Over in Europe, Bosch just announced that they are coming out with the GKT 55 GCE plunge saw. The saw will feature a 1400-watt motor, 57mm (2-1/4″) cutting depth, 0-47° bevel range, and a die-cast magnesium base plate.
Bosch says that the plunge saw’s base will have two milled grooves that make them compatible with Bosch’s own guide rail system, or rail systems from other suppliers. (We’re thinking that this means the plunge saw will be compatible with Festool’s popular guide rail system.)
The new plunge saw, with its variable speed 3600-6250RPM motor, can be used on wood, plastic, or aluminum. Bosch bundles the saw with a 48-teeth wood-cutting blade, but 5 more saw blades will soon be available. Additional accessories are pending release as well.
The plunge saw will be priced at EUR 359 for the plunge saw with blade, EUR 399 for the kit in an L-Boxx, and EUR 439 for the kit in an L-Boxx plus FSN 1600 Professional guide rail. ETA for European release is Oct. 2011.
Please note that this all relates to the European version of the tool. Details such as the model number are subject to change.
If you cannot wait for the Bosch version to come out, there are a couple of very decent alternatives already on the market, including the Festool TS 55 EQ that I purchased (and love) 3 months ago.
I don’t think Festool is the one they are referring to. Could be you can remove the black insert you see to the left on the base to support Fes rails, but the Bosch rails look exactly like Mafell rails.
The saw will be compatible with Festool + Mafell rails. The saw is developed by Mafell/Bosch. The guide rails will be supplied by Mafell i heard. If Bosch makes their own saw or Mafell for Bosch i don´t know.
Iskariot, you do have a point, and Monte, thank you for the additional insight!
I didn’t see any resemblance between the saw and Mafell’s offerings, and since the saw was not (yet?) announced in the United States, it will be tough to get an official comment on the matter.
On the german website you´ll find it
“Mafell MT 55 C” is the name of the Mafell model
http://www.5gutegruende.de/mt55cc_de.html
http://www.mafell.de/cms_download/mafell/de/presse/MAFELLMT55Anwendung.jpg