Railsaws: Makita SP6000 vs Festool TS55

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 7. 05. 2020
  • Do you want to learn how to design and make fitted furniture? Here is my course:
    www.buymeacoffee.com/Freebird...
    You know Festool is good, but so is Makita and do you really need to pay more?
    There are lots of railsaw choices on the market these days, but for many professional users or very serious DIYers it still often comes down to a close call between these two models as a balance of features and price - The Festool TS 55 vs the Makita SJ6000.
    So what are the real differences between them? This video will answer your questions with plenty of up-close shots side by side, as well as clear explanations from an experienced user, and showing the saws in use, ensuring you come away with a detailed knowledge of the pros and cons of both machines.
    Not an unboxing video, this video is valuable as a comparison of how these saws have faired after years of heavy usage in a professional workshop and site environment.
    For further railsaw comparisons check out Peter Millard’s recent video comparing this Festool saw to the Mafell: • Big Decision: Festool ...
    And also John Jones’ more recent review of his Dewalt tracksaws, both corded and cordless: • Jones Interiors - Dewa...
  • Zábava

Komentáře • 587

  • @TFfan75
    @TFfan75 Před 5 měsíci +5

    Festool is better, but for the prize, you get what you need in a Makita.

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 5 měsíci +5

      That is a superbly concise summary of this whole video so I'm pinning it to the top

    • @jessicaalvis7063
      @jessicaalvis7063 Před 3 měsíci +3

      I am now 14 minutes in to the video, and everything so far says that the makita is the better choice.
      1: It has a better rail when it comes to not sliding. It has the locking system when cutting 45 degree cuts.
      2: It has the scoring feature
      3: It has a smoother plunge feel, no riving knife that can get stuck (I have never heard of anyone actually feeling the need for the riving knife), AND it does not get stuck.
      4: It has a splinter guard as standard
      5: It is like 30% or 40% cheaper.
      I haven't heard others complain about the play and I have seen others cut hardwood without any troubles. So I don't know why you experience this.
      The festool does most likely have the advantage of holding better up to wear and tear.
      And no, I am not a makita girl. I am a milwaukee girl. I don't even own a track saw. So I am not biased at all. But your review convinced me to buy the makita and not the festool.

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 3 měsíci

      @@jessicaalvis7063 That's a great outcome! I am pleased if the video has given you enough insights to make a decision.

    • @jessicaalvis7063
      @jessicaalvis7063 Před 3 měsíci +1

      @@Alastair_Freebird I already bought it based on yours and a lot of other youtubers praising the Makita - going to use it today for the First time ☺️

  • @brenttaylor4785
    @brenttaylor4785 Před 4 lety +13

    I found adding a third grip strip beside the splinter strip aided my work , also the DeWalt's rail clamps are a great help. Great vid, thanks

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 4 lety +2

      Brent Taylor that’s a good idea, why didn’t I think of that? Is there possible a slight issue with added thickness tilting the saw ever so slightly away from 90 degrees if the base of the real doesn’t have the slight recess to receive a grip strip? (Probably negligible if so, I suppose)

    • @brenttaylor4785
      @brenttaylor4785 Před 4 lety +1

      @@Alastair_FreebirdThe grip compress to the thickness of the splinter tape.

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 4 lety +1

      @@brenttaylor4785 ok yeah makes sense

  • @AncoraImparoPiper
    @AncoraImparoPiper Před 2 lety +27

    This has been the best comparison so far and I've been watching at least a dozen comparisons to allow me to decide which saw will suit my needs. Not anyone was as detailed as you. I am now definitely leaning towards the Makita. Since I am merely a hobbyist, it will take many years before I wear out my Makita. I will also buy the corded version since they have dropped in price markedly probably because the battery powered saws are now so much more popular. Good time to buy! Thanks for your efforts in making this review. I've subscribed too.

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 2 lety +2

      Really nice comment to read thank you! And thanks for subscribing. Sorry I didn't reply sooner

  • @thetallcarpenter
    @thetallcarpenter Před 3 lety +20

    Hi Alastair. Thanks for taking the time to do this video. I find these kind of tool reviews far more honest than your usual, 'tool guy', ones. Showing tools in their intended environments being used by proper tradesmen after many hours of service gives the kind of real information that guys like me who work in carpentry need when considering new tool purchases. Its interesting that I bought the Makita based on an almost identical comparison of the two from a good friend of mine who noted all the same things as you including the worn guide cams on the Makita and how easy they are to replace. I'm not an every day track saw user, so felt that the cheaper Makita would serve my needs perfectly. Cheers.

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 3 lety +3

      I think you made a good choice to be honest - we have since replaced the worn cams after finding they were easy enough to get hold of and only a couple of quid! Thanks for the feedback, it wasn’t a perfect review (probably should have put brand new blades in both machines) but I’m pleased you picked up on the intended benefit of seeing well used tools.

    • @thetallcarpenter
      @thetallcarpenter Před 3 lety +2

      @@Alastair_Freebird Your videos look they've been directed by Spielberg compared to mine. You did a great job and have a very clear and calm manor in front of the camera. Hope you are fairing ok through this Covid madness. Happy Christmas. 👍

  • @craigpeel5995
    @craigpeel5995 Před 4 lety +4

    Love my Makita but horses for courses. I don’t use every day but when trimming door edges it’s brilliant

  • @RolloZx
    @RolloZx Před 4 lety +2

    Just come across your videos in the last few days - these are brilliant - I have a 19th century house full of alcoves crying out for built in storage and youve been a massive help in demystifying some of this stuff - thanks for sharing your experience & knowledge, it really is appreciated. On the downside i now have no excuses given the ever growing collection of expensive tools in my basement...!

