FSK Rails

[chrisrosenb]

I am considering getting a HK 55 saw. Current plan for one of the uses is to for cutting framing lumber to length. 2 x 4s, 2 x 6s, 2 x 8s & 2 x 10s, 2 x 12s.
I cannot find a dealer within  a hundred miles that has one in stock to try.  What are the preferred rail lengths for cutting 2 x 4s?
Is the 420 rail too long for cutting a single 2 x 4? 

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

The FSK 250 would be perfect for making square cuts in 2x4 through 2x10 lumber. Once you start cutting miters or crosscutting wider stock you might want to look at the 420 track.

The 420 track is not too long for 2x4's. For reference, the KSS-400, KSS-60 and KSS-80 all use ~400mm tracks as their baseline track, and all are intended for general framing.

If you could only have one track, the 420 is tough to beat. If you can afford the extra track, the 250 is great for smaller stock.

 

[rst]

I bought mine with the 420 and 670.  The advantage of the longer rails is for cutting angles.  The very first cuts I used mine for were for stair stringers.  In the past I used my Makita and two 32" rails, one for each angle, and rail dogs to set the angle. The HSK made this job incredibly fast and efficient.  I am planning to buy the 250 rail, but the 420 is not too long for cutting 2bys.  I cut all the deck boards with my 420.

 

[chrisrosenb]

Thank you for the information.

 

[gunnyr]

Try Mueller Woodworking in Cincinnati, I know they have the HKC saws in stock, both saws and rails.

 

[chrisrosenb]

Try Mueller Woodworking in Cincinnati, I know they have the HKC saws in stock, both saws and rails.

Thank you gunnyr, I had forgotten that Mueller is a Festool dealer. I will try to make a trip to there next week.

 

[SHJ NH]

A shorter is not more accurate, it needs less space in you workaround. With a longer one you will only slam your colleague on the site earlier.

 

[chrisrosenb]

A shorter is not more accurate, it needs less space in you workaround. With a longer one you will only slam your colleague on the site earlier.

I work in a lot of small spaces. That was my concern with the long rails.