Had the corded version for 20 years an it’s still going strong .the depth of cut is a pain only when cutting some doors but being able to keep everything and the track in one box is so so so handy
I've had this saw and flexible guide rail for 3 years now and it's one of my favourite saw!It's incredibly lightweight and I have no problem with the balance of the saw at all and thats using it with the 5.5 amp hour Metabo battery. I also find the dust collection to be excellent catching about 90% of the dust. Yes it's main limitation is that it will only cut to a depth of 40mm but as Abanoub pointed out in one of the previous posts,it is more intended for finish carpentry. The build quality of the saw is top notch as you would expect from Mafell. My flexible rail really hasen't seen much useas I maily use the excellent Bosch guide rails. With the 12 tooth Mafell blade fitted it does an excellent job of ripping most timbe rwith ample power and I think Mafell also make a special blade for cutting melamine. Although I have heard good reports about the Festool HKC 55 it is also a lot heavier as is the new Metabo KS66 which I recently purchased. Lastly the most economical way to purchase this saw is in the "pure" version as the germans call it or "skin" as we refer to it here in Australia. Metabo batteries and rapid charger can then purchased here in Australia which will be compatable with the saw as Mafell is part of the CAS alliance.
This tool not only checks all the boxes, it created new boxes to check! Holy moly! Excellent review, sir. I appreciate all the comments from viewers who are in the know about these high end tools. I'm at the Makita level currently, and am starting to worry about being ruined for the brand by these droolers. Amazing kit...amazing... Hey, Robert, can I borrow your saw? Oh, come on!
I've had this saw for 2 years now. It's now my go to saw for cutting flooring baseboards shoe molding. It will even cut 2x10s . I've replaced the batteries with metabo brand the four amp hour battery makes the saw great for cross cutting 8 amp power battery for ripping. The 8 amp is the same size as the Mafell which is a 5.5 amp. Saw laying on its side will cut door jambs at a half inch for 3/4 just put a quarter inch spacer underneath. It was hard to put the money out for this but once I got it and used it I would do it again and wish that I had much sooner
Mafell is somehow the standard in German professional woodworking and normally made to last decades. Second is Festool and Bosch, but well, if you build timber-framed houses, you have your Mafell tools. Slow vs fast chargers: If you like you batteries to last some months, you for sure use a slow charger. Fast chargers still kill your batteries over time way faster. So you have to decide: Fast charging (and re-buy batteries faster) or buy more batteries and use slow charging.
Only now YT recommends this 🙂 Mafell made some big "hand" tools for log cutting , that are not sold anymore (not on their web page), like the 600mm circular saw, you needed 2 to operate that. Today it's only Mafell and Makita that make 400mm circular saws , and then one in US. When it comes to top end power tools with some size there is only Mafell and Makita.
Mafell makes a kss40, 50, 60 and 80 only the 40 comes with the flexible track but all are track compatible. The 80 is corded 50 and 60 come cordless and corded.
Your viewers comments sum it up. There is a bigger version of that saw with a deeper cut. Festool also have a similar saw with bigger cut. But I am not a fan of the plastic fantastic brand. Mafell are quality. I have never used the flexible track but have seen it used before. And Gaston from Piranha tools I think it is that was showing Scott Brown in Auckland a Mafell track saw. I have a lot of Metabo tools so used to the battery release. If you have small hands like me try getting the battery out of a Bosch. The Metabo I find easy. All a change from Makita.
I got the corded version the other week. defo a cabinet fitter / finishing carpenter's saw. it needs a dust extractor for sure, but one of the best circular saws I've ever used. Mafell are awesome 😍
@boogiedahomey One very nice thing with the cordless KSS saws is that they stop the blade almost instantly, less than a second. Got the 60 and haven’t regretted it even once.
That is amazing. It has some real engineers behind it. Shame that the depth is so short! I totally went to go buy it just now until I saw it was $1200! Yeah, if I was doing framing everyday I'd still pay that price, but man, got to wait for a crazy discount or something. Great review.
What an amazing looking tool. I've had the Festool for decades. It's done an enormous amount of workand is pretty rough looking but is still cutting with beautiful precision. I've been thinking of updating to a battery version. Looks like I might have to change brands.
@boogiedahomey Thank you for the input. I think this one will be in my future too. I will get the use out of it. My Festool is getting pretty old. It's a pity it doesn't take the Festool batteries though.
Nice review! The battery has 10pcs of 21700 cells that's why it is heavy and more powerful than other normal 5Ah batteries that have 18650 cells in them. It is true that the 8Ah battery is the same weight but longer run time. The 4Ah HD battery still has 21700 cells but only 5pcs not good for saw but for drill drivers.
Here in Denmark we use 45mm as well.. so that's a deal breaker for me. To bad because the make amazing tools. I got the mafell p1cc and it's 5 years old and still the absolute best jigsaw you can get! Forget festool, Borch, Dewalt, Makita.. the aren't even close.
Buy a kss50 or kss60 🤙. Luckily here in America it can cut through 1-1/2 not on bevel but you can get a 50 or 60 that will easily do framing. I use my kss mostly for finish material. Great for mitering baseboards and way easier than dragging material to a miter saw
This saw has a low depth of cut because it is predominantly made for finish carpentry, there is a Mafell KSS60 (60mm depth of cut) for heavier-duty applications.
Good review :) Festool has the same sliding rails for their HKC saw, 3 different sizes. Very similar at least. Has the same angle adjustments with the stops. I used it all the time and love it! Just push it up to the board and cut.
Hello!!!! Robert! Your the man! The only “negative” of the metabo based Cas battery system is they can be a pain in the ass to release and the tabs when they break, break on the tool obviously. The. Kss60 (I think they offer cordless)with either 8ah batts which are same size as the 5.5s -they say are the most powerful… Germans lol. - or 4ah for size and weight if feasible? Anyway the asc145 fast charger should be standard with a kit. Thanks for the show. Thoroughly enjoy everything ya do! Ya think I want a Mafell 😂😉. They are supposedly coming out with a cordless jigsaw this century.
