Can anyone compare this to the Bosch 3931A? The Finewoodworking reviews say that the Bosch has more than twice the working airflow as the festool.
312987
That was my perception, too, at least until I saw the comparison in Fine Woodworking.Hopefully there will be another user out there who has hands on experience with both who can shed some light on this issue.Thank you, though.
312988
Although I have never used the Bosch 3931A and can say that any Bosch tool vs a Festool the Festool out performs everytime handsdown.
756781
Not sure. Mine was jumping with 220 on polyurethane 6 hr dry for less than a minute then smoothed out with festool vac at half speed and 27 mm hose. The festool rts400 eq jumps a lot on poly without foam backing. After initial break in of grit with material and some dust it is smooth sailing. To much suction on festool can feel like its glued down but it doesn't jump and Bosch works fine on my 2 1/2 inch hose craftsman vac that has no speed control.
1700166
Some guys like the sidewinders. I prefer worm drives though I admit that as I approach 70 my strength has ebbed considerably. Even though I think a worm drive is easier to control and more powerful for long rips, I like the relatively puny Festool track saw for shop work and installations. The DWS535 is a better machine for framing if that's what you're buying a circle saw for. That is really what it boils down to: your strength and the work you'll mostly be doing. Framing lumber is never really flat and the extra power of a worm drive lays waste to lumber that wants to twist or pinch the blade as you knock out the work. Some guys like the sidewinders. I prefer worm drives though I admit that as I approach 70 my strength has ebbed considerably. Even though I think a worm drive is easier to control and more powerful for long rips, I like the relatively puny Festool track saw for shop work and installations. The DWS535 is a better machine for framing if that's what you're buying a circle saw for. That is really what it boils down to: your strength and the work you'll mostly be doing. Framing lumber is never really flat and the extra power of a worm drive lays waste to lumber that wants to twist or pinch the... » Read More Some guys like the sidewinders. I prefer worm drives though I admit that as I approach 70 my strength has ebbed considerably. Even though I think a worm drive is easier to control and more powerful for long rips, I like the relatively puny Festool track saw for shop work and installations. The DWS535 is a better machine for framing if that's what you're buying a circle saw for. That is really what it boils down to: your strength and the work you'll mostly be doing. Framing lumber is never really flat and the extra power of a worm drive lays waste to lumber that wants to twist or pinch the blade as you knock out the work. « Show Less
1004396
Yes, that one is, and probably because they often just use file-folder shots for Amazon ads. In my reviews of the saw (on a couple of woodworking sites) I used photos of my own saw, which I have modified considerably. The main mods were the installation of a non-collapsible support at the rear to handle longer boards being ripped and a zero-clearance throat plate for 90-degree cuts. I also stiffened up the dust port outlet and replaced all of the plastic knobs with solid wood knobs that I made myself. I also installed a second, paddle-type on-off switch on the right side of the saw for convenience sake. Not only is the 4500 different from the 2400, but the stand is, too. The 4510 has a superb zero-gravity stand (similar to the Bosch jobsite saw stand), and has a riving knife (instead of a simple splitter). The motors are probably the same (the same as that of the 1290 sliding-compound miter saw, too, but with different drive arrangements, of course), but the fence may be the same already quite good one. I think that either saw would work just fine, but of course only the 4510 can be obtained new. A decent, used 2400 unit would probably do the job as well, and should cost less, too. Howard
552836
The saw had a major manufacturing defect when purchased. I believe that there was arbor wobble. Whatever it was Makita repaired the saw at no charge but would not say what the problem was. As far as the Bosch, I'm not sure about the Bosch as far as space constraints.
149039
I have the same question. If you sell this product, you should probably endeavor to figure out the answer, as the Bosch 4100s are very popular, and getting more so because the price on them has recently dropped a lot. They make a digital fence for it themselves, not too much higher priced than your fence add-on, so you're going to have to work a bit to convince owners of 4100s that your product is good for them.
1706437
I believe it does, but you should check the specs to be sure. I believe Festool does make drills with brushless motors, but the price points are far higher. Again, check the specs. I would trust Festool to use a motor that is appropriate to the tool's intended use and price point. My CXS continues to perform flawlessly.
