i have an extra 55" rail...

[Jonhilgen]

So what would be the ideal size to cut it down to?  I'm thinking it would be nice to hve a smaller guide rail on hand for the jobsite, but thought I would ask what other guys use on site.  I do a lot of kitchen fits if that helps narrow it down.

Jon

 

[Alan m]

im thinking along these lines too but want to buy a 5m rail and get a 3m and a few others.
id cut the 1400mm rail into 800-900 mm for cutting worktop  and use the rest 500-600mm for small cross cuts and upper end panels ect

 

[peter halle]

Jon,

My thoughts:

I would take a 12 inch shelf and lay it down.  Put the rail across it and move it to make sure that you have adequate support on the starting end to make sure you can make your saw fully plunge and then make sure that you have enough on the end of cut end to get your saw thru and fully supported.  Make a mark on your rail.  then take the rail and do the same for a standard counter top.  If the first mark works and remainder works, cut it and don't look back.

Peter

 

[upscale]

So what would be the ideal size to cut it down to?

Depends. How often do you rip cut 8' sheets of plywood? Joining two 55" rails lets you do that. If the answer is never, then if I was cutting it down, I'd probably go with 36" and 21". But, that's just me.

But, just so you know. The very minute you cut that extra rail down, you'll have a need for it full length.

 

[peter halle]

And that is why they sell guide rail connectors! [thumbs up]

 

[Alan m]

i presume when you say you have an extra one you mean you have 4 ( 2 to join and 1 for cross cuts or similar)
you ca always join them again anyway

 

[Jonhilgen]

Alan,

You're right, I do have four, as well as a 3000.  So cutting one of them up isn't an issue.  I just don't want to cut it, then think "darn it, I should have left just a little more..."

Peter, good suggestion.  I might also check the cut depth with my qwas square attached.  It would be nice to have another qwas square on a small rail as well as on a 55" rail for site work.

Jon