Dumb Question: Can two different saws share same guide rail?

[rjboch]

This has likely been covered, so sorry for repeat. I already have a TS55 and multiple guide rails. Now I am thinking of picking up a TS75... and now I am wondering if you can share the same guide rail with two different Festool saws and still have the rail edge line up with each saw cut. I am stuck with the thought that if you cut the plastic rail edge with one saw, then how would you line up a second saw with a different size blade or kerf. Maybe I'm over thinking this. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[cpw]

There is a calibration procedure in the supplemental manual that allows you to make all the saws kerf the splinter strip the same.

 

[endgrain]

Add to the suggestion above: the TS75 is easier to adjust than the TS55, also get a feeler gauge to help fine-tune the alignment between the two saws.

 

[chrisrosenb]

The short answer is yes.
The long answer is if you want the cuts to match between all of the saws. As was stated above, the saws all need to be adjusted the same. Plus you need all of the blade kerf widths to match on all of the saws.

 

[Coen]

You mean same kerf with a given saw? Because all TS75 blades are fatter. The distance from side of teeth to rail must be constant, that's all.

I honesty never used another saw on my rails. But all rails being equal would be a good start... and my 800 rail is definitely a looser fit to my TS than any of my 1400 rails. The 800 also being the oldest rail I own btw.

 

[ewils91]

Yes, as others have stated, you adjust one of your saws to match the strip cut by the other saw. I have my 55 and 75 adjusted to use the same rails and still cut accurately. I adjusted my 75 to match the strip cut by my 55. I first saw this explained in a video, probably on you tube.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

You sure can. I just did it a few months ago when I got the TS75. I guess I just got lucky that the TS75 is easier to adjust, because I have had the TS55 much longer and all of my rails were cut by it.

I can't even imagine that this wouldn't be possible. It would really suck to have to have different rails and keep them separated/oriented to each saw. You would be able to hear the grumbling from everyone  in the FOG.

 

[SoonerFan]

Here is a thread form a couple years ago.  In this thread Tom ([member=4105]tjbnwi[/member]) shows picture of a nice jig he created to align multiple saws to the same rail.  As others have stated, it will be easier for you since your rails are already calibrated to the 55.

I have my TS75 and 55 both using the same rails.  Works great. I am however creating a jig like Tom as I need to replace a couple old and worn out splitter guards.  Good luck!
https://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?pretty;board=festool-how-to;topic=ts-55-req-ts-75-calibration.0

 

[Coen]

Yes, as others have stated, you adjust one of your saws to match the strip cut by the other saw. I have my 55 and 75 adjusted to use the same rails and still cut accurately. I adjusted my 75 to match the strip cut by my 55. I first saw this explained in a video, probably on you tube.

What is there to adjust, other than adjust the saw to have near-zero clearance on the rail?? Can you move the entire motor housing outward?  [huh]

 

[squall_line]

What is there to adjust, other than adjust the saw to have near-zero clearance on the rail?? Can you move the entire motor housing outward?  [huh]

Yes, as per the links posted above.

The entire body can move laterally on the shoe, and you adjust it to match up with the cut line from the other saws so that you can use the splinter guard as your kerf guide.

If you set your TS55 up and cut the splinter guard but a TS75 or HK55 or TSC55 cuts .5 mm wide/proud of the splinter guard, you'll be chasing measurement errors all over the place.

 

[Coen]

Nice. I never realized that. But the link in the topic of that link is dead btw.

 

[squall_line]

Nice. I never realized that. But the link in the topic of that link is dead btw.

Yeah, "talkfestool" has been out of commission for quite some time.  There's a few posts out there somewhere that talk about the evolution of talkfestool and Festool Owners Group.

The supplemental manual for each saw should contain information on how to adjust the toe and match the blade kerf to an existing pre-cut splinterguard. Those manuals are pretty easy to find on Festool's site or with an internet search.

For what it's worth, I appreciate the method that Lamello uses with the Zeta P2 for video user guides: they include a branded USB drive with all of the YouTube videos loaded on it, in addition to the printed manual.  Festool's manuals may or may not have a reference in them to the supplemental guides, which shows you how closely I read the manual.  [embarassed]