Breaking up sheet goods

[BobMagnuson]

I have a very basic question regarding the process of breaking up 4x8 sheets.  I can't seem to grasp the process for some silly reason.

It seems that the Festool rails are designed as a measure from the left system.  So, you need a square left end of the sheet.

So...

1. First cut down the long side of the sheet to square that side
2. Use the long side to square a short end, probably the right side of the sheet as it lays in front of you.

3. ???  Then what? 

It is hard to measure from the right because of the saw kerf and you can't measure from the left because you haven't squared that end yet.

Do you have to square the entire sheet?  I know the answer is NO, but the life of me I can't seem to grasp what I am missing.

Bob

 

[Jon3]

If you don't want to measure from the left..... rotate either your body, or the sheet goods 180 degrees. 

 

[BobMagnuson]

Eureka!!!  You solved it; I have been looking at the sheet from the wrong side!

Bob

 

[mysterium]

Hi Bob!

I'm lazy.....  for me cutting from the left is too much work. 

I can't or don't want to either rotate the sheet, or rotate the guide & saw to cut from the left.....  after I get my clean edge.

"Yes" it's nice to be able to lay the rail on the line & cut...  However the cut piece has to be removed from UNDER the rail...  For that matter, measuring becomes a PITA 'cause the rail & saw are in the way..... unless removed completely.

Do you get tear out with your Festool plunge saw......?  Even with my older models AFT 55 & AFT 65, I don't get tear out ... on either side of the blade.  Thus the left or right sides of the saw kerf are clean cuts.

I cut from the right.  Thus the measured piece is to the right, the "rest" of the sheet is under the guide.  No I'm not left handed but the saw is riding on a rail. 

I simply add 3/32nds" to the piece I'm cutting....  3/32" is the saw kerf PLUS the thin strip of splinter guard sticking out from the rail.

i.e. 6" finished piece is 6 + 3/32nds"

I set the fence with a combination square.  I simply butt the end of the blade up against the aluminum edge of the guide rail. The end of the combination square's blade "rests" on the 1/16" of the exposed splinter guard.  This makes repeat cuts/rips fast & extremely accurate. 

I have combination squares with blades to 4'  Yes that's four foot.  You do not have to spend big dollars on a 4' combination square.  Mark Sommerfeld sell one for $24.90 with shipping!!!  www.sommerfeldtools.com/item.asp?n=87103&d=124&b=1  These Combination squares are marked both in metric & fractional measurements.  And mine was dead nuts on square to boot for under $25.

I've written this up before on the old FOG in a little different form. 

Hopefully this is clearer... 

jim

 

[bill-e]

Jim,

Before I plunk down 25 bucks, can you really square that rule accurately?  I mean, how long is the perpendicular part?

Thanks
 

 

[mysterium]

Hi Bill,

I checked the 48" combination square with a Starrett 12" when I 1st got it.  Perfect.

Tonight after I read your post I did the following;

I checked it with a 2nd Starrett with a 24" blade (couldn't locate my 36" Starrett).  Perfect, tight with no light along it's length. 

I then checked the rule for accuracy against a 48" Starrett rule.  The marks matched perfectly along the length.  I also checked the metric marks against another rule, they matched perfectly although I don't have a metric long enough to measure the whole blade.  In each case the marks start perfectly from the flush butt end.  So for example flushing the 48" Starrett with the end of the rule, and butting the head against the other end of the Starrett shows the head aliens exactly at the 48" mark.

If I understand you correctly, your asking how far the head protrudes from the blade or 4".  The head is 4 7/8" overall.  The head is also about a 5/32nd" wider than a Starrett head.  Although unlike either the Starretts forged or cast steel heads, this head is machined aluminum.

Comments about the Sommerfeld combination square;  the aluminum blade is 3/16" thick by about a 1 1/2" with painted marks.  Unlike a typical blade where say the blade is 12" & to can't measure from the head 12".  The blade on this is longer than 48" so the head will measure a true 48". 

I can send you pictures if you like... and I know based on your great review you love pictures 

For $25 it's a no-brainer.  I was just looking for a 48" measuring stick...  the 48" combination square completely exceeded my expectations.

Of course your mileage may vary.....  ;D

jim

 

[bill-e]

Jim,

Thanks.  I have no doubt that it is "square"  I was really just wondering about the practicality of lining up a 48" rule square when your reference is 4-7/8".  It seems that you have no problem with that so I'm going to order one (and maybe the 24" as well).