Makita track modifed to allow use of Festool router Guide Stop 492601

[woodwreck]

Numerous questions have been posted going back some years about how to modify the Makita Track to accommodate the Festool router attachment. One party did do in an excellent example on Swedish Woodworking.com,

http://www.swedishwoodworking.com/tips-tricks/modifying-a-makita-guide-rail-to-work-with-festool-attachments/

Here is  a possibly simpler method removing the 1/16" lip in question, using a Tenryu-Alumia cut 8" blade. The pics tell all - note for precise movement of the fence, a micro adjuster is used. A ¼" piece of pre finished maple (slippery) balances the track, and the magnetic holdowns hold it securely and accurately agains the fence.

 

[harry_]

Isn't that the lip that keeps the Makita saw from tipping over when doing a 45 cut?

Looks good, as long as you are OK with destroying one feature in lieu of another.....

 

[woodwreck]

That is correct - I should have restated that, In my case I have little use at 45 bevel with it and lots as the router straight edge. If I were doing it commercially/on site then it would be different. People buy the Makita for price differential, particularly with further discounts on show special when Festool as we know goes only with 'fair trade' manufacture prices. The Festool saws work fine on the Makita track although mixing components is definitely not my preference.

 

[harry_]

I don't see any real harm in what you have done. I am sure the Makita saw will still do a 45 on the same track. Just now you have to manually 'counter-balance' it, as one does with a TS55/75.

Does that lip inhibit a TS55/75 from usage on that track?

 

[Alan m]

if i had the makita rail i would do this to it. but i would keep one 55" rail with the lip for doing these kinds of cuts

 

[woodwreck]

I agree with Harry & Alan - I never viewed the anti-tilt lip as much more than a safety net but even with it would rely on pressure to counter balance the saw anyway.

Solely in my opinion, I think the lip was there more for a sole distinguishing characteristic between the two products to avoid patent infringement issues, but that's jut my 2 cents.

I believe the Festool saws work just fine - 3 years ago when I bought it, I hauled the track in to Rockler's which didn't exactly thrill them, and tried the saw on it as original out of the box and I will probably try that agin. It worked fine.