FS3000/FS2700 Track Question

[Debug]

What type of box does the FS3000 (118") track come in (regular cardboard like the smaller rails or something more sturdy)?  Also, when it is in the box, can someone tell me how long the box is?  Also, would that track be best to cut 8' sheet goods or can I get away with one size smaller (the FS2700 - 106")? 

Just trying to decide to either order it and have it shipped or pick it up myself. 

Thanks for the help!

 

[Harvey]

The FS3000 comes  in a 'box' with wood sides (roughly one by ones) with hardboard tops and bottoms. It's all affixed by staples. I wouldn't call it sturdy enough to use as a permanent storage solution. I picked mine up in the car (family sedan) and it just fit with the pass though down.  

 

[DKurzweil]

The box is 121 inches long.  As Harvey said, it is fairly substantial for transport, but not for permanent use. 

The length of the rail is perfect for ripping down sheet goods with the TS.  The 106 would be a bit on the small side (only about a 5 inch overhang to either side). 

 

[Debug]

Thanks guys.  Just the answers I was looking for.  ;D

I was considering pickin it up in my car, with the back seat flipped down, and just wanted to make sure it wouldn't be too long (have had no problems getting 8' 2x4s in and there are a couple of feet to spare down the center).  I don't plan to keep the box, was more asking if I should worry about it being shipped to me and getting it one piece, versus damaged.  I have a spot I plan to place it in my basement shop when I'm not using it (the last speck of free space I have left).

 

[ccarrolladams]

So long as you are using a TS55 and are careful, the 2700mm guide rail will work breaking down 8' sheets. Of course your workflow will be far more efficient using the 3000mm rail. The solid wood and hardboard "crates" have been described.

I bought a 2700mm rail because when I was still using 2 room of my condo as a workshop, one of the rooms was small enough I could not easily walk around my existing 3000mm rail.

Also back in those days I rented space in several different shop, meaning I frequently needed to move Festools from shop to shop. The first thing I did after buying my original 3000mm rail was build a more robust transport container. I still have that container. I ripped trade 1x3 poplar to 50mm wide for the stiles running the length of the rail and beyond. The rails of the container are unripped 1x3 (about 37mm wide) and only slightly longer than the guide rail is long. the bottom of the container is made from two pieces of 1/4" Luan plywood. After the poplar stiles and rails were attached with glue and staples, I laminated a continuous piece of thin ABS to the bottom covering the splice in the Luan. That is the same kind of ABS used as the outer skin of rock & roll ATA cases. It is available in 12' long sheets. Back then I still owned a percentage in a successful entertainment case manufacturing firm.

That container is stored on a shelf in my shop, for those rare occasions we need to take the 3000mm rail to a site.