Guide Rail Question

[HoustonJames]

First post here. Tried the search, no luck. Admins, if I posted this in the wrong area feel free to move it where it is more suited. Just please let me know for future reference.

This week I'm going to take the plunge and start buying some Festool products. My first purchases are a TS55, the 1400 router, and the LR32 kit for it.

My question is this, I know the guide rails that work with the LR32 have holes in them to allow for even, uniformed spacing of holes.  Will those guide rails also work with the TS55?

Basically, should I always buy the rails with the holes in them and skip the "solid" ones, or do both of them use rails unique to the tool in question?

Thanks kids. I look forward to learning a thing or two from y'all.

Houston
Columbus, OH

 

[TheTrooper]

[welcome] to the fun. Great first selection of tools.  Yes the TS55 will work with the LS 32 rail, better known as the "holy rail". I always try to buy the rails with holes.

 

[HoustonJames]

Would it make sense to just purchase holy rail when purchasing rails since they're interchangeable or is there an advantage to owning some normal rails too? This stuff is expensive, so I don't want to buy extra stuff that I don't need (so I can buy some more stuff that I want).

 

[copcarcollector]

Many dealers will swap out the standard 55 inch rail for the 55 inch holey rail when you purchase the track saw, ask your dealer if that is an option. The holey rails only come in 2 lengths. If you can deal with that, I dont see why you would specifically need a non-holey rail, aside from a different length not offered in the holey version.

Welcome to the FOG

 

[TheTrooper]

No advantage to the non hole ones. But they are the only type offered in the longer sizes.  Like i said. Always go for the ones with the holes.

 

[mike_aa]

[welcome] to FOG!  I didn't see a dust extractor on your list.  Don't forget that you get a package discount when you buy one at the same time you buy the TS.

Mike A.

 

[Bob Marino]

Welcome to the FOG. As mentioned, the hole drilling rails come in only 2 lengths 55" and 95" - the 95" "holey" rail being more expensive and less practical than the standard 106" rail. Both hole drilling rails will work with any all Festool saws and routers. Ask your dealer to swap the standard 55" rail with the 55" hole drilling rail - not a biggie for the dealer. My second rail would be either a 75" rail and 2 connectors, or if $$$ and space are not huge issues, get a 106" or more preferably the 118" rail.
  Bob

 

[HoustonJames]

if $$$ and space are not huge issues, get a 106" or more preferably the 118" rail.
  Bob

Bob, forgive the rookie question please, other than the additional 12" capacity why is the 118 preferred vs the 106"?

Also, where is your facility in Ohio at? I haven't decided where I'm making my purchases yet, but if I can pick them up because it's close I'd consider paying the sales tax.

 

[Bob Marino]

if $$$ and space are not huge issues, get a 106" or more preferably the 118" rail.
  Bob

Bob, forgive the rookie question please, other than the additional 12" capacity why is the 118 preferred vs the 106"?

Also, where is your facility in Ohio at? I haven't decided where I'm making my purchases yet, but if I can pick them up because it's close I'd consider paying the sales tax.

Not a rookie question - it's a good one. Because assuming you are ripping a 96" sheet of ply, the saw needs to sit about 4 or so inches back from the rail 's edge so you are not staring the cut plunging into the material - that's why a 96" rail would not be suitable for cutting sheet goods. The 106" rail will work, but the 118" rail allows more "wiggle" room, so if for example you wanted to cut the sheet goods on diagonal you can do so.  Also, if you going to get the TS 75 saw, with the 106" rail you are at the limit.     

My fulfillment center is in Cincinnati.

Bob

 

[semenza]

Plus if you are ripping rough length "eight foot" boards,  that might be more like  8 1/2',  the extra length of the 118" rail is helpful.

Seth