Guide Rails Connected.

[Woodwork Wizard]

Does anyone know how good a Betterley connector for guide rails are? Would 2 x 1400 rails joined with the Betterley really remain straight or would I have to keep checking with it if I had a lot of cuts to make?

Would I be better off getting a 3000 rail for 8'x4' boards?

I read on FOG recently about Makita making guide rail connectors that are an improvement on the Festool connectors, so any info on this would be gratefully received.

 

[Theshipstore]

The a Betterley is a guide rail alignment tool to assist in the connecting of two rails, you still use the Festool Connectors.
The tool works very effectively for proper alignment of the rail and it does make that connecting  process a lot easier

 

[Paul G]

Some folks have better success than others with the connections remaining stable. Mine would slip and needed constant adjusting, getting the 3000 got rid of that hassle. Those connectors are the Achilles Heel of the rail system IMO. Over tightening will mess up the rail, too loose and it slips, should be a very positive locking connector but no you're turning these tiny screws. also the rail ends are not cut square so you have to purposely leave a little gap so the touching ends don't misalign the connection. Betterley makes for an easier alignment than using a level, but its still the same lame connectors

 

[Wooden Skye]

I use the Betterley for aligning my rails and am extremely happy.  The most I ever broke down was 5 sheets at one time and never had to readjust.  I will agree with Sal about the Festool connectors being more of an issue, but with some practice you can find the point where they aren't to loose or to tight to damage the rail.

 

[bkharman]

uh oh, to "Bryan" replies back to back... something is bound to happen to the space time continuum!

I had a thread about the Makita rail connectors.  I really think they work a ton better than the Fessy ones.  I would always worry about over tightening the Festool ones and then would worry that it might slip.  I spent about 25 bucks on them and think they are well worth the money.  HERE is a good thread with some alternate ideas as well.

Bryan

 

[Sparktrician]

The a Betterley is a guide rail alignment tool to assist in the connecting of two rails, you still use the Festool Connectors.
The tool works very effectively for proper alignment of the rail and it does make that connecting  process a lot easier

Concur!  And I've never had a two-rail setup go out of alignment during a cutting session once set up with the Betterley. 

 

[rst]

I have the Makita connectors and they are great.  I use an 8020 extrusion with attachments I designed to insure straightness.

 

[Wooden Skye]

uh oh, to "Bryan" replies back to back... something is bound to happen to the space time continuum!

I had a thread about the Makita rail connectors.  I really think they work a ton better than the Fessy ones.  I would always worry about over tightening the Festool ones and then would worry that it might slip.  I spent about 25 bucks on them and think they are well worth the money.  HERE is a good thread with some alternate ideas as well.

Bryan

Bryan

If I was going to try the Makita connectors, do I just need to buy one set and that does the top and bottom of the rail, or do you need to buy 2?

I have never had a problem, but this could be a good back up option.

Bryan

 

[bkharman]

You still need 2.  One "kit" comes with the main connector and the plate that the screws snug up against.  That distributes the pressure instead of the screw itself.  One for the top portion of the rail and one for the bottom.  I got them when they were 22 each, so a little less than they cost now.

Bryan

 

[grbmds]

Why are the Makita connectors superior to the Festool connectors? In the pictures online they look essentially the same as the Festool connectors; same concept except the screws are setscrews instead of the screws which come with the Festool parts.

 

[VW mick]

Looking at your kit .id say just go for 3000 rail

It's a no brainer

 

[bkharman]

Why are the Makita connectors superior to the Festool connectors? In the pictures online they look essentially the same as the Festool connectors; same concept except the screws are setscrews instead of the screws which come with the Festool parts.

Each rail connector has two "parts". One is the bulk part of the connector and the other part is a flat bar that the set screws tighten against. This allows you to tighten very tight without worrying about dimpling the soft metal of the rail.

I can take some pics later if you need em

 

[grbmds]

Why are the Makita connectors superior to the Festool connectors? In the pictures online they look essentially the same as the Festool connectors; same concept except the screws are setscrews instead of the screws which come with the Festool parts.

Each rail connector has two "parts". One is the bulk part of the connector and the other part is a flat bar that the set screws tighten against. This allows you to tighten very tight without worrying about dimpling the soft metal of the rail.

I can take some pics later if you need em

Might be helpful. I have not had any serious problems with the Festool connectors, but I do worry about tightening them too much. Since I don't do woodworking for a living, I can take my time and I haven't joined them together too much to this point, but I'd hate to ruin a guide rail by distorting the track. So, if you can post pictures, thanks. No hurry though.

 

[bkharman]

Pics as promised. Tried to show how the screws go against the steel and not into the aluminum. Actually one of the four do. The smaller flat metal has a hole in it and this allows the it to keep everything into place. A quick turn of the 3mm wrench and all is snug.

 

[overanalyze]

I like the way those worked as well but I made a set myself. They work great...for my time I should've bought the Makita but I had fun making them.

 

[Brent Taylor]

I also went with Makita, bought one and then made three. It is not hard to do, took me 45 min. and i'm an old fart.  the 3 M rail is nice to have if you have the space to store it and it is in your means. Brent

 

[Gary in Texas]

I've connected my rails several times using a straight edge and the Festool connectors and although I didn't experience any issues, short of going with the longer rails, wanted a better solution.

Yesterday I set up my rails for the first time using the Betterley and the Makita connectors.  Simply eased the process, and the Makita connectors do provide, by design, a great connection.