  • @jonnie.sullivan
    @jonnie.sullivan Před 4 lety +2

    Thanks Alistair - great review as was in the market for a track saw and was leaning toward the Makita Cordless and your very detailed and impartial review has definitely helped in making up my mind - so thanks very much buddy!

  • @DavePawson
    @DavePawson Před 3 lety +3

    Thank you. Very useful, clearly honest.

  • @1968rvp
    @1968rvp Před 3 lety +2

    great review , i just brought the makita after putting my festool in for repairs after 6 hard years on construction sites cutting ply and fibre cement board ! yep i use it to cut 4 to 19mm cement board !

  • @sizif717
    @sizif717 Před 3 lety

    Excellent content! It is a comparison review and an comprehensive user manual at the same time!

  • @aucomint
    @aucomint Před rokem

    Thank you for sharing your experience with both saws. I'm currently hesitating between those two and your video will definitely help me decide.

  • @freedomfighter5222
    @freedomfighter5222 Před 4 lety +21

    Great review - fair, honest and unbiased. Also very "down to earth" and factual, no "smartness" here. Really appreciate your style and content, thanks!

  • @Ashton351
    @Ashton351 Před rokem

    Excellent review style! No BS, right into the content. Thank you.

  • @djvasforever
    @djvasforever Před 4 lety +10

    19:00 quick tip. If you have a Makita track saw, try Festool tracks, they are 0.1mm wider at that point, so the saw grips better.

  • @tapsulinka
    @tapsulinka Před 3 lety +3

    Good video.
    I do cut aluminum profile mats every day. I would say it's hard work for every saw. I have had Festool several years and the quality is the same as the day I bought. It was twice the price of Makita but I think I made best choice. For home usage Makita might be okay.
    Please remember that it's very important which cutting blade you are using. Choose the right blade for the work. If you cut any kind of materials having glue or plastic, notice that because of the heat, this plastic or glue will easily stick to the blade and make cutting results worse. Buying all the time new blade can cost a lot. You can try cleaning the blade or bring it to special company for sharpening it

  • @TheTranq
    @TheTranq Před 3 lety

    Really great no-nonsense comparison. Thanks. I have a gift card as a present so probably will go with the Festool

    • @s.a.h.d6575
      @s.a.h.d6575 Před 3 lety

      You'll regret it, if you use the saw extensively, they are made with very poor components, not made for every day use..

  • @johngibson2244
    @johngibson2244 Před 4 lety +14

    You mention that these are both good saws and I agree. First thing I did was sand off the container latches On the Makita and they work fine now (poor Engineering effort on Makita’s part, I agree). I would agree that the Festool may be a better saw in some respects, for professional use, but many would say the price point on the Makita would make it the winner. I have both (just gave my son the Makita) and would be just as happy with either saw. I do like having the riving knife for ripping a straight edge on hardwood. A very decent review though. Cheers!

    • @gramoukdoom
      @gramoukdoom Před rokem

      I just put silicon oil on the latches, works fine!

  • @HowIDoThingsDIY
    @HowIDoThingsDIY Před 2 lety

    Great comparison! I just bought the Makita. Luckily, I don't do bevel cuts very often.

  • @lb3724
    @lb3724 Před 2 lety +10

    Thank you for this well formatted, informational comparison! We were deciding between festool, Maffel, and Makita and we decided to go w/ makita thanks to your comparison. We won’t be putting nearly as many hours on our tool so I don’t think wear and tear is as much of an issue

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 2 lety +2

      Sounds like a good decision! And as mentioned elsewhere in these comments, the worn plastic cam for the makita was actually very inexpensive and easy to replace

  • @michaelkaye4998
    @michaelkaye4998 Před 3 lety

    Way too many variables to call this a comparison in my opinion. I appreciate the time and effort that went into this quality video. Thanks

  • @damdam4117
    @damdam4117 Před 3 lety +1

    Very complete review. Thank you for you help in my choise!

  • @johnmackay7789
    @johnmackay7789 Před 4 lety +8

    A very fair review. I recently replaced those blue cam inserts as I was having similar issues with my makita. It did improve it a lot more IMO. I also use a PTFE spray lubricant on the rail now and then, this also can help. The Makita certainly hasn't been perfect but after 8 years of kitchen fitting abuse it has fared pretty well. Seriously looking at the cordless version now. All the best.👍

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 4 lety +3

      John Mackay thanks for that and it’s a fair point that if the cams are cheap and easy to repair, combined with using PTFE spray, then the Makita is a good value professional option compared to the festool

    • @chevyimp5857
      @chevyimp5857 Před 4 lety +2

      Hi .. I'm in the same boat but with the 32v makita.. the the cams are cheap and easy to replace but but design of the festool is better (have the corded festool also)... the minor gripe I have with he Makita is the slightly fiddly depth adjustment.. there both decent saws in my view and I'm happy with both..

    • @sirmalus5153
      @sirmalus5153 Před rokem

      You can use a DRY PTFE spray on the track, as it doesn't leave any 'stickyness' after use. I will cetainly be using some on the track when I buy my Makita in a few weeks.

  • @Greg-fs8np
    @Greg-fs8np Před rokem

    Thank you for the excellent, detailed review! Interestingly, I have the Makita and just yesterday I did a 90 degree, end grain cut through 7/8" white oak with no difficulty. I did take care to tighten the cam clamps, clamp the rail at both ends, clean dust from the saw base and rail, and steadily guide the saw through the cut. There were no problems with the saw jamming on the rail or burning the cut edge. I will say that my saw is relatively new with not a lot of use so that might be a factor accounting for my relatively trouble free end grain cut as compared to what you experienced. The take away I got from your review is that the Festool may do better with heavy use but the Makita is just fine for the more occasional hobbyist.