I love mafells rails, and their real connectors on their standard non flexy rails. I use them with a both a few mafell saws but keep a bosch circular saw that is track ready and uses their tracks. They are absolutely fantastic and no glue or sticky bits
I agree, some dishwasher detergent as lube and just slot it in. On the 3100 rail it was a bit of a chore but better than adhesives for sure. I was just pointing out that it is a Bosch patented and Bosch manufactured rail. It is great and I much prefer it to the other track system. @@gric111
Thanks for the review, this is the longest review (in English) I’ve come across. I love my KSS60, and have definitely been keen on getting one of these for the smaller work.
That is pretty cool. Great review. I guess the biggest feature is everything in the one systainer box. No idea who did it first but this is basically the Festool HK 55/HKC 55 and Festool sells different sizes of the miter rail. Up to 24 or 26 inches long and if your already in their system your track saw rails work with it too. Both brands are not known for being cheap so I guess it comes down to preference. As far as depth of cut goes I suspect Germany uses 1.5 inch framing lumber like we do here in the US.
The real beauty that you'll find with this saw is how small and compact it is for the work it can achieve making it a delight to work with. Moving a step up from it makes the saw more unwieldy and less versatile. If something happens to my KSS 40 I will not hesitate to buy a new one but I'm not so sure with my bigger one
You want to look at the new metabo ks 18 ltx 66 BL with kfs 300 Cross cut guide rail. It runs on cas battery's you Can also get 600 cross cut rails. It works out half the price as the mafell.
The blade size problem is like the Makita 9 1/4" circular saw for us in the US. The 3 3/8" cut depth just missing cutting our 4x material. A Makita XGT kit of this Mafell would be killer.
I’ve got a sneaky feeling that battery will work with the Matabo tools, it got a similar style and a logo that’s identical. I think there part of some sort of battery alliance. CAS
Totally agree about depth of cut. Here in Europe we have 40 mm timber but most of the rough-cut stock is closer to 41-42mm. Otherwise a perfect saw, and I wouldn't want to be without it ever again. it saves so much time. I use it mostly at work for aluminium and pvc, works a treat. One day when I can justify it I'll get KSS50 or KSS60, but first saving for Erika 🙈
I was just looking up the details, they do have a bigger version with a larger depth of cut a KSS 50 & KSS 60 they have quite. Range of cordless saws and corded, They have a plunge cut cordless MT 55 They have what looks like a more standard type cordless the K55 I think the battery you had in is the largest one they have, there is a couple smaller ones too, they're also part of that CAS battery alliance that makes there batteries compatible with a number of other companies tools. They've a crazy range of saws some unique stuff.
Checked this out in Canada 🇨🇦. Not sure if I was priced American or Canadian dollars but just under $1300. For the KSS 50. Not the same but has a 2” depth of cut,16” crosscut capacity. Compatible with their solid track which adds another $300 to the price,before our wonderful taxes. Retired now and will stick with my Rigid $100 saw and home made track. Cheers.
So putting things more positively... you do reckon it could cut 45+, if you remove the riving knife and guard and up the blade size? For crosscuts that would make it kind of equivalent to a cordless dropsaw on site for framing, plus you get a free tracksaw to use later... could be very efficient.
On your newest Festool table saw video I was about to say that you should try to get some Mafell tools. I watch every of your videos but god damn I missed that one completely. Always loved the small spring loaded track on a saw. Its just a huge time saver. I always wonder why Makita and especially Milwaukee dont have this. Usually Milwaukee is on the forefront of every trend. I saw Festool, and Mafell with that feature.
I love my Festool track / hybrid plunge saw. I bought it to cut 50mm aluminium balustrade posts off once they were set in place in cored holes. The Festool cuts to around 60mm I think. The clip on miter track isn't a new thing.
Mafell is still niche brand even here in Germany because they are a bit more expensive even though they make pretty good tools.You need the KSS 50 if you want more than 45mm cut depth
Are there still patent protections preventing the rest from offering similar quick detach mitering cross cut guides? And flex rails? Or does it require too much precision in manufacture, to be feasible for the made all over wherever cost is lowest brands? This looks to be one heck of a setup, for quick in and out onsite use. It's like a table saw, miter saw and circled saw. All in a little box weighing 5 kilos.... But a kilo a pop batteries, aside from the cost of it all, makes it a harder sell for those whose other necessary tools aren't CAS. Few jobs, even quick ones, allow you to get by with only a saw, no matter how amazing that saw is.
I have the festool HK 55....guess how deep that cuts! ......Great little saw , slightly under powered but on small pieces of batton , mdf or mfc and even cls its great . It would be amazing if festool did a flexible track like the maffel . Great review 👍
You get this system for 85 mm cutting depth, it's called KSS85. It's just sized up. Edit: the Title says Kettensäge, but it's not a chainsaw. 'Kreissäge' would be right. Nice rewiew by the way!
I am on my third KSS40, first one started beeping and would not cut anything, luckily still within warranty. Second unit went up in smoke. Literally. I have a video of it. I was cutting 6 (six) mm mdf. Motor unit was replaced in both cases. Love it to bits, but I no longer trust it. A colleague has battery issues and his newly serviced KSS40 beep-beeps too and came back with the same battery issue. Mafell are very strict about using sharp blades and the repair agent stated most "burnt motor" cases are due to dull blades being used. Blades were sharp, fairly new and correctly installed in my case. When it gives up the ghost I will not replace it, much as I like it. I had the KSS300 prior to the KSS40 but will not buy a corded saw again.
@@saiiiiiii1 It has been a bit hit and miss. For my part I have a very good vendor that takes the battles for me against Mafell. It should not be necessary and Mafells RMA process is not very customer friendly and Quality Control has been lacking too. It is a shame, I really like Mafell products but feel there is a risk associated with the purchase which is not on par with the high price tag.
