Cutting the FS Rail?

[onocoffee]

I've been thinking about shorter rails, like the 800 or 1080. I remember Mino was pretty convincing on why the 1080 rail is the better choice. I currently have a 1400 rail and was thinking about getting the FS Rail Set that comes with two 1400 rails, connectors, clamps and bag for $400, but three 1400 rails seems a bit superfluous (especially when the 100th Anniversary rail comes out).

With this in mind, I was thinking that I could cut my current 1400 rail into 1000 and 400 sections. The 400 would give me a piece to attach to the 1400 for sheet crosscuts much like the TSO add-on rail, and I could use the 1000 for general short cuts.

What is the best way to cut the rail? Maybe a 80T non-ferrous blade on a sliding compound miter saw? Put the blade in a table saw?

Thanks!

 

[luvmytoolz]

Personally I'd sell two 1400's and get a 3m or 2.7m. I got an 800 with my first saw circa ~1980 and I haven't used it in probably 30 odd years at least. Just found it that little too awkward a size.

 

[tjbnwi]

The TS-55 or Kapex will easily cut the rail. We cut aluminum all the time with either.

Tom

 

[peter halle]

When I attended a Festool event at an out of town event that I fly to, a friend and member here gave me a damaged uiderail. I brought it to the show and asked if they would cut it as part of a Kapex demo. Handed it to Brent Shively, put it in the Kapex with the standard blade and after getting rid of the damaged area I had two pieces small enough to put in my luggage and that was the only aluminum demo of the day.

 

[onocoffee]

Personally I'd sell two 1400's and get a 3m or 2.7m. I got an 800 with my first saw circa ~1980 and I haven't used it in probably 30 odd years at least. Just found it that little too awkward a size.

I hear you. However, it is a rare occasion for me to rip 4'x8' sheet goods. And as cool as it might be to have the 3000, its a bit impractical to store in my smaller sized shop.

 

[derekcohen]

I've been thinking about shorter rails, like the 800 or 1080. I remember Mino was pretty convincing on why the 1080 rail is the better choice. I currently have a 1400 rail and was thinking about getting the FS Rail Set that comes with two 1400 rails, connectors, clamps and bag for $400, but three 1400 rails seems a bit superfluous (especially when the 100th Anniversary rail comes out).

With this in mind, I was thinking that I could cut my current 1400 rail into 1000 and 400 sections. The 400 would give me a piece to attach to the 1400 for sheet crosscuts much like the TSO add-on rail, and I could use the 1000 for general short cuts.

What is the best way to cut the rail? Maybe a 80T non-ferrous blade on a sliding compound miter saw? Put the blade in a table saw?

Thanks!

I was in the market for a 800 rail for my MFT, and was offered a new 1400 for less than a new 800. I decided that I would cut it, and then connectors could take it back to 1400 when needed.

The track was cut on a Slider. Any table saw or mitre saw can do this. Carbide blade tips eat aluminium for breakfast

Regards from Perth

Derek