1922961
I have the miter saw hooked to my shop dust collection system via some adapters I had to make so that the 39mm saw exhaust opening could connect to a 2" hose. It works better when hooked to the air system. There is still some stray sawdust that accumulates behind the saw so it isn't perfect by any means.
1408079
The hose is more flexible than most, it is also anti -static and the vac is so quiet, I highly recommend this unit as a fellow woodworker most all Festool items a great !!!!
1488930
We replaced it with a Whirlpool which is working just fine. Our concern with a non-Bosch replacement was being able to reattach our wooden cover panel over it once it was installed. Whirlpool gave us additional clips and it went back on and looks great.
85924
The biggest difference is the way it glides, rails vs 3 sealed bearings. If you cut a lot, go with the this unit. It is a lot more, but you will immediately be glad you did. Effortless articulation, spot on miter adjustments, never any binding in the sealed bearings. This tool is by far my favorite tool in my shop. It handles everything I throw at it with ease. I put the laser on it and got the Dewalt stand. At close to a grand all in, it definitely wasn't cheap. Then again, what price do you put on happiness? Because I've never been happier using this saw. (BTW you have to buy the Bosch laser, the after market lasers are too wide). Good luck with your decision. The biggest difference is the way it glides, rails vs 3 sealed bearings. If you cut a lot, go with the this unit. It is a lot more, but you will immediately be glad you did. Effortless articulation, spot on miter adjustments, never any binding in the sealed bearings. This tool is by far my favorite tool in my shop. It handles everything I throw at it with ease. I put the laser on it and got the Dewalt stand. At close to a grand all in, it definitely wasn't cheap. Then again, what price do you put on happiness? Because I've never been happier using this saw. (BTW you have to buy the Bosch... » Read More The biggest difference is the way it glides, rails vs 3 sealed bearings. If you cut a lot, go with the this unit. It is a lot more, but you will immediately be glad you did. Effortless articulation, spot on miter adjustments, never any binding in the sealed bearings. This tool is by far my favorite tool in my shop. It handles everything I throw at it with ease. I put the laser on it and got the Dewalt stand. At close to a grand all in, it definitely wasn't cheap. Then again, what price do you put on happiness? Because I've never been happier using this saw. (BTW you have to buy the Bosch laser, the after market lasers are too wide). Good luck with your decision. « Show Less
1409441
The clearance poses and obvious issue as its only the equivalent of a 10" saw. However I have yet to be dissatisfied with any festool products. The saw is extremely accurate, the dust collection with the festool vac is phenomenal (still small amount of dust escapes). The ease of use. This saw is well worth it in my opinion. Once you get over the price you'll be happy you made the choice to purchase this saw.
552834
I have used and generally like Bosch tools, but have found that Makita tools are just better. I have had no blade chatter. I swapped the Forrest blade I had on my very old Craftsman miter saw for the Makita blade, which seemed to cut very well, though, also without chatter.
1303814
I agree with Gordon...the saw I purchased went together perfect and the performance was as well. Only thing I can think of is that it was damaged at manufacture or while being shipped. What size tile are you working with and how far out is the cut?. You might call Bosch and see what info they have for you. I am very pleased with the saw, it is built very well..only thing I thought was unnecessary is the plastic splatter guards, useless and only get in the way. Also....for those of you who don't like the available stands for this saw I have an option. I also purchased the Bosch Easy Up and with some inistrute, metric bolts made one killer saw/ stand combo.