Can manufacturers please stop with the "you broke the machine yourself, because you didn't buy enough accessories" excuse?! Been hearing that too often the last few years. Brushless motors require extensive control circuitry anyways. How hard can it be to just have the machine "beep beep"-stop when it's overloading? Like my 20 year old Festool does.. I've been wondering about their BL motors. And suspecting they're having difficulties with em. As the world has been begging for a battery version of their P1cc jigsaw (hands down the best in the world). And with jigsaws you can't "cheat" with slimmer blades, like everyone does with circulars, when you're struggling to make the raw power. They've been, rightfully, very vocally proud of their brushed Cuprex motors. But remain suspiciously quiet about the new BL ones. Being a small manufacturer, they do a lot in partnerships with others. Metabo makes their drills, they've made plunge saws for Bosch (and Metabo I believe) and on and on. Do we know who's BL motors they're using?
@@sigi9669 I think Mafell make their BL motors in house. Never had any problem with the Cuprex motors over the years (P1cc, MT55cc) but the combination of BL and Electronics are not exactly Mafells forte.
Festool used the fixed rail cross cut track years ago. They haven’t a flexible track design that I know off. Companies tend to design different battery attachment design because if you need a new battery.you have to by theirs. Not all tool manufacturers batteries are available in copies.
LOL, Festool copied Mafell what 5-6 years ago.. I've had my KSS300 for probable over 10 years now..Festool had a poor attempt and should be ashamed (IMO..)
Mafell also make quite a few larger circular saws (up to ungodly size....) and larger KSS saws (50 and 60) if you can live with a cord :) I have a Mafell MT55 track saw and their P1CC jigsaw. Both brilliant tools, with excellent features and build quality, and accessories that make them quite versatile. The downside to Mafell: You have to pay for it. They have a lot of other beastly tools (portable bandsaw, maybe a carpenters chainsaw...anyone, anyone 😎)......I would love to own, but the price, my god; the prices :(
The boxes are actually made by Tanos, they also made the old makita system, the super-hamdy Trend system, and I think they had a hand in dewalts original stacking stuff.... they really are the guys to call when you need a box system and don't want to build your own factory! If you check out their website, you can buy coloured boxes and put your own box inserts in them, make something more personalised for yourself or your company, or just easier to identify, handy if you have a load of otherwise identical looking boxes! :)
@@stevenliggins1623 if you see a load of t-stack stuff, you can actually pick out the stuff they helped with, it's the stuff that doesn't flex! :) I do wish dewalt would just go with tanos boxes though.... t-stack looks awfully old compared to even the older makita stuff, never mind new tanos or milwaukee stuff, if tanos are the king of tool boxes, then milwaukee are the Kings of consumable and bits and pieces storage, tons of great stuff, but what a price! 👀
I've got the hkc and been running it hard for three years in all weather in Sweden. It's great and would recommend. But under powered for cutting impregnated 45mm but to have it more powerful I guess you would need a bigger motor and then it would be too heavy. With the right blade it's as good as any purpose made track saw.
If you eyeing with HKC55 you need to check the KSS60. The KSS40 is an extremly handy and small saw for one handed use. KSS60 is bigger, with more depth of cut. Its more similar to the HKC55 in weight, size, and handling.
@@robertrada6040 This is a precision tool, I'd never cut a 2x4 with it. I want it for trim carpentry, I'm hoping I can cut architraves and skirting on the spot and ditching having to take material to and from the drop saw.
The battery weights and power are comparable with 36 and 40v systems, regardless of marketing nonsense. The older Makita 18v batteries are not comparable to however. As well as the KSS 40, Mafell sell a KSS 50 and 60 in cordless. They also make a KSS 80 but that is sadly corded only.
To my knowledge, there are only two brands that do saws with specialised mitre tracks - Mafell (invented in 1989) and Festool (I'm guessing they copied Mafell's after the patent expired in ~2015). I really really wanted to buy the KSS 40 but ended up going with the Festool HKC 55 instead and not for the 55mm depth of cut. I appreciate the quality and functionality of the saw. The main draw back for me is the fact that it is not officially supported on Mafell's own rails used by their various other track saws. Apparently it can be used but at a further cost of cut depth and my understanding is that bevels cannot be properly completed. The latter is a major deal breaker for me. I have a Festool MFT/3. If the KSS 40 ran on Mafell rails, I could buy a third party adapter from the US to support a Mafell rail on the MFT/3. However, the KSS 40 does not fully support it and KSS 50 and above are too big and heavy. I'm not a Festool fanboy. However, I have come to accept that companies such as Mafell are seriously lacking at times in terms of system integration. That is where Festool shines. Yes the HKC 55 may not be as powerful but it can be used out of the box on any Festool rail and their MFT/3 doing virtually everything the KSS 40 can and even has the same narrow style blade. The Fein MultiMaster is another example. Fein have few useful cut positioning accessories. Festool make a plunge base and 2 others which are very useful indeed. Ironically Fein apparently make Festool's Vecturo yet don't have anything other than, from memory, one poor positioning aid. The few Fein accessories I've seen appear to have plastic collars whereas 2 of 3 Festool have metal collars. While Mafell are part of the CAS with Metabo et al., I am good with sticking with Festool as I see more power tools in their lineup that I could use than both Mafell and Metabo combined. Another tidbit of trivia - it's highly likely that Metabo make Mafell's 18v drill-driver. One final point. Mafell will not allow some Germany companies such as Dictum to ship to my country which is also in the EU. There is no good reason for this and it walks the line of what is fair and perhaps even legal in my opinion. I can buy Festool from the same German shop. I could save hundreds buying it legally via Germany and won't be fleeced by my home countries pricing. Poor form from Mafell.
Not sure about the patent thing because I purchased my first festool rail saw back in the mid nineties here in Australia. Back then the rails only had one channel for joining them together. Later the 2 channel joining rails came out, but you could still join the old rails to the new rails, as I do this all the time.
@@johnchapman9700 Thanks for the info - I didn't know that about the older tracks. The point I'm making above is about specialised mitre track saws, not regular track saws. There are many of the latter but few of the former. So, when I said that Mafell invented the specialised mitre track saw, I don't mean a regular track saw but one that has mitre stops built into the specialised track.
