guide rail question

[zapdafish]

Prob gonna get the TS55 combo with dust collector in the next few days along with an extra guide rail. The parrallel guide is something I want to add on in the future.

I want to make sure the extra 55" guide rail I get will accomodate the overhead of the parrallel guide and allow me to break down a piece of 8' plywood and still have room on the rail to install the p-guide or if I should move up to a 75 + 55 rail combo.

thanks

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

This was actually asked before here on the forum and I have done a quick search and can't locate the thread.  The answer is yes.  However, the parallel guide must be attached to the rail in a way that they extend slightly beyond the end of the rail.  I can take a quick photo if necessary to explain.  Also, a reminder that you can upgrade to a longer rail when you purchase the TS and pay only the difference in price between the 55" rail and the rail of your choice.  Now is a great time to do that with the 10% promo on guide rails too.

Shane

 

[Frank-Jan]

From the inside of the parallel-guide to the outside part of the T-shaped clamp it's 11 cm (4.33 Inches). But it's advisable to let the guiderails overhang the workpiece a bit more, to have both the adjustment-knobs in the sawbase on the rail the entire cut.

 

[zapdafish]

thanks,

so it will work with a 55" and a 55" but its better to use a 55" and a 75" for the extra overhang?

Depending on the math, I think its a better deal to get a TS75 with an extra 55" rail than it is to get a TS55 and buy an extra 75" rail.  very interesting, hehe

 

[tbellemare]

The TS 75 comes with the 1900mm rail and the TS 55 comes with the 1400mm rail. If you have both saws with their respective stock Guide Rails, you have quite a nice set up... And they're on sale!

Tom

 

[Wood_Junkie]

thanks,

so it will work with a 55" and a 55" but its better to use a 55" and a 75" for the extra overhang?

Depending on the math, I think its a better deal to get a TS75 with an extra 55" rail than it is to get a TS55 and buy an extra 75" rail.  very interesting, hehe

TS55 w/ stock 55" rail:  $450
TS55 + cost of 75" rail:  $450 + $151.20 = $601.20

TS75 w/ stock 75" rail:  $562.50
TS75 + cost of 55" rail:  $562.50 + $85.05 = $647.55

So, overall cost is less with the TS55 + the FS1900 (75") rail.  But, for $46 you are getting a larger saw (larger capacity; larger size; heavier; bigger case; higher cost blades)...  Lots of pros and cons.  Personally, the TS55 is the "perfect" saw, unless you spend lots of time sawing 3"+ material.

Additionally, by buying it in a combo package you get some additional savings (but it's the same regardless of saw model) between $40-$58, depending on vac model.

NOTE (for future searches and readers):
*(prices are based on the April/May 2010 promotional discount of 10%)*

 

[Chris Hughes]

Without considering the saw, I would follow a rule once written on this forum, do not buy rails of the same length.  I would combo rails of varied sizes to reach the length I need.  You can not say into the future what you will be cutting and what length you will need.  There have been many times when I was in need of a rail a little longer than 55" and as luck would have it, I have a 75" rail.  (maybe it was not luck, I followed the rule)

 

[K.T.]

Also consider getting the rails with holes if you anticipate using the LR32 hole system

 

[Brice Burrell]

Also consider getting the rails with holes if you anticipate using the LR32 hole system

This sounds good in theory but how many people buy the LR32 hole drilling set? Not many. Don't get me wrong, if you think you're realistically going to get one then by all means do it. The problem is you're going to buy these up and the people that really need/want them aren't going to. But, what bothers me, is you guys buying the LR rails are going to drive the price up. Right now the 1400mm rail is a dollar more for the LR version. How long do you think that going to last if everyone starts buy it just in case?   

 

[zapdafish]

thanks, I don't have any plans on purchasing their router so won't have a need for the guiderail with the holes in it. The Rotex is another thing, dang video was playing in store and I waited to watch that portion of it two more times.

Bad news is the dealers in my area are out of the Saws and probably wont get them in stock for another 1-2 weeks. something about bad weather holding up shipments out of New York.  I had big plans for the weekend. [sad]

 

[RONWEN]

Also consider getting the rails with holes if you anticipate using the LR32 hole system

This sounds good in theory but how many people buy the LR32 hole drilling set? Not many. Don't get me wrong, if you think you're realistically going to get one then by all means do it. The problem is you're going to buy these up and the people that really need/want them aren't going to. But, what bothers me, is you guys buying the LR rails are going to drive the price up. Right now the 1400mm rail is a dollar more for the LR version. How long do you think that going to last if everyone starts buy it just in case?   

You raise an interesting question Brice.  I've never really studied Festool prices but I just assume they base their pricing on the manufacturing costs plus desired margin to establish the selling price.  The implication you make is that they potentially raise prices on the more popular items and possibly the reverse situation is also true?  I'd be curious to hear other thoughts on how valid this holds to be.  You could be absolutely correct.

 

[Nigel]

    There's an 11 GBP difference in the UK for 1400 LR so you guys are getting them cheap. If the rails become "popular" the price may go up.... [eek]