Usually we save “Thank-You” newsletters for Christmastime, but we are long overdue for a special shout-out to all our customers, vendors and employees:  you have put us on track for a record-high year at Timberwolf Tools!  Every day I feel like legendary Cubs announcer Harry Caray yelling:  “HOLY COW!!!”  Not at all what we expected when the stay-at-home orders were announced in the spring.  We are so humbled and grateful for your support, especially with so many companies hurting out there.  It took a herculean effort here and everyone stepped up their game, especially the brave folks at FedEx on the front lines.

Everyone who is able to grab a tape gun has to get back to one now  :)  but first we couldn’t resist pointing out that Mafell’s MT55 18M bl Cordless Plunge/Track Saw was recently crowned the winner of the Best Cordless Tracksaw Head-to-Head!  Super impressed by their methodology and attention to detail in this video:


We receive more questions (and orders) for track saws than any other tool.  Even our timber framing customers are adding these smaller saws to their shops now.  Here is some feedback from Grigg Mullen who you might know for his Timber Carts at the Guild conferences:

“I am very pleased with the Mafell MT55.  I've not used any track saw before so my impression is partly about the difference between a handheld and guided circular saw.

Being a machinist I strive for and appreciate precision and accuracy, the Mafell track saw is better in that regard that I ever imagined a circular saw could be.  It cuts extremely straight exactly where you ask it to with a very good finish.  The saw itself is very nicely constructed with smart details, great fit, and is easy to use and adjust with confidence.  I expect this to be the last circular saw I ever buy.”

There are several decisions to make when considering a track saw.  So to help everyone out, we’ve done a deep plunge into the most frequently asked questions below.  And you are welcome to call 1-800-869-4169 anytime to pick our brains if something was not covered here!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a plunge/track saw the right tool for me?

First narrow your search by deciding what’s most important to you:  (1) maximum precision to the nearest 1/10th of a millimeter, or (2) maximum speed to line up and make your cuts quickly.  If you prefer (1), we recommend the Mafell MT55cc Plunge/Track Saw or Mafell MT55 18M bl Cordless Plunge/Track Saw.  If you prefer (2), we recommend one of the “KSS” cross-cutting systems such as the Mafell KSS 40 18M bl Cordless Cross-Cutting System or Mafell KSS 60cc Cross-Cutting System.  You can read this Blog Post to see the benefits of each KSS saw.

Should I go with Mafell or another brand?

If you watch the Head-to-Head video or read the article, you will see that Mafell wins the most categories, but most importantly cut quality—the whole point of a track saw.  Second place goes to Makita for its balance of cost and performance (and it’s compatible with Mafell’s Track Saw Dust Bag).  In addition to the finest cut quality, Mafell offers better dust collection, faster blade change, easier bevel adjustment, and the most precise scoring function.

Mafell MT55cc 120V/60Hz 13.5 AmpsIs corded or cordless better?

We send out more of the corded MT55cc because it’s less expensive once you factor in the cost of batteries.  But keep in mind the cordless MT55 18M bl comes with the Position Indicator, Rip Fence and Dust Bag included, which are all extra purchases on the corded version.  However, the bigger difference is POWER, since many users don't like waiting for their track saw to catch up to them.  The corded version received a boost last year up to 13.5 amps, making it about 60% more powerful than the cordless version—and second to none among the competition.

Mafell TracksWhich tracks are the best?

The MT55cc and MT55 18M bl are the only Mafell saws that work on Festool and Makita tracks.  But Mafell tracks are recommended because their Connecting Pieces are much better, allowing you to use the smaller 5.2-foot, 3.6-foot and 2.6-foot tracks for a more portable system rather than the 8 or 10-foot Festool/Makita tracks.  About half our Mafell customers prefer one F 160 + F 110 + Connecting Piece for 8-foot cuts, and the other half prefer two F 160 + one Connecting Piece for 10-foot cuts.

7Are track clamps needed?

Mafell tracks come with some non-slip rubber on the bottom, but for perfect cuts we recommend using clamps.  Only Mafell Clamps, the Aerofix System and Bosch Clamps are compatible with Mafell tracks (Festool clamps are too large to use with Mafell tracks).  The Angle Fence accessory for square cuts and miters can also be used in lieu of clamps to reduce accidental track movement.

Do I have to use Mafell brand blades?

You can use other blades, but keep in mind they typically have a wider tooth kerf than Mafell’s (1.8mm) which can slow down the saw and cut a different line in your track splinter guards.  Normally thick kerf blades produce a straighter cut, but with precise tracks this is a non-issue and thin blades are preferable.  The blade arbor is 20mm, accepting blade diameters up to 162mm (6-3/8").  Best to pick one blade manufacturer and stick with them so that you don't need to replace Splinter Guards.

What size is the vacuum hose port?

The vacuum port has a 35mm (~1-3/8") inner diameter and 42mm (~1-5/8") outer diameter if you want to measure your hose.  Many non-Mafell vacuums such as Festool's fit nicely, or work with an adapter.  The Nilfisk ATTIX 44-21 IC HEPA Dust Extractor has a perfect snap-lock connection for these saws and features excellent suction, filtration and autoclean.

Cordless Alliance SystemAre Metabo batteries compatible?

