FSK rail vs FS rail and TSO square

[mwolczko]

I’m about to take the plunge on an HKC55 as a portable supplement to a TS75, for the occasions when I’m working away from the shop. I already have a few FS rails of varying lengths.
How does using the FSK rail compare with a similar length FS rail and a TSO square?
Could go either way...

 

[tjbnwi]

FULL DISCLOUSRE-----I TEST PROTOTYPES FOR TSO.

The advantages to the HK is the saw locks to the rail and it will adjust to angles. It does take a little getting used to.

The advantage to the TSO GRS, you do not have to buy another saw and set of rails. The GRS is dead accurate.

I have and use both. I use the HK more for general construction, not finish work.

Tom

 

[ctvader]

I agree with Tom.  I bought the TSO about 1-2 weeks ago and it's very accurate.  Hans and his team [member=59331]TSO Products[/member] did a great job.  I posted my off-cut measurements in a thread some time ago, which came to .06" over 19.25".  I was in a rush when I did the measurement so I need to do another test - maybe this weekend. 
http://festoolownersgroup.com/membe...ostuff-did-you-buy-today/msg559246/#msg559246

 

[lwoirhaye]

If you want to be able to pick the saw up one handed and cut, the FSK rail is cool.  I don't think mine cuts as square as the TSO square with a regular rail, but it's square enough for a lot of work.  You can't easily see the stops under the FSK rails and I've made some quick cuts where it felt like I had them butted up against the work securely but the cuts came out not-square.    With the TSO square you can look down and see on the part sticking out if there is a gap or not.

Maybe there's a knack to making square cuts with the FSK real fast and reliably but I haven't picked it up yet.  I still check for square before starting the cut.  Either I draw a line from my mark with a square and visually check the FSK guide strip against the line or I check the back of the rail with a square with my left hand while holding the HK and rail at the ready with my right.

 

[chrisrosenb]

I have all 3 Festool saws, FS rails, FSK rails & the TSO square.
You do not say what you will be cutting. I like the FS rails & TSO square for cutting sheet goods.
For cutting framing lumber, I like the Shorter FSK rails. I do not like long rails locked to the saw.

 

[mwolczko]

Thanks for all the replies — all very helpful.
I’d be using the HKC for a mix of framing lumber and sheet goods (more the former).
I think I’m going to go with the shortest FSK for the lumber, and use my existing tracks and HKC for plywood, on the rare occasion I need a cordless tool, just marking with a square. I can add the TSO when I feel the need.

 

[tjbnwi]

Thanks for all the replies — all very helpful.
I’d be using the HKC for a mix of framing lumber and sheet goods (more the former).
I think I’m going to go with the shortest FSK for the lumber, and use my existing tracks and HKC for plywood, on the rare occasion I need a cordless tool, just marking with a square. I can add the TSO when I feel the need.

The HK takes some getting used to. Don't give up on it right away.

Tom

 

[chrisrosenb]

Thanks for all the replies — all very helpful.
I’d be using the HKC for a mix of framing lumber and sheet goods (more the former).
I think I’m going to go with the shortest FSK for the lumber, and use my existing tracks and HKC for plywood, on the rare occasion I need a cordless tool, just marking with a square. I can add the TSO when I feel the need.

The HK takes some getting used to. Don't give up on it right away.

Tom

I agree strongly with Tom on it taking some time to get used to using the HK saw.
The HK can also be used without the rails once you get the hang of using it.

 

[bwehman]

Is this made by the same company as the Insta square?
https://www.festoolproducts.com/acc...ilsquare-festool-makita-track-saw-square.html

 

[peter halle]

Is this made by the same company as the Insta square?
https://www.festoolproducts.com/acc...ilsquare-festool-makita-track-saw-square.html

No they are not the same tools.  But first a disclaimer:

I have been involved in a tiny way with the development of some TSO Products that coordinate with Festool products.  I am not on the payroll nor do I receive any compensation from any sales.

TSO Products developed their product and applied for patent protection.  The product in the link came to market later.

Peter

 

[lwoirhaye]

It's been discussed at length in other threads.  My impression is that it's a knockoff but since TSO wasn't on the patent track in Canada or something like that they can't really sue. 

Anyway, allegedly it works fine.

 

[TSO_Products]

Is this made by the same company as the Insta square?
https://www.festoolproducts.com/acc...ilsquare-festool-makita-track-saw-square.html

here is the definitive answer from TSO:
Re: TSO PRODUCTS Canadian Patent 2,994,319
TSO Products specializes in developing and manufacturing products to provide practical solutions to workplace problems. Some examples of these products are the GRS-16 and GRS-16 PE guide rail squares developed by TSO Products.

TSO Products GRS-16 Guide Rail Square
TSO Products is the owner of Canadian Patent 2,994,319 (the “‘319 Patent”) entitled “Alignment Tool”. This patent was issued on July 24th, 2018, with a priority filing date of June 30th, 2016.
The ‘319 Patent grants TSO Products the exclusive right of making, using, and selling the patented invention throughout Canada.

Additionally, TSO Products is the owner of US Patent Application US2018207833(A1) (the “‘833 Application”) entitled “Alignment Tool”. This patent application, published on July 26th, 2018, contains an identical first claim as the ‘319 Patent.

www.TSOproducts.com

It has been pointed out that the manufacturer of the imitation product wants to remain anonymous and is not identified publicly. The imitation literally ships in a plain cardboard box - no website - nothing.

If you know who the manufacturer of the imitation is, please let us know.

Fortunately for TSO Products, most woodworkers, once aware, choose not to reward the imitator with their business and instead support the innovator with their purchase of the Original from TSO. We are deeply appreciative of this declaration of support.

thank you all !
Hans and the TSO Team

 

[mrboult]

If you get an HK, you MUST get an FSK rail eventually!  Honestly, I got my 420 rail for a particular project, but much like the right angle drills, as soon as I had it. .  you just find so many situations where it is preferable/ideal. My HKC suddenly became far more than a back up TS55.

 

[ElectricFeet]

I've got both.

- The FSK locks in the saw to the rail, giving some kickback protection.

- The TSO gives you 90 deg. The FSK goes between plus/minus 60 deg, on a sliding scale, with notches every 15deg. It's very easy to set the angle, with a simple knob to undo the slider. I haven't checked the accuracy.

- The FSK mechanism uses two plastic lugs; one static and the other moveable. If you are cutting irregular stock, one of the lugs could conceivably embed itself in a local dent, causing inaccuracies, whereas the TSO is a constant surface.

- Plastic lugs vs. aluminium: they're both easily dented. Take your pick. Personally, I wouldn't want to take the TSO on site, but in the shop for 90 degrees it has it's place.

- The greatest benefit of the FSK, especially on site, is that it becomes "one" with the saw and you can carry the two around easily together in one hand. With the TSO square, you'd need to carry the rail, with the square attached, plus the saw -- which is no way a one hand operation.

- The TSO square is more a precision tool; the FSK is more versatile and more rugged. Both have their place.