2700 or 3000?

[gkeas]

I'm finally tired of joining rails, so I'm gonna ask Santa for a longer rail.  My question is that I primarily use the joined rails for ripping long cuts in sheet goods (with my TS55), but I don't want to exlude the possibility of using the TS75, either. 

Is the 2700 mm rail long enough to provide enough overlap on an 8 foot sheet of ply (I know the rail is 106" long, allowing 5 inches on either end of a 96 inch sheet, but is this sufficient?)

It's a shame the longer LR32 rail is only 95 inches (2424mm).  It would be a no brainer for a 2700...

 

[festool_SWFL]

I just got a 106" rail and it is fine for 8 foot sheets.  I would like to have maybe 4 more inches, as when you add the end piece for the hose/cord management, have to adjust it just right, especially with 3/4' material.  I try to give it about 6" on the lead side and 4" on the trail end.

Thanks,

William

 

[Forrest Anderson]

I'm finally tired of joining rails, so I'm gonna ask Santa for a longer rail.  My question is that I primarily use the joined rails for ripping long cuts in sheet goods (with my TS55), but I don't want to exlude the possibility of using the TS75, either. 

Is the 2700 mm rail long enough to provide enough overlap on an 8 foot sheet of ply (I know the rail is 106" long, allowing 5 inches on either end of a 96 inch sheet, but is this sufficient?)

A summary of the official answer is that the 2700 is OK for the TS55, but the TS75 really needs a 3000 rail. See the following Q&A on the Festool USA website:

Q: What is the appropriate length guide rail needed to rip 8' sheet goods?

A:  For the TS 55, the FS 2700 (2700mm or 106?) guide rail is ideal for rip cuts on sheet goods as you avoid starting with a plunge cut, and you finish with both guide rail gib cams -- the knobs to adjust lateral alignment ? on the rail for a perfect, straight cut. The FS 1400 (1400mm or 55?) guide rail is perfect for cross cuts for the same reason, there is extra room to start and finish your cut. Two FS 1400?s can be joined using guide rail connectors to make an 110? guide rail to rip sheet goods. For the TS 75, the FS 3000 (3000mm or 118?) guide rail is ideal for rip cuts on sheet goods as the saw table or is larger than on the TS 55 and requires a longer rail. The FS 1900 (1900mm or 75?) guide rail is perfect for cross cuts for the same reason, there is extra room to start and finish you cut. An FS 1900 can be joined with an FS 1400 using guide rail connectors to make an 130? guide rail to rip sheet goods. Please see the link listed below.http://www.festoolusa.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=8&prodid=491937http://www.festoolusa.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=8&prodid=482107http://www.festoolusa.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=8&prodid=491503http://www.festoolusa.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=8&prodid=491501

Forrest

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Thats why I have 3 rails, 2 55" and a 75".  The long rails make me nervous traveling with them.  I almost always leave 2 hooked together at the job, and then the other is for crosscuts.  Plus I can hook all 3 together and get a super rail, I have used it before for trimming ends of composite porches and such.  Set the saw at a 22degree bevel and away I go!  Just get a 75" and leave a couple hooked together.

 

[southern_guy]

I purchased the 3000mm Makita rail. It is virtually idendical in profile to the Festool, apart from the anti tilt lip. I was also over joining rails, and a 1400 + 1080 wasn't quite long enough anyway. I would say a 2700 would be long enough for a TS55, but the Makita was so much cheaper. Now cutting 8x4 sheets is a breeze.

 

[Dave Ronyak]

I have a TS 55 saw but chose the 3000 mm guide rail to be used mostly for cutting 4' x 8' sheet goods.  I bought it before Makita and DeWalt products were introduced in USA, but do not regret it.  Since acquiring it, I have had need to connect that 3000 mm rail to one of my 1400 mm rails for ripping narrow strips off 5/4 oak stock.  The extra length and overhang of the 3000 mm rail makes it very easy to position, and enables some diagonal cuting of sheet goods.  And if you ever choose to sell, it is better suited for use with a TS 75 than the 2700 mm rail.

Dave R.

 

[gkeas]

Thanks for all the responses.  I think I've talked myself into just keeping my 2 1400's joined all the time (set it & forget it), and using the 1900 for cross-cuts.  In practice, I find I almost alway make a crosscut first (using the 1900) then make my rips (again, using the 1900).  I love that rail!

I don't know that I need to pony up the cash for a longer rail when I can already join rails to cut over 20'!

 

[paul_david_thomas]

I have just had the same issue. I've just started buying egger board. This is 2800 x 2070 - big stuff. I was going for a 3000, but in the end went for the 2700 as the sheet size I normally do is 2400 x 1200 (well 2440 x 1220). Equally, I have a space that will allow me to store this at home and 2700 fits in my car !!