Yes, Metabo makes all the batteries and chargers for Mafell since they produce the world’s most powerful and longest-lasting 18V technology.  For the largest possible batteries there is an 8.0Ah (144Wh) Metabo Kit, which can be paired with the “PURE” version (without batteries/charger) of the cordless saw.  The “Complete” cordless saw comes with 5.5Ah (99Wh) Batteries.  Another popular combo is the “PURE” MT55 18M bl together with the “Complete” KSS 40 18M bl because both are on sale at an excellent value and use the same batteries/charger.

Are Bosch tracks compatible?

Yes, Mafell makes their tracks for Bosch, but the Mafell Clamps are different.  To our knowledge there’s no difference between the tracks, except if you ever need to mark the rubber with a pencil, your line will show up better on Mafell's red rubber.  And Bosch tracks are usually shipped by UPS which damages packages more often than FedEx.

Is there a sale price?  How long will it last?

Mafell authorized a Major Sale last year that is still in effect for the corded version at least the rest of 2020.  The normal USA retail price of the corded version is over $900, so it’s an amazing value right now!

Are there package discounts with guide tracks?

The MT55cc lists several packages but they do not include discounts per se—they are just popular choices.  All track saw accessories are sold à la carte, so you can just buy what you need.  Purchasing multiple items at the same time will usually save you money on shipping.

Do you charge for shipping?

Yes, FedEx Ground shipping within the 48 contiguous states arrives in 1-5 business days and costs $28 for the saw and $56 total if you add tracks.  Adding small accessories such as extra blades does not increase the shipping cost.  We insure and Double-Box the tool so it arrives in perfect condition.

What is the warranty?

Mafell warranty in North America has always been one year, which is usually more than enough.  If there were a one-in-a-thousand manufacturing defect with your tool, you would notice it in the first one to two weeks and we would immediately resolve the issue.  After that, the tool should last you decades if you take good care of it.  All Mafell tools are well-made, but the Corded MT55cc Plunge/Track Saw has a particularly impressive track record:  in the eight years we have been selling this saw we have never once replaced a motor!  (knock on wood)

Does the MT55 have a riving knife?

These Mafell plunge cut saws essentially have an electronic riving knife—an auto-stop feature to protect the user when jammed.  Mafell wanted this feature to make plunge cuts easier, and they received special approval from their government to do so.  Most users agree this is an advantage over other track saws, some of which have had recall issues with their riving knife in the past.

Metric Depth GaugeIs the depth gauge metric or imperial?

The depth gauge is metric, so if you wanted inches you would need to make a sticker that goes over the top.  But most users prefer metric in the long run for its precision.  There’s a nice *click* felt at each millimeter, and with an allen key you can fine-adjust the depth to the nearest 1/10th of a millimeter.

SystainerDoes the saw come with a carrying case?

Yes indeed: these saws come standard with a Tanos size IV systainer carrying case with a molded tray inside to safely store the saw, extra blades and other accessories.  The Guide Rail Bag for the tracks is an extra purchase.

Is there a blade for Hardie board?

The Mafell Diamond Blade is excellent for Hardie board and other dense materials, but we have some customers who find it more economical to buy lots of 24-Tooth Carbide Blades and go through them quickly (the 24-tooth also happens to be an excellent all-around blade for cutting plywood and ripping hardwoods).

Can the saw cut metal?

Mafell offers a 48T Laminate-Cutting Blade for this saw that is excellent for cutting Dibond, which contains thin layers of aluminum.  So if your metal is relatively thin, this blade should be able to do it.  Lower RPM is (1 or 2 speed) is recommended for cutting non-wood materials.  It is also important to use a high-quality dust extractor so that metal shavings don't get into the saw’s motor.

How does the scoring function work?

The Mafell scoring function on these saws limits the depth of cut AND offsets the blade .1mm from the cutting line so the user can make a scoring cut, switch off the scoring function, and then perform a normal cut without chipping.  Other track saws either lack a scoring function, or they only limit the cutting depth so that the blade can still damage your workpiece.  The technology behind the Mafell scoring function is a feature normally limited to €20,000+ stationary saws!

Does the MT55 work on the Flexi-Guide?

It works with the Flexi-Guide, but most customers prefer the Rigid Tracks because the Flexi-Guide cannot be extended longer than 4.5 feet, and the rigid tracks are more precise.

Do you import the longer Mafell F210, F310 or FX tracks?

Unfortunately no, since every time we have tried they arrive bent at our facility or eventually damaged at our customer location  :(  plus the shorter Mafell tracks cost about the same and seamlessly form a long track when using Connecting Pieces.

Is the corded version ready for use in North America?

The Mafell MT55cc Plunge/Track Saw version we have in stock here (917638) is specially prepared for North American 120V/60Hz power with a molded plug and 13-foot cord.

Recommended Track Saw Package

We offer many amazing tools here, but my overall favorite is the corded Mafell track saw with the following setup:

I hope this was helpful for selecting your shop's next circular saw!  For more information, you can check out our "Taking the Plunge" Blog from a few years back, and read the many Reviews our customers have kindly shared.  Mafell also created new Tutorial Videos for the cordless MT55 18M bl last year, and all those features (besides the batteries) apply to the corded MT55cc as well.

Lord willing there will be time to introduce new products and accessories later this year.  I hear that a Yeti has been sighted revolutionizing the portable CNC router industry…

We hope you and your family are doing well during this busy time for the construction industry and challenging time for our health!

Jeff Powell and the Timberwolf Tools Team
Toll free:  1-800-869-4169
www.timberwolftools.com

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