Makita uses Festool system. Bosch uses Mafell system. Sometimes Metabo uses one or the other and sometimes both. AFAIK, the flexible rail is meant to be used with only the KSS300 (og corded version) and KSS40.
It's called RUclips. So many comments never seem to appear as yt delete them immediately for some unknown reason. 🤔 Others get put in a spam folder which I haven't checked yet as I have just woken up. If you leave a comment and it pops up later, that is because I have approved it from the spam. But there are a lot of comments that seem to vanish for reasons I can't explain...
Define standard. In the USA, we have 1⅜" and 1¾" as standard. The KSS 40 will just barely cut 1½" so it will be fine for 1⅜" doors but will not work for 1¾".
Great review, and nice tool Robert, you jammy bastard 😁 I'd love one of there, but have the MT55cc and an erika so its hard to justify €1k for one exVat in my case , though santa has been asked nicely for a P1cc.. BTW there is a KSS 50 18 M that does 52mm depth of cut on the rails.
It’s the MT55 that goes negative degrees. I accidentally lied to you. So, coincidentally, this thing was designed around the smaller “m-powered” Metabo batteries and that is what it originally shipped with. When I saw that they began shipping it with the most current ridiculous sized Metabo batteries my jaw dropped to the floor in disbelief. As you may have noticed, with the new battery, it doesn’t fit on the tool in the Systainer with the lid closed. It was never a well balanced nor ergonomic saw, but there is a real difference between the old and new Metabo batteries. As I said: ridiculous. You can imagine everything that went through my head when I ditched Bosch and Metabo 21700 land for Makita. Also, if you think the Metabo attachment mechanism sucks (and it does), imagine trying to fix a tool that uses Metabo batteries. It’s a nightmare. Spot on about the dust bag. A lot of us buy a different bag (Festool or Mafell KSS50). But really, dust collection isn’t at all impressive on the KSS40 vs other Mafell or Festool. If you review the KSS50, grab the corded model. I’ve already done the service of using the little Makita with the exponentially thicker Mafell (leitz) blade from the little Mafell. It made me cry.
I should mention, I don’t know the sales outside of the USA but the KSS40 outsells the bigger crosscut saws by an extremely wide margin. They lose a lot of practically as they get bigger.
![Festool Domino, Mafell Doweller or Lamello Zeta? [video #360]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/m78BZHu-uuA/mqdefault.jpg)
Had the corded version for 20 years an it’s still going strong .the depth of cut is a pain only when cutting some doors but being able to keep everything and the track in one box is so so so handy
I've had this saw and flexible guide rail for 3 years now and it's one of my favourite saw!It's incredibly lightweight and I have no problem with the balance of the saw at all and thats using it with the 5.5 amp hour Metabo battery.
I also find the dust collection to be excellent catching about 90% of the dust.
Yes it's main limitation is that it will only cut to a depth of 40mm but as Abanoub pointed out in one of the previous posts,it is more intended for finish carpentry.
The build quality of the saw is top notch as you would expect from Mafell.
My flexible rail really hasen't seen much useas I maily use the excellent Bosch guide rails.
With the 12 tooth Mafell blade fitted it does an excellent job of ripping most timbe rwith ample power and I think Mafell also make a special blade for cutting melamine.
Although I have heard good reports about the Festool HKC 55 it is also a lot heavier as is the new Metabo KS66 which I recently purchased.
Lastly the most economical way to purchase this saw is in the "pure" version as the germans call it or "skin" as we refer to it here in Australia.
Metabo batteries and rapid charger can then purchased here in Australia which will be compatable with the saw as Mafell is part of the CAS alliance.
This tool not only checks all the boxes, it created new boxes to check! Holy moly!
Excellent review, sir. I appreciate all the comments from viewers who are in the know about these high end tools. I'm at the Makita level currently, and am starting to worry about being ruined for the brand by these droolers. Amazing kit...amazing...
Hey, Robert, can I borrow your saw? Oh, come on!
I've had this saw for 2 years now. It's now my go to saw for cutting flooring baseboards shoe molding. It will even cut 2x10s . I've replaced the batteries with metabo brand the four amp hour battery makes the saw great for cross cutting 8 amp power battery for ripping. The 8 amp is the same size as the Mafell which is a 5.5 amp. Saw laying on its side will cut door jambs at a half inch for 3/4 just put a quarter inch spacer underneath. It was hard to put the money out for this but once I got it and used it I would do it again and wish that I had much sooner
I have one of this one I know everything about BUT ENJOYED how you delivered
Cheers man
Mafell is somehow the standard in German professional woodworking and normally made to last decades. Second is Festool and Bosch, but well, if you build timber-framed houses, you have your Mafell tools.
Slow vs fast chargers: If you like you batteries to last some months, you for sure use a slow charger. Fast chargers still kill your batteries over time way faster. So you have to decide: Fast charging (and re-buy batteries faster) or buy more batteries and use slow charging.
Only now YT recommends this 🙂
Mafell made some big "hand" tools for log cutting , that are not sold anymore (not on their web page), like the 600mm circular saw, you needed 2 to operate that.
Today it's only Mafell and Makita that make 400mm circular saws , and then one in US.
When it comes to top end power tools with some size there is only Mafell and Makita.
You can buy the battery from metabo more cheaper
Mafell makes a kss40, 50, 60 and 80 only the 40 comes with the flexible track but all are track compatible. The 80 is corded 50 and 60 come cordless and corded.
Your viewers comments sum it up. There is a bigger version of that saw with a deeper cut. Festool also have a similar saw with bigger cut. But I am not a fan of the plastic fantastic brand. Mafell are quality. I have never used the flexible track but have seen it used before. And Gaston from Piranha tools I think it is that was showing Scott Brown in Auckland a Mafell track saw. I have a lot of Metabo tools so used to the battery release. If you have small hands like me try getting the battery out of a Bosch. The Metabo I find easy. All a change from Makita.
I bought a Mafell Mt 55 plunge saw, and it’s a great tool.
Mafell is best saws I've used. I own the plunge saw and it's far superior to festool and I've owned both. Great review as always mate
I bought the mafell plunge saw, 4 weeks ago and it’s very good .
