Had this saw as my first saw. Had sold it. Partly because of its disadvantages, partly because of my mistake: thinking that it can replace table saw. Currently I think Festool TS 60 is the best one. In reality I've never touched any Festool saw.
It’s certainly not a complete replacement to a table saw. But does offer a lot of the functionality you might need from one. I’d always suggest getting a table saw first. Festol are very good too!
@@mikewaters6980 Let me write comparison between both. Mafell with its rail has advantages: - Easy and ingenious blade change system - its rail has two slots for clamping. One slot is very close to splinter guard, so you can clamp it to narrow pieces. - Quick switch to turn on\off a scoring cut feature. - Easy tilting with one screw and clamping on both ends. - Rails come with plаstic caps on both ends. You can connect rails easily and reliably straight. For Festool it is probably better to keep separate rail for every needed length. And disadvantages: - Power cord is attached permanently. Note TS 60 sold in USA also has no unplugable power cord beause of US law restrictions. - Slides on its track not as smoothly as TS 60. And its track slides on a workpiece better than Festool one. - With its narrow track and wide base plate, base plate sticks out to the left. It interferes with your hand holding track in place. It interferes with bench dogs on MFT table, unless bench dogs are low profile and lower than the track itself. And its motor sticks out even further. - its track has no easy way to attach attachments like parralel guides or other homemade attachments. - Both loud, but TS 60 has cleaner sound. - 45 degree cut is offset relatively to 90 degree cut. About 1.5 mm in my case. Don't know how it is on Festool saw. Let me remind you, I had never used ot touched any Festool saw. But I have their drill and dust extractor.
@@Yoggoth These points are super useful- thank you for taking the time to list all these down after owning the Mafell. Actually after looking through each of your points and evaluating them, I think the TS60 might be the better choice. Locally, I think the other plus for the TS is serviceability. As nice as the Mafell is, there doesn't seem to be a lot of local support- so I guess the risk is a little higher. But again, thanks for leaving us your honest thoughts after having the Mafell. Normally the only thing I have read about the Mafell is that it's flawless. Nice to see both sides.
Good review, have most big mafell tools like the bandsaw, chainsaw, chainmortiser etc. But it alll started with the tracksaw which is just in a league of its own, no plastic bs and no build comprimises. You cant really go back after this but my favourite is the kss60 with the angled rail they have and were the first to do. Replaced my chopsaw for 99,5%. Strong and best design of a circular saw. With the cas system also handy for metabo tools!
Thanks, glad you liked the review! Appreciate you sharing your experience with Mafell tools! It's awesome to hear from someone who has such an extensive collection and experience with the brand. I completely agree with you on the quality of the Mafell track saw; the robustness and absence of plastic components really set it apart from other options in the market. The KSS60 sounds like an absolute game-changer, especially with the angled rail feature. And it’s impressive how it has almost entirely replaced your chop saw.
@@sumeraybuilds Thank you for the reply, for those thinking of joining the Mafell line up, I think it is a question if you want to pay for tools that have no compromise about quality and build, which are innovative and from a relatively small company who is loyal to quality and customers. Their products are generally only released if they feel they are completely engineerd to a high standard and that is what I find using them. That said, do they pay for you? My tools generally do since I do timber framing but honestly their track saw is a no brainer if you go corded. Recently Benchdogs UK also made good rail accessories. About the KSS 60, I work with large timbers and planks so it is so much easier to carry the tool to the material then to hustle the material to the chop saw, and is cordless. Use to have 2 chop saws and already sold 1, not sure about the second, think I use it more then the track saw. Keep up the video's :)
Mafell is awesome , quality is waaaay better than anything else (even one of the most expensive green tools feel like cheap alternative) but if you want to go cheap there is 3 tools you want to check Plunge saw - Bosch Biturbo Orbital sander - Bosch GEX 18-125 Multitool -- Fein or Bosch STARLOCK (dont go other brands) you will be shocked how much powerfull starlock from bosch/fein is than any other brand (even cheep green bosch works way better than top tools from other brands) impacts ...of course dewalt angle grinders ...dewalt drills ,nailers , jigsaw / any other saw , Mitre Saw etc ---- HITACHI / HIKOKI (overall if you want just pure quality not only RAW POWER (like dewalt) ...hitachi /hikoki is great option for every tool ....maybe except multitool ... they doesnt work at all for me (to slow if compared even to green bosch starlock for 12v) 😅 but anything else is pure quality
@@markr1142 Bosch yes....thats why i only write about those 3 1---- orbital sander (cast aluminium) 2--- Bosch starlock (because FEIN is produced by Bosch , its the same insides in both only outside case is different but i side quality is the same) ....aaaand i use multiple Bosch Starlock in heavy use sometimes few hours a day per 1 tool (my wrist....my wrist....xD) - even green bosch starlock (advanced multi -18v , and universal multi -12v - use both , mostly 12v , 12v one have power like dewalt 20v because of starlock , 3years now heavy professional use and still works fine "Fein"-e 😆😅) 3----The same biturbo Its awesome for the price , made to work great everything else........
