Festool Parallel Guides + Extensions = No Flop

[peter halle]

Ever since the Parallel Guides were released for the guide rails to allow for making repetitive cuts there have been comments here about the tendency for the guides to tip and several ideas for how to rectify this.

Hidden in several threads has been a solution and I got a chance to see it being used at the JLC Festool booth a couple of weeks ago.  I tried it out yesterday, and have to say that it is a shame that this tip wasn't publicized more.  For those who use the parallel guides, or don't use them because the "arms" flop down below the work surface - mount the extensions on the parallel guides and leave them there.  They are a perfect counterweight to prevent the flop and based on the construction of them were probably engineered that way.

Just wanted to document this here for current and future users.

Peter

 

[Charles Wilson]

Ever since the Parallel Guides were released for the guide rails to allow for making repetitive cuts there have been comments here about the tendency for the guides to tip and several ideas for how to rectify this.

Hidden in several threads has been a solution and I got a chance to see it being used at the JLC Festool booth a couple of weeks ago.  I tried it out yesterday, and have to say that it is a shame that this tip wasn't publicized more.  For those who use the parallel guides, or don't use them because the "arms" flop down below the work surface - mount the extensions on the parallel guides and leave them there.  They are a perfect counterweight to prevent the flop and based on the construction of them were probably engineered that way.

Just wanted to document this here for current and future users.

Peter

Pictures or video?

 

[peter halle]

Chuck,

I didn't do one, I will go searching and if I don't find one I can do a quick one in the next few days.  I hope that I can find something with Larry Smith of Festool doing his demo.  He is another rock star!

Peter

 

[duburban]

This sounds like a 145 dollar fix to a 10 cent problem! Excuse my tone Peter, I do own the set but simplicity and functionality of the seneca woodworking guides is still a clear winner for function and cost.

 

[peter halle]

This sounds like a 145 dollar fix to a 10 cent problem! Excuse my tone Peter, I do own the set but simplicity and functionality of the seneca woodworking guides is still a clear winner for function and cost.

I am not offended.  Hey, I have attended several of the classes and never heard or saw this except for here buried in threads.  I believe that it was shown in later classes.  In all honesty knowing this now (IMHO) the whole thing should be made in one piece.  I have mounted my pieces together and will probably not separate them.

Just trying to help those who have both the guides and the extensions to make their experiences better.

If there is a solution out there that works better for you or anyone else - go for it.

Peter

 

[Brice Burrell]

Funny, this doesn't seem earth shattering news to me.  But then again, I have the p guides and this is common sense to me. 

 

[sancho57]

Peter
I asked Steve Bace in a class the same question last year. He told me the same thing. I just told a other member about that a little while ago. I agree thee shod be something done about about this. Maybe written in the owners manual