Cutting narrow strips...from narrow strips

[Just F Me]

Hi ya'll,

I have a MFT/3, track saw, and parallel guides.  I want to know if there is away for me to make some narrow rips?  I have multiple pieces of plywood that is roughly 60" x 5", however, I want to cut it down to a 60" x 2.5. 

When the pieces are narrow, it's hard to use the parallel guides for repetitive cuts because of the parallel guide extensions get in the way... [huh]  Any tips?  Tricks? 

 

[RDMuller]

This should be doable.  Take a look at Video on narrrow strips with parallel guide extensions
You may have to have some supportive material at the rear edge of your rail.  Having the parallel guides supported as shown and the extension sunk in the torsion box well, you have great control of the piece.

 

[Just F Me]

I see...thanks for posting this.  He's got that table thing he's built to support his piece...hmmm

 

[sumantamandal]

see if this thread is helpful:
http://festoolownersgroup.com/other-tools-accessories/tip-for-cutting-thin-strips-of-wood-of-same-width/msg341417/#msg341417

 

[Just F Me]

thanks for that.  I did see your thread, however, I wonder if this same concept can be used for ripping narrow pieces?  I guess I would just need a bottom support piece to support the rail

 

[Rocky]

This should be doable.  Take a look at Video on narrrow strips with parallel guide extensions
You may have to have some supportive material at the rear edge of your rail.  Having the parallel guides supported as shown and the extension sunk in the torsion box well, you have great control of the piece.

Have you seen this:

 

[roblg3]

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/how-i-rip-ff-and-door-pieces/
try this thread.  it's counter intuitive...love it!

 

[ear3]

BTW, I've seen other discussions on the FOG about problems with the parallel guides -- not in terms of accuracy but more in terms of user friendliness, and that the Seneca guides are a good alternative.  Does that also hold true for cutting narrow strips as well?  I see that the Seneca guides come standard with a narrow stock adapter, though I'm not sure if this also allows you to rip narrow strips.

http://www.senecawoodworking.com/products/parallel-guide-system-for-incra-t-track-plus

Further thought: I'm basically trying to decide whether to invest in an MFT, and if I do so, whether it would make getting the parallel guides superfluous.

 

[eddomak]

BTW, I've seen other discussions on the FOG about problems with the parallel guides -- not in terms of accuracy but more in terms of user friendliness, and that the Seneca guides are a good alternative.  Does that also hold true for cutting narrow strips as well?  I see that the Seneca guides come standard with a narrow stock adapter, though I'm not sure if this also allows you to rip narrow strips.

http://www.senecawoodworking.com/products/parallel-guide-system-for-incra-t-track-plus

Further thought: I'm basically trying to decide whether to invest in an MFT, and if I do so, whether it would make getting the parallel guides superfluous.

I am a hobbyist and have an MFT and it really is fantastic for getting far more out of my TS55. Cutting small, narrow pieces (narrower than guide rail width) is possible, but for me this usually involves clamping a stop block (of the same thickness) alongside the piece being cut so that it will not move sideways when being cut. That is also how I achieve repeatability.

But ultimately this will be limited in length to dimensions of the MFT.

I have been considering the parallel guides from Precision Dogs (http://precisiondogs.us/products/precision-parallel-guides-v11) mainly for ripping long pieces from sheet goods, and although I don't think I will be ripping extremely narrow pieces I would just pay the extra to get the full set for that flexibility. What I also like about the Precision Dogs set over Seneca is the thumbscrew attachment to the rail (as opposed to getting a tool out) and the price is also cheaper. Jerry from Precision Dogs is great to deal with as I have bought some of his products before, and he has been giving me some guidance on my purchasing decision.

 

[jacko9]

I would highly recommend a table saw the tool that was designed for that task.

Jack

 

[Jeremiah9675]

I would highly recommend a table saw the tool that was designed for that task.

Jack

I agree with this! I would use your track saw to bring the material down to a safe managble size then use a table saw to rip the small strips you need.

 

[roblg3]

A table saw is great...if you have one.  But, it's. Not necessary.  If you own the track saw, it can handle the job, just try some of the creative ideas listed in the thread.  Using extra boards under the track you can cut ANY size pieces you need.