  • @SharpEdgeWoodworking-UK
    @SharpEdgeWoodworking-UK Před 4 lety +4

    Hey Alistair.... I've recently upgraded my plunge saw and I was between exactly these 2 contenders. With fortune circumstances of a promotion price AND access to somebody's staff discount I was able to get the Festool for £280 brand new.... so that was the winner.... and I love it.

  • @afnankhokhar5578
    @afnankhokhar5578 Před rokem

    Excellent review and thank you for putting in the effort to make the video

  • @ruslanmustaev8170
    @ruslanmustaev8170 Před 2 lety

    Great video, thank you so much. That was a problem for me to choose, now it is much easier to pick.

  • @bradjones5266
    @bradjones5266 Před 4 lety +2

    Alastair, I’m a new subscriber to your channel. I’m enjoying watching your videos. You have some wonderful content. Thank you

  • @adrianwilding2912
    @adrianwilding2912 Před 3 lety

    An honest review and comparison, thank you Alastair, and really enjoying your generously given tips and tricks and time. I can personally recommend the Makita saw in the 36 volt cordless version, but it is the only one I have! It isn't without its issues, and suffers occasionally from jamming on the track as yours does. I find using a light rub of silicon spray on both track and saw baseplate helps greatly, and a rail square is also a fantastic addition to obtain accurate right angles cuts. Hope the new workshop is increasing productivity and efficiency and working out well for your business. Cheers!

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 3 lety +1

      Hi Adrian thanks for this comment, I do think the comments thread from experienced users of other machines can be at least as valuable as the video itself for other viewers! Which railsaw do you favour?

    • @adrianwilding2912
      @adrianwilding2912 Před 3 lety +1

      @@Alastair_Freebird Thanks Alastair, I confess to being a fan of cordless Makita, but as you know yourself it's easy to get drawn into a brand based on the convenience of a single battery platform. Luckily for me Makita make excellent kit at a realistic price point and other than their nail guns I've not been disappointed. I agree, they do need to involve a designer with their storage cases though! All the best, Adrian.

  • @15harry1561
    @15harry1561 Před 4 lety +6

    I've used both, I ended up buying the Festool, had it about 5 years and it's an absolute joy to use. The Makita can do the job but the Festool just feels so much nicer and thats just getting it out of the sustainer !!!

  • @nirm4077
    @nirm4077 Před 3 lety +5

    This is a great review and help me to buy my saw (Makita). Thanks for this video....

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 3 lety +1

      I’m glad you found it helpful! I’m interested in your reasons for choosing the makita.

  • @amida_4711
    @amida_4711 Před 3 lety

    Todo muy bien explicado, gracias por tu video!!!

  • @johnlowry4148
    @johnlowry4148 Před 2 lety +1

    Many thanks for your review of the track saws. It has convinced me that the Makita is the one for me. I do not anticipate heavy use and the additional cost for the festool could be better spent. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

  • @shifty277
    @shifty277 Před 3 lety +1

    Absolutely top review and comparison of both saws.
    My understanding is the 36v 2 x 18v Makita track saw is a newer model with improvements of the sp6000.
    Thanks for the supreme effort needed to gather your thoughts on both and then record and edit it all.
    The festool is a wonderful tool I have used it a few times.
    The only things I didn't like you mentioned yourself the over resistant spring and also the button to bring the blade down was a bit heavy.
    Subbed and thumbs up.

  • @PsychoP4t
    @PsychoP4t Před 2 lety

    Fantastic comparison. Thank you very much for this.

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 2 lety

      Thanks for taking the time to comment and you’re welcome 👍

  • @KlepkeCamper
    @KlepkeCamper Před 3 lety +8

    Thanks for this awesome video!
    Does the Makita also pivot around the edge at the 45° cut???
    Best wishes from Germany 👋

  • @TheJohn8765
    @TheJohn8765 Před 3 lety +2

    Damnit. I didn't really know I needed a tracked saw until now. Those cuts are *so* precise it's almost as if you're on a table saw. Real eye-opener.

    • @jhart7304
      @jhart7304 Před 2 lety

      lol
      no different than a straightedge and a few clamps with a worm drive.

  • @jamesbailand4311
    @jamesbailand4311 Před 4 lety +2

    What I'd expect.
    Good video.

  • @10MinuteWorkshop
    @10MinuteWorkshop Před 4 lety +11

    Very good Alastair, enjoyed that! I think the anti-tipping lip on the Makita is only there to stop the saw tipping over at the end of the cut, not to keep it on track during a bevel cut - my understanding, anyway. 👍

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 4 lety

      Yes, I agree!

    • @kevingerald8286
      @kevingerald8286 Před 4 lety

      I agree - as a new track saw user (Makita) I find that unless you hold the saw well down onto the track, including doing the hand twist Alastair mentions, you quickly get burning of the wood. Every day's a school day.

    • @PascalCrypto
      @PascalCrypto Před 3 lety

      Makita Netherlands do say the anti tipping lip is for keeping the saw on the track during a bevel cut 😅

  • @jasonlaverty76
    @jasonlaverty76 Před 4 lety +1

    Great review Alastair, I currently run a Bosch GKT55 which uses the Mafel designed Tracks which don't require any cam mechanism, although it does have a set of cams for when used on other manufactures rails such as the Festool.
    You may want to take a look at one when it's time to retire one of your old war horses.
    All the best👍

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 4 lety

      That's interesting, I have no experience of the Bosch, but can picture what you mean having just watched Peter's Mafell video

  • @joaodossantossilva3514
    @joaodossantossilva3514 Před 2 lety +1

    Eu tenho a SP6000 da Makita e é uma serra muito boa, principalmente no corte em MDF.

  • @saxyrep1
    @saxyrep1 Před 3 lety +2

    You sir deserve every view you've got and more. Exactly the review I needed... Cheers !

