Festool Parallel Guides Setup

[Sparktrician]

That video is excellent for two points - 1) initial matching set-up is key, and 2) using a reference (in this case the guides reference each other) is better than measuring. However, is is a bit of a problem to disconnect the guides from the rails for every setting change. I used another option to help get the guides equal - and aid my aging eyes. Just like in the video, you must calibrate the guides to each other. In this case you much match the millimeter rules with the initial adjustments. I then broke off the tip of a sewing needle and place it into the "v" grove on each stop and added a few drops of medium CA glue. Now it's much easier to make sure I have matching settings.

Here I was cutting 3mm strips with the PG extensions. The needle doesn't interfere with the travel of the stops, and it's about as visually accurate as I can imagine. Works fine in the guides without the extensions as well.

Great idea!!!  I think I'll try to paint the needle Sweet Pea, though... 

[smile]

I wonder if you could get a needle anodized? I might have to check into that just for grins and giggles...

I suspect that would be more durable than a dunk in Sweet Pea.  Let me know if you find someone that can do it, Wayne. 

[smile]

 

[Just F Me]

UHHH...So I got my parallel guides today...but one of them is physically longer than the other.  Almost by a whole inch!  Is this normal?  [blink]

 

[roblg3]

i would say that's odd for sure!  as long as you can calibrate them to equal distance i'm not sure what the problem is though

 

[Just F Me]

So I used my the parallel guides today for the first time and I really don't get what all the fuss is about how difficult the accessory is to use. 

After watching so many videos online about using the guides and  lot of them talk about calibrating this and that.  Sometimes, you have to hold the tools yourself to figure it out yourself.

First, I cut off 1/4 of the plywood to get a nice clean edge.

I made a measurement using my WoodPeckers T-Square, made two marks at 18", flopped my rail on it, hooked up the parallel guides to it and moved the little adjustment stops on the sides to butt it up against the wood.  Made my cut, moved the rail, made another cut.  I didn't use the measurement scales at all as there seems to be no way to make sure they're exact. 

Overall, I'm super happy with these guides.  I think people make it more complicated than it really is.

 

[roblg3]

they are super easy to "CALIBRATE".  clamp it to the rail and use a known length...say 100 mm.  Put it against the stop and under your rail right to the cut edge. if it measures 100 mm, you're done!  if not, loosen the large slotted screw and slide forward or back until it does. tighten the screw.  You're done!!  it's pretty easy.  sometimes we over do it here.  adjustments to within fractions of a millimeter, it's wood!  it expands and contracts constantly so.....

 

[Acrobat]

Thats a super easy way to get both guides the same. I think I will try that. Thanks for sharing and the video is short and sweet. Awesome.