HI Woody
I own a Bosch GKS86B plunge saw and three lengths of Bosch track. I also have an adaptor for the Bosch GOF900ACE router. So, is there any reason to own a Bosch? If you already have a Bosch jig saw or router that you want to use with a compatible track system, then maybe, although personally I wouldn't use a router of jigsaw with a track system as I feel that there are better ways of doing things. The GKS86B saw hasn't been a happy machine, either - it suffers from a base plate which isn't really stiff enough. Could this be why Bosch withdrew it a few years back, or could it be troubles with the plunge mechanism (as I write this mine is back at the repairers for straightening out, yet again)? The current Bosch saws are from all accounts much better, being a lot less complex. The Bosch track sections are no better or worse than the deWalt, Mafell or Festool ones from what I've seen of them, so I'd say it depends on what you are looking for in the saw, and what your budget is.
If I were looking for a replacement saw to use on my existing track and I were just to be using it to saw-up sheet stock or do flooring work then I'd say the Bosch system will be cheaper than either the Mafell or Festool (DW are apparently no longer in the market). I have no com,plaints with the majority of the Boscvh tyools I've had over the years with the sole exception of the GKS86B which hasn't really been rugged enough for site work.
If I wanted a saw to carry in the boot of my car, however, I've got to say that the Mafell KSP40F with it's roll-up track would be my tool of choice because carrying 1.4 metre lengths of track around in a car or van is a pain. I believe that we have one or two members with these so perhaps they'd care to comment. Other than that Mafell have a system on some of their saws which cants the blade by 5 degrees off the vertical so you can make a scoring cut as opposed to Festool who have special (expensive?) blades for laminates. Another difference is that Festool saws have a base plate which allows the user to make bevel cuts with the cut line apparently staying constant when the saw is used on the rail - potentially useful, but not for me as I would probably never attempt a bevel cut out on site.
I doubt that there's much in it in terms of build quality, though, between Mafell and Festool. I have machines from both and they are equally well nailed together.
So the conclusion: Bosch is OK if you don't want all the bells and whistles and will cost less, Mafell or Festool depends on which features you want, but both will cost more.
Scrit
appreciated. I am not sure I know what to do still though. I don't need it for site work, although storage is always an issue. The 55 is a bigger machine for only a few quid more. I'll have to ponder a bit more maybe the question will fade away and be replaced by another must have.....Nah
