MavDog said:
Here is a simple system I came up with for duplicating the function of the parallel guides. Everything is off the shelf parts that you can buy and only one small modification is needed. One feature I like about this is that each guide rail sits on top of the piece of wood so nothing is hanging down on the sides like the Festool set. I used it this weekend and it worked out great. I know it is not as nice as the real thing but it worked great for making a bunch of accurate repetitive cuts.
[attachthumb=#]
Many thanks for sharing the elusive alternative to the cost of the FT product. Also, many thanks to
MIKENERON for the similar solution which credits your work.
Having gained from both, please allow me to offer a couple of observations:
1. The Rockler brackets at some $30 a pair IIRC provide only one screw in the channel (and two on the guide rail). A simple Stanley or Ace 4" flat 'T' bracket provides 2 x 2 screw holes for the necessary 90-degree rigidity, and at a cost of $5 a pair.
2. The Rockler flip stops at $30 a pair are first class, but if desired can very easily be replaced by a sliding block with the cost of two thumb screws apiece as shown in his.
3. For those who might prefer a hex driver to thumb screws, 1/4-20 x 3/8" socket or button head screws provide a great alternative to the T-bolts also eliminating the need for a spacer and are available from fine hardware stores or readily from the good folks at 80/20 extrusions (specify 1" extrusion).
Your mutually generous sharing results in a first class product solving the edge support issue for careful moderate use, for roughly $70 - $115.
On the other hand, in the interest of balance and fairness, the $260 Festool product is made of torsion bar aluminum construction, attached to the guide rail underneath in two channels, providing the pre-requisite industrial grade strength use for a commercial application. You get what you pay for.
Thank you both for sharing your ingenuity. [thumbs up]
