How to make precise cuts using the TS55 and the rail guide.

[fidelfs]

I just took a look at John Lucas method to have accurate cuts using the TS55 and the rail system (Making Square and Exact Panel Cuts).  He cut a metal rule to be use on the left side of the rail.  Is there any other method?
How can you make cuts as precise as your Table Saw?  (repetitive cuts in a plywood sheet).  ???

Fidel

 

[JayStPeter]

I made a 't-square' jig using t-track and scrap plywood.  I also made a more advanced version using the t-track with a tape.  I added a cursor so I can set it without measuring.  I index mine off the back of the rails so there is no hangup with the rubber lip.  I can use one to set the other so they match exactly although you can get pretty much perfect results just using one and going back and forth.  It can also be used in conjunction with the angle unit for repeatable crosscuts.  I pretty much get the same parallelism and repeatability using these jigs as I do with the tablesaw.

 

[Dave Rudy]

Check out Jerry Work's manuals of the MFT and the MFS.  He provides several methods for repeatable squaring of the rail and fence, and using the MFS of repeatable rips of exactly the same width.

HTH

Dave

 

[John Stevens]

I made a 't-square' jig using t-track and scrap plywood.  I also made a more advanced version using the t-track with a tape.  I added a cursor so I can set it without measuring.

Jay, I've always wanted to ask you this--where did you get the cursor?  Your alignment jigs are really slick--way nicer than my strips of 1/4" lauan with framing-square stops.  I recently bought Incra's metric racks and am trying to think of the best way of incorporating them into jigs like yours.

Regards,

John

 

[JayStPeter]

John,

The cursor is from a biesmeyer fence.  I happened to have a spare.

A couple years ago I sucked it up and bought a bunch of t-track and various 1/4" fittings, bolts, knobs, etc. in 10 or 12 packs plus some other jig accessories like toggle clamps, pieces of UHMW, t-nuts, threaded inserts, some angle Al and some other stuff.  It's nice to be able to bang together quick jigs that are nice.  Even if I evaluate the jig and decide it isn't worth keeping, the parts get recycled.  That reminds me, I need to look for a sale on t-track, I'm running low.

Jay

 

[Warrior]

If you cut a lot of parts that are the same size you can make a 2 bench hooks for each size you need. I made mine from scrap 1x4 mdf. I place one hook on each end of the cut and hold them in place with spring clamps, place the rail tight to the ends of the hooks and cut away.

Eiji