  • @tonybrown7847
    @tonybrown7847 Před 3 lety +1

    Nice overview of the saws
    I’ve had my Festool for over 15 years, ( closer to 20) and it still cuts like new. Only had to Chang’s the strips on my rail twice

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 3 lety +1

      This is the thing. A lot of people in these comments refer to a disassembly video that claims to show the Festool is poorly built. And yet it seems to run and run, whereas I hear of more build quality problems from the makita

    • @geoffmiller9955
      @geoffmiller9955 Před 2 lety

      Great review Alastair, I’ve had my Festool at55e for about 30 yrs now and its till going.
      Bought it in maybe ‘91 ish. The only real issue has been the electronics board has been
      slowly degrading to the point where sometimes its wont operate at full speed.
      Its either a repair if the parts are available or a new model , possibly cordless , which interests me because theres been a lot of improvements over
      the yrs. Anyway I think Festo are ultra reliable from my experience.

  • @mikes6844
    @mikes6844 Před 4 lety

    How you all doing? Nice to you see you in the workshop. Makita I bought as a package and is fine but I don’t do the volumes you do and I agree it could be smoother on the rail. On the MFT it works fine. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 4 lety

      Mike S I was happy with the makita when I first got it, in fact I thought it felt smoother than the festool at first!

  • @christophermedeiros1806
    @christophermedeiros1806 Před 4 lety +1

    good video .. I been looking to purchase a rail saw , think I'm definitely going with the festool

  • @jrsuk1170
    @jrsuk1170 Před 4 lety +28

    Great review Alistair. I've owned both of these saws but in the battery versions. After recently being relieved of the ownership of my Festool, with 4 batteries and 2 chargers I opted to replace it with the makita - purely for financial reasons.
    Imho the festool is hands down better. In particular the depth stop and the dust collection capability with the dust bag means the festool is great.
    The makita out of the box with thin kerf blade is actually very good but the big problem with the thin kerf blade is it has terrible blade deflection.
    If you can spare the extra money I would recommend the festool (I'm no festool fan boy btw) but the makita is still very good.

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 4 lety +4

      Very sorry to hear you were 'relieved of' some expensive tools!

    • @ron1martens
      @ron1martens Před 4 lety +4

      Jrs U.K. About 20 months ago I had the same thing happen. I had the festool cordless plunge saw, cordless contractor saw, metabo tools festool sander and basically all the tools the thieves could carry cleaning me up in one swoop. So buying a new cordless festool is on the wish list. Lucky I didn't give my corded festool plunge saw away. I'm waiting for metabo to come out with their mafel style plunge saw. Will be cordless though. Work is very quiet so purchase are also slower.

    • @annetimms8431
      @annetimms8431 Před 3 lety

      @@ron1martens .

    • @annetimms8431
      @annetimms8431 Před 3 lety

      @@ron1martens .

  • @whomadethatsaltysoup
    @whomadethatsaltysoup Před 2 lety +1

    Top comparison!
    I've got the Makita - both corded and cordless - simply on the grounds of cost. My original corded Makita came in a bundle with two tracks in a bag with clamps and a spare blade. And all for around the same price as the Festool alone.
    Like others, I often work on busy construction sites, where it can be difficult to keep a constant vigil on your gear. It's horrible to read the stories of people having their tools pinched. And, yes, I've had gear go missing too. On a multi-story project, it's not always practical to run up and down 12 flights looking for fixings and material with all your clobber in tow.
    The spring on my corded Makita started playing up a while back, transforming it into a plunge-only saw. That was after rather a lot of mileage, and it has since been rectified.
    I've seen quite a few reviews of these saws now, and notice how often people use the various saws and tracks interchangeably. I'm surprised by this, as even with the two Makita saws, with exactly the same blades, if I use the wrong track, I don't get accurate cuts.
    Anyway, thanks again for sharing. 👍

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 2 lety +1

      Thanks for the comment! I agree it is better to dedicate one track to one saw if you want ultimate accuracy (and periodically change the runner strip),. Different projects and different people require different levels of accuracy!

    • @whomadethatsaltysoup
      @whomadethatsaltysoup Před 2 lety

      Indeed! I probably don't work to the same tolerances as someone fitting bespoke furniture, but I've always been able to get consistent results using a circular saw and a 6 foot level. So, if I can only hope for near enough, then I can't really see the point.
      That's why I've actually got several Makita tracks, and a couple of Triton tracks I picked up a couple of years ago (£59 with bag and clamps) and I change the splinter guard as soon as it gets tatty. Again, thanks for the sagely advice!

  • @adrian-mu3jr
    @adrian-mu3jr Před rokem

    Great content just as a verbal instruction manual. Just being a hobby user, It took me a while to figure out that the Makita as 0.5 deg toe in front to back (maybe all saws do?) and the problems I thought I had were just user error. Will look out for cam wear. Thanks

  • @aleksandraostrowska7008

    Thanks very much for your review. Very helpfull

  • @adamguo7910
    @adamguo7910 Před 3 lety +6

    Good review.
    I hv been using makita sp6000 for many yrs,sometimes use festool if i didn't bring makita and festool is the only one on-site. I am not a fan of festool rail saw as i need to bring the saw from job to job and i hv other boys work for me and use the saw. The rule is simple if you are not always working in the workshop-the simpler the better. festool hv to many small parts which are good for joinery works. However,you hv to be more careful to maintaince it and fewer ppl Can use festool properly.
    It is just like if you are a Uber driver only service general clients,u will choose a Japan car-maybe Toyota camery,but if you only want to serve high-end client,you need a Germany car- BENZ.

    • @russellseaton2014
      @russellseaton2014 Před rokem

      ;-) 😄 I think a Toyota Lexus could serve the high-end customers just fine too.