Had a fein mm350qsl. Snapped the head off after about 3 years of moderate use. When I pulled it apart to see what was broken the gearbox is connected to the main body with very thin glass reinforced plastic for minimum vibration but it is so weak that I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did. Wasn't sure what to replace it with because they all vibrate like hell. Went with Milwaukee M18 and it is one of Milwaukee's better tools. As smooth if not smoother. faster cutting. And the construction join from head to body is much thicker . Fein blades are also too thin and I have found much better cheaper alternatives. My 2 cents on that particular tool. Also have the mafell kss60 18mbi. Close to perfect tool, the catch bag is it's only flaw. I will probably upgrade to as much mafell as possible as my existing tools die.
I love tools and only buy equality. There is a difference. I purchased the Makita Mitre and sorry I did . It ok, but not great. I also purchased the Makita cricular saw and now I am ready to sell it and buy the Mafell. I had Mafell for years - once you get use to them there is no going back. I also have Festool and Fein.
Bosch, for tracts and other accessories all same compatable and about 60% price. I've had a corded one for about 3 years - only down side is it doesn't fit well to festool dust extractor nozzle., only downer - but no regrets.
I know you sort of answered it, (compatible with other guide rails): just wondering the accuracy of your statement. I have a Makita rail system. I have the Mafell router so it looks like I'm going down that path of purchasing the track saw as well.
Honestly, I'm basing that off word of mouth from people I know instead of evidence. I suspect it's true, but worth checking online first before commiting to the spend.
Festool is much better because of track accessories - MFT table, better clamps (more practical), better angle stops (morte types) ... Mafell has no vacuum cleaner bluetooth connection
My biggest criticism of Mafell chorded tools is the chord being permanently attached to the tool. All other differences aside, the removable chord on Festools is a clear advantage.
When I saw this saw for the first time, I was like: Did the engineers/designers sleep while constructing this? I think it's an abomination. The very first thing I learned with a track saw was: "The saw tells you where your hands should be." Easy and safe. Meanwhile Mafell is like: "Yeah, you Pros are used to losing fingers, so here's your next opportunity to do so."
I'm in the tour de Ireland of buying a shiny new track saw. I sold my Makita (well, gave it to my dad) jigsaw cos it was ever so slightly out of true. This in hindsight could probably have been fixed and he probably has already done that. I went and bought a P1cc jigsaw by Mafell. An abomination, I'm not sure. Aside from the fact that the blades don't get hot, it's not any more straight than how my Makita was for the previous 5 years. In fact, I've not found the accuracy of tracking on the Mafell superior and a bit, sub-par. Then there's the fact that safety with Mafell is out the window. The on/off button is all black and doesn't even engage in the full on [or off position perfectly (well, 'precisely' , as perfect is asking a bit much from supposed market leaders). I contacted both Saw Centre from where I purchased it and then Mafell UK with whom the SC put me in contact. The rep said it's perfectly normal for that button to no full engage (as you said, they don't give two ticks about safety... maybe). So I'm left with a jigsaw that works well but the on/off button is unsure of where it should be. It also doesn't track as perfectly as I'd wanted. This leads me to my next purchase, a Metabo trade mitre saw. I won't go into that too much but for the price it's excellent. Now, I'm looking at a plunge saw as I'm certain it's less kick-back prone than a standard circular saw. But, coming back to a Mafell. The online stories of a few reports are that it doesn't do perfect mitre cuts due to the guide rail not sitting nicely where you'd expect... What the heck is wrong with thse market leaders... Maybe I'll not be buying the Mafell (corded) plunge afterall...
