Festool vs TSO guide rail connectors?

[Thompmd]

I have 2 1400 guide rails for my TS75 and I also purchased 2 Festool guide rail connectors.

I was reading on a thread here (didn’t want to hijack) that the TSO guide rail connectors were more accurate????

One of my reasons for getting the TS75 was being able to cut deeper. Another very important reason was a lot of my work involves longer live edge slabs. I will eventually invest in the 2700 but I wanted to do some smaller pieces first.

Thanks as always

 

[peter halle]

There are users of both here.  Time brings evolution and competing products.  Personally I have never had an issue with my Festool ones but I do admit that I don't use them often whereas I invested in longer rails.

Peter

 

[Laminator]

The main difference between them is that the TSO actually aligns the rails as they are tightened.  With the Festool ones you must use a straightedge  to align the rails as you tighten the screws.  If the rails will be joined,  separated, and rejoined often, the TSO will be much easier (quicker) to deal with.  If you only join them occasionally or if you plan to leave them joined long term, the Festool will certainly get the job done.

 

[Cheese]

Look closely at the first photo. At the edge of the top surface that has the TSO laser engraving, the connector tapers down on both sides so as the set screws are tightened, they raise the connector bar to center it between the 2 edges of the Festool rail.

[attachimg=1]

In the second photo note that the bottom of the set screws are flat and the diameter has been enlarged so that they spread the forces equally and prevent denting the Festool rail. They also allow the connector to rise up in the channel and center itself in the Festool rail.

[attachimg=2]

 

[Thompmd]

Thanks guys for the opinions/details! I read this quickly but it sounds as if the tso connectors are tapered and Festools are not? That would force the tso rails to position automatically as you tighten vs having to verify with a straight edge with festools?

I also agree that a longer rail would eliminate that, and that’s in the future but there will always be the occasional need for the 1400’s.

 

[jarbroen]

After having the Festool version first and then buying the TSO I'd definitely recommend buying the TSO version first.
Not much of a price difference and the TSO connectors definitely simplify joining two rails.  That shoulder helps eliminate the need for a straight edge alignment tool and the screws aren't as likely to gouge the rails.

 

[vkumar]

The Festool connectors do work. You just have to make sure the the 2 rails are straight and collinear by butting it up against a known good straight edge before you snug the screws. I ended up getting the Betterley Straight Line connector which makes the alignment a cinch.
Of course you could get a longer rail for the TS 75 you will need the 3000 rail not the 2700 as you will need a little bit of room at the beginning and end of the cut-with the TS 75 being bigger you will need the longer rail Also the TSO connectors are currently out of stock at TSO so you will have to wait for them.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Only occasionally need to connect rails so I just use the Festool stuff (or Makita, which is a little better) and a straight edge. If I needed to connect rails often I’d get the TSO connectors.

Question, are the TSO connectors made of steel or aluminum?

 

[Cheese]

Aluminum Michael.

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

Casting another vote for the TSO GRC-12 connectors. They take the guesswork and uncertainty out of joining tracks.

Something to be noted about using the standard connectors is that, regardless of how you perform the initial alignment (straight edge, using the saw sniggers, etc...), you run the risk of knocking the tracks out of alignment by bumping into items in the shop, or just a long day of work. So, when you're straight-lining that expensive slab, do you want to be second-guessing yourself mid-cut? The TSO product aligns the tracks and keeps them aligned.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Yep - worth every penny and they are designed to not dimple the track or lose the screws. They also fit in the bottom of the systainer of a TS55, just like the Festool versions.

 

[Birdhunter]

I went from Festool connectors to Betterley connectors. Huge improvement. In looking at the TSO connectors, they appear simpler than the Betterley units and produce an equally satisfactory result. Both are better, in my opinion, than the Festool units.

 

[guthrie_m@earthlink.net]

TSO products are top notch and I recommend all there products.  I recently got a GRS 16 PE, there parallel guides and a rail adapter and they work perfectly.  If you want a exact cut you will get it.  I am so glad i got them. 

 

[vkumar]

I echo the sentiments that TSO products are top notch . I have both the rail squares and they are top notch.  So much so that Festool has licensed to make their own version of the PE square. Just that the TSO connectors are currently out of stock at TSO although you may be able to find them at other dealers.

 

[Thompmd]

Thanks all for the reasons, sounds like I need to pick a set up, it's just noth worth the risk for the shorter rails and if im being honest with myself I sometimes get into a hurry when there's no reason.