Guide Rail accessory kit - Really worth it?

[ForumMFG]

I just want to know if the guide rail accessory kit is really worth it and worth the price?

 

[mwhafner]

I bought it, but wouldn't buy it if I had to do it over again.  There are several threads regarding the FS-KS. which is the key component of the kit.  It really doesn't work very well in my experience. 

 

[rwdawson]

ForumFMG,

I don't see any need for the angle unit, since I have the MFT/3.  Some of the other items come with the saw, so there's not much need to duplicate them.  The connectors and clamps are useful, recommended, and can be purchased individually.

I didn't buy the kit, and based on my comments here, see no need to.

Richard

 

[Holzhacker]

clearly I'm in the minority. I read others' complaints and bought it anyway. I looked at the purchase somewhat differently. I would end up buying all the kit parts eventually anyway, even the  sys1. The angle unit ends up being an extra tool. I haven't used the angle unit on the rail and don't foresee doing so. It gets used to check angles on walls, stairs, etc. Now I have a dedicated sys for rail acc and clamps. Good value? For me, yes. If the angle unit is the buying factor, probably not so.

 

[Meatplow]

Good Afternoon,

...bought it along with "the 55", like Holzhacker stated, I would have ended up with the individual components anyway. I did find a somewhat significant issue with the angle unit, there is no detent at 90 degrees (or 45 and 22.5 for that matter) and it is an absolute must because it slips. ...I'd probably end up buying it all over again, (Thick as a Brick). Richard, are you going to get one now?

Meatplow

 

 

[Frank Pellow]

It was worth it to me.  I bought the set many years ago as part of my first Festool purchase (an AFT 55 plunge sawand a CT 22 vac).  I use everything in the set and, unlike others who have responded in this thread, I quite like the angle unit. 

 

[Mike B]

I've had no problems with the angle unit at all... never really understood the complaints about it. Though I'd never bother using it with the longer guide rails.
Along with the rest of the kit it's good value.

 

[Jimhart]

The angle unit hangs from a hook on the wall. Too unstable to bother with.

I emptied out the systainer and replaced the insert with the one for router bits.

I guess it's a deal if you don't already have connectors and clamps and you have another use for the systainer.

I wouldn't do it again.

Jim

 

[rwdawson]

Meatplow,

No.  I'm happy with my decision and the logic behind it.  The logic Holzhacker presented makes sense, for him.  Frank is happy with his decision.  It looks like they both made the right choice.  That's on thing I like about this forum -- different decisions based on different sets of experience, resulting, for the most part in good decisions.

"Thick as a Brick", I'm a little confused.  Is that a self evaluation, or reference to Ian Anderson?

Richard

 

[ForumMFG]

Thank you all for your information.  I went ahead and ordered it.

We will see how I like it very soon.

 

[robtonya]

I think a detent lock on some key angles would make the angle unit perfect. I haven't used mine much. I actually bought some of the Dewalt guide rail accessories and have good luck with those.

 

[Dan Clermont]

I like the fact you can connect the guide rail accessory kit to the bottom of your TS saw systainer and always know where your clamps, guide rails connectors, second guide stop are

My two cents
Dan Clermont