I own both Mafell and Festool plunge saws, and I can say Mafell is by far superior in all aspects to everything I've tried before.
Thanks for sharing 🙏
Own Mafell MT55 and love it. Have two other Maffell saws that I love also.
What other saws do you have?
Your videos are getting better and better keep going!!
Thanks 😎
I bought the Mafell to DIY fit my new kitchen. It performed for me. All the cuts were millimetre perfect and without nasty chips or tearout.
Yeah it’s awesome!
Had this saw as my first saw. Had sold it. Partly because of its disadvantages, partly because of my mistake: thinking that it can replace table saw.
Currently I think Festool TS 60 is the best one. In reality I've never touched any Festool saw.
It’s certainly not a complete replacement to a table saw. But does offer a lot of the functionality you might need from one. I’d always suggest getting a table saw first. Festol are very good too!
Thank you for sharing this. Was contemplating the mafell or the ts60
@@mikewaters6980 Let me write comparison between both.
Mafell with its rail has advantages:
- Easy and ingenious blade change system
- its rail has two slots for clamping. One slot is very close to splinter guard, so you can clamp it to narrow pieces.
- Quick switch to turn on\off a scoring cut feature.
- Easy tilting with one screw and clamping on both ends.
- Rails come with plаstic caps on both ends. You can connect rails easily and reliably straight. For Festool it is probably better to keep separate rail for every needed length.
And disadvantages:
- Power cord is attached permanently. Note TS 60 sold in USA also has no unplugable power cord beause of US law restrictions.
- Slides on its track not as smoothly as TS 60. And its track slides on a workpiece better than Festool one.
- With its narrow track and wide base plate, base plate sticks out to the left. It interferes with your hand holding track in place. It interferes with bench dogs on MFT table, unless bench dogs are low profile and lower than the track itself. And its motor sticks out even further.
- its track has no easy way to attach attachments like parralel guides or other homemade attachments.
- Both loud, but TS 60 has cleaner sound.
- 45 degree cut is offset relatively to 90 degree cut. About 1.5 mm in my case. Don't know how it is on Festool saw.
Let me remind you, I had never used ot touched any Festool saw. But I have their drill and dust extractor.
@@Yoggoth These points are super useful- thank you for taking the time to list all these down after owning the Mafell. Actually after looking through each of your points and evaluating them, I think the TS60 might be the better choice. Locally, I think the other plus for the TS is serviceability. As nice as the Mafell is, there doesn't seem to be a lot of local support- so I guess the risk is a little higher. But again, thanks for leaving us your honest thoughts after having the Mafell. Normally the only thing I have read about the Mafell is that it's flawless. Nice to see both sides.
You're reply to so thorough I could probably use it as a script for a video! haha. Thanks for sharing!
Good review, have most big mafell tools like the bandsaw, chainsaw, chainmortiser etc. But it alll started with the tracksaw which is just in a league of its own, no plastic bs and no build comprimises. You cant really go back after this but my favourite is the kss60 with the angled rail they have and were the first to do. Replaced my chopsaw for 99,5%. Strong and best design of a circular saw. With the cas system also handy for metabo tools!
Thanks, glad you liked the review! Appreciate you sharing your experience with Mafell tools! It's awesome to hear from someone who has such an extensive collection and experience with the brand.