Can just agree. Have the plunge saw and the P1, and just love them.
What a great machine.. Some great features. That track is a very interesting design.
I got the corded version the other week. defo a cabinet fitter / finishing carpenter's saw. it needs a dust extractor for sure, but one of the best circular saws I've ever used. Mafell are awesome 😍
@boogiedahomey One very nice thing with the cordless KSS saws is that they stop the blade almost instantly, less than a second. Got the 60 and haven’t regretted it even once.
That is amazing. It has some real engineers behind it. Shame that the depth is so short! I totally went to go buy it just now until I saw it was $1200! Yeah, if I was doing framing everyday I'd still pay that price, but man, got to wait for a crazy discount or something. Great review.
What an amazing looking tool.
I've had the Festool for decades. It's done an enormous amount of workand is pretty rough looking but is still cutting with beautiful precision.
I've been thinking of updating to a battery version.
Looks like I might have to change brands.
@boogiedahomey Thank you for the input. I think this one will be in my future too. I will get the use out of it. My Festool is getting pretty old. It's a pity it doesn't take the Festool batteries though.
Nice review! The battery has 10pcs of 21700 cells that's why it is heavy and more powerful than other normal 5Ah batteries that have 18650 cells in them. It is true that the 8Ah battery is the same weight but longer run time. The 4Ah HD battery still has 21700 cells but only 5pcs not good for saw but for drill drivers.
Metabo makes a similar saw with an 165mm blade and 66mm depth of cut. It also comes with a track
What model number? My 185mm saw only has 68mm depth of cut. Hard to believe a 165mm saw doing that.
Makita and Hikoki both make 18v and 36v 165mm saws that cut to 66mm. More than most 185mms
@@kizzjd9578 metabo ks 18 ltx 66bl
I use the kss50 for 2 x material.In the uk we use a lot of cls timber that is 38mm thick for stud work that this is perfect for.
Here in Denmark we use 45mm as well.. so that's a deal breaker for me. To bad because the make amazing tools.
I got the mafell p1cc and it's 5 years old and still the absolute best jigsaw you can get! Forget festool, Borch, Dewalt, Makita.. the aren't even close.
Buy a kss50 or kss60 🤙. Luckily here in America it can cut through 1-1/2 not on bevel but you can get a 50 or 60 that will easily do framing. I use my kss mostly for finish material. Great for mitering baseboards and way easier than dragging material to a miter saw
This saw has a low depth of cut because it is predominantly made for finish carpentry, there is a Mafell KSS60 (60mm depth of cut) for heavier-duty applications.
And even a saw with 85 mil depth of cut
@@fancraft1266 There is even a kss 80 or a Saw that can cut 185 mm deep
@@iljasauter A BEAST 🤣🤣
Good review :) Festool has the same sliding rails for their HKC saw, 3 different sizes. Very similar at least. Has the same angle adjustments with the stops. I used it all the time and love it! Just push it up to the board and cut.
Robert sounds like a crazy person. Lending his tools out. Hahahaha
But from all of us watching , Thank you 😊
Agreed - there is a saying where I come from: You neither lend your wife nor tools
Thats actually super cool. You've got a great channel!
Hello!!!! Robert! Your the man! The only “negative” of the metabo based Cas battery system is they can be a pain in the ass to release and the tabs when they break, break on the tool obviously. The. Kss60 (I think they offer cordless)with either 8ah batts which are same size as the 5.5s -they say are the most powerful… Germans lol. - or 4ah for size and weight if feasible? Anyway the asc145 fast charger should be standard with a kit. Thanks for the show. Thoroughly enjoy everything ya do! Ya think I want a Mafell 😂😉. They are supposedly coming out with a cordless jigsaw this century.
I love mafells rails, and their real connectors on their standard non flexy rails. I use them with a both a few mafell saws but keep a bosch circular saw that is track ready and uses their tracks. They are absolutely fantastic and no glue or sticky bits
The rails are very nice, they are actually a Bosch patent.
@hrundgren4352 don't care who owns the patent they are amazing and using slots for every bit of anti slip and antichip is so much better than adhesive
I agree, some dishwasher detergent as lube and just slot it in. On the 3100 rail it was a bit of a chore but better than adhesives for sure. I was just pointing out that it is a Bosch patented and Bosch manufactured rail. It is great and I much prefer it to the other track system. @@gric111
@hrundgren4352 oh i didn't mean it like fuck you don't care it was more like i don't give a fuck who invented slicesd bread is great lol.
Thanks for the review, this is the longest review (in English) I’ve come across. I love my KSS60, and have definitely been keen on getting one of these for the smaller work.
That is pretty cool. Great review. I guess the biggest feature is everything in the one systainer box. No idea who did it first but this is basically the Festool HK 55/HKC 55 and Festool sells different sizes of the miter rail. Up to 24 or 26 inches long and if your already in their system your track saw rails work with it too. Both brands are not known for being cheap so I guess it comes down to preference. As far as depth of cut goes I suspect Germany uses 1.5 inch framing lumber like we do here in the US.
Thank you Robert! You’ve got the big bucks mate!
The real beauty that you'll find with this saw is how small and compact it is for the work it can achieve making it a delight to work with. Moving a step up from it makes the saw more unwieldy and less versatile. If something happens to my KSS 40 I will not hesitate to buy a new one but I'm not so sure with my bigger one
You want to look at the new metabo ks 18 ltx 66 BL with kfs 300 Cross cut guide rail. It runs on cas battery's you Can also get 600 cross cut rails. It works out half the price as the mafell.
I have the metabo and I bought the crosscut guide rail unfortunately it won't cut a 2x4 at a 45 degree cleanly it leaves a 16th of an inch.
The blade size problem is like the Makita 9 1/4" circular saw for us in the US. The 3 3/8" cut depth just missing cutting our 4x material. A Makita XGT kit of this Mafell would be killer.
I'm hopeful makita will do it this saw is so much more convenient then a miter saw for alot of trim work.
