Latest GRC-12 TSO Product

[Cheese]

Check this out...and such a simple concept.  [smile]
=6

 

[peter halle]

This topic has been restored.

Peter

 

[Gregor]

Interesting.

Now combine that with the makita way of having a lower part that spreads the load to protect the slot bottoms from being deformed by the screws - with something that holds both parts together when removing the connector - and it would be something.

 

[blaszcsj]

This looks exactly like the rail connectors Woodpecker used to fix their parallel cut system a few years back.

 

[Cochese]

Interesting, I was going to pick up the Betterley connector after Christmas.

 

[Svar]

The connectors are quite thin. Can you trust them to remain straight and be rigid enough to act like alignment tool?

 

[DynaGlide]

I think not having them like the Makita was a big miss.

 

[Corwin]

I like the idea of these. However, I think that some have rails that differ slightly and may only want one of these to align the inner (center) T-slots while leaving the outer (left edge) T-slots to be joined with a connector that does not self align.

 

[Svar]

I like the idea of these. However, I think that some have rails that differ slightly and may only want one of these to align the inner (center) T-slots while leaving the outer (left edge) T-slots to be joined with a connector that does not self align.

Excellent point.

 

[heidtwd]

This looks pretty cool!https://tsoproducts.com/tso-product...nnectors/?mc_cid=88c145cabb&mc_eid=fa9e2a3b85

 

[duburban]

cool, i agree.

Just cannot beat the wedge system. I made 2 pair and finally feel good about having my tracks connected.

 

[peter halle]

Two threads have been merged.

Peter Halle - Moderator

 

[dlu]

Cool, and disappointing - wish that they didn't have the grub screw bearing on the track. Even the "inverted flathead" screw that Woodpecker uses would be a big improvement IMHO.

 

[TSO_Products]

thank you all for the comments - and helpful feedback!
We also check our email box
                                              info@tsoproducts.com
for customer comments to hear from folks who actually have used the product.

We will respond to the questions in the preceding posts after we see a pattern. If we have made design choices that are not spot on, or fall short of reasonable customer expectations, we will acknowledge that and fix them to the extent that may be feasible. That's how we and our products get better [smile]

Hans and Eric

 

[Svar]

I think not having them like the Makita was a big miss.

Perhaps only a thin spacer under the set screw. In TSO design the connector is acting as a straight edge and needs to be rigid. It is already quite thin. Making it in two pieces (like Makita's) will weaken it even more.
As previously mentioned an inverted flat head, perhaps with plastic padding, should work well.

 

[rmwarren]

Or just use non-marring set screws like these and don't crank them down too tight.
https://www.mcmaster.com/set-screws

Love the TSO products that I have (latest order showed up today) and really respect Hans and Eric for their innovation however $50 does seem a mite steep.

RMW

 

[gunnyr]

The Betterly StraightLine Tool is $109, the Festool Connectors are $40 for the pair.  $50 for a tool that replaces both seems pretty good to me!  As I already have the Betterly and two sets of Festool Connectors I don't see the need for the TSO product, if I didn't have the Betterly I would jump on these!

I don't understand the concern about dimpling the guide rails with the connector set screws.  I simply snug down the set screws and move on.  Yep, my rails have dimples in them.  To date it has not affected their functionality.  What am I missing?

 

[TSO_Products]

Richard,
Thank you for your kind remarks about TSO and your set screw suggestion – which is exactly what is  standard on the GRC-12 Connectors (see picture)

Your comment about TSO being “a mite” pricey tells us we need to be more clear:
It’s easy to overlook that it requires two (2) connectors while Makita and Festool sell and price them as individual units
Because the Makita connector consist of two stamped steel strips it’s easy to think the set, consisting of two stamped steel strips provides two connectors but actually  requires 2 sets of these. So here is the cost picture:

TSO GRC-12 consisting of 2 fully machined connectors $ 49.95
MAKITA one 2-piece stamped steel strip Connector $ 24.99  requires 2 sets = $ 49.98
Festool Connectors $ 20.00 ea. – requires 2 = $ 40.00

Thanks guys for your interest
Hans and Eric

 

[tjbnwi]

[member=59331]TSO Products[/member],

Thank you for clearing up the set screw question. My guess was they were soft nose set screws, but it is not clear in the video or on the website.

Tom

 

[rmwarren]

Richard,
Thank you for your kind remarks about TSO and your set screw suggestion – which is exactly what is  standard on the GRC-12 Connectors (see picture)

Your comment about TSO being “a mite” pricey tells us we need to be more clear:
It’s easy to overlook that it requires two (2) connectors while Makita and Festool sell and price them as individual units
Because the Makita connector consist of two stamped steel strips it’s easy to think the set, consisting of two stamped steel strips provides two connectors but actually  requires 2 sets of these. So here is the cost picture:

TSO GRC-12 consisting of 2 fully machined connectors $ 49.95
MAKITA one 2-piece stamped steel strip Connector $ 24.99  requires 2 sets = $ 49.98
Festool Connectors $ 20.00 ea. – requires 2 = $ 40.00

Thanks guys for your interest
Hans and Eric

No offense intended guys, the comment wasn't meant in relation to other alternatives. I should reserve my yapping on prices, cost is relative to value & value is dependent on utility/functionality.

I highly value stuff that just works for it's intended purpose, which your guide squares are a prime example of, and I am sure these connectors fit that category as well.

Keep up the great work.

RMW