  • @dlk4318
    @dlk4318 Před 4 lety

    very efficient explanation.

  • @kevocos
    @kevocos Před 4 lety +1

    Excellent review btw🔨👍

  • @p9917j
    @p9917j Před 3 lety +2

    I concur with everything you said in this video.
    An only mildly connected tip- buy some cmt orange to clean the resin from your blades (don’t be tempted by other more readily available brands). It will reduce how often you’re sending your blades to sharpen and reduce burn even on predominately mdf useage.

  • @eniszulufepustampasic2799
    @eniszulufepustampasic2799 Před 10 měsíci

    not boring as most of the videos... very informative...

  • @bradleytuckwell4854
    @bradleytuckwell4854 Před 2 lety

    I think you covered it quite well. Great review

  • @renegutierrez1699
    @renegutierrez1699 Před 4 lety +44

    I have had the makita saw for abut 4 years now, and had been hesitating about getting the festool, until a couple of months ago when a finally got it, in my opinion makita has nothing to envy from festool, actually to me it felt like the festool bogged while cutting 1 3/4 solid doors, which's never happen with my makita, also the blade got dull really fast on the festool. And to be honest the festool seems to be more precise, anyway both of them are great saws, not much different from one another in my opinion, except for the price of course.

    • @jameshite4820
      @jameshite4820 Před 3 lety +4

      I’ve had both sizes of Festool and liked them but I bought a cordless Mikita and LOVE it. Loads of power and features and the blade that came with it is one of the best cutting blades I’ve ever used and I have $200+ Forest blades etc.

    • @renegutierrez1699
      @renegutierrez1699 Před 3 lety +2

      James Hite my only complaint about the makita is that it has some play while riding on the track even though I thigh the knobs all the way.

    • @jameshite4820
      @jameshite4820 Před 3 lety

      @@renegutierrez1699 I don’t experience that. You have the cordless?

    • @renegutierrez1699
      @renegutierrez1699 Před 3 lety +1

      @@jameshite4820 nope mine is the corded version, I’ve heard the cordless is awesome.

    • @s.a.h.d6575
      @s.a.h.d6575 Před 3 lety +1

      I've had a lot of experience with them and Festool is very poorly made...its just wrong how they do it...

  • @johnhughes3963
    @johnhughes3963 Před rokem

    Great comparison. I have mostly festool tools however just bought the Makita track saw.

    • @woodplay13
      @woodplay13 Před 11 měsíci

      Hi, can I ask why?

    • @johnhughes3963
      @johnhughes3963 Před 11 měsíci +1

      @@woodplay13 yes..because I also have other Makita tools

  • @bobbray9666
    @bobbray9666 Před 3 lety +4

    165MM is within 0.004" of 6.5", so more options for saw blades in the US. I just buy 6.5" blades at a local big box store. So that is one Makita advantage. Also good to use sharp blades to eliminate burning, so the ability to buy cheaper blades locally is nice.

    • @rays2877
      @rays2877 Před 3 měsíci

      In my research, I found a guy recommending the washers off a regular Makita skilsaw.

  • @JGV_IX
    @JGV_IX Před 3 lety +2

    Bought the Festool today! Thanks for the advice!!

  • @TitusLivy777
    @TitusLivy777 Před 2 lety

    A very helpful review! Thank you.

  • @robzilla2165
    @robzilla2165 Před rokem +13

    I work at a custom furniture manufacturer and have used both the Festool and Makita. I've found the TS 75 takes 2 or 3 passes to get thru 2" material where as the Makita will power thru it on 1 pass with a relatively smooth glue ready cut. I've also noticed the splinter guard as more of hindrance then a help. The Festool feels underpowered in comparison but I do like the extra depth of cut with the TS 75. Great video and comparison, thanks for posting.

    • @woodplay13
      @woodplay13 Před 11 měsíci

      Im planing to buy new tracksaw and in the finals play makita dsp 600z (cordless) where I already have makita colony of tools and batteries 😃 then pair it with festool track.....or go with premium festool kebi plus tsc 55, track batteries which is whopping 1400€ here in Croatia. I have one more option 😅 festool tsv kebq 60 with scoring function and price 1435€. Im making furniture and I need it from job to job. Is it festool realy worth that money?? Makita with track without battery is only 490€. Sorry for long story, but Im in heavy doubt 😅 and I will probably spend 10 more hours of my life watching videos 😅😅 any kind of help will be great.

    • @robzilla2165
      @robzilla2165 Před 11 měsíci +2

      @markomilutin1984 for me it's a no brainer, I'd go Makita. The dust collection I feel is better and the saw has more power. It works with festool and powertec tracks as well. For the extra €950 you can get something else you could use! Goodluck in your purchase.

    • @woodplay13
      @woodplay13 Před 11 měsíci +1

      @@robzilla2165 thank you for advice. I was planing festool because all carpenters around me use festool for some reason. They said its ferrari of track saws. I have tryed by myself and its beautiful peace of tool. Just feeling to take it from box. But I cannot justify that extra cost of almost 1000€. Thats why I come on youtube just to hear your advice guys. Just that I dont give 500€ for makita now. Then after one year I again go to shop and buy festool which is then 2000€ and doubling same tools im my garage. Its looking realy no brainer for makita. Now Im using corded einhell track saw with cmt blade and its pay itself 5x. And it did jib perfectly with track clamps and little adjustments of niggles. For only 200€. I need to sleepover and then buy makita 😁😁😁 i hope I will be happy and not dreaming about festool 😅 thx robzilla for advice 🫡

    • @cchavezjr7
      @cchavezjr7 Před 11 měsíci +2

      @@woodplay13 I have the Makita but I have a new Mafell on the way. I did not like the rails and over time they slightly warped which made my 110" no longer glue cut good enough. Also, I cut very hard woods and the Makita really would struggle on full cuts. If Festool is the Ferrari then Mafell would be the Bugatti...

