Festool Guide Rail & TSO Guide Rail Square: Cheap jig for repeatable cross cuts.

[Woody Knotsensplintahs]

Hi,
I will not be surprised if this has been mentioned numerous times, but I thought I would share the idea in case others, like me, were unaware of how easy it is to set up a jig for repeatable crosscuts.

I cobbled this jig together this afternoon to crosscut several shelf planks to the same length.

I used a piece of T-track, some misc hardware, and a homemade wood block, all of which I already had lying around my do-it-yourselfer shop.

It worked very well. I hope the idea helps someone else.

Thank you.

 

[box185]

I like it …

 

[wking]

Very clever; I'd switch to wing nuts to make it even easier to adjust

 

[Woody Knotsensplintahs]

Hi,
I arrived at this solution after being disappointed with my attempts to rely on the accuracy of the hole placement in my MFT-styled table top. I have bench dogs, bench dogs to Guide rail clips, and bench dogs mounted set by sliding stop blocks. I am never satisfied with the accuracy of the 90-degree cross-cuts.

I have used the TSO square successfully for a variety of projects over the years. It always outperforms the bench dog setup in terms of precision. Still, I enjoy using jigs for repeatability, so I have been looking at some guide rail square products that include accessories, such as those I cobbled together.

Bench Dog tools make a square and accessory system that seems attractive. China offers several solutions.

But I already own and enjoy my TSO guide rail square.

It seems like one-half of the TSO parallel guide system could be utilized as a jig for repeatable cross-cut lengths, but I have seen no mention of this specific use in their product literature.

So, one morning, while contemplating all the choices and nearing a decision to purchase a Bench Dogs package, I walked out to the shop and saw how easy it was to bolt together the pieces and parts I had lying about.

I used:
1 x Incra T Track of a suitable length
2 x 1/4" 20tpi bolts in the through holes provided in the TSO guide rail square.
2 x 1/4" 20tpi bolts in the through holes drilled in the stop block.
1 x chunk of scrap wood fashioned into a stop block with a channel just a little less deep that the depth of the T Track.

It was pretty darn easy.

The bolts in the photos have been replaced with examples ideally sized for length.

FWIW, I enjoy using the 1/4" x 20tpi hardware on all my jigs and keep a lineman's can wrench 7/16" socket driver handy. I enjoy the secure feeling I get with using a hand tool and the compact profile of the small nut, so I have less need for thumbscrews, which others might prefer and can very easily obtain.

Thank you.

 

[Woody Knotsensplintahs]

In the interest of fair play, I want to add that I just noticed this photograph at the TSO website, where I see that the TSO parallel guide can indeed be used in the manner I was interested in.

[attachimg=1]

I suppose the emphasis on the product as a parallel guide system sold as matched pairs of rails distracted me from noticing the related use of a cross-cut jig and the specific mounting option available to connect their Paralelle Guide rails directly to the Guide Rail Square.

I wish I noticed this sooner. I already have another parallel guide setup, but will probably buy into the TSO system at some point now that I recognize the added value.

Thank you!

 

[Imemiter]

I've done this with a FS-WA and Woodpecker"s Parallel Guide kit. The dimensions are off but as a quick stop it works pretty well.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I suppose the emphasis on the product as a parallel guide system sold as matched pairs of rails distracted me from noticing the related use of a cross-cut jig and the specific mounting option available to connect their Paralelle Guide rails directly to the Guide Rail Square.

Thank you!

I never have understood the point of the square and the matching "other end"?
If the edge you are referencing from is not square to the side, something is going to win that fight.
You cut square to the reference edge or parallel to the opposite side.....it can't be both.

 

[Woody Knotsensplintahs]

Hi,
I don't understand what you mean by the matching "other end".

Are you perhaps introducing an observation that TSO illustrates the use of a second guide rail square in some of their product literature to a discussion about using a single guide rail square and parts of a parallel guide system?

A context for your statement would be helpful as I attempt to interpret the ideas you may wish to convey.

Thank you!

 

[Packard]

I have the TSO square and it is quick to attach and accurate.

I later got the TSO parallel system.

It is accurate and easy to use.

