Angle stop + extension vs TSO GRS system for squaring tracks

[HighlandMarine]

Wondering if anyone can share their experience with using the angle stop or grs system to square tracks to the workpiece. Currently have the angle stop with extension. Being in the marine industry, I move site to site regularly, and all tools are in an 18’ trailer with not enough room to really set up more than an MW1000 inside.(might remove some things and build a new space to work inside the trailer, and getting an STM1800 to break down sheet goods outside quickly) Thanks everyone!

Cheers,
Michael

 

[Packard]

I have the TSO guide rail square.  I understand that Festool is now selling that same square under license from TSO.

I have both the left and right.  For smaller pieces, I just use one. 

I have the measuring arm too.  That works well also, though the original instructions for calibrating it gave me grief.  I understand that the instructions have been modified to work easier.

The key selling point of this system, is that it mounts almost instantly.  And that works fine and it keeps square each time I use it. 

I could live without the measuring arm, but the squaring arm is indispensable at this time. 

I was originally rough cutting to size with the track saw and making final cuts on the table saw.  With the squaring arm and measuring arm, I feel confident enough to cut to final size with the track saw.

I do recommend the squaring arm; in fact I don’t understand why Festool sells the track without the squaring arm as a kit. 

The measuring arm seems less essential, but handy. Also recommended.

 

[TSO_Products]

[member=79984]HighlandMarine[/member] – since you already have the FS-WA and -VL extension you are also familiar with TSO’s patented method of connecting that system quickly and securely to the guide rail.

The difference for squaring with a GRS-16 PE lies in the fact that, by design, the “square” function is machined out of one solid piece with. No part assembly tolerances trying to add up to 90 degrees.

How often do you need to cut sheet goods at angles other than 90 degrees? – if it is infrequent, you will likely find the GRS-16 PE a simply unbeatable everyday companion – literally.

It is no accident that our GRS-16 PE remains the lightest and most well-balanced** guide rail square on the market still.

When angles other than 90 degrees come up from time to time, you may find TSO’s much lighter weight MTR-X Triangle Set a very capable way of making angled cuts with your Track Saw:
https://tsoproducts.com/precision-triangles-squares/mtr-x-multifunction-precision-triangle-set/

In the end you are the best judge – just try it. Money back satisfaction guaranteed.

Hans
info@tsoproducts.com

PS: **-no anti-tip feature needed [smile]

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I wholeheartedly agree with the above. The MTR-X is a fantastic thing, I wish I had discovered  sooner.
I bought the Woodpeckers track square because it was the only one capable of angles other than 90 degrees. However, it has its limitations. Not only is it extremely heavy, it's range of motion only extends one direction. It is also restricted to hand-held use.
The MTR-X can do way more. Not only can it tilt in either direction as a hand-held, it can also work with an MFT, connected to the track or not and at angles well above 45 degrees.
For quick (square only) cuts, the regular GRS is a more simple solution, but for angles, the MTR-X is the best way.

 

[mino]

[member=79984]HighlandMarine[/member] – since you already have the FS-WA and -VL extension you are also familiar with TSO’s patented method of connecting that system quickly and securely to the guide rail.

The difference for squaring with a GRS-16 PE lies in the fact that, by design, the “square” function is machined out of one solid piece with. No part assembly tolerances trying to add up to 90 degrees.

How often do you need to cut sheet goods at angles other than 90 degrees? – if it is infrequent, you will likely find the GRS-16 PE a simply unbeatable everyday companion – literally.
...

To add as I understand you will not want to raise the limitations of your product ..

The main disadvantage /which Festool does not mention, in turn/ is that:
- The FS-WA MUST be calibrated after every angle (or rail) change against a known-good square to achieve anywhere near the precision the GRS-16 (FS-WA/90 in Europe) provides. The "dents" are only approximate there when cabinetry precision is needed, especialy for melamine stuff and the like.

but then, the benefit is
- The FS-WA CAN be calibrated as a complete assembly with the rail so (the back of) the rail not being absolutely co-linear with the saw reference edge /which limits the GRS-16 practical precision/ becomes a non-issue with the FS-WA.

What that translates:
FS-WA is absolutely brilliant for no-holds-bared precision when one calibrates it along with the rail using a known-good reference square.

On the other hand, the GRS-16 is absolutely brilliant for quick&easy square cuts *when one knows* the rail's back is absolutely straight*) or one is OK with a bit of imprecission from the rail backs not being all absolutely same.

Wondering if anyone can share their experience with using the angle stop or grs system to square tracks to the workpiece. ...

Given you are mobile, here would be my approach:
(1) Look at the MTR-X for mobility and upgrade to MTR18 only after/if you find that one too small for your needs. The MTR-X is an excellent combo with the FS-WA considering the flexibility and calibration needs of the FS-WA. MTR-X is big-enough for 90% use cases, so even getting both eventually is not a money waster long term, should you find wanting something bigger.
(2) Seriously look at the TSO Parallel Guide system, in short: You. Want. That. Thing. Relating to that try avoiding the GRS-16 at this stage to save on the mounting s for the PGS. While the GRS-18 can be used with the PGS, it just makes the whole setup heavier and more cumbersome than necessary.

(3) Bases being covered, look into the GRS-16 as a "speed improver" if you find yourself needing. It does *not* provide a different function to the FS-WA and MTR-X combo, so it does not improve capability, but it does allow the most common square cuts to be done faster/simpler.

IMNSHO the (2) TSO PGS is a way way bigger game changer than the GRS-16 is and you absolutely require (1) some form of a reference square for using the FS-WA with precision. Were you in Europe, I would direct you to get something like a $50 DIN Class 1 reference square first, but in US these "middle precision" things are unobtainium. Going for a $300 Starret would be a waste given the MTR-X is out there and provides many more functions for the price.

*)Disclosure:
I have 2x GRS16 and 1xFS-WA which I set up with a down to 0.001" precise engineer's square for square cutting.
Since I got it to complement my GRS-16, I ended up preferrin the FS-WA over the GRS-16s for longer cuts - it is more reliable when the rail back not absolutely straight.
I still prefer the GRS16 for short square cuts, under 15", where it is just unbeatably quick and the precision is adequate even with a non-ideal rail.