Mafell is the best!! 👍👍👍
I’ve got a sneaky feeling that battery will work with the Matabo tools, it got a similar style and a logo that’s identical. I think there part of some sort of battery alliance. CAS
I'm buying this pretty much just for trimming stair treads and risers its such a time saver
Totally agree about depth of cut. Here in Europe we have 40 mm timber but most of the rough-cut stock is closer to 41-42mm. Otherwise a perfect saw, and I wouldn't want to be without it ever again. it saves so much time. I use it mostly at work for aluminium and pvc, works a treat.
One day when I can justify it I'll get KSS50 or KSS60, but first saving for Erika 🙈
Don't know what part of Europe you are from, but here in Sweden the framing timber is 45 mm.
45x45, 45x70, 45x90 and so on.
I have the festool version of this saw . I’m in the US so it’s the easiest to get a hold .
Ahhhh 40mm depth of cut killed it for me !!
I was just looking up the details, they do have a bigger version with a larger depth of cut a KSS 50 & KSS 60 they have quite. Range of cordless saws and corded,
They have a plunge cut cordless MT 55
They have what looks like a more standard type cordless the K55
I think the battery you had in is the largest one they have, there is a couple smaller ones too, they're also part of that CAS battery alliance that makes there batteries compatible with a number of other companies tools.
They've a crazy range of saws some unique stuff.
Checked this out in Canada 🇨🇦. Not sure if I was priced American or Canadian dollars but just under $1300. For the KSS 50. Not the same but has a 2” depth of cut,16” crosscut capacity. Compatible with their solid track which adds another $300 to the price,before our wonderful taxes. Retired now and will stick with my Rigid $100 saw and home made track. Cheers.
Good on ya Robert.
You can get the kss 50 18v version or the kss 60 18v version to
So putting things more positively... you do reckon it could cut 45+, if you remove the riving knife and guard and up the blade size?
For crosscuts that would make it kind of equivalent to a cordless dropsaw on site for framing, plus you get a free tracksaw to use later... could be very efficient.
Probably. They do make a KSS50 which will cut deep enough, but it does not come with the flexi rail.
On your newest Festool table saw video I was about to say that you should try to get some Mafell tools. I watch every of your videos but god damn I missed that one completely.
Always loved the small spring loaded track on a saw. Its just a huge time saver. I always wonder why Makita and especially Milwaukee dont have this. Usually Milwaukee is on the forefront of every trend. I saw Festool, and Mafell with that feature.
I love my Festool track / hybrid plunge saw. I bought it to cut 50mm aluminium balustrade posts off once they were set in place in cored holes. The Festool cuts to around 60mm I think. The clip on miter track isn't a new thing.
Nailed it 😁 great review... ! Cheers
Thanks
if it's framing, just get the KSS50 or 60 . just picked one up
Been waiting to see this owwwwwwwww yesssssssssss
Mafell is still niche brand even here in Germany because they are a bit more expensive even though they make pretty good tools.You need the KSS 50 if you want more than 45mm cut depth
I just bought an Mafell MT 55 plunge saw, quilt expensive but it’s very good, Germans make some good tools , like German cars .
I love My little kss40 !!! 👍🏽🥰
Also , get in touch with Scott browns tool guy. He sells the Mafell gear doesn’t he?
There is a link to his website in the description.
the flexable track is really next Level.
If you want to have a bit more depth of cut, take a look at the KSS 60 and KSS 80, they also come with the track that clicks on the saw
what about the negative angle?
You might try Festool HK 55, I have been using it for a year now and love it.
Are there still patent protections preventing the rest from offering similar quick detach mitering cross cut guides? And flex rails? Or does it require too much precision in manufacture, to be feasible for the made all over wherever cost is lowest brands?
This looks to be one heck of a setup, for quick in and out onsite use. It's like a table saw, miter saw and circled saw. All in a little box weighing 5 kilos.... But a kilo a pop batteries, aside from the cost of it all, makes it a harder sell for those whose other necessary tools aren't CAS. Few jobs, even quick ones, allow you to get by with only a saw, no matter how amazing that saw is.
Don't tell anyone but I have seen the new Milwaukee version. Comes with the cross-cut track and flexible rail.
I have the festool HK 55....guess how deep that cuts! ......Great little saw , slightly under powered but on small pieces of batton , mdf or mfc and even cls its great . It would be amazing if festool did a flexible track like the maffel . Great review 👍
Festool has the same setup! But I do like the usability of the Mafell a little more.
I’ve used the festool, and didn’t really like it, the Mafell looks better.
If you like the mafell, Festool do the same thing but it cuts 55mm of the track 50mm on the track
Yeah but it's a lot heavier and bulkier
You get this system for 85 mm cutting depth, it's called KSS85. It's just sized up.
Edit: the Title says Kettensäge, but it's not a chainsaw. 'Kreissäge' would be right.
Nice rewiew by the way!
I am on my third KSS40, first one started beeping and would not cut anything, luckily still within warranty. Second unit went up in smoke. Literally. I have a video of it. I was cutting 6 (six) mm mdf.
Motor unit was replaced in both cases. Love it to bits, but I no longer trust it. A colleague has battery issues and his newly serviced KSS40 beep-beeps too and came back with the same battery issue. Mafell are very strict about using sharp blades and the repair agent stated most "burnt motor" cases are due to dull blades being used. Blades were sharp, fairly new and correctly installed in my case.
When it gives up the ghost I will not replace it, much as I like it. I had the KSS300 prior to the KSS40 but will not buy a corded saw again.
I heard Mafells RMA process is terrible. What are your thoughts?
@@saiiiiiii1 It has been a bit hit and miss. For my part I have a very good vendor that takes the battles for me against Mafell. It should not be necessary and Mafells RMA process is not very customer friendly and Quality Control has been lacking too. It is a shame, I really like Mafell products but feel there is a risk associated with the purchase which is not on par with the high price tag.
Can manufacturers please stop with the "you broke the machine yourself, because you didn't buy enough accessories" excuse?! Been hearing that too often the last few years.