If you use both the left and right squares with the parallel guide, you can cut panels as accurately as a table saw.  However, if you have several like-size panels to cut, the table saw is faster.

However, I had a dreadful time adjusting the pair.  I posted questions on FOG (in fact that was the reason I signed on at FOG).

Hans, the owner of TSO,monitors threads about his products , called me at home to walk me through the setup, but I had already solved the issue.

He said that he was going to make revisions in the system to make the setup less troublesome.

He seemed genuinely upset about my difficulties.  I think a caring business owner is the first step in getting the products right.

I would not hesitate in buying other TSO products in the future.

Note: I bought a really short rail to use with the TSO square.  It makes making square cutoffs very handy.

 

[Woody Knotsensplintahs]

...the left and right squares...

What are the "left and right squares"?

 

[Packard]

I just went to the TSO site and they no longer show those in their catalog.  I think they designed around the issue.  (Or I never understood how to properly use them.)

I will take a photo when I get a chance. 

I believe the parallel guide was originally a very clever retrofit.  Later, maybe a generation 2 version came up with a more elegant design.  In any case, I am very pleased with their products.  I think you will be too.

In fact, I believe that Festool was making the TSO product under license and calling it a Festool product.  I applaud them for making that change.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Hi,
I don't understand what you mean by the matching "other end".

Are you perhaps introducing an observation that TSO illustrates the use of a second guide rail square in some of their product literature to a discussion about using a single guide rail square and parts of a parallel guide system?

A context for your statement would be helpful as I attempt to interpret the ideas you may wish to convey.

Thank you!

The "other end" of the rail is where the other part of the parallel guide fits.
My point was that "parallel" and "square" can be in conflict and you need to prioritize. So why would anyone need something that does both at the same time?....since it can't.

 

[Woody Knotsensplintahs]

The "other end" of the rail is where the other part of the parallel guide fits.
My point was that "parallel" and "square" can be in conflict and you need to prioritize.

OK. From my perspective, this observation kind of came out of left field, as I was mainly thinking about making repeatable perpendicular cross-cuts with a guide rail square and you seem to be thinking about the function of the parallel guide system, but now I think I get what you are trying to convey.

So why would anyone need something that does both at the same time?....since it can't.

Well, I guess the obvious answer is that if the corner is exactly 90 degrees, it works without issue.

I would not bother with that set-up because I use my parallel guides connected to the guide rail, without a square, to rip first and then square up the cross cuts afterward.

If someone else starts by setting up a square 90-degree corner, they can work effectively with the configuration you object to.

Anyways, it seems like tilting at windmills to throw that in the mix. I had not anticipated the thread turning into a critique of TSO. I like their products and have items which I enjoy using.

I was just trying to share a cheap hack that is working well in my DIY tool shed.

Thank you!

 

[onocoffee]

I have a question...

I recently got a set of the Festool Parallel Clamps with Extensions. Can these not be used in a square type of function?

 

[Packard]

The reason you need a measuring arm at bot ends, is that a 1/4 degree deviation on pieces that are 12” long are generally inconsequential.  But that same 1/4 degree deviation over 96” might mean a 96” piece of scrap.

I would not rely on a square only for long rips.  Unless some new marvel comes along, we will have to measure at both ends of longer cuts.

 

[Woody Knotsensplintahs]

1/4 degree at 12 inches equals 0.052 inches

1/4 degree at 96 inches equals 0.419 inches

 

[Woody Knotsensplintahs]

I have a question...

I recently got a set of the Festool Parallel Clamps with Extensions. Can these not be used in a square type of function?

Seems like they can:

 

[rst]

I have the TSO and now use the new Festool adjustable square.  That being said, I always check the far end of the rail with my folding carpenter rules to ensure insure accuracy.  If I’m making multiples I either put tape at the measurement or if many, many, I will hot glue a stop on a piece of screen lathe.  I buy 1, 1 1/2 and 2” x 1/4” from a local lumber yard and keep on hand for loads of uses.

 

[Woody Knotsensplintahs]

The guide extension with a flag stop for the Festool adjustable square seems like a very nice feature.

 

[rst]

I use it for repeat cuts,  it again I always check the far end measurement