 230v tool, and the motors are universal so 50 or 60 Hz works. The reasons for #2 and #3 are that the Eu versions draw 1/2 the amps, and are 30-40% cheaper. So you get ~4 tools for the price of 3. Search for "Neutrik" on here. You could take 2 approaches with the 220v in the shop or a home with a drier plug and the same tool with an Eu end for use on the transformer. There is a way to trigger a CT26 which was posted on FOG. The other method is to get a 230v vacuum, but that seems like a poorer choice unless you were to move your 110v tool on. I have some 110v tools and a 230 -> 110v transformer, so I understand a bit of the drama involved. |
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krkww
New Member
Posts: 19
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Post by krkww on Mar 14, 2016 9:04:00 GMT -5
I sincerely appreciate the consistency of all your council. That is very helpful, thank you! I am in the USA and understand we have one retailer here. I found links to others outside the States but the saws are 220 volt. While I can handle that in my shop, it does not lend itself well to be outfitted nicely with my CT26. Can I even purchase a 110 volt MT 55 outside this country? ... ^This^ should be close to the top of you process. You have 3 choices: 1) 110v tool (It seems like a no brainer... but wait) 2) The 110 -> 220v transformer, which timberwolf sells. 3) A 220v plug on a 230v tool, and the motors are universal so 50 or 60 Hz works. The reasons for #2 and #3 are that the Eu versions draw 1/2 the amps, and are 30-40% cheaper. So you get ~4 tools for the price of 3. Search for "Neutrik" on here. You could take 2 approaches with the 220v in the shop or a home with a drier plug and the same tool with an Eu end for use on the transformer. There is a way to trigger a CT26 which was posted on FOG. The other method is to get a 230v vacuum, but that seems like a poorer choice unless you were to move your 110v tool on. I have some 110v tools and a 230 -> 110v transformer, so I understand a bit of the drama involved.  Well, ok then... It's not so cut and dried is it? Looks like I have some research to do while I wait. Thanks for the additional options. I'll consider these as well and determine the best course. |
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krkww
New Member
Posts: 19
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Post by krkww on Mar 14, 2016 9:05:50 GMT -5
If you do get an mt55 or something else. Let us know your thoughts good or bad. I look forward to it, thanks! |
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krkww
New Member
Posts: 19
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Post by krkww on Mar 14, 2016 9:12:30 GMT -5
The MT55 is hands down the best plunge saw for sheet goods. With 1400W it's indeed a little more powerful than the Festool TS55. Where the Festool will audibly start to struggle (in 2 sheets of plywood), the Mafell will not. Don't expect the difference to be night and day either though. Another option might be the 1800W K65 / KSS60, if you need some extra power and depth of cut. However this is a larger and heavier saw that's more of an all-rounder for general work, which brings you back into Festool TS-75 territory. Both saws are top of the bill in it's respective category, so you can't go wrong either way. The plethora of options can make your head swim! I do more work with timber than sheet goods presently but will be doing a significant amount of cabinets in the near and distant future. It is my earnest hope that the MT 55 can handle straight lining the solid stock I work with. |
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Well, ok then... It's not so cut and dried is it? Looks like I have some research to do while I wait. Thanks for the additional options. I'll consider these as well and determine the best course.