Brushless motors require extensive control circuitry anyways. How hard can it be to just have the machine "beep beep"-stop when it's overloading? Like my 20 year old Festool does..
I've been wondering about their BL motors. And suspecting they're having difficulties with em. As the world has been begging for a battery version of their P1cc jigsaw (hands down the best in the world). And with jigsaws you can't "cheat" with slimmer blades, like everyone does with circulars, when you're struggling to make the raw power.
They've been, rightfully, very vocally proud of their brushed Cuprex motors. But remain suspiciously quiet about the new BL ones.
Being a small manufacturer, they do a lot in partnerships with others.
Metabo makes their drills, they've made plunge saws for Bosch (and Metabo I believe) and on and on.
Do we know who's BL motors they're using?
@@sigi9669 I think Mafell make their BL motors in house. Never had any problem with the Cuprex motors over the years (P1cc, MT55cc) but the combination of BL and Electronics are not exactly Mafells forte.
@@sigi9669 I believe Mafell make the motors for their corded saws in-house, and the cordless motors & battery tech are supplied by Metabo
Festool used the fixed rail cross cut track years ago. They haven’t a flexible track design that I know off.
Companies tend to design different battery attachment design because if you need a new battery.you have to by theirs. Not all tool manufacturers batteries are available in copies.
LOL, Festool copied Mafell what 5-6 years ago.. I've had my KSS300 for probable over 10 years now..Festool had a poor attempt and should be ashamed (IMO..)
dope saw. definitely on my list next. have you tried the new Bosch track ready saw?
I don't recommend buying the battery pack included. Just buy the compact metabo pack (with a better charger). Fits perfect for this tool
I think about buying this saw everyday
@2:28 you said metabo hpt batteries are not compatible with the cas platform. Is anyone able to confirm this?
I am.
@@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL metabo and metabo hpt batteries are cross compatible why would hpt batteries not work?
No they aren't. Metabo HPT are hikoki tools. Metabo uses completely different batteries.
Mafell KSS 50 18M is the saw you need...Cutting depth with guide track: 52 mm, cutting depth without guide track: 58 mm.
it is an 18v 99WH battery wich is a 18v 8Ah battery so its a great compact akkupack an der is also a version with 55mmm an 65mm cut depth
It is not an 8Ah battery.
99w is 5.5Ah HD not 8Ah
my first big tool purchase was a ksp 55f with cable still love that saw, but a good makita batterie saw is a no brainer
Mafell also make quite a few larger circular saws (up to ungodly size....) and larger KSS saws (50 and 60) if you can live with a cord :)
I have a Mafell MT55 track saw and their P1CC jigsaw. Both brilliant tools, with excellent features and build quality, and accessories that make them quite versatile. The downside to Mafell: You have to pay for it. They have a lot of other beastly tools (portable bandsaw, maybe a carpenters chainsaw...anyone, anyone 😎)......I would love to own, but the price, my god; the prices :(
Could you do a review on the im90ci paslode vs the frame master and other framers
Probably not I'm afraid.
You would be in luck then man. They do make a KSS50 and even a KSS60 as well 👍😁👌They have longer cutting lengths than that 13 inch too...16 inches
I feel that all these moving parts would sooner or later get jammed with saw dust or simply wear out....
What moving parts are you talking about????
Look into the mafell kss50. More the size your talking. I just bought the festool hk55. It's their version of that saw.
How do you get this in the US?!
You can by smaller batteries and a bigger version of this saw
Mafell also builds a 50mm saw of this kind, its a bit different but better for Framing KSS 50 18M bl … in Europe 40mm is enough
Aww was hoping you got it from Gaston from piranha tools
Nice review! Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
The latch on the storage box allows the box to connect to another box, it's the systainer system by festool. But you knew that already.
The boxes are actually made by Tanos, they also made the old makita system, the super-hamdy Trend system, and I think they had a hand in dewalts original stacking stuff.... they really are the guys to call when you need a box system and don't want to build your own factory!
If you check out their website, you can buy coloured boxes and put your own box inserts in them, make something more personalised for yourself or your company, or just easier to identify, handy if you have a load of otherwise identical looking boxes! :)
@@mor4y I didn't know Tanos helped DeWalt.. but it makes sense..
@@stevenliggins1623 if you see a load of t-stack stuff, you can actually pick out the stuff they helped with, it's the stuff that doesn't flex! :)
I do wish dewalt would just go with tanos boxes though.... t-stack looks awfully old compared to even the older makita stuff, never mind new tanos or milwaukee stuff, if tanos are the king of tool boxes, then milwaukee are the Kings of consumable and bits and pieces storage, tons of great stuff, but what a price! 👀
@@mor4y funny.
The timing is perfect! I've been eyeing this saw, not sure how it compares to the Festools HKC55
I've got the hkc and been running it hard for three years in all weather in Sweden. It's great and would recommend. But under powered for cutting impregnated 45mm but to have it more powerful I guess you would need a bigger motor and then it would be too heavy. With the right blade it's as good as any purpose made track saw.
They have one thing in common: neither can cut a 2x4 at 45 degrees.
@@robertrada6040 it's a track saw crosscut ting 4x2 is not what it's designed for
If you eyeing with HKC55 you need to check the KSS60. The KSS40 is an extremly handy and small saw for one handed use. KSS60 is bigger, with more depth of cut. Its more similar to the HKC55 in weight, size, and handling.
@@robertrada6040 This is a precision tool, I'd never cut a 2x4 with it. I want it for trim carpentry, I'm hoping I can cut architraves and skirting on the spot and ditching having to take material to and from the drop saw.
Festool have got one that cuts 55mm but not the flex track
The battery weights and power are comparable with 36 and 40v systems, regardless of marketing nonsense.
The older Makita 18v batteries are not comparable to however.
As well as the KSS 40, Mafell sell a KSS 50 and 60 in cordless. They also make a KSS 80 but that is sadly corded only.
Is the makita track compatible? It looks like it is in photos, but I can't speak Japanese to confirm.
ruclips.net/video/scXeVFHOUUQ/видео.html
@@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL can't seem to find an answer in that video? Is it track compatible?
