Festool / Makita rail connectors

[shap]

There have been multiple reports that the Festool guide rail connectors (a) don't preserve alignment, and (b) damage the rails. The Makita P-45777 rail connectors are compatible, and suffer neither deficiency.

 

[Shavings]

I have looked at that Makita connectors online and I don't see much difference from just a picture.  What enables the Makita to keep alignment and not cause damage?

 

[rst]

Tightening the set screw in the Festool connectors may shift the rail, but more importantly, the set screw damages the bottom of the slot.  The Makita's set screw pushes a pressure plate down to fasten. 

 

[richardkent]

Thanks for posting this!!

I have to say wow, on amazon these work out to ~$60 for a pair, the festool ones are $34.  Bravo to Makita on fixing the festool *shortcoming* and one-upping them on price!  ;D

 

[Staniam]

Thanks for posting this!!

I have to say wow, on amazon these work out to ~$60 for a pair, the festool ones are $34.  Bravo to Makita on fixing the festool *shortcoming* and one-upping them on price!  ;D

I just checked the price and right now the Makita is $29.99 for the kit.

 

[Svar]

You can make those yourself like so:
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/homemade-guide-rail-connectors-(not-your-typical-ones)/msg222492/#msg222492

 

[richardkent]

Thanks for posting this!!

I have to say wow, on amazon these work out to ~$60 for a pair, the festool ones are $34.  Bravo to Makita on fixing the festool *shortcoming* and one-upping them on price!  ;D

I just checked the price and right now the Makita is $29.99 for the kit.

You only get one connector for that price, each connector is made up of two pieces.  So it is sold just like festool's connector kit, you'd need 2 kits to connect the rails properly.  I guess you could just use one kit if you wanted, I'd imagine that would be a little wobbly and Makita recommends using two kits.

 

[rst]

I originally bought one to see what it was like and the possibility of duplicating...it worked so well, I bought another one.  I do metalworking but at that price is wasn't worth my time.

 

[BarrySumpter]

I can find only these available in Australia:https://www.totaltools.com.au/141592-makita-guide-rail-joiner-set-2-piece-1988849
MAKITA GUIDE RAIL JOINER SET 2 PIECE 1988849
$45.50 AU
For 2 Guide rails - (This is NOT a single guide rail with two pieces
                                (front rail and back pressure plate layered))

Makita 198884-9 2pce Guide Rail Joiner Set To Suit SP6000Khttps://sydneytools.com.au/product/makita-1988849-2pce-guide-rail-joiner-set-to-suit-sp6000k
$45.50 AU
For 2 Guide rails - (This is NOT a single guide rail with two pieces
                                (front rail and back pressure plate layered))

otherwise from UK:
MAKITA P-45777 GUIDE RAIL JOINING BAR CONNECTOR FOR 194368-5
(double pack not available/out of stock)https://www.powertoolworld.co.uk/ma...joining-bar-connector-for-194368-5-sp6000-saw
    - (YES this IS a single guide rail with two pieces
          (front rail and back pressure plate layered))
Makita suggests you buy two.
For 2 @ £12.46 each ex Tax - About $52 AU +shipping (I've asked for a quote to Australia)

I'm getting the feeling that Makita Australia is dropping the ball on this one.

Anyone in Australia found an alternative that works?

 

[BarrySumpter]

Bummer.  UK won't send to Australia.
Even thou their website is setup to accept other countries.

 

[Cheese]

Anyone in Australia found an alternative that works?

I use these and they work quite well. They're self aligning.  I'm sure Hans [member=61691]TSO_Products[/member] will come up with a solution.  [big grin]
https://tsoproducts.com/accessories/grc-12-self-aligning-guide-rail-connectors/

[attachimg=1]

 

[CeeJay]

Axminster supply a lot of TSO stuff and they will ship to Australia.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TSO_Products]

Anyone in Australia found an alternative that works?

I use these and they work quite well. They're self aligning.  I'm sure Hans [member=61691]TSO_Products[/member] will come up with a solution.  [big grin]
https://tsoproducts.com/accessories/grc-12-self-aligning-guide-rail-connectors/

[attachimg=1]

[member=72978]BarrySumpter[/member] -  TSO ships worldwide to cover areas where our products are not available in country.
Buy the GRC-12 quickly - we inadvertently let the introductory price run on unattended [sad] and just now discovered the oversight. After the $ 10.00 price correction it will still be a better deal than anything that comes even close.

Hans

 

[BarrySumpter]

Ha!

Hi Barry,

Thank you for considering McMaster-Carr for your purchase.  However, we will not accept your orders due to the cost of complying with US export regulations.

Kris

 

[BarrySumpter]

Thanks heaps for the TSO suggestion gents.
Much appreciated.

Grrrr.
TSO Bars are not available.
So missed out.
$70AU just for the two bars from TSO.
No telling what shipping to AUS will cost.

And Axminster is $95AU.
Not Available.

Decided to try my hand as a maker.
Have ordered 4m of 3m x 12m stainless steel locally.
Should be here tomorrow.
Bar cut in half and shipped via courier less than $30AU.

 

[Cheese]

Decided to try my hand as a maker.
Have ordered 4m of 3m x 12m stainless steel locally.
Should be here tomorrow.
Bar cut in half and shipped via courier less than $30AU.

Nothing wrong in venturing off on your own...I highly recommend it, that's how ideas become reality.  [big grin]

Some things to consider when working with stainless, it easily work hardens so when you drill a hole, get in and get out as fast as you can. Any time that's spent allowing the drill bit to linger on the stainless just heats up the stainless and it will work harden it. Generously use a lubricant as both a lubricant and as a coolant.

Use cobalt drill bits for drilling the stainless as they will maintain their sharpness under the increased heat. HSS drill bits will last for about 2 holes before becoming dull and then work hardening the stainless. Once work hardened, the surface is notoriously difficult to penetrate.

If tapping, make sure the taps are new and use the proper lubricant...tapping slower is better than tapping fast.

 

[BarrySumpter]

https://www.carbatec.com.au/tso-grc-12-self-aligning-guide-rail-connection-system
$115.00AU
Carbatec is very good at charging the same price I would pay including shipping and GST to order from the US.
We're in corona lockdown so I'd have to pay even more to have delivered.
But they are currently out of stock as well.

 

[BarrySumpter]

Thanks Cheese!

The support is amazing!

Any thoughts on drilling hole sizes and tap sizes for these:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2525210...tpcid=email-receipt-auction-payment&page=main:emailPX000608:::&pgrp=main:email&e=cl&mchn=em&s=ci&mail=sys&xt=104038

 

[Cheese]

Drilling for 10-32 screws won't be too bad. The smaller the better as you'll put less heat into the stainless. Use a sharp cobalt bit and make it quick. I can't stress it enough, once you work harden the stainless, you'll be stuffed to break through the work hardened surface. Just focus on the task...once finished you'll be rewarded.

 

[BarrySumpter]

Shall do.  Many thanks!