    • @marijokrtinic22
      @marijokrtinic22 Před 5 dny

      Što si kupio na kraju, kako si zadovoljan? I ja sam u istoj nedoumici kao ti. Lp​@@woodplay13

  • @anthonymiddlesex6859
    @anthonymiddlesex6859 Před 4 lety +7

    ive owned a Makita sp6000 for about ten years I changed the blade to a freud blade which I do with all tools festool are overpriced and never send them back for repair they replace everything Makita in my view are light in weight and offer good quality

  • @krakenhackenla
    @krakenhackenla Před 4 lety +2

    Saw on skill builder that the Makita cut better when the power was turned down to number 4, think it was cutting MDF not hardwood though.

  • @andrewprice927
    @andrewprice927 Před 3 lety

    Great video . Thanks

  • @pauljohn6709
    @pauljohn6709 Před 4 lety +22

    Hi, I have had the makita for 5 or 6 years now, I use a lubricant wax on the track and base plate of the saw, it does help a lot. The adjustable cams are cheap and easy to replace.

    • @brettstanton247
      @brettstanton247 Před 3 lety

      I do the same, I always hoover it down and spray the track and base with silicone spray as after each use. Works a treat

    • @frankpratt529
      @frankpratt529 Před 3 lety

      @@brettstanton247 Using silicone spray around anything that will be receiving a finish can be problematic. Even the tiniest bit of silicone contamination will cause big problems with adhesion & fish eyes.

    • @PascalCrypto
      @PascalCrypto Před 3 lety +4

      I use the dry ptfe from WD-40 for every sliding surface, because it’s dry spray it doesn’t leave any contamination on the surface and/or attract dust. So for example your track or miter slots on your table saw it works perfectly. It’s also perfect for your router bits as it doesn’t make burn marks.

  • @ChristopherClaudioSkierka

    ..by the way fantastic video !! and I like the table you work on there

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 3 lety

      Christopher Claudio Skierka thanks! That is a Ron Paulk - style bench which we experimented with. However we have now dismantled it. For workshop work we prefer something fixed and weightier. For site work we prefer something smaller and lighter. I think the bench is ideal for contractors doing larger projects on site than the domestic work we usually do.

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 3 lety +2

      czcams.com/video/o4juX_mYF1A/video.html

    • @ChristopherClaudioSkierka
      @ChristopherClaudioSkierka Před 3 lety

      @@Alastair_Freebird thanks for the video - I may go for a wood structure down to the floor as oppose a aluminium type frame - cost is quite a bit more.Or a part wooden frame like yours and hairpin legs which I have a enough spare ones - these are pretty sturdy 3 rod types.

  • @planespeaking
    @planespeaking Před 3 lety

    Your channel is really good.

  • @SME_Ste
    @SME_Ste Před 4 lety +10

    Makita for me too. I’m actually an electrician, but for some reason have been involved in fitting kitchens now for 5 years or so. The makita has always done everything i’ve needed it to perfectly. Looked at bosch and festool at the start but couldn’t see the extra cost justifying itself for what i needed it for. My only grip is the depth stop, must remember to add 6mm when used in the rail

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 4 lety +1

      Steven Murphy yeah it’s really not a bad tool and as other commenters have pointed out the shortcomings of the cam grips can be overcoming by keeping an eye on wear, replacing them and using some lubricant spray

    • @woodplay13
      @woodplay13 Před 11 měsíci

      Are you still happy with makita 😁

    • @SME_Ste
      @SME_Ste Před 11 měsíci

      @@woodplay13 yes pal, no problems what so ever. My only negative comment is the depth adjustment doesn’t include the rail thickness, so always need to add another 3mm or so and the adjuster is a thumbscrew whereas the festool is a quick release type.

  • @adriandotsmall
    @adriandotsmall Před 3 měsíci

    👍 I also liked the r2d2 cup.

  • @mark-jonathanwilkinson2994

    My 36v Makita is a year old now. Easily my favourite tool. Ive found the depth gauge a little off on the makita and never thought to exclude the track height.

  • @Edgar.242
    @Edgar.242 Před 8 měsíci

    Really thanks for the video it was completely helpful.

  • @AmanSingh-ss8ep
    @AmanSingh-ss8ep Před 4 lety

    thank you for this video. love your work! please keep making more

  • @STohme
    @STohme Před 2 lety

    Very nice and useful video. Many thanks.

  • @bobbg9041
    @bobbg9041 Před 3 lety

    Honestly the scoring drop stop is nice. But you don't need it you can do the same thing using the depth stop.
    Its just more stuff to go wrong with the tool.

  • @christopherwalker6860
    @christopherwalker6860 Před 2 lety +1

    Great review. I'm just about to buy the Makita (I think). Cheaper to buy and cheaper saw blades and rails.

  • @garvielloken3929
    @garvielloken3929 Před 3 lety

    Absolutely fantastic review! - i'm going with Makita

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 3 lety

      Thanks for that and I’m glad it’s helped you make a choice!

  • @johnbegarkerreghli7084

    Thanks to a very objectif comparison

  • @nineoneten
    @nineoneten Před 4 lety +4

    Thanks for the honest review. Just looking to get my 1st tracksaw. One design issue I see with all the models is they are made for left handed people....to trim a small section from a board you stand at the left end and move the saw to the right and this involves an awkward grip on the saw with your right hand. Still at least left handers got a good deal on this one. Also nobody seems to mention the variable speed control on the saw - do people just have it on the higher speed all the time ?

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 3 lety

      nineoneten hi to be honest yes it’s always on highest for me! May be some materials that suit a lower speed. I see what you’re saying about handedness but I find it ok.

