Guide Rail length for general carpentry?

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Oct 17, 2010
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I have a question for the contractors

What length guild rails do you have/use for building? Decks- homes-ect.

Non cabinet construction

Chuck

EDIT> For Topic Split
 
I have the  3000, 1400 and a 800 in my van all the time. (actually 2 3000's, one is the older type, also multiple 1400's one for my protool saw). The 1080 stays with the mft3.
Aside from cabinet construction the 3000 is also useful for soffits and fascia. The older 3000 is also used as a straightedge to cut drywall. They are not in the way because they store flat on the top shelve (I have an old, medium sized sprinter, 3.3m  fits behind the bulkhead)
 
i only have 3  1400s and 1  800
i use them all. i will eventually get a 3000 for the shop.
i would like to have them all (except teh 2700)
a 400 could be handy

i have told my dealer to keep me in mind if he gets a damaged rail.(or some one cuts one  etc)  i would like a few custom sized ones. so far he hasnt recieved anything damaged
 
Yeah, I also need to make some short custom length rails, I have a damaged 1400 and a very slightly bent 3000 for that purpose.
 
Two 1400's will do for the bulk of general carpentry projects.  It's easy to slide them along a chalk line for longer cuts, just plunge into the previously cut kerf before starting the saw to make sure you are lined up. A 1080 is useful if you are doing mostly shorter cuts  but not necessary.  I leave the 3000 in the shop, no way am I bringing it on site.
 
I have a full size Ford pickup and a trailer.  I carry 2- 1400's (one has holes for the LR32 system), the MFT/3 with it's rail, and a 2700.  I also have one pair of rail connectors.  The 2700 may have to be placed diagonally in the bed based on the other stuff in it.  I use the 2700 and 1400 almost all the time.

Peter
 
Thanks,
That is the real world answers I was looking for.
I am going to get the 3000 for trimming decking,
and a 2700. I think that should do for what I need.

I have a full size Dodge pick up with a lumber rack,
so I can haul the rails fairly easy.

Thanks again,
Chuck
 
Hey Chuck,

I see you are in CA.  When the weather gets warmer I would monitor the guiderails and the adhesive for the splinter guards.  Heat can affect adhesives, I don't know that this will be an issue - just a heads up.

Also, get a pair of guide rails connectors (sold individually - not a pair) and DO NOT crank down on the screws.

Post some images of you work when you can.

Peter
 
Mostly use the 1400, also have a shorter rail, whatever that length is that I clamp to doors, I have the rail connectors as well, only used them a few times but those few times they came in really handy.
 
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