32 mm Hole Drilling Guide Rail

[Scarecrow]

This would be my first festool purchase if I don't buy any of the other fes stuff I have been eyeballing. Looking to get a OF 1400 in the near future with the 32 hole drilling system. Looking to drill holes in 8' plywood to build a paulk workbench with the system right now then will be using for shelf work. Wondering which drill guide rails to go with. The 95" or two of the 55"(longer run, saving some money this way, plus easier the store, and more use). Then will be adding the TS 55 REQ afterward.

Thanks for any info/help.

 

[paulhuse]

I recently built a 6'x3'x10" version of the Paulk workbench. I used a 55" for the holes and then combined it and my original track saw rail (the TS55 comes with one, don't forget) and used them together for full 8' runs. You'll only need a 55 for punching your 20mm holes with the 32mm system and 1400 (same I used).

I'm not in love with joining two 55" for a full run. It's okay but since I need the other solo more often than the 8' then it's just a pain to take off and on. Eventually I'll find the long rail to be next on my purchase list but for now I'm getting by with two 55"s and the shorter one that came with the MFT/3.

If I had it to do all over again, I'd try to get my vendor to give me a holey rail with my TS55 and then but a long rail for ripping sheet goods.

 

[sancho57]

This would be my first festool purchase if I don't buy any of the other fes stuff I have been eyeballing. Looking to get a OF 1400 in the near future with the 32 hole drilling system. Looking to drill holes in 8' plywood to build a paulk workbench with the system right now then will be using for shelf work. Wondering which drill guide rails to go with. The 95" or two of the 55"(longer run, saving some money this way, plus easier the store, and more use). Then will be adding the TS 55 REQ afterward.

Thanks for any info/help.

though I havent done it myself. From what Ive read posted here folks have used the  LR 32 system with a 20mm bit to make the holes. I believe they drill every 3rd hole o the rail.
There are a few threads here describing how they did it and Ron Paulk has a video with plans available to help you

 

[wow]

First, [welcome] to the FOG.

If this is your primary use for the router you might like the OF1010 better. It's a lot light and easier to handle if you're making hundreds of holes as you would with an MFT top.

Of course, if this is the 'only' time you expect to use it for boring lots of holes, the OF1400 has the benefit of being more universal since it takes all three bit sizes - 1/4", 8mm, and 1/2".

 

[Sparktrician]

I'm with WOW on this one.  Two "Holey" rails are the same price as two standard rails.  As others have noted, 55" rails store and transport better, and are less of a pain in the bumper in a small shop.  Joining them accurately is not much of a hassle with the Betterley Straightline Connector. 

 

[wow]

I'm with WOW on this one.  Two "Holey" rails are the same price as two standard rails.  As others have noted, 55" rails store and transport better, and are less of a pain in the bumper in a small shop.  Joining them accurately is not much of a hassle with the Betterley Straightline Connector.

+1 on the Betterley connector, although I admit to a slight bias since they are local to me and I've known them for years.

If you are making full-size cabinets like a pantry or wardrobe, may I also suggest the 95" Holey Rail? I use mine WAY more than I ever thought would since it's just so darned handy. Eliminates the need to connect rails unless you need to go over 8 feet in length. (FWIW, I also have the 55" Holey Rail. I just find that I seldom use it unless I'm only doing upper or lower cabinets or the equivalent.)

 

[Scarecrow]

Thanks for the info from everyone. The only other thing is when two of the holey rails are joined toghter is if the end holes in the rails when mated are they same distance apart as the other holes. I would think so but just want to make sure.

Again thanks for the info.

 

[dltflt]

There is a tool in the LR32 kit that aligns the holes at 32mm spacing.

 

[wow]

Thanks for the info from everyone. The only other thing is when two of the holey rails are joined toghter is if the end holes in the rails when mated are they same distance apart as the other holes. I would think so but just want to make sure.

Again thanks for the info.

To answer your question directly, NO - if you just 'butt' the rails together they will NOT be aligned properly. The rails are all slightly shorter than would be necessary for the 32mm spacing to work if they were butted up to one another. This is intentional.

As Don T said, there's a tool in the LR32 kit that aligns them properly. You use that spacer/tool from the LR32 to align the guide rails so the holes are spaced at 32mm. The shorter length of the rails means the ends won't fight you while you're doing this. When aligned correctly, there will be a gap between the two rails. This is normal.

 

[Scarecrow]

Thanks for the answers again. That sounds great with the tool to get the correct spacing for the holes after connecting the two holey rails toghter.