    • @nineoneten
      @nineoneten Před 3 lety +1

      @@Alastair_Freebird Thanks for your comments. I got the Makita a couple of weeks ago and it is very nice. I decided to use it as if I was a left hander so that hand goes on the top handle/switch and it works fine. The slightly longer track and lower cost of extra bits and splinter guards etc decided me over the Festool one. Keep safe.

  • @josediazdiaz8001
    @josediazdiaz8001 Před 3 lety

    Great and fair video

  • @jameshite4820
    @jameshite4820 Před 3 lety +14

    I’m a Festool fan. I’ve had both sizes of the Festool track saw and ended up liking cordless Makita best.

  • @michael.knight
    @michael.knight Před 2 lety +2

    The riving knife is probably only useful in solid wood with non-straight grain that might cause binding. In sheet goods it's probably not necessary at all.

  • @Heinz76Harald
    @Heinz76Harald Před měsícem +1

    as someone else mentioned, use the festool track on the makita saw, best combination. we have both in company for years and i prefer the makita over the festool
    you will get a very good saw with the festool, but its just not worth the upcost in my opinion as a dayli user for 15y

  • @jonmars9559
    @jonmars9559 Před 3 lety +4

    I have both saws and have some experiences not mentioned here. Now the Festool that I have is probably the first edition they made. It's a little under powered but works well with a sharp blade. Festool may have made improvements since I purchased my saw. I have recently bought the Makita and am not at all disappointed with its performance. Very similar to the Festool at a much more affordable price. The one issue I had with Festool that I'd like to mention is with brush replacement. Festool uses a special brush cartridge that is positioned by a slot in the saw's cheap plastic housing. It's not easy to get at the brushes. The plastic, unfortunately melts at low temperatures and the brush on my saw heated up enough to fuse itself into the plastic housing. I was ultimately successful in extracting the cartridge but there was damage that could have rendered the saw unrepairable. If it happens again, the saw will be made useless for simple want of brush replacement. Makita uses standard brushes making brush replacement painless and easy.

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 3 lety

      Helpful observations thanks!

    • @cso7711
      @cso7711 Před 3 lety

      @@Alastair_Freebird
      The Festool you are presenting in the Video is the brushless Version.

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 3 lety +1

      It can’t be because I have had to replace the carbon brushes in it! Unless I’m misunderstanding something

    • @enemyofthestatewearein7945
      @enemyofthestatewearein7945 Před 29 dny

      I've seen a repair video of this very issue, it's only the plastic housing so it's not an expensive repair if you can do it yourself. But it does essentially require the whole machine to be dismantled and reassembled and you would expect better from such an expensive machine. The Makita seems to commonly suffer from binding in the pivot, making the plunge very stiff, but this again is not a difficult fix (requires no parts, just cleaning and lubrication) and there are CZcams videos showing how it's done.

  • @jrichardson6
    @jrichardson6 Před 4 lety

    Great video

  • @michaelplays2449
    @michaelplays2449 Před 4 lety

    Good video thanks

  • @sunglint
    @sunglint Před 4 lety +1

    Thanks for an excellent review of two excellent tools. It means a lot that you have experience, and the review was quite balanced. Id try replacing the cams on the Makita, those are likely to be consumables.
    I was about to buy the Makita but found a used TS75 on ebay for less than the Makita, and am quite happy.

  • @andrewroberts6158
    @andrewroberts6158 Před 4 lety +12

    I’ve had my makita about three years and it’s working great, you obviously do more cutting then I do. I’ve checked mine for wear and at the moment it shows no signs of any. Good unbiased comparison video, ps locking casters on that workbench would be a good addition 👍🏻

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 4 lety +3

      The bench did have locked castors! But not enough. Thanks for the comment

    • @NickBR57
      @NickBR57 Před 2 lety

      Also stated that the blade had more use on the Makita which implies maybe the saw overall had more use than the Festool in which case you would expect more wear.
      There's also the question of maintenance - if you don't maintain your tools the results will deteriorate. The adjusters can be replaced if worn.

  • @antc5010
    @antc5010 Před 3 lety

    I have the Makita SP6000 and I'm onto my second blade, with no issues of free play on the track. It is still smooth and true, even when crossing the join between 2 tracks fixed together. If you are burning wood on a track saw, I would be looking at the blade, timber or operator. Cross cuts on birch ply first using a scoring pass gives great results, hard to beat with a table saw sled without a scoring blade or scoring pass. The Festool would need to be significantly better to warrant the price difference.

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 3 lety

      Ant C the burning was due to play from the worn plastic cams, no doubt about it, but I just needed to replace the cams.

  • @mikemorgan5015
    @mikemorgan5015 Před 4 lety

    Good review. I'm in the market for a track saw, and am leaning toward the Makita 36v unit. The cord just causes issues, as it did for both saws here. I already have lots of Makita batteries as well. I've heard the Festool is probably the best saw but have heard their motors don't hold up over time from other reviewers. Not sure if that holds for the cordless models though. The price difference is also a factor for me. I think your Makita needs an adjustment. I haven't seen anyone struggle cutting even full width doors with them before this. You were fair and honest. Can't ask for more than that. Except for new blades perhaps. Well done. Thanks.

