LR32 newbie question

[ear3]

Getting familiar with my LR32 system, and had a question about doing holes in deep cabinets (16"+) for drawer slides.  The edge stops give a limited range from the edge of the board, but if I wanted to do the middle holes for a drawer slide, and not just the front and back ones, the depth I would need to set is beyond the measurements of the stops.  Obviously I can set it manually without the stops, but I'm wondering why Festool doesn't make a longer version, or whether there is another company that makes a longer aftermarket edge stop.  Or is the answer that you only need the front and back holes for purposes of alignment, and that the middle screws can just be attached without the hole?

 

[BigCountry73]

Erock has a video in his series that shows how to measure a third row of holes in the center of a panel for a base cabinet. I am sure the concept would still be the same.

I am not sure how to post the link to the YouTube video, but I am sure somebody with more experience will chime in soon.

Keith

 

[Brice Burrell]

Here's the video.  Other option is to forgo using the LR32 for drilling the center row.  I just drill the front and back rows, then after the slides are installed (using only the front/rear holes) I go back with a vix bit for the center holes.  I find this much faster. 

 

[Sparktrician]

You might also take a look at this process.  It's based on Brice's process, just tuned for my circumstances at the time. 

 

[ear3]

Thanks for the replies, should be a simple enough operation.  It seems, though, there's an opening for a company to make longer aftermarket edge stops for just these sorts of occasions.

 

[Fury5]

One simple option to extend the reach of the edge guides:  longer bars.  You can buy hexagonal aluminum stock in various lengths from McMaster Carr.  http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/121/3682/=xo0kc3  The right size for the LR32 guides is 9/16".  I have a set of 2' and 3' lengths in 6061 aluminum. With that extra length you can also use the guides as a parallel guides for ripping sheet goods. Hope this helps.

 

[GarryMartin]

I've updated an old post of mine to put the photos back in. Might help visualise the option of using the 9/16" hex bar.

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/lr-32-extensions/

 

[ear3]

Thanks for the tip.

One simple option to extend the reach of the edge guides:  longer bars.  You can buy hexagonal aluminum stock in various lengths from McMaster Carr.  http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/121/3682/=xo0kc3  The right size for the LR32 guides is 9/16".  I have a set of 2' and 3' lengths in 6061 aluminum. With that extra length you can also use the guides as a parallel guides for ripping sheet goods. Hope this helps.

 

[whitesys]

Another way is just to measure the offset from the edge of the rail to the center line of the holes at the front of the cabinet.  In my case, it was 25mm.

Then, using some masking tape, I laid out the center holes for the drawer slide, and placed the rail 25mm back from the desired hole position.  You can check the offset by plunging the router bit (turned off) on the layout lines on the masking tape which will leave a small mark from the router bit point. Adjust if required.

 

[jeh]

Grab a scrap of plywood and cut it to set back the exact distance you need from the front. Square it up against the front edge of your cabinet side, press the rail flush against it, clamp and you are ready to go. Label it and save it for next time.

 

[sancho57]

What Brice said.

For me the KISS system works best

 

[Acrobat]

How about using the parallel guides? They would be long enough I would think.

 

[ear3]

Don't have them -- I ended up just measuring and marking.  Worked out well.

How about using the parallel guides? They would be long enough I would think.