I am considering the purchase of either Mafell or Protool. Any comments on relative merits would be useful. Thanks.

I have the Protool which is a good tool but take a while to get good using it. The mafell is quite a bit lighter which is something to consider since 90% of the weight of either machine is not resting on the workpeice most of the time, so you end up having to hold up that weight.
Since both of those machines are designed to cut upward toward the table, the blade is starting it's cut at the bottom of the workpiece while the operator is trying to follow a line on the top of the piece.
I found it really hard to make a clean cut with the Protool, (I haven't ever used the Mafell so I can't speak for it) so I had an electrician wire the motor to run in reverse therefore the blade was starting it's cut at the point where the operator is following the line. For me this improved the cuts I was making about 100%.

Colton Allen

Thanks Colton.

For the most part I expect the saw to be used for working double curve reductions in joist, beam and purlin, ornamental rafter tails and finials. I work with eastern hardwoods, mostly oak. So, is the higher power and speed control of the Mafell a critical difference. On the Protool side is the wider variety of blades a meaningful advantage for ripping and long taper work.

I have made long curve cuts in 10" thick fir, you have to cut slow but not because of a lack of power,
it seam to be more a matter of how fast the blade can cut.After swithing the motor to run in reverse I can cut right on the line and end up with a smooth, square cut.

Colton