another splinter guard question

[Woody Knotsensplintahs]

Hi,
It's time for me to replace the clear splinter guards on my 1900 and 1080 tracks. Although Festool says they make precut guards for each length, all I have found in the USA are 1400 and 5000.

Should I just get a 5000 and cut to length?

Are there any alternatives that I should consider? I live in Utah and the garage does get over 120*F on occasions.

It seems like there are lots of products available, but everything is about the same price.

I'm inclined to stick with the Festool brand unless there is a good reason to consider otherwise.

Please advise.

Thank you.

 

[SoonerFan]

Woody,
I have always used Festool Splinter Guard replacements and buy the 5000mm.  I have had good luck.  Before I built a new shop with conditioned air I keep my rails in the garage.  Definitely hot here and never had any issues at all.

 

[Woody Knotsensplintahs]

Thanks,
I'll go with 5000. I don't use my saw often enough to fray the guards etc.

What happens is the strip creeps laterally off the edge at both ends, and since moving to Utah it seems to happen more that it has in the past.

Thank you!

 

[Coen]

The only issue I have with strips getting loose are on the rails that aren't bagged. So probably because of more rapid and extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

 

[Woody Knotsensplintahs]

My rails hang from nails in a hallowed corner of my garage/workshop. They are treated like precious, delicate instruments. I love having and using them.

 

[mino]

The only issue I have with strips getting loose are on the rails that aren't bagged. So probably because of more rapid and extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

Temperature is the killer.

What helps a bit is to attach/cut the strip while it is slightly colder than average at your place, the plastic contracts/expands more than the aluminum. But that helps only so much.

In any case, try to store it in the more temperature-stable place the better. E.g. attaching to garage doors is like the worst possible storage location ..

Other thing that helps is switching to the rubber-y Makita strips. They are worse in their anti-splinter function compared to the plastic Festool strip in good order. But the rubber stretches easier, so temperature does not affect it as much.

 

[peter halle]

Since I switched to the Makita strips around five years ago my strips no longer come loose.  I will never recommend the Festool replacements anymore.

Peter

 

[Woody Knotsensplintahs]

I already ordered the Festool product. I will consider the Makita the next time I need to replace the guard.

 

[Cheese]

I already ordered the Festool product. I will consider the Makita the next time I need to replace the guard.

Unfortunately, that will be sooner than you think.  [smile]

 

[Woody Knotsensplintahs]

The good news is that this is the first replacement I have done since buying the rails in 2012. They guards have been drifting at the rail ends for many years, but only recently got so bad that I was inspired to do something about it.

Thank you!

 

[Sparktrician]

I'd suggest the use of double-sided carpet tape to replace the stock Festool tape.  It lasts forever.  If the strip gets worn, you can reposition the strip out just enough to recut the edge easily and cleanly.  YMMV...  [smile]

 

[Duckler]

I had been wondering about using some of the really good 3M spray adhesive. Maybe mask off the rail and spray that stuff before putting on a new splinter guard.
Or some of that real thin self adhesive double-sided tape.

 

[Coen]

I had a spare strip in the FS/2 systainer. By the time I wanted to use it, it's adhesive strip was also useless.

 

[Woody Knotsensplintahs]

I received my Festool 5000mm splinter guard and used it to refresh my two saw rails.

I use Acetone to remove the old adhesive completely. The Acetone worked quickly and effectively.

Having fresh, clean splinter guards and sight lines is a great pleasure.

Thanks for the helpful info.