Festool FS1400 worth $60 over Makita 55" Guide Rail?

[smorgasbord]

I have this cheap (gifted) track saw that works on these standard tracks. While one use may be for cutting dovetails (I'll cut down my 800mm cheapie rail for that), I'm also thinking I might as well have some rails for using the track saw as, well, a track saw. Thin kerf blades and multiple passes, etc. Can cleanup with the tablesaw if needed. And, I have one outdoor project that cutting 100" would be useful (and maybe in the future to pre-joint a long rough hardwood board).

So, looking at getting probably 2 FS1400 rails or 2 of the Makita 55" rails, assuming I should be avoiding the Powertec and other knock-off brands. Is there really $60 per rail of difference in the Festool rail over the Makita, especially considering the cheapness of my track saw? Of course, getting good rails now means that when/if I upgrade to a real Festool track saw all I'd have to do is replace the splinter guard.

 

[Coen]

If you get Makita rails... don't get 1400, but get their 1500. If you get the Festool, think about getting the LR-32 version.

Festool jigsaw guide rail adapters don't fit on Makita rail because of their anti-tip ridge. Some people use a router to cut off that ridge.

It is said Makita rails have bigger tolerances. Also their ribbed glide strips apparently over time cut into magnesium saw bases.

I got all my Festool rails in package deals, except the LR-32 rails I have.

 

[Cheese]

There's been lot of previous discussions on the FOG about Makita rails not being straight...or straight enough. If you want to go down the Makita road, make sure you check them before you purchase them.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

As has been mentioned, it's kind of a question of "how straight is good enough?"
If you are cutting joining edges, especially longer than 24" or so, the Festool tracks are definitely worth the difference in price. Then again, if your saw isn't up to it either?
If you are just using it to break down sheet goods, the cheaper Makita will get that job done.