Makita track saw blades - which diameter to use?

[Eric The Viking]

Quickie question for Makita 6000 and Festool TS55 users:

Their blades aren't identical, BUT

Festool blades: 160/20, 2.2mm kerf
Makita blades: 165/20, 2.2mm kerf (as originally fitted to the saw)

Makita also do 160/20, 2.2mm kerf blades!

Question: If I swap to 160/20 (Festool system), it may upset the depth scale (by 2.5mm!), and I might need to replace the rubber strip on the rail, but are there any other issues?

(does anyone know why Makita chose to be different - just to avoid copyright/patent issues, or something else?).

All thoughts appreciated.

E.

PS: The depth scale with a 165mm blade is wrong anyway. I've a suspicion it may suddenly "come right" when I fit a 160mm one. Can't think why!

 

[Steve Maskery]

Hi Eric
Can't see what else could be affected. The blades aren't pinned, are they?
S

 

[Eric The Viking]

No pins.

I've just done a quick check without running the saw*: with a 160mm blade fitted you add roughly 6mm to the plunge scale reading, with the saw on the track. That would be (presumably) "add 3.5mm with the supplied 165mm blade". I think it's probably about "right"when the saw is flat on the workpiece with no rail, and a 165mm blade fitted.

Utterly daft if you ask me (what's the point of a track saw without a track?). It wouldn't have killed them to fit an adjustable depth stop on the quadrant, or just supplied different lumps of plastic to go with the different diameter blades/uses.

Heigh ho.

E.

*on top of the freezer in the scullery (where it's presently kept, away from the dampness of the garage), so had to pack it away PDQ - more'n'my life's worth to interrupt luncheon preparations!

 

[Eric The Viking]

Later:

I've just done the same check on a TS55 (old sort) plus Festool rail.

It seems to be the same 3mm adrift on its own, then another 2mm for the rail, making 5mm altogether.

I need to go back and re-measure the Makita, as my guess is that they should be identical.

It's odd that Festool don't allow for the track either.

E.

 

[Steve Maskery]

You are right, they don't.
S