FS-PA guide rail extensions = table saw killer?

[Chinski]

Obviously better for large sheet goods - but does anyone find themselves using them (and the FS-PA-VI) for smaller straight cuts under 2” depth instead of the table saw? I’ve seen some cheap ones I’m thinking of getting ...

Thanks
Chinski

 

[Distinctive Interiors]

I have the Festool version you mentioned and regularly use them for cutting narrow strips off a full size sheet of 8' x 4'.

Once you have them tuned up to match your splinter guard on your rail, they are accurate and the process of cutting repetitive strips is quick.

 

[peter halle]

One of the issues reported about the Parallel Guides from Festool has been the weight imbalance.  One thing that Festool didn't do initially was point out that the extensions help to balance out the weight.  I leave mine attached most of the time.

What I think is more important in your situation is the overall width of the workpiece being cut down into those strips.  If you are cutting 2" strips off the end of a full sheet or plywood then they work great.  If you are cutting a 2 inch wide strip out of 3.5 inch wide bored then frustration is inevitable UNLESS you have scrap material the same thickness as your workpiece AND your worktable supporting all this is big enough to support everything and make you comfortable.

Peter

 

[Distinctive Interiors]

One of the issues reported about the Parallel Guides from Festool has been the weight imbalance.  One thing that Festool didn't do initially was point out that the extensions help to balance out the weight.  I leave mine attached most of the time.

What I think is more important in your situation is the overall width of the workpiece being cut down into those strips.  If you are cutting 2" strips off the end of a full sheet or plywood then they work great.  If you are cutting a 2 inch wide strip out of 3.5 inch wide bored then frustration is inevitable UNLESS you have scrap material the same thickness as your workpiece AND your worktable supporting all this is big enough to support everything and make you comfortable.

Peter

That's a perfect description of the use of them Peter.  [big grin]

My main use for them is for repeated cutting of 50mm/60mm strips from a full size sheet. I always place the strips to the left of the rail to support the next cut. It works perfect....