794634
Lorraine, I do not think that there is a whole lot of difference between the two models. I own the variable speed version and I happen to use it at the upper end of the speed scale most of the time. About the only time I've really needed to slow it down was when I was sanding some non kiln dried pine and found that the higher speads heated up the wood and the sap began to run (a lot). At the lower speads I was better able to sand the pine without having as much sap run and therefore clog the dandpaper. If you don't want to pay the premium for the variable, I'm pretty sure in day to day use you really won't see the difference. However, my opinion comes from a hobbyist woodworker. Cheers! -steve- Lorraine, I do not think that there is a whole lot of difference between the two models. I own the variable speed version and I happen to use it at the upper end of the speed scale most of the time. About the only time I've really needed to slow it down was when I was sanding some non kiln dried pine and found that the higher speads heated up the wood and the sap began to run (a lot). At the lower speads I was better able to sand the pine without having as much sap run and therefore clog the dandpaper. If you don't want to pay the premium for the variable, I'm pretty sure in day to day use... » Read More Lorraine, I do not think that there is a whole lot of difference between the two models. I own the variable speed version and I happen to use it at the upper end of the speed scale most of the time. About the only time I've really needed to slow it down was when I was sanding some non kiln dried pine and found that the higher speads heated up the wood and the sap began to run (a lot). At the lower speads I was better able to sand the pine without having as much sap run and therefore clog the dandpaper. If you don't want to pay the premium for the variable, I'm pretty sure in day to day use you really won't see the difference. However, my opinion comes from a hobbyist woodworker. Cheers! -steve- « Show Less
809078
Qualifying statement:I am a Master Electrician in Texas and have 24 years of mostly residential repair and remodel experience. I own this fine tool and numerous other Bosch cordless and corded tools.I use Bosch tools and accessories exclusively.In regards to your question:I use Bosch blades EVERYTIME. They last longer and cut smoother. That being said, most any reciprocating blade will work. Jigsaw blades will not work in this tool. Use fine toothed blades for metal and wood paneling. Using the fine toothed blades for cutting paneling will reduce the amount of splintering, although not completely.Use wood blades for wood cutting that is not as critical cosmetically.Hope this helps, if you need further comments feel free to ask. Qualifying statement:I am a Master Electrician in Texas and have 24 years of mostly residential repair and remodel experience. I own this fine tool and numerous other Bosch cordless and corded tools.I use Bosch tools and accessories exclusively.In regards to your question:I use Bosch blades EVERYTIME. They last longer and cut smoother. That being said, most any reciprocating blade will work. Jigsaw blades will not work in this tool. Use fine toothed blades for metal and wood paneling. Using the fine toothed blades for cutting paneling... » Read More Qualifying statement:I am a Master Electrician in Texas and have 24 years of mostly residential repair and remodel experience. I own this fine tool and numerous other Bosch cordless and corded tools.I use Bosch tools and accessories exclusively.In regards to your question:I use Bosch blades EVERYTIME. They last longer and cut smoother. That being said, most any reciprocating blade will work. Jigsaw blades will not work in this tool. Use fine toothed blades for metal and wood paneling. Using the fine toothed blades for cutting paneling will reduce the amount of splintering, although not completely.Use wood blades for wood cutting that is not as critical cosmetically.Hope this helps, if you need further comments feel free to ask. « Show Less
827565
I agree with Gordon...the saw I purchased went together perfect and the performance was as well. Only thing I can think of is that it was damaged at manufacture or while being shipped. What size tile are you working with and how far out is the cut?. You might call Bosch and see what info they have for you. I am very pleased with the saw, it is built very well..only thing I thought was unnecessary is the plastic splatter guards, useless and only get in the way.Also....for those of you who don't like the available stands for this saw I have an option. I also purchased the Bosch Easy Up and with some inistrute, metric bolts made one killer saw/ stand combo. I agree with Gordon...the saw I purchased went together perfect and the performance was as well. Only thing I can think of is that it was damaged at manufacture or while being shipped. What size tile are you working with and how far out is the cut?. You might call Bosch and see what info they have for you. I am very pleased with the saw, it is built very well..only thing I thought was unnecessary is the plastic splatter guards, useless and only get in the way.Also....for those of you who don't like the available stands for this saw I have an option. I also purchased... » Read More I agree with Gordon...the saw I purchased went together perfect and the performance was as well. Only thing I can think of is that it was damaged at manufacture or while being shipped. What size tile are you working with and how far out is the cut?. You might call Bosch and see what info they have for you. I am very pleased with the saw, it is built very well..only thing I thought was unnecessary is the plastic splatter guards, useless and only get in the way.Also....for those of you who don't like the available stands for this saw I have an option. I also purchased the Bosch Easy Up and with some inistrute, metric bolts made one killer saw/ stand combo. « Show Less