I completely agree with you on the quality of the Mafell track saw; the robustness and absence of plastic components really set it apart from other options in the market. The KSS60 sounds like an absolute game-changer, especially with the angled rail feature. And it’s impressive how it has almost entirely replaced your chop saw.
@@sumeraybuilds Thank you for the reply, for those thinking of joining the Mafell line up, I think it is a question if you want to pay for tools that have no compromise about quality and build, which are innovative and from a relatively small company who is loyal to quality and customers. Their products are generally only released if they feel they are completely engineerd to a high standard and that is what I find using them. That said, do they pay for you? My tools generally do since I do timber framing but honestly their track saw is a no brainer if you go corded. Recently Benchdogs UK also made good rail accessories. About the KSS 60, I work with large timbers and planks so it is so much easier to carry the tool to the material then to hustle the material to the chop saw, and is cordless. Use to have 2 chop saws and already sold 1, not sure about the second, think I use it more then the track saw. Keep up the video's :)
Really good independent review Jack. Seems like a good bit of kit.👍
Thanks 👍 Cheers Steve!
This video covers the big question: is cordless as powerful. I’m happy to have this addressed so I can make this decision appropriately
Glad you found it useful 😎
Mafell is awesome , quality is waaaay better than anything else (even one of the most expensive green tools feel like cheap alternative)
but
if you want to go cheap there is 3 tools you want to check
Plunge saw - Bosch Biturbo
Orbital sander - Bosch GEX 18-125
Multitool -- Fein or Bosch STARLOCK (dont go other brands) you will be shocked how much powerfull starlock from bosch/fein is than any other brand (even cheep green bosch works way better than top tools from other brands)
impacts ...of course dewalt
angle grinders ...dewalt
drills ,nailers , jigsaw / any other saw , Mitre Saw etc ---- HITACHI / HIKOKI (overall if you want just pure quality not only RAW POWER (like dewalt) ...hitachi /hikoki is great option for every tool ....maybe except multitool ... they doesnt work at all for me (to slow if compared even to green bosch starlock for 12v) 😅 but anything else is pure quality
Yea I agree the build quality of this is top notch. To be expected given the price imo
Fein I agree, you can't beat it. Bosch rattles apart and the bolts snap in heavy use.
@@markr1142 Bosch yes....thats why i only write about those 3
1---- orbital sander (cast aluminium)
2--- Bosch starlock (because FEIN is produced by Bosch , its the same insides in both only outside case is different but i side quality is the same) ....aaaand i use multiple Bosch Starlock in heavy use sometimes few hours a day per 1 tool (my wrist....my wrist....xD) - even green bosch starlock (advanced multi -18v , and universal multi -12v - use both , mostly 12v , 12v one have power like dewalt 20v because of starlock , 3years now heavy professional use and still works fine "Fein"-e 😆😅)
3----The same biturbo
Its awesome for the price , made to work great
everything else........
Had a fein mm350qsl. Snapped the head off after about 3 years of moderate use.
When I pulled it apart to see what was broken the gearbox is connected to the main body with very thin glass reinforced plastic for minimum vibration but it is so weak that I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did. Wasn't sure what to replace it with because they all vibrate like hell. Went with Milwaukee M18 and it is one of Milwaukee's better tools. As smooth if not smoother. faster cutting.
And the construction join from head to body is much thicker . Fein blades are also too thin and I have found much better cheaper alternatives.
My 2 cents on that particular tool.
Also have the mafell kss60 18mbi. Close to perfect tool, the catch bag is it's only flaw.
I will probably upgrade to as much mafell as possible as my existing tools die.
I've had the corded version excellent the best on the market
Agreed! Do you have any other Mafell tools? I'm considering taking a look at their new router
No I have no other mafell tools but was looking at the impactor but I'm not subbing anymore I'm working for a housing association
I have the corded mt55 and it’s very good.
Agreed! Got anything else Mafell?