  • @riley165
    @riley165 Před 4 lety

    I use the cordless makita track saw on the mft3 table but can not do angle cuts on the festool track as the blade would co e in contact with the track. However its great for doing 90 degree cuts. The makita does grip better in the festool track but i would always use the makita tracks for angle cuts. Oh by the way if anyone is wondering what the cordless version of the makita saw is like then i have no issues with it what so ever i can cut seasoned slabs without any issues and no excessive pressure just make sure you have a sharp blade and a set of fully charged batteries :)

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 4 lety +1

      rob riley others have said the cordless one is pretty good too. Thanks for the info 👍

  • @marc-antoinenicolas9569

    Thank you

  • @khansk36
    @khansk36 Před 3 lety

    U can use alan key on fine adjustment on festool

  • @ron1martens
    @ron1martens Před 4 lety

    Excellent review. Very nicely presented.
    I can only commend you for spending your time in creating this upload. I could almost smell the burning on the makita at the end of the video. I noticed when you clamped the work piece with the ratchet the fence seemed to twist ever so slightly. Whether that makes any difference will be perhaps not critical. The mafel has a fence with clamps closer to the cut than festool,
    Makita, dewalt, metabo. The Bosch plunge saw has the same system fence as mafel. Now what is interesting metabo will come out with a mafel style plunge saw which I'm hoping has the mafel fence.
    Metabo have a fence almost the same as festool although the clamps don't fit. I made some clamps to fit on both fences.
    There is a pre cut on mafel which provides a total chip free cut on Melamine. The only thing is it's a fraction in to the rest of the cut. If you were really fussy you could then follow up with a router correctly set up. People not having time may not consider this. Although I think of you spend the time once making a jig or setting up it will only equate to an extra pass on each cut. Often cuts are cleaned up on hard woods anyway. I no longer work with melamine. I prefer ply wood. It's a lot nicer and can always be cleaned, sanded etc.

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 4 lety +1

      Ronald Martens thanks very much for the comment. I’m skeptical about the benefits of the Mafell offset scribing cut. I also don’t really like working with melamine!

    • @ron1martens
      @ron1martens Před 4 lety

      Freebird Interiors I watched another post and the person tested mafel and festool. The mafel was clearly a better machine. His only qualm on cheep melamine the scribe actually didn't chip at all. He said he couldn't do a professional job on draws as the gap he claimed seemed to be 1mm which clients may not be happy with although consistent. Personally if I had more work and confidence shipments are not delayed I would get the mafel skin and use my metabo batteries. My next option is wait till metabo bring out a high end cordless plunge saw. I may be waiting years though. Thanks for your reply. I will keep an eye on updates.

  • @curtisg7924
    @curtisg7924 Před 4 lety

    Great real world comparison aside from maybe the blades. Thank you.

  • @KeithChastain-YouGotKeith
    @KeithChastain-YouGotKeith Před 9 měsíci +1

    Thanks

  • @trig
    @trig Před 4 lety +2

    I recently replaced my old festool with the newest model. A better saw but I hate the new ratchet on the hose, it just keeps poping of every cut. It got so annoying I hot glued the ratchet in a fixed position. On the old saw I drilled a 3mm hole through the saw casing and through the rotating nozzle so that I could pop a short screw in to hold the nozzle in my prefered position.

  • @Dumpasaurus42
    @Dumpasaurus42 Před 4 měsíci

    Thanks for the honest video and I appreciate the time and effort you put in. It would be great if you could replace those guide bits on the makita rail connection and follow up with your experience at that point. For me (and many others I would guess) I would be fine with replacing small wear parts every few years and saving the hundreds on the purchase price

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 4 měsíci

      My summary after a few more years of using both (and replacing those inexpensive makita parts!) is that the festool just feels more solid and reliable in the long run, but if handled with care the Makita is a perfectly good option.

  • @s.railic9435
    @s.railic9435 Před 2 lety

    Thank you, this is great video to help make decision

    • @Alastair_Freebird
      @Alastair_Freebird  Před 2 lety

      Glad you think so. What did you decide?

    • @s.railic9435
      @s.railic9435 Před 2 lety

      @@Alastair_Freebird Makita...bought long guide for it besides shorter and working great.

  • @criartes3775
    @criartes3775 Před 4 lety

    Muito bem explicado o review!👏👏👏

  • @Hand-i-Craft
    @Hand-i-Craft Před 4 lety

    Fantastic review Alastair, really appreciate the depth you go into and it is obvious you know both these machines inside out and not just an ‘unboxing and I know everything’ review. I’ve been using my Workzone tracksaw for a year or so now and an upgrade is potentially top of my list in terms of tools. I’ve been lucky enough to upgrade my orbital sander and mitre saw to Festool products in the last six months, plus I also invested in a Domino DF 500. I have to say maybe my criteria for purchasing is slightly unique just using the one hand. I spent months researching mitre saws from all brands and kept going back to the Kapex KS 60 as it just felt ‘right’ if that makes sense?
    I’ve watched this video and also Peter Millard’s Festool / Mafell video the last day or so and it is very interesting viewing. The Mafell tracks look a lot easier for someone like me, the Festool could be described as the ‘industry standard’ as they were the pioneers of the technology and I’ve been really impressed with their products that I’ve bought. The Makita I know nothing about but I believe is a bit cheaper. Won’t be just yet but a difficult choice ahead. Thanks for taking the time provide such depth to the review. Cheers, Leo 😀

    • @davidfarnall3211
      @davidfarnall3211 Před 3 lety +1

      Hi, I'm very late to this party 😀, so you might well have upgraded already, but here's my tuppence worth. I've run the Makita as a professional for a goodly while, and love it (especially cost wise against the Festool), but I think you might find it too fiddly to use compared to the green machine, especially if you don't need the bevel facility the Makita saw/rail setup offers. The depth adjustment on the Festool is soooo much better, especially for single handed use.

  • @antomac9529
    @antomac9529 Před 2 lety +1

    I bought the makita about a year ago. As soon as I set it up out of the box I knew the cams were badly designed. If they're tightened to the track, they wear out quickly and if they're loose the saw wobbles about.
    That blade is a bad one also. I got the same one with my saw and it always had a bad cut and struggled doing mitres. I changed the blade for a different brand one and it's like a new machine.