Guild Rails - 32 or 42 inch?

[AdamM]

Alright, lets get the collective groan over with first, "Ugh, not another guide rail length discussion"  [big grin]

I've followed/read a lot of discussions on longer guide rails, but haven't found much discussion on the shorter ones.  I currently have a 75" and 55"-LR32.  I've found I really like using the guide rails for cross cutting as well but 55" gets to be kinda long for that.  I'm curious which people would suggest getting next, a 32" or 42"?  Since my 55" already has the holes, I'd say getting the right length is more important than just getting a 42" so I can have the holes.

So what are people's thoughts?  Which would you consider better, using a 55" to cover the range a 42" would be ideal for or using a 42" to cover the range a 32" is ideal for?

As far as my work environment.  I don't currently have an MFT.  I may break down and get one some day but it's going to be a while due to space constraints and other priorities.  I only have a TS55 right now and primarily use it to cut down sheet goods but once in a while it gets used with "real" wood too.  I suspect a Festool router or two will find their way into my shop in the next year so the guide rails will be getting used with those as some point.

Thanks for the input!

 

[Brice Burrell]

Adam, I have both the 32" and 42" rails. I like the 32" more for cutting smaller pieces but that's greatly influenced by the fact that the 32" fits in my guide rail bag with two other 55". This is like so many other things in life, six of one and half a dozen of another...

 

[Neill]

Adam,

I am on board with Brice on this.  By trying to read between the lines, I am assuming that you are looking to use the rails to crosscut normal size lumber, say 12" or less in width.  That would make the 32" length a bit easier to manage.

If you are planning to get the full feature MFT/3 in the near future remember that it includes a 42" guide rail.

Neill

 

[Rob-GB]

Adam, I went out and bought the FS800 (32") after encountering the waggle factor while using the TS55 with an FS1400 (55") to cut an ash newel post to length, in two passes from opposing sides [big grin].
Would not be without it now, especially in conjunction with the FS/KS angle unit on stair kite winders.
As with Brice it had a home in the rail bag along with the two FS1400's I have, it now resides inside the main section of the parallel guides bag so it is handy for use with them too.
I would like a shorter one too, but can't face cutting a rail down [eek]
Best advice is to think about the type of project you commonly get involved in and select the kit to suit, while trying to make each bit of kit serve at least two roles, something which is generally easier to do with Festool products.
Rob.

 

[Bob Marino]

I agree with the others - get the 32". The 42" isn't that much shorter than the 55" and as mentioned, the MFT (if it's in your future) comes with the 42" rail anyhow.

  Bob

 

[danrush]

I've taken a slightly different approach.  I had longer rails, and cut into pieces as needed. 

For example:  I had a long lr32 rail, but it wasn't long enough to use for cutting 8' runs.  So I cut an extra 55" rail down to about 18", or so. ( sorry don't have exact length at hand)  and added that piece to the lr32 rail with couplers to create a dedicated long rail for sheet goods.    The extra left over from the 55"er is just right for shorter cuts.

Dan

 

[mosez]

get the 800mm one! i love it for smaller stuff and crosscuts and its very, very handy. and, like others have said already, u will get a 1080mm one with ur mft/3 anyways...(we all know u wont resist )

 

[AdamM]

Thanks for the advice everyone!  I hadn't noticed the MFT comes with a 42" rail.  I was leaning towards the 32", knowing the MFT comes with a 42" pretty much seals the deal...since I suspect I'll cave once I have a larger shop.

Now, where did I put that credit card...  [big grin]