I love tools and only buy equality. There is a difference. I purchased the Makita Mitre and sorry I did . It ok, but not great. I also purchased the Makita cricular saw and now I am ready to sell it and buy the Mafell. I had Mafell for years - once you get use to them there is no going back. I also have Festool and Fein.
Good choice. I certainly think of you can afford these tools you’re getting the best that’s out there.
Fantastic! Enjoyed that one, Jack...
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks Michael!
Bosch, for tracts and other accessories all same compatable and about 60% price. I've had a corded one for about 3 years - only down side is it doesn't fit well to festool dust extractor nozzle., only downer - but no regrets.
Thanks 🙏
I know you sort of answered it, (compatible with other guide rails): just wondering the accuracy of your statement. I have a Makita rail system. I have the Mafell router so it looks like I'm going down that path of purchasing the track saw as well.
Honestly, I'm basing that off word of mouth from people I know instead of evidence. I suspect it's true, but worth checking online first before commiting to the spend.
Great plunge saw with one big issue, 45° cut not in same line with the guide rubber. For that reason i chose bosch.
Good observation, useful for those considering it!
Wow that’s a great point shared thanks
It is in the same line!
I believe Mafel makes the Bosch.@@luzianwasescha6056
Hi thank you for your video, can you recommend a store in London to purchase the mafell ?
Not a clue! I’m not based in London
Festool is much better because of track accessories - MFT table, better clamps (more practical), better angle stops (morte types) ... Mafell has no vacuum cleaner bluetooth connection
I haven't used it, would love to!
My biggest criticism of Mafell chorded tools is the chord being permanently attached to the tool. All other differences aside, the removable chord on Festools is a clear advantage.
😂😂😂
@bischbashbosch has a video on replacing the cord with a neutrik powercon 1 connector.. a nice mod for all corded tools
Its not made for the destroy it yourself market.
Let the destroyers buy a dewalt and reduce them digits 🖐️
🤣
When I saw this saw for the first time, I was like: Did the engineers/designers sleep while constructing this? I think it's an abomination.
The very first thing I learned with a track saw was: "The saw tells you where your hands should be." Easy and safe. Meanwhile Mafell is like: "Yeah, you Pros are used to losing fingers, so here's your next opportunity to do so."
😂
I'm in the tour de Ireland of buying a shiny new track saw. I sold my Makita (well, gave it to my dad) jigsaw cos it was ever so slightly out of true. This in hindsight could probably have been fixed and he probably has already done that. I went and bought a P1cc jigsaw by Mafell.
An abomination, I'm not sure. Aside from the fact that the blades don't get hot, it's not any more straight than how my Makita was for the previous 5 years. In fact, I've not found the accuracy of tracking on the Mafell superior and a bit, sub-par.
Then there's the fact that safety with Mafell is out the window. The on/off button is all black and doesn't even engage in the full on [or off position perfectly (well, 'precisely' , as perfect is asking a bit much from supposed market leaders). I contacted both Saw Centre from where I purchased it and then Mafell UK with whom the SC put me in contact.
The rep said it's perfectly normal for that button to no full engage (as you said, they don't give two ticks about safety... maybe). So I'm left with a jigsaw that works well but the on/off button is unsure of where it should be. It also doesn't track as perfectly as I'd wanted.
This leads me to my next purchase, a Metabo trade mitre saw. I won't go into that too much but for the price it's excellent. Now, I'm looking at a plunge saw as I'm certain it's less kick-back prone than a standard circular saw.
But, coming back to a Mafell. The online stories of a few reports are that it doesn't do perfect mitre cuts due to the guide rail not sitting nicely where you'd expect... What the heck is wrong with thse market leaders... Maybe I'll not be buying the Mafell (corded) plunge afterall...
Or maybe I will... 😂
Still almost half the price of festool
Verty true!
Still not loving the tracks
Oh really? Why?
I find my Mafell rails move around slightly when doing multiple passes never seemed to happen on my older festool .
I never have this issue, but I try to always use the clamps when possible
I've had both move around, usually dust trapped under the tracks.