Not without extra accessories. I put it in a video somewhere. It might be in the new and upcoming 40v vid I did a couple of months ago.
Made in Great Germany.💪
Interesting Tool 🤔
Yes yes yes yes 🙌
Batteries is ODM Metabo Li-HD and charger is ODM Metabo ASC55
To my knowledge, there are only two brands that do saws with specialised mitre tracks - Mafell (invented in 1989) and Festool (I'm guessing they copied Mafell's after the patent expired in ~2015). I really really wanted to buy the KSS 40 but ended up going with the Festool HKC 55 instead and not for the 55mm depth of cut. I appreciate the quality and functionality of the saw. The main draw back for me is the fact that it is not officially supported on Mafell's own rails used by their various other track saws. Apparently it can be used but at a further cost of cut depth and my understanding is that bevels cannot be properly completed. The latter is a major deal breaker for me. I have a Festool MFT/3. If the KSS 40 ran on Mafell rails, I could buy a third party adapter from the US to support a Mafell rail on the MFT/3. However, the KSS 40 does not fully support it and KSS 50 and above are too big and heavy. I'm not a Festool fanboy. However, I have come to accept that companies such as Mafell are seriously lacking at times in terms of system integration. That is where Festool shines. Yes the HKC 55 may not be as powerful but it can be used out of the box on any Festool rail and their MFT/3 doing virtually everything the KSS 40 can and even has the same narrow style blade. The Fein MultiMaster is another example. Fein have few useful cut positioning accessories. Festool make a plunge base and 2 others which are very useful indeed. Ironically Fein apparently make Festool's Vecturo yet don't have anything other than, from memory, one poor positioning aid. The few Fein accessories I've seen appear to have plastic collars whereas 2 of 3 Festool have metal collars. While Mafell are part of the CAS with Metabo et al., I am good with sticking with Festool as I see more power tools in their lineup that I could use than both Mafell and Metabo combined. Another tidbit of trivia - it's highly likely that Metabo make Mafell's 18v drill-driver. One final point. Mafell will not allow some Germany companies such as Dictum to ship to my country which is also in the EU. There is no good reason for this and it walks the line of what is fair and perhaps even legal in my opinion. I can buy Festool from the same German shop. I could save hundreds buying it legally via Germany and won't be fleeced by my home countries pricing. Poor form from Mafell.
Not sure about the patent thing because I purchased my first festool rail saw back in the mid nineties here in Australia. Back then the rails only had one channel for joining them together. Later the 2 channel joining rails came out, but you could still join the old rails to the new rails, as I do this all the time.
@@johnchapman9700 Thanks for the info - I didn't know that about the older tracks. The point I'm making above is about specialised mitre track saws, not regular track saws. There are many of the latter but few of the former. So, when I said that Mafell invented the specialised mitre track saw, I don't mean a regular track saw but one that has mitre stops built into the specialised track.
There is another brand that will be doing them very soon...
@@ToolsAndStuffOFFICIAL Thanks! Can you say what?
Not yet, but fingers crossed you will see it here first.
They do make a KSS 50 and 60..
I know. That's why I said it the way I did, and I also put links to the 50 in the description.
Do the Makitas fit that flexitrack bro or could you make it fit?
None of mine fit. You could cut a groove in the base plate of any small saw to make it fit... if the saw base is thick enough...
Makita uses Festool system. Bosch uses Mafell system. Sometimes Metabo uses one or the other and sometimes both. AFAIK, the flexible rail is meant to be used with only the KSS300 (og corded version) and KSS40.
Fiyatı ne? Türkiye ye satışınız, gönderiminiz varmı?
Mafell make Hilti’s big circular saw
This is why you get the KSS 50 instead for deeper cuts.
What's with comments getting deleted?
It's called RUclips. So many comments never seem to appear as yt delete them immediately for some unknown reason. 🤔 Others get put in a spam folder which I haven't checked yet as I have just woken up. If you leave a comment and it pops up later, that is because I have approved it from the spam. But there are a lot of comments that seem to vanish for reasons I can't explain...
Fair enough ...
Same as Festool HKC :))
Will it cut a standard internal door ?
Define standard. In the USA, we have 1⅜" and 1¾" as standard. The KSS 40 will just barely cut 1½" so it will be fine for 1⅜" doors but will not work for 1¾".
Great review, and nice tool Robert, you jammy bastard 😁
I'd love one of there, but have the MT55cc and an erika so its hard to justify €1k for one exVat in my case , though santa has been asked nicely for a P1cc..
BTW there is a KSS 50 18 M that does 52mm depth of cut on the rails.
You can buy a KSS 50 or 60 for more depth.
bigger blades make it harder on the motor and more prone to binding and kickback
If only the did a kss 50 👀
It’s the MT55 that goes negative degrees. I accidentally lied to you.
So, coincidentally, this thing was designed around the smaller “m-powered” Metabo batteries and that is what it originally shipped with.
When I saw that they began shipping it with the most current ridiculous sized Metabo batteries my jaw dropped to the floor in disbelief. As you may have noticed, with the new battery, it doesn’t fit on the tool in the Systainer with the lid closed.
It was never a well balanced nor ergonomic saw, but there is a real difference between the old and new Metabo batteries. As I said: ridiculous. You can imagine everything that went through my head when I ditched Bosch and Metabo 21700 land for Makita.
Also, if you think the Metabo attachment mechanism sucks (and it does), imagine trying to fix a tool that uses Metabo batteries. It’s a nightmare.
Spot on about the dust bag. A lot of us buy a different bag (Festool or Mafell KSS50). But really, dust collection isn’t at all impressive on the KSS40 vs other Mafell or Festool.
If you review the KSS50, grab the corded model.
I’ve already done the service of using the little Makita with the exponentially thicker Mafell (leitz) blade from the little Mafell. It made me cry.
I should mention, I don’t know the sales outside of the USA but the KSS40 outsells the bigger crosscut saws by an extremely wide margin. They lose a lot of practically as they get bigger.