MFT track - favourite for cross cuts?
- Thread starter dpawson
- Start date
When you say sheet material what width are you talking about? For me sheet materials are 8'x4'. I use the 1400 to cross-cut them and the 3000 to rip them. I have the 800 and use it for boards at about 26" and narrower. 800 mm is about 31.5" 1400 is about 55.125" the 3000 is about 188". I use the 800 for 15" countertops. 1400 for sheet goods same with the 3000. I would like another 1080 and it was suggested to just get a 1900 cut it down then you have two. Sadly the location had an 800 and not a 1900.
FWIW I like to start my cuts with the blade clear of the board when plunged, I don't mind finishing the board with a shorter rail as long as the cut is done and the blade is at least halfway through the end of the board but ideally, the saw starts and finished clear of the board. If you are having issues with the 1400 I would suggest just giving it a bit more time to get used to it. Once you toss the rails around for a while it just gets easier. I thought they felt bulky and awkward at first as well but after a while they didn't feel that way anymore.
FWIW I like to start my cuts with the blade clear of the board when plunged, I don't mind finishing the board with a shorter rail as long as the cut is done and the blade is at least halfway through the end of the board but ideally, the saw starts and finished clear of the board. If you are having issues with the 1400 I would suggest just giving it a bit more time to get used to it. Once you toss the rails around for a while it just gets easier. I thought they felt bulky and awkward at first as well but after a while they didn't feel that way anymore.
Rick Herrick
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- Feb 7, 2020
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I probably would never cut down a rail. I don't think the 1400 is too long for a 4' cross-cut. I rather think its almost a little short. It does work but you have very little track hanging off both ends. I love my tracks so I have prioritized getting more. I know they are stupidly expensive but having the right one at the right time is a good thing for me.
Yes, no problem cutting a 4' wide board with the 1400? For me that will be the exception.
I guess I'm asking, for smaller cuts, what is the most convenient to handle?
How about 'relative to the board width'? Does that make more sense?
I think I'm edging towards 800mm, but the cheaper Makita does make sense.
=StrawbyteWorkshop seems I'm not the only one.
I guess I'm asking, for smaller cuts, what is the most convenient to handle?
How about 'relative to the board width'? Does that make more sense?
I think I'm edging towards 800mm, but the cheaper Makita does make sense.
=StrawbyteWorkshop seems I'm not the only one.
sancho57
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- Jan 13, 2011
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- 7,089
Yup 1080 or 800. Though I have a varety of rails lengths. I custom cut a couple salvaged from a bent one looked like a "J" that my dealer got from festool. I talked the dealer into giving it to me as they were just going to toss it cuz FT was going to replace it. So I made a 500mm and a 400mm. I dont use them much but come in handy when needed.
So back to yer original question, get a many different sizes as you can, 2 1400s you can rip a full length of ply if holy rails then you can put shelf pins in a 8' length of ply, you can combine a 1400, and 1080, or 1400 and 800 or 1900 etc to give you a variety of options.
the more the merrier. Id rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it
So back to yer original question, get a many different sizes as you can, 2 1400s you can rip a full length of ply if holy rails then you can put shelf pins in a 8' length of ply, you can combine a 1400, and 1080, or 1400 and 800 or 1900 etc to give you a variety of options.
the more the merrier. Id rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it
Just buy the 1900 and cut it at 800 then you have options 800 and 1100. I might still do this even though I have the 800. Once my local dealer gets one in. I'm not ordering anything from them. It just takes too long to get things not their fault to many outside interferences.
Rick Herrick
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- Feb 7, 2020
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- 812
Check current prices but I think it may be cheaper to get both seperate tracks (800 & 1080) instead of the 1900 and risk messing it up when cutting it.
mino
Member
My setup:
FS-700 (non-Festool)
FS2-1000 (made from 1400, off-cut used for a "joined" 3000)
FS2-1400 holy
FS2-3000 (2600 from 2700 + 400 permanently connected so can be stored vertically in a 26x cm flats should the need arise)
missing:
2nd 1400 holy for full-height LR32 stuff
considering:
- cut the FS2-1000 further to about 750mm so it can replace my "handy" non-festool one
- get dedicated 1600 for full-sheet cross-cuts (so the saw will have good guide on a 1250mm /4' cross-cut)
That said, my purchasing sequence was REALLY stupid - got first 1400 with TSC, then 3000, then holy and was left still wanting more holes ..
Starting again, I would get (in this order):
- 1400 holy
- LR32 basic set + router bits (3,5,8 mm) /customize it for a cheap router until get a OF1010/
- 1400 holy + 1st set TSO self-aligning connectors + back for 1400 rails (to fit and protect all)
- 800 + 2nd set TSO self-aligning connectors
That gives:
800 handy for small stuff
=> fully-guided cut up to 400mm (16"), max cut ca 600mm
1400 for "common" x-cuts
=> cut up to 1000mm (40")
2200 (1400+800) for "big" x-cuts
=> cut up to 1800mm (70")
2800 (2x1400) for "common" ripping
=> cut up to 2400mm (95"), max cut ca 2600mm
3600 (2x1400+800) for "big board" ripping for floor-to-ceiling pieces
=> cut up to 3200mm (125"), max cut ca 3400mm
Rest is a convenience, not a need. I would in any case avoid 1080/1400 non-holy/1900/2400 sizes in preference of the second holy and a handy 800.
Having above, would go for a 3000 for totally-straight rip cuts and a convenience dedicated 1600 for full cross-cuts. Anything beyond you are probably a pro and know what you need anyway ...
FS-700 (non-Festool)
FS2-1000 (made from 1400, off-cut used for a "joined" 3000)
FS2-1400 holy
FS2-3000 (2600 from 2700 + 400 permanently connected so can be stored vertically in a 26x cm flats should the need arise)
missing:
2nd 1400 holy for full-height LR32 stuff
considering:
- cut the FS2-1000 further to about 750mm so it can replace my "handy" non-festool one
- get dedicated 1600 for full-sheet cross-cuts (so the saw will have good guide on a 1250mm /4' cross-cut)
That said, my purchasing sequence was REALLY stupid - got first 1400 with TSC, then 3000, then holy and was left still wanting more holes ..
Starting again, I would get (in this order):
- 1400 holy
- LR32 basic set + router bits (3,5,8 mm) /customize it for a cheap router until get a OF1010/
- 1400 holy + 1st set TSO self-aligning connectors + back for 1400 rails (to fit and protect all)
- 800 + 2nd set TSO self-aligning connectors
That gives:
800 handy for small stuff
=> fully-guided cut up to 400mm (16"), max cut ca 600mm
1400 for "common" x-cuts
=> cut up to 1000mm (40")
2200 (1400+800) for "big" x-cuts
=> cut up to 1800mm (70")
2800 (2x1400) for "common" ripping
=> cut up to 2400mm (95"), max cut ca 2600mm
3600 (2x1400+800) for "big board" ripping for floor-to-ceiling pieces
=> cut up to 3200mm (125"), max cut ca 3400mm
Rest is a convenience, not a need. I would in any case avoid 1080/1400 non-holy/1900/2400 sizes in preference of the second holy and a handy 800.
Having above, would go for a 3000 for totally-straight rip cuts and a convenience dedicated 1600 for full cross-cuts. Anything beyond you are probably a pro and know what you need anyway ...
