Mft/3 + which guide rail?

[Brad1]

If I purchase a Festool 495315 MFT/3 Multifunction Table, can I use the 42" guide rail from the table with a 55" additional rail to rip an 8' sheet of plywood using two connector bars?  If not, what would be the next best solution?

 

[Sparktrician]

If I purchase a Festool 495315 MFT/3 Multifunction Table, can I use the 42" guide rail from the table with a 55" additional rail to rip an 8' sheet of plywood using two connector bars?  If not, what would be the next best solution?

You're better off using two 55" rails joined together, and if you're going to do that, take a look at the LR 32 version of the 55" rail (493969).  You'll find it most useful if you get into cabinetmaking.  It's the same price as the 55" rail without the guide holes, so it's not a cost factor.  Just be sure that you use a 4' level as a straightedge when you join the rails to ensure that you get them properly aligned as you tighten down the screws. 

 

[live4ever]

That gives you a 97" rail, which does not have enough room at the start and end of the rail for the saw.

Two 55" will work, as Willy said.  I did that for a long time.

Another solution is the 42" and the 75".  The 75" is a nice rail to have - it's a little more convenient for crosscutting sheets as I don't have to worry about perfect rail placement as with the 55".  Most people discover it when they get a TS75 as that's the rail that comes with it, but it's a really handy length.  The downside is you cannot get it in the LR32 flavor. 

 

[rst]

I cut a lot of sheets.  If I could only have two rails it would be the 1900 and 3000.  I have all the rails but those are my most used. 

 

[Coen]

+1 on the holey rail, although where I live, the LR32 rail is more expensive. But if plan on ever getting the LR32 set and contemplate buying a rail now, you might just as well buy the LR32 rail. That's what I did. I had the LR32 rail a few years before I got the LR32 Systainer.

That gives you a 97" rail, which does not have enough room at the start and end of the rail for the saw.

Two 55" will work, as Willy said.  I did that for a long time.

Another solution is the 42" and the 75".  The 75" is a nice rail to have - it's a little more convenient for crosscutting sheets as I don't have to worry about perfect rail placement as with the 55".  Most people discover it when they get a TS75 as that's the rail that comes with it, but it's a really handy length.  The downside is you cannot get it in the LR32 flavor.

Do you mean that the 1900 (75") comes with the TS75, or that people discover that they need/want it when they discover that the 1400 they got with their TS75 is just a bit too short?

Because everywhere I look, the TS75 is supplied with the 1400 (55")

 

[Corwin]

...
Do you mean that the 1900 (75") comes with the TS75, or that people discover that they need/want it when they discover that the 1400 they got with their TS75 is just a bit too short?

Because everywhere I look, the TS75 is supplied with the 1400 (55")

Here in the North American market the TS75 is shipped with the FS1900 guide rail. They used to ship the TS75 with the FS1400 rail, but changed to the FS1900 rail ten years ago.

 

[CADru]

If I purchase a Festool 495315 MFT/3 Multifunction Table, can I use the 42" guide rail from the table with a 55" additional rail to rip an 8' sheet of plywood using two connector bars?  If not, what would be the next best solution?

Which ever you decide do yourself a favor and switch out the slotted set screws in the connector rods with these. From McMaster-Carr: website part # 93285A412 18-8 SS Nylon-Tip set screw, M6 x 1 mm, 6mm long. And get yourself a 3mm T-handle hex/Allen wrench for tightening the set screws. The Betterlay straight line connector is the way to go makes flipping rails to access all set screws a breeze.

 

[TheSergeant]

you're gonna want two 55" rails connected, at a minimum.  Don't use the festool connectors though, they're no good.  You can make a set of really nice ones that actually work and don't damage your rails or come loose for half the price: http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/homemade-guide-rail-connectors-(not-your-typical-ones)/?topicseen

 

[Stone Message]

The 1400 rail is long enough to cut the 4 foot slice of an 8x4. The 2700 rail is ditto for the 8 foot direction.

Peter